Growing Ester’s Biodiversity

Growing Ester’s Biodiversity, or GEB, is a new program at the John Trigg Ester Library. The program was launched in early 2012 with a book and movie group. To sign up for the e-mail list, please contact us at geb@esterlibrary.org, or see our Facebook page and the library’s blog for the latest announcements.

What is a seed library?

A seed library, or community seed bank, is a way that the public can promote agricultural biodiversity specific to their local region, preserving heirloom garden varieties and learning about seed saving and starting. Members “check out” seeds from the library to grow in their gardens, and participate in workshops, reading groups, or other events. At the end of the growing season, selected seed suppliers or program members “return” seeds to the library for use next year.

About the program

Program mission:

Growing Ester’s biodiversity is a community seed-sharing and educational program dedicated to improving the agricultural self-reliance of the Ester area through seeds and educational materials and events on food security and sustainability issues.

The purpose of the GEB program is to:

  • create an accessible and affordable source of regionally-adapted seeds that grow well in the Ester area that is maintained by a local community of caring farmers and gardeners;
  • educate library members and the public about biodiversity, garden and plant ecology, sustainable food production, food sovereignty, cultural traditions concerning food and agriculture, heirloom varieties, Ester and Alaska’s agricultural history, and related topics;
  • build community awareness and connections through partnerships between the library and local nonprofits, food producers, horticulture businesses, gardeners, educational institutions, health practitioners, artists, and others; and
  • strengthen the JTEL’s connections to its community, membership, and volunteers; broaden the relevance of the library to area residents; set an example for other libraries and organizations; and support and supplement the other educational programs of the JTEL.

Program partners

The GEB program relies on strong community partnerships. We are forming cooperative partnerships with local agriculturalists and institutions, including:

GEB program pages

For more information

Program Coordinator: Deirdre Helfferich, 479-3368

Facebook Page: Growing Ester’s Biodiversity: JTEL’s seed library