The University of Central Arkansas Sociology Department and Humanities and World Cultures Institute will partner with the Ozark Folk Center State Park to host the first annual Ozark Seed Swap on March 1st from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ozark Folk Center State Park Conference Center in Mountain View.
Arkansas farmers and gardeners have a legacy of heirloom seeds that are in danger of being lost, and this event will bring them together to share those seeds and thereby encourage the production of diverse varieties for posterity. All are invited to bring some seeds and stories to swap with other Ozark seed savers and yarn spinners. Even if you have no seeds to swap but want to get started, come along to mingle with gardeners and farmers who can help.
The seed swap is a part of the Conserving Arkansas? Agricultural Heritage Project, through which UCA students will assist UCA anthropology professor Brian Campbell in saving a master set of heirloom seeds to distribute for the next season and maintaining a database of local varieties. The results of this project will be the collection of information on endangered seeds, promotion of a seed sharing resource, rejuvenation of traditional Ozark seed swaps and passing on of seeds, study of the feasibility of expanding consumer-supported agricultural systems, and publication of results of the study in anthropological journals and the popular press.