Seed Stewards Needed to Save Local Seed Variety

The Seed Library held a seed-packet design contest for Ken Paschke’s beans, and Annika Nörz Uden created the winning design. Submitted.

The Door County Seed Library is recruiting at least 25 seed stewards to participate in the 2023 Seed Steward Program to help preserve Ken Paschke beans, a variety bred in Door County. Through this program, volunteers will grow these seeds, save them and donate a portion back to the seed library. 

Seed stewards are responsible for ensuring their seeds are carefully grown and skillfully selected for seed saving. If volunteers are new to the process, Seed Library members will provide information to help them successfully save the seeds. 

Local gardener Ken Paschke has been growing and saving these beans for more than 58 years, and because of his dedicated seed-saving efforts, he has created a new variety that is adapted to the Door County climate and soil.

Anyone who’s interested in being a seed steward or learning more about the program should email [email protected].