John Muir’s Birthplace is taking part in the Heritage Seed Relay!

The relay celebrates 50 years of the Heritage Seed Library, which has been preserving, propagating, and planting over 800 rare seeds since 1976. Their work preserves biodiversity, increase genetic diversity in our plants, and increase the resilience of our food supply in a changing climate.

John Muir knew a lot about the importance of good seeds! John and his father-in-law, Dr John Strentzel, managed a large fruit orchard in Martinez, California. Much as Muir is known as the father of the national parks, Strentzel is sometimes called the father of Californian horticulture.

Despite their hard work, much of the plant diversity around Martinez was later lost to population growth and rising demand for houses.

The Heritage Seed Relay celebrates the conservation of plants that might otherwise be lost the same way. A parcel of rare seeds has been making its way around the UK since last year. Participating organisations like us take one packet of seeds to grow, harvesting the seeds for future generations.

We are growing McGregor’s Favourite Beetroot.

For more about the relay and other anniversary celebrations, search #HSL50 or #SeedStories on social media, or visit their website here.