Annual Free the Seeds focuses on gardening and food

A pioneering organic farmer is the keynote speaker for the 10th annual Free the Seeds event on March 1 in Kalispell. The event also includes information about seed saving, gardening and sustainable living.  

The free event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Arts and Technology Building at Flathead Valley Community College.  

Giving his address at 9 a.m. Bob Quinn, from Big Sandy, leads off the day in the Legate Black Box Theater. Quinn, who transitioned his family farm to organic practices in the 1980s, is the founder of the Quinn Institute, dedicated to healing the earth through food as medicine. 

A special tribute honoring the founders of Free the Seeds and the presentation of four legacy awards will also take place. 

Following the keynote address, the seed giveaway and workshops will kick off at 10:30 a.m. Attendees will have access to over 14,000 seed packets and a wide variety of bulk seeds. Twenty-three engaging workshops will be offered throughout the day, covering a diverse range of topics. Workshop highlights include: gardening tips with Cassady Daley of Raven Ridge Farm; mushroom cultivation for home and garden with Shawn McDyre of Sun Hands Farm; and making medicinal mocktails with Anna Presetegaard of Spiritworks Herb Farm. 

In addition to the workshops, Free the Seeds will offer children's activities, a community room showcasing local businesses and nonprofit organizations focused on sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship, and three food trucks providing lunch options.  

Free the Seeds is a community-focused event designed to empower individuals with the knowledge and resources to grow food.  

For a full schedule of speakers, visit landtohandmt.org.