Pick Up Packets of Native Wisconsin Seeds for Free at Madison Public Library Beginning January 13

MADISON, WI -- Madison Public Library's Seed Library returns with a collection of native Wisconsin plant seeds on Monday, January 13. Library visitors can stop into one of eight participating libraries (all locations except Central Library) to pick up seed packets while supplies last.

This winter, Dane County Land & Water Resources Department donated eight species of native plant seeds collected by Dane County Parks volunteers.

• Black-eyed Susan
• Wild Bergamot
• Butterfly Weed
• Rattlesnake Master
• Little Bluestem
• Smooth Blue Aster
• Golden Alexander
• Bottlebrush Grass
• Native Garden Mix (containing all of the above species)

"We are pleased to partner with the Madison Public Library and other libraries in the county to provide native seeds collected by our volunteer program," said Laura Hicklin, Director of the Dane County Land & Water Resources Department. "Native plants provide important ecosystem services such as improved water quality, habitat, and food for local wildlife, including numerous pollinator species."

Library volunteers helped package the donated seeds at communal events in December and January, preparing more than 5,700 packets to be given away for free to library visitors. No library card is needed to enjoy this collection and there's no limit to the number of seed packets visitors can take, but once seeds are gone, they won't be restocked until later this Spring when the collection switches over to vegetable, flower, and herb seeds.

Native Wisconsin seeds do best when they're overwintered. Once visitors have their seed packets, they can download Madison Public Library's guide to Sowing Native Seeds Over Winter at madpl.org/seedlibrary for step-by-step instructions. Book lists on gardening for adults and youth are also available online, and gardening programs will be announced throughout the spring at madpl.org/gardening.

"Native Wisconsin seeds help restore natural habitats in Dane County, benefitting wildlife, soil and water quality - which benefits people, too," said Community Engagement Librarian Hannah Majeska. "In addition to a healthy environment, time spent in nature has a positive impact on our wellbeing. The library is here to support people's learning and connection to nature by providing books and other resources on gardening, conservation, habitat restoration, growing your own food, and more."

Learn more about Madison Public Library's Seed Library and see the full list of seed varieties available at madpl.org/seedlibrary.

About Madison Public Library

Madison Public Library's tradition of promoting education, literacy and community involvement has enriched the City of Madison for 150 years. Visit the library online at www.madisonpubliclibrary.org or @madisonpubliclibrary on Facebook and Instagram.

About the Seed Library

The Seed Library first came to Madison Public Library as part of a larger county-wide initiative in 2014. After the initial grant funding ran out for the county-based program, Madison Public Library continued to fund it through the Friends of Madison Public Library and Madison Public Library Foundation. Over the past nine years, the number and variety of seeds has grown, as well as the number of locations offering this service. This is the third year Madison Public Library has partnered with Dane County to provide native plant seeds.

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