Heirloom Seed Sanctuary
The Heirloom Seed Sanctuary of the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul was established in 1999 to provide a safe place for seed that may otherwise disappear. Currently over 250 varieties of vegetables, flowers and herbs are grown on-site for seed in gardens totaling about 1 acre in size. Only ecological practices are used, incorporating BioDynamic principles as well. The seed grown at Heathfield can be harvested, saved and planted again and again, while hybrid and genetically engineered seed is usually grown for one year and cannot be saved for seed. Seed grown here is adapted to local climatic and soil conditions.
The Heirloom Seed Sanctuary’s mission is to save seed and to educate the public about seed saving. Activities included workshops, tours and demonstrations for gardening groups and Horticultural Societies, participating in the Green-Up! Expo and Seedy Saturday, Canada Blooms, interviews for local media, memberships in international seed-saving organizations, seed and plant donations to prospective seed savers, hosting the popular annual Heirloom Tomato Day plus seasonal celebrations, monthly meetings with a Seed Savers Group and weekly volunteer opportunities. Heirloom Seed Sanctuary volunteers, staff and Sisters have worked to remind people that seed is the beginning of any ecology and sustainable food issues. To grow and save seed for future generations is a ministry that speaks to a concern for the earth and all creation.
The Intern working at the Heirloom Seed Sanctuary will have access to all of the educational opportunities listed above, and will learn all aspects of on-farm seed production. Housing may be available to the appropriate candidate, plus selected produce from the gardens in season and a small stipend.
Please apply with resume and cover letter to Cate Henderson at 1200 Princess St (Box 427) in Kingston K7L 4W4, 613-544-4525 x 124, seed.sanctuary at providence.ca and www.providence.ca
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