The Utopian Seed Project has taken a deep dive into the varietal diversity and crop potential of many traditional southern vegetables. This class uses okra and collards to explore crop trialing, seed saving, culinary evaluations, regional and community seed work, climate adaptation, and crop development. The class aims to showcase the importance of regional seed sovereignty and share seed saving as a simple and accessible technology that all gardeners and farmers can engage with. The lessons learned here can be applied to any crop at any scale. Join us for an inspiring journey into the world of okra and collards.

Rose Bear Don’t Walk is a researcher and educator who explores the connections between Salish people, plants, and health. In this talk, she will discuss how Salish people have cultivated and consumed local edible flora for generations, and how this practice has implications for their community health and cultural longevity.