I posted the whole article because of the paywall. I listened to #EllenMacDonald at the #APCAW conference on #EmeraldAshBorer earlier this week. She and #JohnDaigle of #UMaine were facilitating the workshop. This article contains a lot of the same information I learned at the workshop! Seed banks + teaming up with the Wabanaki peoples - modern technology meets traditional knowledge!

Native seeds preserved, protected to counter surging invasives

Calling all home gardeners and eco enthusiasts! Lend a hand this spring: Assist Wabanaki tribes and scientists fighting to save ash trees or partner up with statewide neighbors through local seed banks.

March 17, 2025

"The sun radiated overhead as Tyler Everett surveyed the green hills of the Mi’kmaq Nation in Presque Isle.

"Ash trees, mainly brown ash, are cultural keystone species for Wabanaki communities and wetland ecosystems in the Northeast. However, they’re under threat due to the spread of the emerald ash borer.

"This collective of forest caretakers works together to raise awareness of ash trees’ significance and the efforts, such as seed banking, to conserve them. It continues the work the Brown Ash Taskforce set forth 20 years ago after tribal members detected early signs of the invasive pest.

" 'Emerald ash borer was discovered by basket makers who noticed the trees, whose bark they relied on, looked very unhealthy,' Everett said. 'Our work today still centers around our tribal partners who first sounded the alarm.'

"#APCAW resembles a national movement, the #IndigenousSeedKeepersNetwork, cultivating solidarity within the matrix of regional grassroots seed #sovereignty projects — collecting, growing and sharing #HeirloomSeeds to promote cultural diversity.

"Here’s a look at some of the seed lending and preservation happening here in the Maine, from brown ash to Wabanaki flint corn.

" 'It may be no Doomsday Vault (also known as Svalbard Global Seed Vault),' said Emily Baisden, seed center director at #WildSeedProject. "But we’re doing some great work.'

"So, what’s a seed bank? Picture a temperature-controlled vault with billions of period-sized seeds in foil packets.

"Through storage, the goal is to preserve genetic diversity for future use, protect rare species and develop new crop varieties. Not only do seed banks play a role in food security, but also, at their best, they can restore plant communities after natural disasters like droughts or fires and provide valuable insight on how best to combat environmental stress.

"#SeedBanks operate at the community, national or global level — such as the #PetalmaSeedBank in California, which preserves the region’s agricultural diversity, or the #SvalbardGlobalSeedVault, the global backup for all other seed banks.

"In the far reaches of the Nordic island of Spitsbergen, the aforementioned 'Doomsday Vault' provides the world’s genebank, kept safe in case some catastrophe threatens the planet’s crops. If seed banks are a computer’s filing system, where documents are stored, Svalbard is the external hard drive.

"Enter Maine’s Wild Seed Project, an APCAW partner organization. The group hand collects and distributes 3 million seeds representing over 100 species of Northeast native plants yearly.

" 'Long-term seed banking requires #cryopreservation, akin to flash freezing,' Baisden said. 'It allows seeds to last for decades, if not longer. … We try not to store seeds for more than four years at Wild Seed. We dry them, place them in jars and label them by location. The newest are sold, and the older ones are used in our Seeds for Teachers program.'

"Baisden acknowledged the correlation between landscape management and biodiversity. When native plants disappear, likely through urbanization, the insects that depend on and coevolve with them also decline, as do the animals that rely on those insects (like birds).

" 'Most seeds sold in garden centers are propagated through clonal reproduction,' Baisden said. 'This minimizes genetic diversity, and as we know, #biodiversity is crucial for communal stability.'

"For a long time, the horticulture industry pushed to introduce non-native species that lacked natural predators and could quickly reproduce. Later, when forests were clear-cut in the 1900s, trees like the brown ash fell to the wayside, and non-native vegetation crept in.

" 'Maine, so far, is the only state with non-quarantine habitats free from emerald ash borer,' Baisden said. 'Studying these helps us plan ahead and learn. We hope that by working with #BasketMakers, foresters and scientists, we can store or distribute emerald ash borer–resistant seeds.”

Management shaped by Indigenous wisdom

"The spread of emerald ash borer has already caused 99% brown ash tree mortality in parts of Turtle Island, a small island between Mount Desert Island and Schoodic Point.

"As a group committed to science-informed strategies that align with Wabanaki priorities, APCAW has been collecting seeds (viable for up to eight years) from 46 healthy ash trees to store in a refrigerator at the University of Maine in Orono.

"As Everett noted, Indigenous people have long used brown ash as the primary material for #basketry, valuing its soft, splinty texture as ideal for weaving. The brown ash tree is also part of one of the #Abenaki origin stories.

" 'Brown ash was the root from which all #Wabanaki people emerged,' Everett said.

"The species’ decline evokes deep emotion. Recognizing this, Indigenous communities are at the forefront of APCAW outreach and land-management strategies.

"Program registration links are first shared with tribal partners, and they are often invited to co-facilitate or lead the event discussions. Occasionally, exclusive gatherings are held to allow basket weavers to connect in a more intimate setting.

" 'My job is to engage in a dialogue with our tribal partners and address any reactions they have,' Everett said. 'There’s a strong sense of responsibility to save brown ash, but opinions vary. Some hesitate about allowing the seeds to be stored outside the community.'

"Everett is currently drafting a document to serve as a resource for the #HoultonBand of #Maliseet Indians, #Mikmaq, #Passamaquoddy and #PenobscotNations. By spring 2026, he hopes to publish a public report acknowledging the priorities of Maine’s #Wabanaki people.

"#EllaMcDonald, a colleague of Everett, has centered her master’s thesis on the effectiveness of APCAW’s outreach efforts in inspiring action that benefits both the Wabanaki people and their native forests’ ecosystems.

" 'Out west, we’ve already seen devastating mortality rates of brown ash,' McDonald said. 'It’s just a matter of time before our situation escalates.'

"The group is focused on a project that will test the resistance of native trees to the emerald ash borer next fall in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service. This involves working with private #landowners, who will be asked to grow ash seeds and monitor their growth over time to assess their survival capacity.

"McDonald encouraged readers to get involved. The UMaine website will soon feature a map with priority areas for seed collection and locations where kits with all the necessary materials can be picked up. Those curious can contact ella.mcdonald@maine.edu or sign up for the newsletter to receive updates on upcoming events.

" 'We are witnessing an unprecedented change,' McDonald said. 'What inspires me is to see groups across sectors working together to prepare. So many people genuinely care about our environment. … Together we can make a difference.'

Get involved

"Wild Seed Project held its first online seed-sowing demonstration in November 2021. Now, it offers a range of in-person programs and community events. Courtesy of Wild Seed Project

"There are a few options to join the movement.

"Locals can donate resources to area seed banks, like the Wild Seed Project, or research projects, like APCAW.

"Or harness the power of the dollar and purchase #NativeSeeds for a #rewilding project or #AbenakiFlintCorn, a product that honors seed keepers of the past and pays royalties to APCAW.

"To get involved through volunteerism, the Wild Seed Project actively seeks #SeedStewards to collect, clean, process and package seeds.

" 'The nonprofit is also building a first-of-its-kind Native Seed Center at Cape Elizabeth Land Trust’s Turkey Hill Farm, where plants will grow among natural seed banks, along the woodland edge and throughout the farmstead meadow. To donate, visit wildseedproject.com/the-native-seed-center.

Source [paywall]:
https://www.pressherald.com/2025/03/17/native-seeds-preserved-protected-to-counter-surging-invasives/

Not a vegan recipe, but there are suggestions for making it vegan. I haven't tried this yet, but I love Greek food, so...

#RainbowChard Bowls

These rainbow chard bowls are a delicious weeknight dinner! With 10 ingredients, they're easy to make, but they pack a punch of flavor.

Ingredients

1 cup uncooked whole wheat orzo
1+ tablespoons olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
A few squeezes of lemon
1 small bunch of rainbow chard (about 4-5 leaves)
⅓ cup feta cheese
¼ cup toasted walnuts
Sea salt and fresh black pepper

Instructions

1. Prep your chard by slicing off the coarse parts of the stems and dicing them. Coarsely chop the greens and set aside.

2. Cook orzo in a pot of salted boiling water according to package directions (or about 9 minutes).

3. In a medium bowl add 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, dijon mustard, lemon, salt and pepper. Once your orzo is done cooking, drain it and then add it to this bowl and toss. (the heat of the pasta will gently cook the raw garlic). Taste, adjust seasonings and set aside.

4. In a medium skillet, heat a few teaspoons of olive oil, then add the chard stems, salt and pepper. Next, add the chard leaves and toss until just wilted (less than 2 minutes). Finish with a squeeze of lemon and remove from heat.

5. Assemble bowls with orzo, chard, feta and toasted walnuts.

Notes
- Make this gluten free by subbing quinoa for orzo.
- Make this vegan by skipping the cheese and topping it with a few capers.

Source:
https://www.loveandlemons.com/rainbow-chard-bowls/

#RainbowSwissChard #SolarPunkSunday
#VegetarianRecipes #GrowYourOwn
#Recipes #RainbowSwissChard #DietForASmallPlanet

Another #VeganRecipe for #RainbowChard. I haven't tried this one yet, but it sounds delicious!

One Pot Rainbow Chard Recipe with Beans

June 20, 2024 by Maria

Ingredients

- Olive oil: For sautéing, it adds a rich, smooth base flavor.
- Garlic: Garlic infuses the dish with an irresistible aroma.
- Shallot: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the dish.
- Rainbow chard: The star of the show with its colorful stems and lush leaves. If you can’t find rainbow chard, regular Swiss chard, kale, spinach, collard greens or even rapini can be great substitutes.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning to taste. Sea salt or kosher salt can be used in the same quantity.
- Canned white beans: I love using canned cannellini beans in this recipe. You can easily use navy beans, great northern beans, or even chickpeas.
- White wine vinegar: This will brighten everything up with its fresh acidity. You can use apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, or even a splash of balsamic vinegar as a replacement.
- Chili flakes and black pepper: These optional spices can elevate the overall flavor of this Italian dish.
- Olive oil for drizzling: One final drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds a touch of richness. Of course, this is optional.

How to make this easy rainbow chard recipe

1. Heat the oil: In a large pan or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-low heat.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Add the minced garlic, stir frequently and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then, add the chopped shallot and cook, stirring frequently, for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
3. Cook the chard stems: Toss in the chopped chard stems. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
4. Season: Season with ⅛ teaspoon of salt, a pinch of chili flakes, and pepper to taste (if using).
5. Cook the chard leaves: Add the chopped chard leaves to the pan. Increase the heat to medium-high and cover. Cook, stirring occasionally, until wilted, about 3-5 minutes.
6. Evaporate the liquid: Remove the cover and cook until there is no longer any liquid, 4-5 minutes.
7. Add the beans: Add the drained white beans to the pan. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the beans are heated through.
8. Finish with vinegar: Stir in 1 teaspoon of white wine vinegar.
9. Taste and adjust seasonings.
10. Final touch: Remove from heat, plate and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.

Tips

- Choose fresh chard: When selecting rainbow chard, look for leaves that are bright and crisp, with vibrant, colorful stems. Avoid any wilted or yellowing leaves, as they may indicate older or less fresh chard.
- Blanching the leaves: Consider blanching the chard leaves for a minute or two before sautéing. This quick blanching process can help mellow out any potential bitterness in the leaves.
- Cook the stems separately and first: To ensure that the rainbow chard stems are cooked to the desired tenderness, consider cooking them separately and before adding the leaves. The stems may take slightly longer to cook, so giving them a head start can help achieve a more evenly cooked dish.
- Canned beans without salt: If you use canned beans without salt, there is no need to rinse them.
- Recipe scalability: This one-pot sauteed chard and white bean recipe can easily be doubled to accommodate larger servings or to prepare leftovers. Simply adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly.

Read more:
https://www.shelovesbiscotti.com/rainbow-chard-recipe/#ingredients

#SolarPunkSunday #VeganRecipes #GrowYourOwn #Recipes #RainbowSwissChard
#DietForASmallPlanet