Seed Champions | Issue No. 1

ABOUT SEFRA ALEXANDRA

‍

Sefra Alexandra The Seed Huntress- is an endurance race ethnobotanist on the hunt to preserve the biodiversity of our wild and cultivated lands through seed conservation.

Sefra lead - The Ecotype Project - creating the first ecoregional seed supply chain in the Northeast, USA to amplify the amount of truly local native seed available for ecological restoration.

In 2020, she began BOATanical.org where she guides expeditions that are paddlin’ for the pollinators, planting native plants by boat along riparian corridors.

Sefra is on the steering committee for the Northeast Seed Network, holds her M.A.T. in agroecological education from Cornell University, is a fellow of the Global Crop Diversity Trust, a WINGS WorldQuest expedition flag carrier, member of the Explorers Club and runs a disaster response/ wilderness skills school- Tactivate’s:The Readiness Collective- with her twin brother.

‍

‍

‍

‍

INTRODUCING: SEFRA ALEXANDRA, THE SEED HUNTRESS

Wilder Climate Solutions (WCS): As an ethnobotanist, you've taken on a unique role in preserving biodiversity through seed conservation. Can you share a pivotal experience or journey that led you to pursue this passionate quest for preserving our wild and cultivated lands?

‍

Sefra Alexandra (SA): When I was just a sprout myself, I spent the successional years of  my early childhood makin’ forts in the woods- always marveling that a tiny acorn could grow into a mighty oak and that those nuts can provide delicious food for us and the balanophagist animals that meander beneath the forest canopy. My journey of learning from the coyote teachers, the great naturalists whose courses, eco villages and wilderness skills schools I found myself immersed in from California to Scotland, showed me: the reciprocal respect of foraging wild plants; to recognize the mesmerizing patterns and principles that repeat in nature articulated through the permaculturian design vocabulary; to observe edible forest ecosystems as elegantly choreographed polycultural guilds; and the mentors who opened their tannin stained hands to re-initiate me in the ancient art of seed saving. These seeds of memories planted in the soils of my soul,  re-membered my inner ecological architecture. Nourished by these nutrients, the quest as The Seed Huntress began- to activate the collective mycelial hyphae of family, friends and community to Socratically fox-walk back to  deep nature connection. 

My perennial passion of studying historic utilizations of wild and cultivated lands is what led to the discovery of a forgotten, once famous heirloom of my hometown in Connecticut, USA. The Southport Globe Onion was prized for its flavor, storability and all around beauty. The area where I grew up was nicknamed The Onion Capital of the World, boasting the best seeds and innovatively fabricated and patented farm tools. 

A blight towards the end of the 1800s wiped out this prized crop- which led me on a mission: to bring back this allium to its home soils after 155 years! This began The Southport Globe Onion Initiative, which in year two harvested and welcomed home the first Southport grown heirloom seed in over a century and a half. 

The seeds are now shared in our local seed library and the annual Southport Globe Onion Festival and official town Onion day  was inaugurated, celebrating our counties agrarian roots through art, music and onion delights! Onion enthusiasts of all ages partake in the revelry, revering the nutritional importance of this vitamin c powerhouse while reenacting the old systems of sloop sailboat transport and demonstrating  the farmers' careful stewardship of land. 

Ethnobotany is a field dedicated to studying human interactions with the flora around them. The excitement generated around this most magnificent of onions, fueled a personal dedication and drive to support communities around the country and globe in finding and safeguarding these sacred vessels of biodiversity.  When we replant landraces, traditional crops and seed save, we join an unbroken chain since time immemorial of those that have protected, planted and plated the delectable bounty of edible plants- so they may continue to  sprout in all their splendor the worldover.  

‍

‍

‍

WCS: The Ecotype Project sounds fascinating, especially in creating an ecoregional seed supply chain in the Northeast, USA. How do you envision this project impacting ecological restoration efforts and local communities in the region? 

‍

SA: Restoration efforts are often described as grassroots endeavors… the thing we must remember is grass is grown from seed- but where is that seed coming from? Truly local seed is the foundational natural resource required for ecological restoration efforts aiming to plant the right plants in the right place. 

The pancontinental problem is that our lands are continuously being degraded by anthropogenic {lawns/ cities...} and climate {fires, drought...} related causes and our local seed larders are severely lacking in supply of genetically appropriate plant materials to restore landscapes. However, instead of being bogged down by doom and gloom- realize it is perhaps too late to be pessimistic and the sunray breaking through the clouds: that the ROI of seed is really quite remarkable- plant one and the next year you can be collecting thousands! 

The Ecotype Project was created as the Northeast, USA’s response to our countries National Seed Strategy. We rethreaded the seed supply chain tapestry by building seed literacy amongst smallholder organic farmers in the cultivation of the specialty crop of ecotypic {locally adapted, provenanced} seed of key native pollinator host plant species. As a project of the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Connecticut {CT NOFA}, it is important to remember- if the pollinators don’t have their heirlooms- well friends, then neither will we.

The supply chain or rather cycle that was woven together: wild seed collector {trained botanist with permission to sustainably gather} → organic seed increase farmer →  cultivated seed collector → seed cleaner → seed storer → commercial distributor, is fortifying what K Greene of Hudson Valley Seed Co. refers to as a seedshed. The concept is to collect, grow and redistribute ecotypes within an ecoregional framework {EPA ecoregions level III}. We learned long ago to know our watersheds, then our foodsheds so we could buy from and support local producers, and now that paradigm shift is extending to seed. The next time you find yourself at your local nursery, have a friendly conversation and ask them if they grow any native plants from locally sourced seed? Demand drives supply. 

Our project’s framework promotes best practices at every step. Our goal was to create a successful template to be replicated throughout this region of the country. The seeds sold from Eco59- the farmer-led seed collective that germinated from the project, are amongst the first in our region to be organically grown, source identified, ecoregionally distributed native pollinator seed! {woo hoo!} 

The garden clubs, land trusts, schools, home owners and nurseries that have planted these seeds, are strengthening the mosaic of  Pollinator Pathways- creating imperative ecological corridors in our highly fragmented landscapes. The next task? Increase the volume of seeds of target species that are produced, to be able to supply the needs of large restoration projects, municipalities, departments of transportation etc. 

This collective goal played a pivotal role in forming the newly launched Northeast Seed Network. Together organizations and individuals from each step of the supply chain are coordinating efforts to preserve and proliferate the  nuance of local adaptations by seed propagation- one of the greatest tools of resilience  in the proverbial painter's palette of restoration. These plants are resilient terroir-iors of place, may they continue pirouetting for generations with promiscuous proboscises!

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍WCS: BOATanical.org is an innovative initiative combining paddling and planting native plants along riparian corridors. Could you tell us about a particularly memorable expedition and its positive effects on pollinators and river ecosystems?

‍

SA: I like to say that I’m not a botanist, but rather a BOATanist! My passion for plants and paddling are two tributaries joined in a seamless confluence on these joyous jaunts. While leading The Ecotype Project, it became apparent that to have the impact we intended for, we needed to reach a larger audience than those already advocating for native plant/ pollinator habitat restoration. 

As a member of WINGS WorldQuest and the Explorers Club, I have long had the definition of expeditions seemingly be presented as science conducted by professionals in some far away remote or romanticized location. With the pandemic, I wanted to shift that conversation by supporting backyard expeditions with citizen scientists of all ages. The lands right where we live need as much attention as those abroad. Our mission was to paddle for the pollinators… in canoes and traditional polynesian outriggers we navigated riparian waterways throughout the Northeast, USA with native ecotypes in tow. 

We planted them as seed increase plots on farms along river corridors of ecoregion 59 {EPA level III}, supporting the interplay of wild riparian buffers and cultivated lands. When these plants are placed back in the living seed bank: the soil, nature does the heavy lifting with myriad seed dispersal mechanisms to proliferate these stands: anemochory: seed dispersal by wind; hydrochory: seed dispersal by water; myrmecochory: seed dispersal by ants; ornithocory: seed dispersal by birds; ballochory: seed dispersal by ejection; and of course not to forget anthropochory: seed dispersal by humans!

The state of Quinnehtukqut (CT) is named after the Algonquian term for long tidal river. Indeed, this ancient thoroughfare extends from the border of Canada to the Long Island Sound.  You can’t help but daydream as you float past highly urbanized areas and then back into forgotten moments of wilderness… How many seeds have floated through these waters? How many birds have migrated along these paths? how many people have carried life giving sustenance as they shared a laugh and paddled through once fertile ecosystems to their destination. 

As we finished installing a beautiful seed increase orchard of Penstemon digitalis {Foxglove Beardtongue} just as the sun was beginning to set on a rocky ledge over the gentle but mighty river- we looked up to see a bald eagle soaring just above us- circling the site we had planted welcoming the seed ancestors delighted to be returned home. With a moment of reverence and awe, a collective breath was audible amongst the expedition party, the 13 year olds and all… a beautiful moment and reminder of our intrinsic role as caretakers. 

We realize that we are at a pinch of time in terms of our global biodiversity, when we can either watch it all erode away - or, step in as stewards to preserve these sacred embryos for all future generations. May these journeys, and floral forays inspire a revival of BOATanic enthusiasm, to rejoin in the great dance of the marvelous symphony of ecology happening all around us! 

“Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.” -The Wind in the Willows

‍

WCS: Your academic background in agroecological education and fellowships with organizations like the Global Crop Diversity Trust demonstrate your commitment to environmental education and conservation. How do you incorporate this expertise into your various projects to raise awareness about seed conservation and biodiversity?

‍

SA: My formal training at Cornell University was predominately in agroecological {application of ecological principles to agricultural systems and practices} curriculum design. The impetus for pursuing this degree stemmed from my dedication to, and inspiration from the untold number of unconventional certification/ degrees I received from regenerative design and nature based skills programs and schools. These models of place-based education were paradigm shifting experiences that demonstrated the deep learning that germinates from place-based education. As Confucius said, “Tell me and I will forget, show me and I may remember; involve me and I will understand.” 

When accepted as a Genebank Impacts Fellow for the Global Crop Diversity Trust- the small organization that oversees the operation of our worlds seed banks as well as Svalbard The Global Seed Vault- we were charged with researching and telling a story that made the wider public understand the imperative need of preserving the earth's arcs of biodiversity by safeguarding seeds. 

Based at the Centre for Pacific Crops and Trees {CePaCT}  in Suva, Fiji, I conducted fieldwork across the South Pacific gathering what would become my thesis: On the Trail of Taro- The Tale of Taro Leaf Blight.  Taro {Colocasia esculenta} is a totem crop in this part of the world, which means it is integral in their cultural ceremonies, is on the dinner plate each night and is also a main export. In 1993 Taro leaf blight {Phytophthora colocasia} swept through the island nation of Samoa wiping out the majority of their fields in just a few weeks. Seed hunters the world over rallied to recollect germplasm {plants specimens} from centers of origin {geographical areas where a species- either domesticated or wild- first developed its distinctive properties}, to breed blight resistant lines. After 10 years a brilliant man named Tolo had accomplished the task. The plant material collected formed what is now the planet's taro seed bank, where these varieties wait ready to be deployed to other subsistence farming nations that rely on this plant- the 14th most eaten in the world.  

This story was both presented as a peer reviewed article in the Journal of Food Security as well as depicted in a short cartoon video to educate and bring visibility to a wider audience beyond academia about the vital role the protection of seed diversity  plays in our daily life. Humor and brevity must not be lost when addressing these important issues. My commitment as an ecological educator is in deference to the pedagogy of the earth… the most powerful “teaching” I have ever witnessed was by simply making space for timelessness, wonder and observation in the natural world.  

My great mentor Bill McDorman would often remind me of an important lesson: with a seed in one hand and a cell phone in the other- he would ask, “which has greater intelligence?.... The SEED! Ever adapting, ever changing.” We as a society must use the wisdom that we gain to celebrate and honor the inherent genius of these tiny but mighty living, breathing capsules of biodiversity. 

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍WCS: Being a member of the Explorers Club and WINGS WorldQuest, you've likely encountered numerous challenges and triumphs in your fieldwork. Can you share an adventurous story from your exploration experiences and how it reinforced your dedication to seed conservation? 

‍

SA: As the Seed Huntress, I have traveled around the world helping to fortify seed conservation strategies on island nations. Food security is a cornerstone of civilization, which is increasingly more challenged by manmade and natural disasters. 

My twin brother and I run Tactivate, a company that implements boots on the ground solutions in areas in the wake of calamities. We have collectively spent a great deal of time in Haiti since the 2010 earthquake and subsequent hurricanes- a country  which unfortunately bears the brunt of both difficult political and frequent climatic challenges. 

My fieldwork on this island nation began with deep listening to some of the island's head agrarian leaders about what was needed… as well as what was NOT needed. Well intentioned NGO’s would send massive amounts of GMO seed to aide in the relief effort. This in fact only further undermined an already fragile agro-economic system, because farmers were not buying local seed but rather waiting for free seed. This seed is not adapted to the island's environment and furthermore could bring in pests and pollute their local genetic strains. What this highlights is there is not a one size fits all solution in disaster response, particularly in the realms of seed sovereignty and food security. 

Seeds are the predominant basis of much of the island's income and sustenance. When the fields are wiped out, daily life is greatly altered and threatened. A solution that was proposed was establishing a community seed bank at the Organization for the Rehabilitation for the Environment in the Southern Department of Haiti. There, the agronomist Eliassaint Magloire oversees 25 farm managers that in turn advise thousands of smallholder farmers. Through grant funding the infrastructure necessary to conserve and store ample amounts of bioregionally adapted seed was procured and implemented. This resource has now served as a lifeline to farmers to be able to immediately replant their fields after subsequent environmental devastations to aide in staving off famine and financial ruin. 

What I have learned as an ethnobotanist in the field is that seed security strategies must be sensitively paired to the social, cultural, economic and agricultural needs and desires of where you are working. The greatest triumph of this work is seeing the structures you have helped design and implement be maintained and utilized  long after you leave.  I am dedicated to facilitating the most regenerative forms of disaster response tactics- ones that perform like a thriving perennial polycultural forest ecosystem: self-maintaining, self-regulating and self-perpetuating- providing for the needs of all living beings. 

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍WCS: Do you have a favourite plant/seed and can you tell us why? 

‍

SA: My favourite seed, well… the Truffula Seed {Truffula loraxis } indeed!

“Catch! calls the Once-ler.

He lets something fall.

It's a Truffula Seed.

It's the last one of all!

You're in charge of the last of the Truffula Seeds.

And Truffula Trees are what everyone needs.

Plant a new Truffula. Treat it with care.

Give it clean water. And feed it fresh air.

Grow a forest. Protect it from axes that hack.

Then the Lorax

and all of his friends

may come back.”

― Dr. Seuss, The Lorax

Why? : 

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot,

Nothing is going to get better. It's not.”

― Dr. Seuss, The Lorax

Save seeds. Seeds save. 

‍