The 6th Annual Hawai'i Island Seed Exchange will be held on Saturday June 21, 2008 at the Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden in Captain Cook from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  Opening Ceremonies with Na Wai Iwi Ola Halau will begin promptly at 8:30 a.m.  This year our Opening Ceremony will honor the element of "Fire."  Everyone who comes is asked to bring fruit from their farms or gardens as an "offering" that can be eaten later as a gift to the community.

The community should bring seed, cuttings, roots, and keikis of food crops that grow well on your farms and in your gardens.  This year due to the Little Fire Ant infestation on the Eastside, no potted plants with soil will be exchanged, please check for coqui.
Participants should bring a mat or something to display their "seed" on.  There will be tables available for those who come early.  Everyone should bring seed envelopes or small snack ziplock bags and a pen for seed collection. 

This year, we will allow camping on Friday evening June 20, for anyone bringing seed, cuttings, or roots to share the next day.  There will be a potluck/luau for dinner Friday evening, with a bonfire and storytelling, and breakfast the following morning.  All those wishing to camp must RSVP with Nancy Redfeather at nancyredfeather@hawaii.rr.com

Everyone camping must have a reservation and check in upon arrival. ( After 3pm on Friday June 20.)  When you reserve a space, I will send you all the details.  Time to put this on your calendar and begin to prepare.  This is a free event, plenty of parking.  Look for the parking sign across the street from the Manago Hotel.

A great many agricultural organizations will be present, as well as interesting educational workshops, book sales and signings, and a special School Garden Tent.  All these activities will be available throughout the day on Saturday.  Looking forward to meeting you all!  Amy Greenwell Garden at 323-3318.

Aloha,

Nancy