Penn State’s Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Student Farm is springing into sustainable practices with a Seed Swap event at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9, at 3 Dots Downtown. The event will promote community engagement and educate attendees about gardening and sustainable food practices. 

From 5 to 7 p.m., informational tables will be set up to provide knowledge on healthy eating, plant families, and container gardening. Although attendees are encouraged to participate in the swap and take home seeds, bringing seeds is not required. Community members are also invited to bring gently used gardening tools they no longer need, which will then be distributed around campus and to community growing spaces. 

“The Student Farm and State College Borough collaborated to host a community seed swap many years ago, and I am thrilled that it’s finally back,” Student Farm Executive Director Vancie Peacock said. “There’s nothing better than seeing someone’s face light up when they find a new seed to grow this spring. And if you aren’t experienced with gardening or seed saving, you’ll find all the information you need at this event to start your new adventure!”  

For those unable to attend the event, Centre County Libraries and Pattee Library will provide seed browsing opportunities the following week while supplies last. 

The Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Student Farm was launched in 2016. It now holds approximately four acres of land for gardening and farming. In 2023, the farm produced almost 20,000 pounds of food, most of which is given back to the Penn State community through Housing and Food Services to support student food access.