So Much More Than Seeds and Trees at ATFE Annual Event

By Jenna Clute and Derrick Lafrance

On Saturday morning, April 22nd, the Akwesasne Task Force, in cooperation with the SRMT's Environment Division and MCA's Environment Division, held their Annual Seed and Tree Giveaway at the Saint Regis Mohawk Senior Center. Agencies and programs from Akwesasne and the surrounding area were invited to set up booths. Along with information in relation to gardening or our environment and how we can help, they also had a large variety of garden seeds and trees to give away.

Some vegetable seeds that were being handed out included red/white potatoes, onions, green beans, kidney beans, zucchini, pumpkins, peas, carrots, cucumber, beets, radishes, corn, and many more of all varieties. Those who were given seeds are encouraged to try "seed saving." If you find you have a surplus in seeds, it is recommended to dry out the extras and store them to be used for next year.

At Generations Park Pavilion they had a large variety of different trees types and shared useful information as to when, where, and places to avoid when planting trees. They gave out; White Pines, White Cedar, Paper Birch, White Spruce, Bur Oak, Sugar Maple and Black Walnut with the Black Walnut being the most popular choice. They also gave out plastic tubes to place around the trunk of the newly planted trees to prevent animals from nibbling at them.

Information was also available on 'raised bed gardens' and how best to make them, what materials to use, how to plant in them, and to maintain and care for the plants that you sow in them.

The Brownstone Project is an initiative by the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe. When a house is abandoned it creates a hazard to the environment. Trash left behind or gas leaks left unattended could be harmful. The Brownstone project asks community members to give a location on an abandoned house and the SRMT will access the property and take care of problems that exist.

The Air Quality Program shared information on how you may possibly have things in your house that could make you sick, such as the effects of dust, invisible and poisonous gas, mold, houseplants and pets. They can all be dangerous if not attended to and the Air Quality program shared literature on how to address it.

The New York State Department of Agriculture was on hand to show their efforts in stopping agricultural smuggling and its harmful effects. Invasive plants and small animals - smuggled over International borders can cause devastating effects on the environment and economy.

With the upcoming camping season the Seed and Tree Giveaway had information on campfire wood and the damage it can cause if transported long distances. Campfire wood should be collected and burned at the campsite as various diseases or harmful bugs, such as the Emerald Ash Borer could infest new trees.

If you're considering building a compost for your home and garden, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation had a booth on how to build a compost and how to get the most out of your compost pile.

The Cornell Cooperative Extension shared a variety of information about your vegetable plants, including when your seeds start to sprout, how use environmentally friendly ways to keep pests away from them.

The USDA also had information on Farming Loans for people looking for start up money to begin a farming project.

This event brought out around 130 members of the community, and as always, the seeds were quickly distributed and taken home by the participants. This event is a wonderful way to promote the benefits of gardening in regards to finance, health, and environment while promoting groups within the community and their missions to create a safer and healthier planet.