(Richland PIO) – The Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (RSWCD) is once again offering warm-season vegetable, herb and wildflower seeds to Richland County residents at no cost through its Seed Sanctuary program.

Seeds are available at the County Administration Building (2020 Hampton St., Columbia) and Richland Library Eastover (608 Main St., Eastover). Residents can also request seeds by mail via Google form: https://forms.gle/i7HoomQg4cyNuu6i7. Seeds are available first-come, first-served while supplies last.

RSWCD staff will also distribute seeds at community events throughout Richland County. Event coordinators interested in scheduling a Pop-Up Seed Sanctuary appearance should email Chelsea Holliday, RSWCD’s administrative assistant of outreach and community engagement: holliday.chelsea@richlandcountysc.gov.

Growing guides for available seed varieties are listed on the Seed Sanctuary website.

Launched in April 2020, the Seed Sanctuary program has distributed more than 38,000 seed packets. Gardeners of all skill levels have benefited from the program, which encourages pollinator conservation, food security and home gardening.

“The Seed Sanctuary program empowers Richland County residents to become environmental stewards in their own backyards,” said Jessica Thompson, conservation education analyst for RSWCD. “By participating, you support our pollinator populations and help native plant species thrive, fostering sustainability and preserving biodiversity in South Carolina.”

The program is made possible by the generous donations of individuals and businesses through Friends of RSWCD, a dedicated community of partners.

Richland County supports RSWCD’s work with staff and other resources. To learn more about RSWCD’s programs, including the Seed Sanctuary, visit www.richlandcountysc.gov/rswcd.