It’s spring so that means we’re thinking about the beginnings of life at 21 Acres, specifically the role bees and seeds play, and we have some very special classes on the calendar. Take a look at the 21 Acres website for Backyard Beekeeping and two classes with Caitlin Moore, Root and Radicle Seed Co.: Spotlight on Seeds – Perspectives from an Urban Food Warrior; and Seed-sational Gardens and Beds – Growing as if our Lives Depend on Seeds.

Instructor for Seed Classes
If you don’t already know about Caitlin Moore, she’s amazing — known as The Urban Food Warrior, Caitlin has been teaching seed saving and gardening principles since 2008. Raised on an organic farm in Western Washington, she went on to earn a degree in biology and plant genetics and founded the Olympia Seed Exchange. She is also the Co-Director of the King County Seed Lending Library, and owner of Root and Radicle Seed Co. 

Backyard Beekeeping Presenters: Kurt Sahl, 21 Acres Staff; Matt Barclay, Woodinville Beekeeper
As a struggling entomologist, Kurt discovered that his college degree worked best when it was applied to a hobby. His accidental apiary affiliation at 21 Acres occurred three years ago with the help of two very special Snohomish County beekeepers, Gary Gibbons and Clare McQueen. Since then, Kurt has completed the Apprentice Master Beekeeper Program and is a member of the Northwest District Beekeepers Association. In addition to the traditional Langstroth system, Kurt intends to start top bar hives this year as a way to better demonstrate live bee activity to the public.

Matt Barclay is an Apprentice Master Beekeeper working towards his Journeyman certification. In his second year of beekeeping, he watches over three backyard hives. During the week, Matt is a software engineer for Boeing. He has a Master’s degree in Computer Science, but began his education in Archaeology. He is president of the Pacific Northwest Archaeological Society. Before his career in software engineering, Matt was a Commercial Pilot and Certified Flight Instructor at Bremerton Airport. Matt lives in Woodinville with his wife, daughter and son.