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2025
The Michigan Recycling Coalition and the Michigan Organics Council are inviting residents to learn about composting during The Great Michigan Compost Tour, which begins Monday.
SEEDS partnered with the coalition to organize 10 Northern Michigan stops this week for what they call the Compost Crawl.
“These tours are for anyone. You don’t have to be someone that’s actively composting or even knows a lot about it,” said Katelyn Kikstra, EcoStrategies program manager at SEEDS. “If you’re a professional, we also encourage you to come out and hear what other folks are doing so that we can all learn together.”
https://www.northernexpress.com/news/feature/on-the-ground-with-seeds-ecology-education/
Northern Express | August 9, 2025
“Near the Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park, the crew at SEEDS Ecology & Education Centers shows local students the beauty of composting. Children and adults dig for earthworms in the compost petting zoo and learn about compost’s role in a healthy garden. Next door in the workshop, woodworkers turn fallen trees into pieces of furniture ready to sell.
The nonprofit organization oversees several programs, including the EcoSchool, EcoCorps, EcoStrategies, and the Historic Barns Park at the Grand Traverse Commons (the latter in partnership with the Botanic Gardens and Traverse City Community Garden). Each program relies on community involvement and place-based activities with the purpose of lowering carbon emissions, regenerating habitats, and forming talent pipelines for green industries.”
Traverse City Ticker | August 9, 2025
“A sigh of relief: That’s how Sarna Salzman, executive director of Traverse City’s SEEDS Ecology and Education Centers, received the news that the United States Department of Education would be releasing previously frozen funds that pay for the nonprofit’s after-school and summer camp programs.
Despite the reprieve, though, Salzman says SEEDS could find itself facing similar funding troubles in the not-so-distant future – something that has the organization looking for ways to “restructure” to reduce its reliance on government grants.”
Interlochen Public Radio | August 8, 2025
“After school and summer programs run by SEEDS Ecology & Education Centers, a Traverse City-based environmental nonprofit, will continue in rural school districts in northern Michigan after worries the federal funding wouldn’t be there.
The programs focus on environmental education and getting kids outside. In some schools, the SEEDS Ecoschools program is the only afterschool programs on offer, and in some communities, it is one of very few afterschool and summer childcare options.”
https://antrimreview.net/content/federal-grant-funding-released
The Kalkaska Review | August 7, 2025
“In an update to the federal funding freeze for multiple education programs, the U.S. Department of Education notified states that it will release Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (Title IV, Part B) (21CCLC) funding for local after school and summer programs for the 2025-2026 school year.
SEEDS Ecology and Education Centers, a local nonprofit, uses 21CCLC grants to provide free after school programming to 12 rural Northern Michigan schools. In addition to other youth programming, SEEDS serves over 500 students each year using 21CCLC funding.”
Traverse City Record-Eagle | July 17, 2025
“The public/private partnership between the City, SEEDS Ecology & Education Centers and Carter’s Compost transforms food and yard waste into “black gold.” The nutrient rich soil produced through composting nourishes community landscapes and residential gardens.
Since the partnership launched in 2024, Carter’s collection of food scraps from residents and businesses jumped from 25,000 pounds to a projected 50,000 pounds in 2025.”
9 & 10 News | July 16, 2025
“The [East Bay Corners] market is managed by SEEDS Ecology and Education Center, which also oversees the Sara Hardy Farmers Market. With support from East Bay Township and a grant from the Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities, the market has added capacity and new programming this year.
One of the new features is the Power of Produce program, aimed at children ages 5 to 13. It introduces participants to healthy eating habits and gardening through weekly hands-on activities. Children also receive a coupon each week to shop at the market.”
Michigan Public | July 15, 2025
“Sandy Ehlers is the Program Director for the SEEDS Ecology & Education Centers EcoSchool. The non-profit organization provides after-school care, enrichment, meals, and additional learning opportunities for children in low-income families. “This was completely unexpected,” Ehlers said. Funding has never been taken away, especially after it is voted on and has been approved, she continued. Ehlers said they were given no opportunity to plan for a lack of funding. She said SEEDS manages 12 sites, many of which have operated more than 10 years with federal education grants.”
Interlochen Public Radio | July 15, 2025
“In some local elementary schools, the SEEDS program is one of very few after-school childcare options, and sometimes the only free option for parents. It’s focused on environmental education, offering homework help and taking kids out into nature.”
https://www.manisteenews.com/news/article/portage-lake-composting-tips-20770703.php
Manistee News Advocate | July 15, 2025
“Portage Lake Garden Club members recently learned about compost and composting methods. Jaczkowski, SEEDS composting manager gave a presentation to the group. SEEDS is an ecology and education center in Traverse City.”
Cadillac News | July 11, 2025
“The funding pause affects SEEDS Ecology and Education Centers, a nonprofit that partners with 12 schools in the region — including Mesick Consolidated Schools and Marion Public Schools — to provide free programming for more than 500 students. The delay comes as the U.S. Department of Education conducts a review of the grant program, which was scheduled to disburse funding to states on July 1.”
https://www.antrimreview.net/content/grant-freeze-jeopardizes-summer-afterschool-programs
The Antrim Review | July 10, 2025
“SEEDS Ecology and Education Centers uses 21CCLC grants to provide free after school programming to 12 rural Northern Michigan schools, including two in Forest Area Community Schools and three in Kalkaska Public Schools. Each 21CCLC grant runs on a five year cycle. This pause in funding threatens summer camps currently operating and could force some programs to close before the school year begins. In addition to other youth programming, SEEDS serves over 500 students each year using 21CCLC funding.”
9 & 10 News | July 9, 2025
“After school programs in 6 Northern Michigan counties are now in limbo. They are waiting to see if the government will release funds through states Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant. Also known as Title 4 Part B.
I love SEEDS. They seem to really care about my kids, and they take them on nature walks and provide learning opportunities. My kids are having a great time and it’s been really helpful. I am really worried about what I’m going to do.”
https://www.michigan.gov/egle/newsroom/mi-environment/2025/07/08/food-waste
Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy [EGLE] | July 8, 2025
“As EGLE began directing Renew Michigan funds toward this arena, implementing NextCycle Michigan, and requiring counties to prepare Sustainable Materials Management Plans—which must address organic wastes—SEEDS has leapt at every opportunity.”
9 & 10 News | July 9, 2025
“Northern Michigan after school and summer programs are at risk following a federal decision to withhold more than $5.6 million in grant funding intended to support students in rural communities.
The U.S. Department of Education has paused distribution of Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21CCLC) funds for the 2025-2026 school year, citing a review of the program. The freeze affects about 10,000 programs nationwide, including more than 500 students served by SEEDS Ecology and Education Centers across 12 rural Northern Michigan schools.”
UpNorthLive | July 1, 2025
“SEEDS Ecology and Education Centers received funding to cover uniforms and protective equipment for crew members.”
Traverse City Record-Eagle | May 24, 2025
“A new group of “ambassadors” are roaming — and tidying up — the streets of Downtown Traverse City.
The Ambassador team is responsible for numerous maintenance and clean-up tasks both in the main downtown area and in Old Town, including litter collection, trash and recycling receptacle emptying and placement, pressure washing downtown streets and sidewalks when needed, including removal of chewing gum, food stains, vehicle grease and bird droppings.
Crews also work on graffiti removal, weed and grass control on sidewalks and tree grates, watering and maintaining flower planters and other work as needed.
https://wasteadvantagemag.com/traverse-city-mis-new-composting-program-praised-by-neighbors/
Waste Advantage Magazine | May 22, 2025
“The new composting program collects food waste from several area businesses and residents, and has capacity to process up to 200 tons of material per year in the Earth Flow system. The project was made possible with the help of a grant from the United States Department Of Agriculture, and with the help of partners like SEEDS Ecology and Education Centers in Traverse City.”
https://www.michigan.gov/egle/newsroom/press-releases/2025/05/07/nextcycle-michigan
State of Michigan | May 7, 2025
“Seeking to spur and support financially viable business opportunities that foster local ownership and provide small-scale organic waste solutions in food/wood rescue, compost, and biochar across a 10-county region in northwest Lower Michigan.”
UpNorthLive | April 3, 2025
“When the kids arrive, some sites have dinner right away, others head outside to burn off some energy,” said SEEDS EcoSchool Program Director Sandy Ehlers. “Then we always have at least a half an hour of literacy time, homework help, math time; then we have about 45 minutes to an hour of a specific program for the day. To have a safe place parents can feel comfortable at work knowing their children are taken care of, knowing they’re safe, knowing they’re happy, that makes our area better for employers, for employees, for everyone,” Ehlers said.
Up North Voice | March 31, 2025
SEEDS Ecology & Education Centers ($1,500) – Ecological education at Kalkaska Middle School
https://www.elkrapidsnews.com/
Elk Rapids News | March 14, 2025
“On STEM Day students from kindergarten to 5th grade had the exciting opportunity to control a robot using a tablet. This hands-on experience was designed to introduce students to the world of technology and robotics, offering them a fun way to engage with STEM concepts (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). STEM Day was coordinated and facilitated by Laura Gehman (Rapid City Elementary principal) and Brett Bontrager (the SEEDS coordinator).”
https://www.traversecitymi.gov/community/the-performance-year-in-review.html
City of Traverse City | February 22, 2025
“The City partnered with Carter’s Compost and SEEDS to host the Pumpkin Smashing Extravaganza in November 2024, at the City’s in-vessel composting unit. This free event invited the community to smash pumpkins and learn about sustainability while contributing to smashing the City’s goal of diverting one ton of pumpkins from landfills by diverting 3 times that amount! The initiative showcased the new 20-yard in-vessel composting system, and its annual waste capabilities, as part of the City’s efforts to reduce emissions and promote food waste reduction.”
https://www.traverseticker.com/news/grand-traverse-band-announces-2-percent-allocations/
Traverse City Ticker | January 31, 2025
“Forest Area Community Schools awarded $4,000 funding to partner with SEEDS EcoSchool to develop a Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) educational after-school program to engage about 600 students in learning about their natural surroundings and sustainable resource management techniques.”
Rural Innovation Exchange | January 30, 2025
“SEEDS as an organization is very systems-minded,” Flynn says. “There is going to be a need for more solutions-oriented workforce members that understand green infrastructure. That understand climate-responsive solutions. There’s longevity and a need for the skill sets that we’re training people in.”
Traverse City Record-Eagle | January 12, 2025
“They are the next generation that will take care of the Earth, especially in northern Michigan. It’s vital to protect it.” — Keira Long, site coordinator for Benzie’s Betsie Valley Elementary School’s EcoSchool
2024
EGLE Newsroom | December 3, 2024
“The new contingent of 31 MHC Corps members will work through October 2025 to develop practical resources for Michiganders, bolster the state’s clean energy and sustainability workforce, build climate action capacity in communities across the state…”
https://www.interlochenpublicradio.org/2024-11-14/smashing-pumpkins-in-traverse-city-to-reduce-trash
Interlochen Public Radio | November 14, 2024
“The city, Carter’s Compost, and the nonprofit SEEDS held the “Pumpkin Smashing Extravaganza” after more than a week of collecting pumpkins at the new composter. The underlying goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions coming from landfills, like methane that comes from food waste.”
https://www.traverseticker.com/calendar/2024/11/09/pumpkin-smashing-extravaganza/
Traverse City Ticker | November 9, 2024
“The City of Traverse City is teaming up with Carter’s Compost & SEEDS at the City’s in-vessel composting unit, located at 143 Beitner Rd. The City hopes to divert 1 ton of pumpkins from landfills. Composting pumpkins helps reduce greenhouse gases, diverts waste, & returns nutrients to the soil, improving environmental health.”
Traverse City Ticker | November 6, 2024
“Last week, the City of Traverse City launched the “Pumpkin Smashing Extravaganza,” a program with a goal of diverting post-Halloween pumpkin waste from landfills. On Tuesday, the city announced that, in just the first three days of the program, it met its goal of collecting 1 ton of pumpkins. Now, the city and its partners have set a new goal of logging 2 tons of pumpkin waste by the time the program concludes this coming Saturday, November 9.”
https://www.northernexpress.com/news/feature/smashing-pumpkins-for-compost/
Northern Express | November 2, 2024
“Take part in the Pumpkin Smashing Extravaganza and help our environment! The City of Traverse City is teaming up with Carter’s Compost and SEEDS at the city’s in-vessel composting unit, located at 143 Beitner Rd. on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 10am-1pm.”
https://compostingtechnology.com/traverse-city/
Green Mountain Technologies | October 2024
“The Earth Flow IM20 in vessel composting system is the hub of an impressive partnership between Traverse City, Carter’s Compost and the SEEDS Ecology and Education Center.”
Traverse City Record-Eagle | October 23, 2024
“In 2021 SEEDS commissioned a “market analysis” of the local organic waste stream and diversion opportunities in the 10-county region. SEEDS’ research showed that in Grand Traverse County, more than 15,000 tons of organic material were being landfilled annually, producing the equivalent of greenhouse gases from around 2,000 vehicles. The study identified the need for a centralized composting facility to process additional food waste along with the yard waste already composted by the city.”
Traverse City Record-Eagle | October 2, 2024
“SEEDS Ecology and Education Centers was recognized during the State of Michigan’s Race to Talent event, part of this year’s Michigan Works! Conference.”
https://www.interlochenpublicradio.org/2024-09-25/traverse-city-has-a-new-compost-machine
Interlochen Public Radio | September 25, 2024
“SEEDS will help run the composter, which can process up to 60 tons of food waste a year. It will take the finished product to Historic Barns Park, where it will be part of the compost petting zoo and will be used in the gardens there.”
UpNorthLive | September 20, 2024
“The city held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday for its Compost and Food Waste Reduction project.
‘Getting organic material out of the flow of landfills has a lot of community benefit,’ Seeds Ecology and Educational Centers Executive Director Sarna Salzman said.”
Traverse City Ticker | September 20, 2024
“Groups including Norte, TART Trails, SEEDS, Grand Traverse Conservation District and the YMCA have all expressed interest in partnering on programming, such as summer day camps.”
https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/compost-goalpost-more-food-less-183200176.html
Yahoo! Life [The Record-Eagle, Traverse City, Mich.] | September 14, 2024
“The Michigan Recycling Coalition and the Michigan Organics Council are hosting the Great Michigan Compost Tour around the state this fall.
Locally, SEEDS Ecology and Education Centers will present the Great Northern Michigan Compost Crawl next week.”
https://www.traverseticker.com/news/city-projects-on-deck-railroad-avenue-and-lot-g-construction-compost-program-launch/?fbclid=IwY2xjawFL6JxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHapYvfohS9-hfcouKpxgh2JpBMEYKDLeRfJE-gcVk60EDF1SJRyI0jFDqA_aem_NZjOgcFD7sL3BezZLu9bpgTraverse City Ticker | September 9, 2024
The city will host a public ribbon-cutting ceremony September 19 at 3:30pm at the Department of Public Services (DPS) facility at 625 Woodmere Avenue to celebrate the official launch of the city’s Compost and Food Waste Reduction Project.
9&10 News | September 6, 2024
“Currently, 38% of what we throw away is material that, under different circumstances, could be composted and turned back into soil. Instead, what happens in the landfill is that material, gets in an environment that has no oxygen and anaerobic environment, and it, turns into methane, which is a highly potent greenhouse gas,” says Sarna Salzman SEEDS Executive Director.
https://record-eagle-cnhi.newsmemory.com/?special=leaders
Traverse City Record-Eagle, August 11 2024
Michigan.gov, March 22, 2024
An innovative program’s first cohort begins its eight-month mission to drive climate action across the state and support a new generation of climate professionals with workforce development and leadership skills.
Traverse City Record-Eagle, March 1 2024
The grant is part of $64 million in Community Center grant funding being awarded to municipalities and organizations across the state. SEEDS is to receive $250K.
Great Lakes Now/IPR, January 17, 2024
Along with Elk Rapids, several other entities have Climate Corps positions in northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, including the Antrim Conservation District in Bellaire, East Bay Charter Township near Traverse City, and organizations such as Michigan Energy Options and SEEDS Ecology and Education Centers.
IPR, January 2, 2024
SEEDS has been composting with local restaurants in Traverse City, and in 2023, the initiative has diverted more than 6,700 lbs of food scraps!
State of Michigan; January 8,2024
Apply for the first generation of Climate Corps volunteers!
https://www.manisteenews.com/news/article/manistee-county-community-foundation-awards-18596479.php
Manistee News Advocate; January 8, 2024
SEEDS is awared $40K in grants to continue environmental education in Manistee County! Read more here!
Urban Wood Network, January 12, 2024
EcoCorps Program Director, Jennifer Flynn, is named one of the newest members on the board for the Urban Wood Network!
2023
https://www.traverseticker.com/news/turtle-cove-nature-preserve-open-to-public/
Traverse City Ticker, December 29, 2023
SEEDS EcoCorps crew members built nearly 2 miles of trail around Arbutus Lake in Grand Traverse County!
The Traverse City Ticker; Nov. 22, 2023
The Traverse City Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is preparing to launch two significant new programs: a long-discussed new retail incubator, which is targeting an April opening but will host a holiday pop-up, and a composting program for downtown restaurants.
Michigan NCST News & Updates; September 14, 2023
EcoCorps work recap along Sawdust Hole in Manistee National Forest.
9 & 10 News, September 6, 2023
Brief highlight from TC Tourism’s marketing campaign for #GreenForGoodTC. Learn more about it here!
Traverse City Record-Eagle; August 23, 2023
Local residents pull invasive plants at the SEEDS Farm at Historic Barns Park.
The Herald Review; August 22, 2023
The Evart DDA, in coordination with the Twin Creek Nature Area hosted the inaugural Environmental Education Expo in downtown Evart
Traverse City Ticker, July 28, 2023
The Traverse City Ticker sits down with Executive Director, Sarna Salzman, to discuss the region-wide composting initiative.
9 & 10 News, July 18, 2023
SEEDS EcoSchool brings unique learning opportunities to students across Northern Michigan.
Teaching staff prioritize hands-on and outdoor activities that develop leadership, life skills, and resilience.
SEEDS Ecoschool at Benzie Middle School created a doghouse for Cherryland Humane Society, and students and staff tell us more about that project and everything they do!
https://www.traverseticker.com/news/city-moves-toward-adopting-sustainable-building-policy/
Traverse City Ticker; March, 27, 2023
What started as a discussion last fall among Traverse City commissioners about adopting a new building electrification policy has expanded into a broader review of sustainable building practices.
UpNorth Live; March 22, 2023
Students in the program get hands-on experience by working on different school and community projects.
https://www.traverseticker.com/news/compost-pilot-program-tree-plantings-nez-on-city-agenda/
Ticker, February 27, 2023
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded the city a $255,396 grant for a two-year pilot to launch a compost and food waste reduction program. The city’s department of public services – working with the city manager’s office, a city-contracted grant writer, and local nonprofit SEEDS – successfully applied for the grant aimed at educating the community on “the potential reduction of waste by using small-scale food composting operations.”
Traverse City Record Eagle, February 26, 2023
Thanks to the Traverse City-based SEEDS EcoCorps, more than 575 youth since 2009 have been a part of a green-collar workforce learning the skills and opportunities involved in environmental careers.
2022
WCMU Public Radio, October 25, 2022
Organic waste makes up a one-third of Michigan’s solid waste stream. And it’s not just food. It’s also yard waste and paper. Listen to the interview here.
https://www.northernexpress.com/news/feature/protecting-our-homeland-ecocorps/
The Northern Express, October 10, 2022
Northern Michigan is a special place to live and work for many reasons, but chief among the area’s benefits is our beautiful—and in some places, still untouched—natural setting. In an effort to make sure that beauty exists for decades to come, Traverse City nonprofit SEEDS Ecology and Education Centers teamed up with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service this summer for habitat restoration projects in the Huron-Manistee National Forests.
The Record Eagle, September 23, 2022
Arguably one of the most impactful ways to improve human wellness and mitigate the impacts of climate change is a robust and healthy trail system. – Jennifer Flynn, EcoCorps Program Director
https://www.leelanaunews.com/life-leelanau/ecocorps-team-work-sleeping-bear-dunes
Leelanau Enterprise, August 24, 2022
Jennifer Flynn, EcoCorps program director, said EcoCorps members enjoy a sense of adventure in their work.
https://upnorthlive.com/news/local/volunteers-do-maintenance-work-at-sleeping-bear
UpNorthLive, August 19, 2022
One of the group’s members you may see helping out is Petra Foote. Last year was her first year as an EcoCorps crew member. Foote said since then she found a new love for the outdoors and what goes into restoring and naturalizing parks.
Cadillac News, August 11, 2022
During the summer break, SEEDS held an EcoSchool summer camp where students at Marion Elementary were exposed to several projects including learning about nature, ecology, science, history and culture. This was done through hands-on activities and field trips.
The Record Eagle, July 14, 2022
“This Hodeypyle section is a more focused project. It requires planning and oversight, and more volunteers and local conservation resource support such as SEEDS when we can get it. They have been a big help in completing these type of projects.”
Benzie County Record Patriot, July 7, 2022
Students at Benzie County Central Middle School are getting the chance to learn gardening basics and other skills as part of a SEEDS EcoSchool summer program.
https://www.bigrapidsnews.com/news/article/Twin-Creek-Nature-Area-in-Evart-hosts-SEEDS-17287514.php
The Herald Review, July 5, 2022
Twin Creek Nature Area in Evart hosted a group of students from Marion Public Schools last week as part of the SEEDS EcoSchool program.
The Record Eagle, May 14, 2022
All the fresh herbs, vegetables, and fruits grown in the Giving Garden are harvested and distributed to families experiencing food insecurity.
https://www.traverseticker.com/news/the-gamechangers-part-6-old-buildings-new-institutions/
Traverse City Ticker, May 8, 2022
In the early 2000s, the City of Traverse City and Garfield Township banded together to form a joint recreational authority concerned with finding a future use for the historic barns on the State Hospital grounds, along with several surrounding parklands.
The Record Eagle, April 17, 2022
Pent up energy from a day of sitting in class filled the woods behind Forest Area middle and high school on Thursday afternoon.
UpNorthLive, April 15, 2022
SEEDS EcoSchool has been a part of Benzie County Central Schools for four years. Students K-12 can sign up throughout the school year. Watch video here.
https://www.traverseticker.com/news/traverse-citys-big-year/
Traverse Ticker, Jan 8, 2022
The city partnered with SEEDS on an urban wood program that repurposed trees removed during the Safe Routes to School project and during the road construction project at the Historic Barns.
Looking for something older?
Looking for an archive article not listed here? Contact hello@ecoseeds.org.
