Gulf Islands Secondary School (GISS) is a dynamic grade 8 to 12 public school located on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia. As part of the Gulf Islands School District, GISS connects five unique island communities in the Southern Gulf Islands. Approximately 600 students attend GISS, with over 100 commuting daily from Pender, Galiano, Mayne, and Saturna Islands via a 45-minute water taxi. This sense of connection to the islands and their natural environment shapes our school culture and inspires projects like the one we’re proposing: a seed-sharing library.
Our seed library is a welcoming space in our school library, focusing on sharing seeds, plant starts, and clippings. This initiative is designed to encourage both staff and students to explore gardening, share resources, and learn from one another.
This seed library is about more than plants—it’s about growing a sense of community. It has provided new and experienced gardeners with access to diverse plant materials, while also encouraging collaboration and connection. By bringing this project to life, we have begun transforming our library into a space that supports both education and sustainability, inspiring students and staff to cultivate a greener future together.