Upper Lynn Canal food systems given boost by regional sustainability initiatives

The Chilkat Valley is collaborating on a whole suite of local foods initiatives that are bringing people together around something everyone can relate to — the food we eat and how it nourishes our relationships to each other and the lands and waters that surround us.

By Lee House

This story was originally produced for the Sustainable Southeast Partnership's monthly column with the Juneau Empire, 'Woven Peoples & Place.' Read the full story here.

In 2024, the work of the Lynn Canal Food Web expanded into an additional community garden located in Deishú Haines using plants and seeds from the Victory Garden at Xunt’i Áa Mosquito Lake. Pictured, Erika Merklin and Liz Landes tend to the Henderson field property. Landes is funded to manage site development for the year through an additional USDA Southeast Alaska Sustainability mini-grant made available by Southeast Conference demonstrating how USDA funding continues to develop new leadership in local communities. Photo by Shaelene Grace Moler.

“It’s one thing to dream and another thing to create. Technical assistance and leadership development require money that is not easy to come by in small, rural towns in Southeast Alaska, especially for our anemic agriculture industry. The initial SASS support nurtured relationship building, uplifted local leaders, and flat out made projects happen. Investing in local leaders to support team building is a great way for the USDA to help local projects gain traction.”

— Erika Merklin, Founder and Director of the Lynn Canal Food Web, SASS partner

Read the full story at the Juneau Empire

The story is also available at the Sustainable Southeast Partnership's website: https://sustainablesoutheast.net/upper-lynn-canal-food-systems-given-boost-by-regional-sustainability-initiatives/