Today we celebrate all forms of life, big and small, that contribute to this incredible place we get to call home 🌎🌿🐞 it’s International Biodiversity Day! Biological diversity, or biodiversity, is a way to describe the vast variety of all life forms within a given place - animals, plants, fungi, tiny microorganisms in the soil - and the important ways in which they interact. Another way to think about it is the 'web' or 'library' of life 📖 Maintaining biodiversity on Earth is essential to the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, and the ecosystems we inhabit. Amidst what scientists are calling the sixth mass extinction, it's more important than ever to do what we can to support biodiversity - and doing that might be easier (and more delicious) than you think ⬇️ One of the simplest ways to support biodiversity in your daily life is by shopping at the farmers market! Far beyond what you'll find at the grocery store, farmers markets offer countless different types of produce with a stunning variety. Not only will you find new-to-you seasonal and cultural produce items, but you'll also find different varieties of familiar fruits, vegetables and herbs. These foods will add new, complex colors and flavors to your plate while also supporting the amazing variety of life on this planet 🐌🍄🌱 The farmers who grow these foods often have fascinating stories behind the seeds - many of them are heirloom varieties - and can give you suggestions for how to prepare them if you need inspiration. We also have a recipe log on our website that can be sorted by season or produce type 🫡 All of our farmers grow their own products (no resellers here!) using organic and sustainable growing practices to support a diversity of life in our region and beyond. Our food makers also use at least 25% locally sourced ingredients from those farmers to increase the positive impact! When you support them, you support biodiversity, and everyone wins ✨ Find us outside every Saturday morning (rain or shine!) from 8am until 1pm next to the Guthrie Theater and overlooking the Mississippi River! (fb)

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