THE San Luis Valley Seed Exchange will host its 13th annual event in April at the Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa. 

The event on Saturday and Sunday, April 1-2, is free, family friendly, and offers food vendors and eight speakers. Saturday activities are from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday is 10 a,m.-2p.m.

The 2023 Speaker Series theme is The Backyard Gardener. Spanish interpretation will be provided. All talks will be recorded and available online a few weeks after the event to watch anytime.

This year’s event also includes the traditional seed swap table, door prizes, $2 off soaking at Joyful Journey, and two community-specific offerings in the Event Yurt. 

“Our community seed swap is a great opportunity to share seeds you’ve collected, diversify your seed library and network with the wonderful community that gathers around this event,” said event organizer Jae Sanders.

The purpose of this event is to inspire, encourage and enable people to grow more food. 

“All of our speakers are steeped with experience and wisdom to share around food production, seed saving and best practices,” Sanders said.

This 2-day event is free to the public; however sponsorship is appreciated

During the event donations are accepted, which will go to a local youth gardening program.