Gardeners and small farmers will find more than seeds this year at the Snoqualmie Valley Seed Exchange and Garden Fair. This fourth annual exchange will be held on Saturday, March 1 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m at the Sno-Valley Senior Center, 4610 Stephens Avenue, Carnation. The all-volunteer event is part of a movement to preserve small scale, regionally adapted, heirloom and open pollinated seeds.

Collect new seeds, talk to other gardeners and farmers, and attend workshops to learn more about seed saving and cultivation. New this year is a local farmers’ forum focusing on local seed development in the Snoqualmie Valley, and tips on vegetable species and varieties that work well in our climate. Exhibits, including a display from the Fall City Historical Society, and oral history interviews of elder farmers and gardeners will round out the event.

A simple lunch of soup and baked goods will be available for a small donation.

Everyone is welcome! You do not need to bring seeds to attend, although volunteers and seed donations are needed.

Early entry will be available for volunteers and for those who bring their home-grown seed to share.

This year the Seed Exchange is hosted by Transition Snoqualmie Valley and Strategies for Provident Living, two very small local non-profits. A grant from 4Culture has allowed us to rent several rooms in the Sno-Valley Senior Center, so this year you will be able to hear the speakers!

Visit www.snoqualmievalleyseedexchange.org for the latest news, schedule updates and seed saving resources.