Author: Event Coordinator

Rainwater Harvesting Workshop: Learn to Work With Nature, Not Against It

Posted on by Event Coordinator

What if your landscape could capture rainfall, reduce runoff, recharge groundwater, and become more resilient during dry summers?

Join Spiral Living Center for a three-day Rainwater Harvesting Workshop from August 28-30, 2026, at Frog Farm in Cave Junction, Oregon, and discover practical techniques that can transform the way you care for your land.

Whether you have a backyard garden, a small homestead, a farm, or simply a desire to become a better steward of the watershed you call home, this immersive workshop will equip you with tools you can begin using immediately.

Learn from Nature’s Original Water Engineer

Beavers have shaped healthy watersheds for thousands of years by slowing, spreading, and sinking water into the landscape. Inspired by these natural systems, this workshop explores regenerative water harvesting techniques that help restore groundwater, reduce erosion, and build resilience against drought.

Through classroom learning, hands-on activities, and real-world implementation, participants will gain both the understanding and practical experience needed to begin creating healthier landscapes.

No previous experience is required.

Topics You’ll Explore

Throughout the weekend you’ll learn:

  • Regenerative water landscape principles
  • Site observation and water flow analysis
  • Rainwater catchment tank system design
  • Rain gardens, bioswales, and ponds
  • Practical techniques for increasing drought resilience
  • Hands-on implementation of real projects

Meet Your Instructor

The workshop is led by Lion Waxman, an ecological landscape designer, contractor, and educator with a passion for regenerative water systems that restore healthy watersheds.

Lion is a certified Permaculture Designer and Teacher and holds an M.A. in Ecological Landscape Design. As founder and principal of Good Earth Design Co., he has spent the past seven years designing and implementing regenerative farms and landscapes throughout Southern Oregon. He lives outside of Talent, Oregon, on the traditional lands of the Latgawa people.

His approachable teaching style combines ecological principles with practical solutions that participants can adapt to properties of every size.

Workshop Details

Dates

  • Friday, August 28: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
  • Saturday, August 29: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Sunday, August 30: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Location
Frog Farm
9044 Takilma Road
Cave Junction, Oregon

Tuition
Sliding Scale: $200-$300

Scholarships and work-trade opportunities are available, and camping is available onsite.

Register Today

Class size is limited, and pre-registration is required.

Reserve your spot by completing the registration form:

https://forms.gle/CKREebM2aE5zH5Bq8

By learning to slow, spread, and store water where it falls, you’ll leave with practical skills that benefit your garden, your property, your community, and the watershed we all share.

Wilderness First Aid Certification Comes to Cave Junction This August

Posted on by Event Coordinator

Whether you’re hiking remote trails, working outdoors, homesteading, or simply want to be better prepared for emergencies, knowing what to do when help is far away can make all the difference.

From August 14 through 16, 2026, Spiral Living Center is offering a Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification course at Frog Farm in Cave Junction, Oregon. This immersive 16-hour training provides practical, hands-on instruction for responding confidently to medical emergencies when professional care isn’t immediately available.

Course Schedule

  • Friday, August 14: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
  • Saturday, August 15: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Sunday, August 16: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Learn to Think Beyond the First Aid Kit

Unlike traditional first aid courses that focus on urban emergencies, Wilderness First Aid teaches you how to assess situations, improvise with limited resources, and make sound decisions in remote environments.

Throughout the weekend, classroom instruction is paired with realistic scenarios that help students understand not just what to do, but why they’re doing it.

Topics include:

  • Preventing and recognizing wilderness hazards
  • Assessing injuries and medical emergencies
  • Understanding how the body’s systems respond to trauma and illness
  • Stabilizing patients until advanced care is available
  • Improvising treatments with available materials
  • Preparing for disasters when emergency services may be delayed or overwhelmed

Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, volunteer, community member, or someone interested in emergency preparedness, this course builds practical skills you can use for years to come.

National Certification

Participants who successfully complete the course will receive Wilderness First Aid certification through the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR), valid for two years.

Certification includes:

  • Official certification card
  • Certificate
  • NASAR patch

To earn certification, participants must attend the entire course and demonstrate required skills during practice sessions.

A copy of Wilderness First Aid, 3rd Edition by Steve Donelan is required and available for an additional $30.

Meet the Instructor

Instructor Laurel Peña (she/her) first became certified as a Wilderness EMT 18 years ago while living in the remote Klamath River region of Karuk Ancestral Territory. Today she serves as a Paramedic with Happy Camp Volunteer Ambulance and as a Medical Assistant for the Karuk Community Health Clinic.

As a Clinical Herbalist, Laurel also integrates herbal knowledge into her teaching when appropriate, helping students gain a deeper understanding of how the human body functions and how thoughtful care can make a meaningful difference in emergency situations.

Her teaching style emphasizes understanding, confidence, and practical problem-solving rather than memorization.

Reserve Your Spot

Space is limited for this certification course. Please secure your place by August 1, 2026, by submitting your payment using one of the following methods:

  • Check: Payable to Spiral Living Center and mailed to:
    Spiral Living Center
    9044 Takilma Road
    Cave Junction, OR 97523
  • Venmo
  • Cash: Contact us to arrange a time to drop off your payment.
  • PayPal: Send your payment to spiral@spiralliving.org

The course is offered on a sliding scale of $200 to $300, with three scholarships available for participants ages 16 to 18. Camping and meals are also available for an additional fee.

We look forward to helping you build the confidence and skills to respond when emergencies happen far from help..

Earth Scouts Summer Series Begins July 22

Posted on by Event Coordinator

Explore Herbal Medicine, Fiber Arts, and Practical Skills for a More Resilient Future

Summer is the perfect time to slow down, reconnect with nature, and learn skills that can enrich your everyday life. This July, Spiral Living Center invites teens and adults to join our Earth Scouts Summer Series, a collection of hands-on classes designed to foster self-reliance, creativity, and a deeper connection to the natural world.

Held at Frog Farm in Takilma, the Summer Series brings together experienced local instructors who are passionate about sharing their knowledge in a welcoming, community-centered environment. Whether you’re interested in working with medicinal plants, learning traditional textile arts, or preparing for wilderness adventures, there’s a class waiting for you.

🌿 Herbal Medicine with Deb Lukas

Wednesdays • July 22-August 19
9:00 AM-10:30 AM

Join Clinical Herbalist Deb Lukas as she introduces participants to the medicinal plants growing at Frog Farm. During this five-week course, you’ll learn how to ethically harvest herbs and transform them into teas, tinctures, infused oils, and salves. Each participant will take home a portion of what is created during class.

Deb has spent more than three decades cultivating medicinal plants in the Illinois Valley and founded Spiral Living Center in 2006 to promote sustainable living through education and skill-sharing.

Class Fee: Sliding Scale $50-$150
Materials Fee: $50

👉 Register for Herbal Medicine:
https://forms.gle/3fchEUTBatyYcZnN6

🧵 Creative Heart Fiber Art with Maki Hotta

Wednesdays • July 22-August 19
11:00 AM-12:30 PM

Discover the beauty of traditional fiber arts with instructor Maki Hotta. This five-week hands-on course introduces participants to Sashiko, a Japanese embroidery technique traditionally used to repair and strengthen clothing.

Students will create a beautiful zippered bag while learning visible mending techniques and may also explore spinning, dyeing, weaving, felting, and other fiber arts based on class interest.

Whether you’re new to sewing or already enjoy working with textiles, this class offers a creative way to extend the life of your favorite fabrics while learning timeless skills.

Class Fee: Sliding Scale $50-$150
Materials Fee: $15-$25

👉 Register for Creative Heart Fiber Art:
https://forms.gle/Vy3SB1ScaFqQktiZ8

More Earth Scouts Programs Coming Soon

The Summer Series also includes two exciting opportunities later this season:

🏕️ Wilderness First Aid
July 24-26
Earn a nationally recognized Wilderness First Aid certification while learning practical outdoor emergency response skills with instructor Laurel Peña.

💧 Be the Beaver, Plant the Rain
August 28-30
Join ecological designer Lion Waxman for a weekend intensive exploring rainwater harvesting, watershed restoration, bioswales, and regenerative landscape design.

Registration information for these programs will be available soon.

Scholarships Available

Spiral Living Center believes everyone should have access to meaningful educational opportunities.

All Earth Scouts classes are offered on a sliding-scale fee, and teen scholarships are available. If cost is a barrier, we encourage you to reach out and learn about scholarship opportunities.

Join Us This Summer

The Earth Scouts Summer Series is about more than learning new skills. It’s about building confidence, strengthening community, and reconnecting with the knowledge that helps us care for ourselves, one another, and the land we call home.

We hope you’ll join us this summer at Frog Farm.

Questions?

📍 Frog Farm
9044 Takilma Road
Cave Junction, OR

🌐 www.spiralliving.org

📞 (541) 415-6639

Skillshare 2026 Schedule Now Available

Posted on by Event Coordinator

Build Your Survival Skill Set

What if things got weird?

Would you know how to repair a flat tire, preserve food, improve your soil, communicate during an emergency, mend clothing, provide first aid, or support your neighbors during a crisis?

On Saturday, June 13, the Illinois Valley community is invited to gather at Spiral Living Center for Skillshare 2026, a day of hands-on learning, practical skills, creativity, resilience, and connection.

This free community event brings together local teachers, makers, growers, healers, and lifelong learners to share knowledge that helps us become more capable, connected, and resilient.

Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: 9044 Takilma Road, Cave Junction, OR

Please leave dogs at home.

Schedule of Classes

Class Schedule

10:00 AM

Chainsaw Maintenance

Instructor: Joker

Learn the fundamentals of chainsaw maintenance and care, including cleaning, chain sharpening, routine maintenance, troubleshooting common issues, and essential safety considerations.

Women’s Health

Instructor: Sharon Guest

A practical discussion of women’s health and wellness, covering common concerns, self-care strategies, and resources to support lifelong wellbeing.

Effective Stretching

Instructor: Rachel Goodman

Learn simple stretching techniques to improve flexibility, mobility, and body awareness while reducing tension and supporting overall wellness.

Snail You Want In Your Garden – Class Cancelled

10:30 AM

Fire!

Instructors: Sol & Shu

An introduction to basic fire science and suppression followed by a community roundtable discussion.

11:00 AM

Home Burial Workshop

Instructor: Angela Franklin

An educational overview of home burial practices, legal considerations, family involvement, and end-of-life options.

Getting Rid of the Gremlins Within

Instructor: Karen Beesley

Explore practical tools for recognizing and overcoming limiting habits, beliefs, and thought patterns.

Radio Communications

Instructors: Judy & Craig Hinkle

Learn the basics of two-way radio communication, emergency preparedness, and how radio systems can help families and communities stay connected.

1:00 PM

Co-Creating with Nature & Community

Instructor: Eleyah Knight

Explore ways to build meaningful connections with nature and one another through hands-on activities, creative expression, and community-centered learning.

Sewing & Mending

Instructor: Denise Cardinal

Learn practical sewing and mending techniques that help extend the life of clothing and household items.

Beading Class

Instructor: Nicki

Learn basic beading techniques while creating a simple project to take home.

Beginning Crochet & Knitting

Instructor: Christine Gardiner

Learn the basics of crochet and knitting in this beginner-friendly introduction to fiber arts.

Beading: Peyote Stitch

Instructor: Sunshine

Learn the fundamentals of Peyote stitch beadwork while creating a beautiful handmade project.

Supply Fee: $20 (Please bring cash.)

2:00 PM

Basic Car Maintenance

Instructor: Levi

Learn practical vehicle readiness skills including pre-drive inspections, roadside tools and supplies, safely changing a flat tire, emergency preparedness, and common troubleshooting.

Finding Our Soil-Mates

Instructor: Maayan

Discover the living world beneath our feet and learn how healthy soil supports thriving gardens, resilient ecosystems, and abundant harvests.

Hand Sewing & Repair

Instructor: Shay

Learn essential hand-sewing skills for repairing clothing, gear, and household items.

2:30 PM

Interpersonal Communication

Instructor: Casey

Explore communication skills that strengthen relationships, improve understanding, and help navigate difficult conversations with confidence and respect.

3:00 PM

Found Object Wind Chimes

Instructor: Annette

Transform everyday materials and found objects into unique wind chimes while exploring creativity, upcycling, and artistic expression.

Making Healthy Food Fast – Class cancelled

Stop the Bleed

Instructor: Laurel Pena

Gain lifesaving skills for responding to severe bleeding emergencies until professional help arrives.

3:30 PM

Psychological First Aid

Instructor: Shannon

Learn practical strategies for providing emotional support during times of crisis, stress, or trauma.

4:00 PM

Gratitude Song Circle

Instructor: Veronica

Gather in community to share songs, stories, and reflections centered on gratitude, connection, and the joy of making music together.

Heart of a Lion

Instructor: Annabella

In this workshop, participants will explore and strengthen their ability to lead with love, even in challenging circumstances. Bella Blu, musical yoga practitioner and founder of Bluessence, will introduce practices that build resilience, creativity, and compassion, including breathwork, contemplation, mind-body awareness, and scenario-based exercises. Participants will learn tools for responding to adversity with greater mindfulness, clarity, and connection.

 

Schedule updated June 12, 2026. Class times and offerings are subject to change as additional instructors are confirmed.

Volunteers & Sponsors Still Needed

Skillshare 2026 is made possible through community support and participation.

We are still seeking:

  • Event-day volunteers
  • Community sponsors
  • Raffle prize donations
  • General event support

Interested in helping?

programs@spiralliving.org

Because No One Survives Alone

Skillshare 2026 is about sharing knowledge, building resilience, and strengthening community connections. Whether you’re coming to learn, teach, volunteer, or simply spend the day with neighbors, we hope you’ll join us.

Skillshare 2026 – Because No One Survives Alone

Posted on by Event Coordinator

Imagine this…

It’s a regular morning in the Illinois Valley. Coffee’s brewing. The mountains are still holding onto that early mist. Everything feels… normal.

Until it doesn’t.

The power flickers.
Your phone loses signal.
The grocery store shelves empty faster than anyone expected.

No alarms. No announcements. Just a quiet realization spreading from neighbor to neighbor:

Something’s off.

And suddenly, the question isn’t “What’s happening?”
It’s…

👉 “What do I actually know how to do?”

🔥 The Shift

In moments like this, something interesting happens.

The world doesn’t end in chaos.
It reorganizes.

  • The person who knows how to grow food becomes essential.
  • The one who can fix a generator becomes invaluable.
  • The one who can cook from scratch, preserve food, build, mend, organize, teach…
    becomes the center of a very important circle.

And just as quickly, another truth becomes clear:

No one survives alone.

🌿 Enter: Skillshare 2026

This is where Spiral Living Center steps in—not with fear, but with something far more powerful:

Preparation. Community. Shared knowledge.

Skillshare 2026: Build Your Survival Skill Set isn’t about zombies (though let’s be honest… we’re borrowing the vibe 🧟‍♂️).

It’s about asking a better question:

👉 If things get weird… what role do you play?

🛠️ What This Event Really Is

Skillshare is a community-powered day of hands-on learning, where everyday people step forward and say:

✨ “Here’s what I know.”
✨ “Here’s what I can teach.”
✨ “Here’s how we help each other.”

You might learn:

  • How to grow and preserve your own food
  • Basic repair and tool skills
  • Herbal remedies and natural wellness
  • Cooking from scratch
  • Emergency preparedness
  • Creative problem-solving
  • And the kinds of skills that don’t show up in textbooks—but absolutely matter when life gets unpredictable

🧭 The Real Survival Strategy

Let’s be honest.

If the world ever does tilt sideways…
The people who thrive won’t be the ones who panic.

They’ll be the ones who:

  • Know something useful
  • Stay connected
  • And can look at a challenge and say,
    “Okay… we can figure this out.”

That’s what Skillshare is building.

Not fear.
Capability.

Not isolation.
Community.

🌌 Closing: Your Role in the Story

So here’s the real question:

If things got weird tomorrow…

👉 Would you know what to do?
👉 Would you know who to turn to?
👉 Would someone else be glad you were there?

Skillshare 2026 is your chance to step into that answer.

Come learn.
Come teach.
Come connect.

Because when things get weird…

Useful people matter.
And no one survives alone.

📣 Call to Action

👉 Interested in teaching or participating?
Fill out the Skillshare Interest Form:
https://tinyurl.com/2026-skillshare-interest-form

👉 Stay tuned—class offerings will be announced on the Spiral Living Center website as they’re confirmed.

Breaking Bread Together: Introducing Our Free Food Class Series

Posted on by Event Coordinator

There’s something timeless about making food by hand.

Flour on the counter. Dough between your fingers. The quiet patience of waiting for something to rise.

At Spiral Living Center, we believe those small, everyday skills are worth sharing — not just because they’re useful, but because they bring people together.

That’s why we’re excited to introduce our Free Food Class Series as part of our Community Food Project.

🌿 A Space to Learn, Share, and Connect

This new series is designed to offer practical, hands-on food education in a way that feels welcoming, accessible, and rooted in community.

These classes are:

  • Free to attend
  • Open to all experience levels
  • Focused on real, everyday skills
  • Led by local instructors who enjoy sharing what they know

Whether you’re learning something for the first time or returning to a skill you haven’t used in years, these classes are meant to meet you where you are.

Update: This class is currently full.

Thank you for the wonderful community response! Our first Free Food Class, Sourdough Bread Making with Sharon Guest, has reached capacity.

If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please email:

programs@spiralliving.org

Please include your name, phone number, and how many spots you are requesting.

If a spot opens up, we will contact people from the waitlist in the order requests are received.

Additional Free Food Classes will be announced soon, so please stay tuned.

🌱 More Classes to Come

This sourdough class is just the beginning.

Throughout the year, Spiral Living Center will be offering additional free food-related classes focused on building skills, confidence, and connection around food.

Topics may include:

  • Food preservation
  • Seasonal cooking
  • Garden-to-table basics
  • Budget-friendly meals
  • And more

Each class will be announced as it’s scheduled, so stay tuned.

Save the Date: Spiral Living Center’s 20th Annual Skillshare

Posted on by Event Coordinator

Spiral Living Center’s annual Skillshare is returning on Saturday, June 13, 2026 and this year’s event will be especially meaningful as we also celebrate 20 years of Spiral Living Center.

Skillshare is a free, in-person community event rooted in a simple idea: everyone has something to share.

Over the years, Skillshare has brought people together to exchange practical skills, sustainable living knowledge, creative ideas, and hands-on learning in a welcoming and community-based setting. From gardening and food preservation to crafts, wellness, repair skills, homesteading knowledge, and creative expression, Skillshare is a space where neighbors can learn from neighbors.

This year, we’re beginning the planning process and inviting the community to help shape the day.

We’re currently looking for:

  • People who would like to teach or demonstrate a skill
  • Community booths / tables
  • Volunteers
  • Community members who want to attend and stay informed

Whether you have a practical skill to share, an idea for a mini session, or simply want to be part of the day, we’d love to hear from you.

Why Skillshare matters

Skillshare reflects so much of what Spiral Living Center is about: community resilience, local knowledge, accessibility, creativity, and connection.

In a time when so much information is filtered through screens, Skillshare offers something more human — a chance to gather in person, learn by doing, ask questions, and pass knowledge from one person to another.

It’s not about being an expert.
It’s about showing up with what you know and making space for others to do the same.

Interested in getting involved?

👉 Fill out the Skillshare Interest Form here:
https://tinyurl.com/2026-skillshare-interest-form

We hope you’ll save the date and be part of this special year.

Saturday, June 13, 2026
Free • All are welcome • Illinois Valley

How to Save & Care for Seeds (And What to Bring to a Seed Swap)

Posted on by Event Coordinator

Saving seeds is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to participate in a gardening community.

It’s also one of those things that feels easy… until you realize there’s a little more to it.

Not all seeds are created equal when it comes to saving and sharing. Some stay true year after year. Others like to mingle a little too freely.

If you’re planning to bring seeds to the Seed Swap, here’s a quick guide to help you know what to save, what to watch for, and how to care for your seeds so they stay viable.

🌼 The Easiest Seeds to Save (Great for Beginners)

Some plants are naturally good at keeping their genetics consistent. These are the best seeds to start with if you’re new to seed saving.

Look for:

  • Tomatoes (especially heirloom varieties)
  • Beans
  • Peas
  • Lettuce
  • Peppers (with a little spacing awareness)

These plants are mostly self-pollinating, which means they’re less likely to cross with nearby varieties.

If you saved seeds from these and labeled them well, they’re wonderful to bring to a seed swap.

⚠️ Seeds That Cross-Pollinate Easily

Some plants are a little more… social.

They can cross with other varieties of the same species, especially if they’re growing nearby. When that happens, the seeds may not grow into what you expect next season.

Common cross-pollinators include:

  • Squash (zucchini, pumpkins, etc.)
  • Corn
  • Cucumbers
  • Brassicas (like broccoli, kale, cabbage)

That doesn’t mean you can’t save them — it just means it takes more planning, like spacing varieties far apart or hand-pollinating.

For the Seed Swap, it’s helpful to label these clearly if you’re unsure:

👉 “May have cross-pollinated”
👉 “Open pollinated, variety uncertain”

Honesty helps everyone grow better plants.

🌾 What Makes a “Good” Seed for Sharing?

When you bring seeds to a swap, you’re not just sharing a plant — you’re sharing an experience.

Good seeds for sharing are:

✔ Fully mature (left on the plant long enough)
✔ Properly dried
✔ Clean (free of pulp or debris)
✔ Labeled clearly

If you can, include:

  • Plant name
  • Variety (if known)
  • Year harvested
  • Any notes (flavor, growth habit, etc.)

Even a few handwritten details can make someone’s garden more successful.

🌿 How to Care for Your Seeds

Seeds are living things. They may look still, but they’re quietly waiting for the right moment.

How you store them matters.

Keep seeds:

  • Cool
  • Dry
  • Dark

A few simple tips:

• Store seeds in paper envelopes or glass jars
• Keep them in a drawer, cupboard, or cool room
• Avoid moisture at all costs
• Label everything (you will forget later)

What to avoid:

🚫 Leaving seeds in a hot car
🚫 Storing in damp areas
🚫 Sealing seeds before they’re fully dry

Heat and moisture are the fastest ways to reduce seed viability.

⏳ How Long Do Seeds Last?

Not all seeds have the same shelf life.

General guidelines:

  • Beans, peas: 2–4 years
  • Tomatoes, peppers: 3–5 years
  • Lettuce: 1–2 years
  • Onions: often just 1 year

If you’re unsure, you can always do a simple germination test at home.

But even older seeds can still be worth sharing — just label the year so others know what to expect.

🌼 Seed Swapping Is About More Than Perfection

Not every seed has to be perfect to be valuable.

Seed swaps are about learning, experimenting, and sharing what works — and sometimes what didn’t.

If you’re new to saving seeds, bring what you have and be open about what you know.

That’s how knowledge grows in a community.

🌱 A Place to Learn, Share, and Grow

At the 20th Annual Community Seed Swap hosted by Spiral Living Center, you’ll find seeds, scions, and stories being shared across generations.

🌿 Bring what you can. Learn what you don’t know yet.

That’s the spirit of a seed swap.

And it’s how a garden — and a community — continues to grow.

5 Plants That Thrive in the Illinois Valley (And Why Local Seeds Matter)

Posted on by Event Coordinator

Gardening in the Illinois Valley has its own rhythm.

Our summers bring bright sun and warm afternoons, while the evenings cool down just enough to give plants a breather. Spring can arrive with a little hesitation, and the soil rewards those who pay attention to its moods.

Over the years, local gardeners have learned which plants truly flourish here. Many of those varieties have been passed from neighbor to neighbor, season to season, adapting to the valley’s soil, weather, and growing patterns.

That’s part of the magic of a community seed swap: you’re not just picking up seeds — you’re picking up plants that already know how to grow here.

Here are five plants that gardeners in the Illinois Valley love to grow.

 

🍅 Tomatoes: Heat-Loving Heroes

Heirloom tomatoes growing in an Illinois Valley garden

Tomatoes thrive in the Illinois Valley’s warm summer days and long hours of sunlight.

Local gardeners often grow heirloom varieties that have adapted beautifully to Southern Oregon conditions. Over time, seeds saved from these plants become even better suited to our soil and climate.

At a seed swap, tomato seeds are some of the most exciting envelopes to discover. Each one represents a gardener who grew it, loved it, and decided it was worth sharing.

 

🥒 Zucchini: The Overachiever

If you’ve gardened in the Illinois Valley for any length of time, you’ve probably experienced the unstoppable enthusiasm of zucchini.

Plant one, and before long you may find yourself sharing squash with neighbors, coworkers, and anyone who happens to walk past your garden.

Zucchini grows vigorously in our summer conditions, making it a great choice for beginner gardeners. It’s also a common offering at seed swaps because gardeners are often eager to pass along successful varieties.

 

🌿 Kale: The Reliable Workhorse

Kale is one of those plants that seems to take whatever the season throws its way and keep growing.

It tolerates cool spring temperatures and continues producing well into fall. Many gardeners find that kale becomes one of the most dependable crops in their garden.

Because kale is open-pollinated and easy to save seeds from, it’s another plant that often appears at community seed swaps.

🌻 Sunflowers: Beauty and Biodiversity

Sunflowers do more than brighten a garden.

They support pollinators, produce edible seeds, and add a sense of joy to any growing space. Their tall stems and bright blooms make them a favorite for gardeners of all ages.

Sunflowers are also wonderful plants for young gardeners, which is why they often show up in kids’ activities at community garden events.

At the Seed Swap, you may find several different sunflower varieties — each with its own personality.

 

🌱 Culinary Herbs: Small Plants, Big Flavor

Herbs like rosemary, oregano, and thyme thrive in the valley’s warm summers and relatively dry conditions.

These plants are hardy, fragrant, and incredibly useful in the kitchen. Once established, many herbs return year after year, quietly becoming part of the garden landscape.

They’re also wonderful gateway plants for new gardeners because they’re forgiving and rewarding to grow.

🌾 Why Local Seeds Matter

When gardeners save seeds from plants that thrive in the Illinois Valley, those seeds slowly adapt to local conditions.

Over time they become:

  • More resilient to local weather patterns

  • Better suited to valley soil

  • More reliable producers

That’s why seed swaps matter. They help keep these locally adapted varieties circulating through the community.

Every envelope represents a small piece of agricultural resilience.

🌼 Join the Community Seed Swap

At the 20th Annual Community Seed Swap hosted by Spiral Living Center, you’ll find seeds like these — shared by local growers, gardeners, and neighbors who have spent years learning what works here.

Alongside the seed exchange, the event will feature:

  • Flash Skillshare mini-workshops

  • Seed Swap Bingo

  • A garden map to explore the event

  • Activities for young gardeners through our Sprout Scouts program

  • Opportunities to connect with local growers and vendors

The Flash Skillshares also offer a preview of our larger community Skillshare gathering coming in June, where we’ll explore hands-on skills that support local resilience and learning.

🌱 What grows best in your Illinois Valley garden?

Every gardener has a favorite success story.

Maybe it’s a tomato variety that never disappoints, a zucchini that refuses to quit, or an herb that has quietly taken over a corner of your yard.

We’d love to hear about it.

Those stories are part of what makes a seed swap special — and they help the next gardener grow something wonderful.

What Is a Scion? (And Why You Might Want One)

Posted on by Event Coordinator

“Do you have scions?”

If you’ve never been to a seed swap before, that word might sound like something from a fantasy novel.

But it’s actually one of the most magical tools in a gardener’s kit.

🌿 A Scion, Simply Explained

A scion is a cutting from a fruit tree — typically taken while the tree is dormant.

It contains the exact genetic blueprint of that tree.

When you graft a scion onto compatible rootstock, you create a new tree that produces the same fruit as the original.

Same apples.
Same pears.
Same plums.

It’s cloning, but the wholesome orchard version.

Cutting and Storing Scionwood — Out on a Limb Apples

🌳 Why Grafting Matters

Let’s say your grandmother had an apple tree that produced the crispest, sweetest fruit you’ve ever tasted.

Instead of planting seeds and hoping for something similar, you can take a scion from that exact tree and graft it.

You preserve the variety.
You preserve the flavor.
You preserve the lineage.

Grafting keeps heritage trees alive — especially older varieties that aren’t sold commercially.

🍎 Why You’ll See Scions at the Seed Swap

Seed swaps are about more than seeds.

They’re about preserving plant genetics, local adaptation, and community knowledge.

At Spiral Living’s Seed Swap, you may find scion exchanges happening alongside seeds. It’s a chance to:

  • Diversify your orchard

  • Preserve rare fruit varieties

  • Learn about grafting from experienced growers

Even if you’re brand new to fruit trees, it’s a fascinating window into how orchards are built.

🌱 Don’t Know How to Graft Yet?

That’s okay.

The Seed Swap is a place to ask questions, observe, and learn. And our Flash Skillshares offer short, approachable sessions on practical skills — a preview of our full Skillshare gathering coming in June.

Learning happens in layers.

First curiosity.
Then conversation.
Then confidence.

🌼 Grow Something That Lasts

A scion is small. Just a stick, really.

But given the right rootstock and a little care, it becomes fruit for decades.

That’s what this gathering is about.

Planting things that last.