Guided by a love for our planet and a deep commitment to making a positive impact, Jyoti’s Seeds for Change Foundation embodies the spirit of its visionary founder, Jyoti Ulrych.
We believe that the earth is more than a resource—it’s a living partner in our journey. Our connection to its rivers, mountains, trees, air and soils shapes how we live and thrive. We exist not in spite of these natural wonders, but because of them. By supporting nature’s voice, and providing her a seat at the table, we envision a deeper relationship with the land – one that fosters healthier, happier and more resilient communities, grounded in shared purpose and responsibility.
Today, we steward lands in Kapa’au, Hawai’i, and Marble, Colorado. Though distinct in character, these places share common challenges. Through initiatives like land preservation, education, sustainable farming and local food access, we are committed to ensuring they continue to inspire and sustain future generations.
At Jyoti’s Seeds for Change, planting a seed is an act of hope, a belief in a better tomorrow. Join us. BE THE SEED.
‘Jyoti’ means light in Sanskrit, and Jyoti Ulrych’s light shone brightly. She and her husband, Andre, were unstoppable advocates for our planet, our food systems, and the health of our communities. Their journey began in 1973 during a climbing trip in Nepal, where they observed Sherpas thriving on a diet of whole grains and vegetables, while Western climbers struggled on freeze-dried and canned foods. This experience ignited a lifelong passion.
Jyoti and Andre became proactive and involved in so much positive change. They co-founded ‘Seeds of Change,’ an international company dedicated to organic propagation and the preservation of heirloom seeds. In an effort to share their knowledge, they organized and hosted some of the first environmental summits in Colorado; focusing on GMOs, regenerative farming and biodiversity. And as champions of the importance of agricultural lands, they set up and helped fund protected lands across the North, Central and South Americas.
Jyoti was a force —a yogi, a defender of the earth, a healer, and a leader who inspired others to live responsibly and compassionately. Though she passed away in 2018, her legacy of land and purpose lives on in the Foundation’s work.
Our guiding principles shape everything we do:
We are honored to carry forward Jyoti’s work, with hearts full of gratitude and admiration.
As Director, Karen brings four decades of experience and a deep personal connection to Jyoti’s vision. Her background in business, accounting, sustainability, and community work helps to shape the Foundation’s future.
As Jyoti’s legal counsel, Joslyn brings 3 decades of service to the team and a vast knowledge of Jyoti’s work. Specializing in land use issues, affordable housing and business matters in both Colorado and Hawai’i makes her a valuable voice for the Foundation’s future.
Jyoti’s sister and lifelong Horticulturist, Liana infuses the Foundation with her environmental expertise and love for gardening and education.
Lesley was an integral part of Jyoti’s team for four decades, using her expertise in commercial investments, residential real estate and financing to navigate market cycles and advise on investment opportunities. She continues to support Jyoti’s vision with her strategic planning for the Foundation’s Board.
Amy joins us in Colorado as a farmer, teacher, deep listener, and operations manager for our Marble Farms Project. A lifelong learner and a long time educator, she brings experience in human development, education, nutrition, gardening, and permaculture. She’s passionate about healthy soil, clean water, meaningful education, and compassionate community.
Jyoti’s sister and lifelong Horticulturist, Liana infuses the Foundation with her environmental expertise and love for gardening and education.
We could not exist without the wisdom, generosity and hard work of our supporters. Together, we are planting seeds for a brighter future. Thank you!
To “be the seed” is to embrace transformation. A seed holds the promise of growth, the spark of change. It’s a quiet powerhouse, ready to inspire, connect, and thrive with the help of others. By being the seed, you plant hope, cultivate passion, and reap a harvest of impact—giving and receiving along the way.
At its heart, agroforestry is about nurturing harmonious relationships within nature’s embrace. It’s a thoughtful approach that blends trees with crops or pasture, creating diverse, multi-layered plantings that mimic the richness of natural ecosystems.
Agroforestry isn’t just about farming; it’s a way of co-creating with nature, respecting its rhythms and patterns. A beautiful aspect is its use of nitrogen-fixing plants, which work like nature’s own fertilizer, rejuvenating the soil’s fertility. These plants are like gentle healers, restoring and nourishing the land.
In essence, agroforestry is a dance of stewardship and regeneration, where every plant and creature plays a part in a symphony of sustainability.
If you’d like to attend one of our Agroforestry workshops please Get Involved and we’ll let you know when they are happening.
Let’s grow together! Join us on the ground for workshops, volunteer opportunities and seasonal events or online to see and learn what we are up to. Stay updated by joining our mailing list today.
There are a few ways to roll up your sleeves and farm with us—whether you’re called to the high mountain air of Colorado or the rich, red soils of Hawai’i. You can start by volunteering on one of our farms, applying for a farm plot in Hawai’i, or exploring one of our immersive programs/workshops.
At our Kohala Farms Project, our Farm Incubator program is designed to nurture emerging farmers and agriculture students. We offer what every budding grower needs to root and rise: land, housing, mentorship, access to markets, and part-time paid work. We’re currently welcoming applications for this program—head to our [Projects page] to learn more.
If you feel the tug of the land and want to grow with us, sign up for our mailing list. We’ll keep you in the loop about hands-on opportunities, open farm plots, workshops, and the many ways you can dig in
In Hawai’i, we’re transforming 117 acres of agricultural land into affordable farm parcels, deed-restricted to remain active farmland forever. Farmers will produce food for local communities, ensuring fresh, sustainable nourishment for generations to come.
In Colorado, our Freight Farm—a vertical, hydroponic farm housed in a shipping container—brings a steady supply of fresh produce to a community previously considered a food desert. This remote, high-altitude community has less than a 3 month growing season. The Freight Farm will serve as a year-round local food source and a benefit to the local school’s lunch program.
We hope to inspire others to grow their own food and reconnect with the land. Learn more on our Projects page.
A Freight Farm is a marvel of modern farming: a self-contained, state-of-the-art, hydroponic, vertical farm that fits into a shipping container. It produces nearly 1,000 heads of lettuce weekly using just five gallons of water daily—an astonishingly efficient system that redefines sustainability.
Our Freight Farm not only reduces water usage but shortens the distance food travels, ensuring high quality, fresh, nutritious produce for a remote, high altitude community year-round. Curious? Schedule a tour to see it in action.
And if we missed what you might be interested in, don’t hesitate to contact us at Info@jsfcFOUNDATION.org