About Us

We are a Black Forest family-operated market serving
our community with smiles!

Our Mission

To support a healthier community by providing an opportunity for local farmers, food producers, and artisans to sell their products directly to the consumer in an educational, friendly, and community-oriented environment.

Our Vision

- Support Colorado Farmers and Ranchers. 

-Educate the community on local Colorado Agriculture. 

-Share our belief that Food Justice is communities exercising their right to grow, sell, and eat healthy food.

-Provide a vehicle to educate the community on nutritional, environmental, and economic value of buying local, sustainably-produced farm products. 

-Transition to a Zero Waste Market by 2024.  

-Bring together families, neighbors, and local small businesses to create community. 

-Establish a vibrant market with unique Artisans, Crafters, and Food Producers that makes our market a destination for tourists and visitors.  

-Partner with like-minded local businesses to ensure the continuation of access to our local food systems. 

Be a Localist with us!

Theda | Founder

Favorite Produce - Hakurei Turnip

Theda is originally from the East coast but has called Colorado home since 2001. She has always been an entrepreneur at heart and a supporter of all things local. When the opportunity arose in 2020 to open a farmers market in Black Forest her vision of bringing a true farmers market came to life. The market has grown to be the largest producer-only market in Colorado Springs. Theda currently lives in Black Forest, serves on the Board of the Colorado Farmers Market Association and has 4 boys that have all helped out at the market over the years.

Beth | Market Manager
Favorite Produce - Beets

Beth has lived in Colorado for over 10 years, married with 3 children, both she and her husband are prior Air Force. She has been with the market for over 2 years and loves the community that has been built with the patrons and the vendors.

Shelby | Sustainability Coordinator
Favorite Produce - Root Vegetables

Shelby was born and raised in Hawaii on the island of Oahu. With her lifelong love of animals and the environment, she attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and obtained her Bachelors Degree in Animal Science. After graduation, she moved to San Diego with her husband Corey and worked as a veterinary technician. After 6 years in the veterinary field, she realized she had a deep-seated desire to make positive change and that her true passion lay with championing sustainability. This motivated her to leave her veterinary career and pursue a life dedicated to sustainability. Upon moving to Colorado Springs in 2021, her passion led to the opportunity to join the Backyard Farmers Market team and help create positive change in the local community!

 E-Gift Cards NOW Available!

Shop Local with Us!

Shop Local at the Farmers Market with an E-Gift Card!

Know someone who loves going to Farmers Markets and shopping local? Give an E-gift card! It’s the perfect gift that can be used all season at all our locations: Black Forest, Park Union, and The Farm Shop. Click the image of our shopper to get your E-gift Card today!