In this episode Designers of Paradise host Erik van Lennep talks with Anna Luberoff, Garden Programs Manager at Community Grows. Community Grows‘ mission is to “cultivate healthy youth through growing gardens in low-income, diverse communities.” Over the past decade they have helped renovate and maintain parks and gardens in the Western Addition neighborhood of San Francisco.
Erik and Anna discuss the history of Community Grows and their first project, to reclaim Koshland Park and demonstrate the “healing power of nature”; their work with youth and elementary schools; and development of a Peace Wall populated by young people’s art. Anna tells the story of her path from the east coast to the west and how being with nature motivates her work. She also explains the central role of community engagement in planning and how it led to unexpected collaborations.
Community Grows is always looking for volunteers who like to work with kids! Contact them directly at info@communitygrows.org.
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