This summer I have been supporting youth and community programming in a large community garden in my neighborhood, while also supporting several garden leaders at small vacant lot gardens scattered throughout the Harambee neighborhood, focusing on fruit tree care.

Im finding that there is tremendous power in establishing a community-owned and managed health-promoting space-its healing for children to experience the awe, joy and wonder; its a rare public social exchange space, it produces nourishment, it provides a peaceful, calming natural environment, it encourages purpose in the form of personal investment in energy and labor, for the common good. Got something better than that?