On July 31st, 15 students from the LEAF program, Leadership Ecology Action Fellowship, http://matteroftrust.org/leaf-academy-2014 and their three leaders joined our volunteer
day to participate in a day of ecological service, urban renewal and innovative
stewardship.
Having studied ecological systems and how their processes cycle
back into the community, these students were more than prepared to observe and
participate in Graze the Roof’s goals and support the habitat of container
gardens filled with drought tolerant natives and seasonal, edible fruits and
vegetables and flowers. Their trip to the roof was the culminating experience of
a long journey through the Bay Area’s sustainability initiatives, local food
systems, and even GLIDE’s Meal Program.
We stated with introductions as a group and then three teams
were made to tackle the day’s to-do list:
water, harvest the potato tower, and sift compost.
With a passion for water wise gardening, and site-specific
irrigation systems at work, the students helped to supplement certain areas
that were lacking water due to the dry spring and summer we have had. A team of
students worked with soil and straw as they dug potatoes from the stacked tower
of milk crates, and the smell of sweet compost in the air, their enthusiasm, teamwork,
and curiosity was palpable and inspired a productive and fun day on the roof.
“Is there a bee in my hair?”
“Can snails swim?”
It was time for lunch.
A hungry group called for a hefty harvest – We harvested an
abundant garden-fresh salad rich with edible flowers and diverse spicy leaves.
There is nothing like a Graze the Roof salad.
“There’s a bug in my salad.”
“Excuse me, do you have ranch?”
The energy never faltered, and 491 potatoes later, the LEAF
crew had to pack it in. It was a
terrific day in the garden with an amazing group of inspiring young people, who
no doubt, are moving toward creating a progressive and positive environment for
us all.
Come join us for a day at the garden at Graze the Roof every
Thursday from 10am-2pm and read reflections from the LEAF group as well as more
about the program itself here!
