As of today, April 1st, our new website is going live, offering you an engaging and streamlined browsing experience.

This makeover goes beyond aesthetics; it's about enhancing your online interaction with us, making it smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you're placing orders, exploring our projects, or interested in getting involved, our redesigned website aims to improve your experience while providing a clearer view of our work and mission.

Moreover, we've simplified the process for our amazing volunteers and supporters to find ways to engage with and support our cause. From volunteer opportunities to community events, our updated platform will serve as your primary resource for everything related to Planting Justice.

Please note, we are currently in the phase of a soft launch. This means that while our website is going live today, a few features may not be available right away. We plan to roll out these features in stages, ensuring each addition enhances your ability to interact with us and supports our mission effectively.

After exploring our updated website, please share your feedback with us. Your insights are invaluable as we continue to grow and improve.

The article "It's Time to Compost the Prison Plantation" from The Nation, in collaboration with MOLD magazine, critically examines the role of agriculture in the prison system, particularly through initiatives like "Restorative Justice Gardens." Despite their presentation as humanitarian efforts, these programs often perpetuate a modern-day prison plantation system, exploiting incarcerated labor under the guise of rehabilitation. The piece highlights the resistance and resilience of incarcerated individuals who engage in clandestine gardening, asserting their humanity and challenging the status quo. It also emphasizes the broader abolitionist movement's efforts to dismantle these practices and foster food sovereignty and justice, showcasing organizations like Planting Justice and Sweet Freedom Farm that bridge communities and advocate for systemic change.

“In Oakland, Planting Justice uses agriculture to connect people across the free/unfree divide. A third of the staff is formerly incarcerated, many from San Quentin Rehabilitation Center. They work alongside others to tend one of the largest organic tree nurseries in the country, plant community gardens, educate youth, and more. Not only are people avoiding reincarceration with healing horticultural practices, but they are also challenging exploitative conditions like prison slavery.”

“People are deserving of land and resources before they’re incarcerated. Dismantling prisons is directly related to building new agricultural worlds.”

This month at our Nursery has been marked by significant progress, growth, and educational opportunities, underscoring our commitment to community and sustainable practices.

This month, we welcomed Christopher Martin to our mother team. Christopher isn't just a new addition to our workforce; he embodies our ethos of community involvement, being a resident of Sobrante Park himself. His local insights and dedication are invaluable as we continue to deepen our roots in the communities we serve.

In a significant move towards fostering leadership within our ranks, Luis Jr. Ortega, previously a key member of our shipping team, has stepped up as our new Field Team Lead. 

Additionally, the Propagation team is thrilled to welcome Evelio Serrano Mejía, an Oakland resident. Evelio brings a fresh perspective and energy to the team, and his Oakland roots strengthen our mission to promote sustainable practices and community empowerment in the Bay Area.

On the production side, our Propagation team has successfully propagated over 1,500 cuttings this month, while our Grafting team has impressively grafted over 2,000 trees, with plans to complete around 3,000 more grafts.

Additionally, we've ensured that most of our plants at the nursery received the necessary fertilization for this time of year, setting the stage for healthy growth and development.

In an effort to empower our staff and the surrounding community, we hosted the "Planting the Seed for Your Future: Home Buying Workshop" in collaboration with E3 Realty. This workshop was open to all staff and community members, aimed at demystifying the home-buying process and providing practical guidance for future homeownership.

Our Reentry team had a poignant session with Dwayne Hendricks, concluding the final chapter of the "Who Are You?" book. This session offered a moment of reflection and learning, contributing to the personal growth and development of our team members.

The blue lupines flourishing in Alcatraz's gardens narrate a unique tale of transformation and hope, tracing their roots back to the Chowchilla prison. These flowers, meticulously grown by incarcerated women, stand as powerful symbols of resilience, offering a bridge between vastly different worlds.

This remarkable journey of change and growth is the result of a harmonious partnership between the Insight Garden Program (IGP), the National Park Service (NPS), and Restorative Media. Spearheaded by the visionary efforts of National Park Service Ranger Oliver Goodman and brought to fruition through the dedicated endeavors of Sol Mercado, an Insight Garden Program alumni, and Lauren Beatty, IGP’s diligent program manager.

The partnership between these devoted individuals and organizations is a vivid demonstration of the belief in second chances and the healing power of nature. It not only provides vital vocational and therapeutic opportunities through gardening but also paves the way for expanded programs aimed at nurturing connections and legacy-building.

Share this story to spread the word about how beauty, care, and dedication can flourish even in the most unexpected places.

At Dewey, we are continuously feeding the youth and assisting them with healthier food choices. (The picture shows a vegetarian option and a salad with chicken, which they love.)

Thanks to the incredible support and generosity of our community, our fundraising efforts have surged beyond $1,152,755, pushing us over a third of the way to our ambitious $3 million target!

The aquaponics site is progressing well. We've completed all the demolition work, and cleanup is still underway. Recently, we undertook significant landscaping efforts. A long-time Sobrante Park community member, who specializes in landscaping, did an excellent job clearing the entire lot, removing weeds, and extracting blackberry bramble from the metal fence. We've also begun the process of removing the barbed wire from the front fence. Additionally, we upgraded three EBMUD drainage lines and underwent backflow prevention testing. After making some adjustments to the existing backflow device, we passed the test with flying colors.

Andrew, Jaime, and Silviano have been diligently working on the south house/one-story house. They've successfully installed the internal framing, waterproofing, outdoor panels, and windows.

We are confident that, with the continued support of our community, we will not only reach our $3,000,000 goal but surpass it! We are deeply grateful for everyone's generosity and support thus far.

We will keep you updated on the progress of this campaign and share the latest developments regarding the Aquaponics Incubator Farm. In the meantime, we invite you to watch a powerful video that provides more insights into the future of our Aquaponics Incubator Farm.

There are many ways to support Planting Justice!

You can make a one time, monthly, quarterly, or annual donation. Planting Justice is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with an EIN of 27-0334905 all donations are 100% tax deductible.

Planting Justice also accepts Stock Donations!

Receiving Institution: Charles Schwab & Co.
1945 Northwestern Drive
El Paso, TX 79912
Receiving Account Number: 8239-5748
Receiving Account Name: Planting Justice
DTC Clearing Number: 0164, Code

Not able to contribute financially? No problem! There are still many ways to support us, such as volunteering or sharing our work. Every bit helps and we appreciate your support!

Come join us as a volunteer at our Farm or the Good Table! If you're up for a sunny day amidst fruit trees, shrubs, and fresh grapevines, we've got the perfect spot for you. Can't wait to see you there!

If you’re unable to support us with a monetary donation for fire recovery, please consider volunteering with clean-up efforts at the farm or at the Good Table. Our small but mighty team has been working around the clock to recover, and they could really use some extra hands. You can sign up for the next volunteer day here. 

Wear sturdy shoes and clothing, and bring work gloves. We appreciate each and every one of our supporters and donors. Thank you for all the ways you support Planting Justice. Thank you for growing with us

Your support means the world to us, and we're thrilled to offer you various ways to make a lasting impact. We express our deepest gratitude for all forms of donations, whether they come as one-time contributions or monthly support. As a monthly donor, you become a vital pillar in our mission, providing ongoing sustenance to the work we do. What's more, all donations are 100% tax-deductible, making your contribution even more meaningful.

By joining our community of monthly donors, you embark on a journey of continuous support for our organization's transformative initiatives. Your consistent commitment empowers us to tackle challenges head-on, create sustainable change, and foster a more equitable world. Every donation, regardless of its size, holds immense value to us and the communities we serve.

We invite you to consider becoming a monthly donor, knowing that your generosity will have a profound and lasting impact on the lives of individuals and the larger community. Together, we can sow seeds of hope, cultivate justice, and harvest a future that thrives for all. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration in supporting Planting Justice.

Our new Farmer’s Market will begin in April 21st! It will be located directly in front of The Good Table, located at 5166 Sobrante Ave El Sobrante CA. It will take place on Sundays from noon-4. We are still looking for vendors to join! If you’re interested please reach out to our market manager, Sam, at Sam@plantingjustice.org or (626)240-9199. Keep following our socials for updates. 

Spring has sprung!

Plums, peaches, and almonds are all in full bloom, and they herald the end of winter and beginning of the warmer seasons. Wildflowers such as calendula, borage, wild radish, and the invasive yellows of sourgrass and mustard flower provide a pop of color and a piquant flavor on the tongue when tasted. We encourage our volunteers to eat as much mustard as they can!

Many more of the mulberries are starting to fruit, too. As we have about 70 varieties on the Mother Farm, we’re fortunate to have mulberries of various varieties fruiting from March through June. Wonderful snacks while working on the Mother Farm!

Volunteers and Students Welcome!

Given all the tasks we have to do at this busiest time of year, we’re so very appreciative of all the volunteers who have come to help steward the land. Terviva, an Alameda-based international company that grows pongamia beans for protein and oil, spent part of their staff retreat to volunteer at the Mother Farm and help us plant over a dozen varieties of lavender. Was great to have growers from India, Australia, Hawaii, and Florida on the land to share strategies and swap stories while working.

Volunteers are welcome to join us on the land for rewarding work weekly Tuesdays and Thursdays, or every second Saturday of the month. 

Calocedrus decurrens can also be very useful as:

A windbreak
A screen
A stabilizer for slopes
Part of a hedgerow
A shade provider
The wood is popular for paneling, siding, shingles, and fence posts.
Incense Cedar supports wildlife, serving as the only host plant for the beautiful Burney Granite Moth (Digrammia burneyata).

Other considerations include its cone-shaped crown with fragrant foliage, cinnamon-brown, thick, fibrous bark, and a typical height of 75-90 ft., reaching up to 150 ft. if not pruned or sheared. Hardy in zones 5-9, this tree is easy to grow in the garden but requires a bit of room.

We have them available now in 3x3x9 inch pots for $10.00 each, with a total of 250 available.

Welcome spring by rejuvenating your garden with our certified organic fruit and nut trees! Transform your outdoor space into a vibrant spring sanctuary with our top-quality trees. Seize an exclusive 15% discount on your entire purchase by using the promo code SPRINGFORJOY at checkout. Take advantage of this special online offer at plantingjustice.org/shop. Share this code with friends and family, and together, let's create a breathtakingly beautiful garden that celebrates the rejuvenating energy and abundance of spring!