SEED Gatherings

SEED is a coalition of environmental education organizations united by the goal of linking classroom learning with real world applications through outdoor education. Almost everyone from here fondly remembers going to SCICON in elementary school, but we are working to expand outdoor learning to every student at every grade level by inviting an ever-widening network of folks to join the movement. At our most recent SEED Gathering, we welcomed many new partners and over 80 guests to join us in a day focused on discussing Regenerative Agriculture, Food, and Soil Health. 

As participants at last year’s SEED Summer Institute began to develop our Tulare County Climate Literacy Framework, we realized that our definition of environmental education had to expand to address farming - our most important industry, and a major player in climate impacts and potential solutions. In planning the event, we realized we have lots of expertise to draw from and we were happy to bring so many different people and ideas to one place. 

SEED was thrilled to partner with the Allensworth Progressive Association, who hosted and turned this into a community event, with kid-friendly activities, Spanish translation services, and amazing tacos. Co-Executive Director Tekoah Kadara began our morning with a land acknowledgement, an eye-opening history of the community of Allensworth, and an inspiring vision of his town as a future hub for empowerment through restorative agricultural education. 

Next, Springville’s own Kevin Boyer, founder of the national Regenerative Agriculture Foundation and owner of Sequoia Roots Farm provided a foundational understanding of regenerative agriculture as “a way of supplying the human needs of food, fiber, fuel and fun while improving or maintaining the systems and cycles on which we depend.” Workshops throughout the day elaborated on future-focused and climate-smart solutions and gave educators the chance to build on their knowledge and connect with each other. 

K-12 teachers, the primary audience for SEED’s current B-WET grant, were enthusiastic about the event. Kingsburg High School science teacher Leigh-Ann Olsen said, “I was able to make connections to concepts I discuss in class, and also think about these topics in ways I haven't before with other individuals. I loved the hands-on activities such as making a worm bin and looking at how soil conditions can impact water infiltration or runoff by using bread vs. flour. The food was excellent and the discussions were rich.” 

Priscilla Lopez, a middle school teacher and leader of the Burton Academy of Science and Agriculture, presented a workshop on “Teaching Regenerative Ag through the Farm to Table Concept.” She said, “I believe that in order to prepare the upcoming generations, we as educators must create awareness and make it accessible. It is up to us.” Presenter Dr. Leticia Classen Rodriguez of SEEN raved, “This event was the highlight of my job—bringing together colleagues and friends, united by shared values, a passion for the environment, a commitment to people, and a love for education.”

According to local Brian Fagundes of Point Blue, "I was born and raised in the Tulare and Kings County area and opportunities were rare to learn about nature, regenerative agriculture, and the environment in general. Working as a wildlife biologist and agroecologist in the region now, participating in SEED is inspiring me to connect with others in the region to build community and grow our collective impact. I would love to see this movement continue to grow and develop as more individuals, teachers, and organizations join and share their amazing knowledge and skills." 

Please save the date for our next SEED Gathering: Saturday, June 14 at Dry Creek Nursery in Woodlake.

At its core, SEED is a group of folks committed to teaching and learning outdoors - and sometimes that means braving the elements for a good cause. Teachers at the SEED Summer Institute wanted to learn more about native plants, so we organized our first ever SEED Gathering at River Ridge Ranch and Institute near Springville. We planned to hold the event “rain or shine,” and rain it did! Despite the atmospheric river, over 60 folks gathered together for walks, workshops, and camaraderie on a gorgeous fall day in the Sierra Nevada Foothills. 

River Ridge Ranch owners and hosts Dr. Gary Adest and Dr. Barbara Brydolf began the day by providing an overview of California biodiversity and leading a tour highlighting dynamic native plant communities on the site. Cathy Capone shared her expertise in growing native plants and designing native plant gardens for schools. 

Next, three educators presented workshops. Meade Williams demonstrated a lesson focused on mindfulness practices. Betsy Rivera Bautista’s lesson highlighted the role of our most famous native plant species - the giant sequoia - in sequestering carbon. Amanda Driver shared a model lesson that demonstrated the positive impact of native plants on water use and soil health. 

Finally, we enjoyed lunch together in the shelter of the yurt. Presenters, educators, and the high school students who attended shared ideas about upcoming projects. Truly, as Dr. Adest says, “ There is no substitute for doing it in person, in nature.”

Please check out the website for links to slides, lessons, and other resources.

Our next SEED Gathering will take place on March 8, 2025 at Allensworth State Historic Park. To develop a shared understanding for the creation of our Tulare County Climate Literacy Framework, we will be focusing on regenerative agriculture and food system lessons for K-12 students. We hope to see you there!