Oakland Permaculture Heals The Hood! 

I cried. This is so beautiful. Imagine replicating this model not just with people who were incarcerated but also homeless people. With foster kids, with any vulnerable human.

Imagine garden centers like these in every city, every neighborhood, and free community gardens, food forests on every corner. That could be a pretty radical change.

I live in Oakland and met a Planting Justice person at a grocery store. When I was looking for a permaculture plant that I couldn't find elsewhee, I found it at Planting Justice. Besides getting a quality plant that was difficult to find, I had the satisfaction of knowing that PJ was enabling people to really rehabililtate themselves. Being a gardener, I know that working with plants, touching the earth and watching plants grow is,, in itself, positive. In addition, PJ gives its workers the ability to earn a decent wage AND be treated with dignity.

A “second” chance with enough dignity, spirituality and inspiration. What a great restoration project.

This project embodies the permaculture philosophy of "Earth Care, People Care and Fair Share" perfectly! Kudos to the originators of the project and to all the staff that made it thrive over its lifetime. Keep on growing!

Can’t thank these people enough for being there for other people.

The Revolution disguised as gardening. Absolutely awesome work. Solidarity.

You can't help but conclude that this is a far, far, FAR, cheaper way to reduce law enforcement and recidivism expenditure in ANY community, in ANY country. In a country such as the USA, that locks up more people than just about anywhere else on the planet, instead of public money effectively paying shareholders of private companies to run evermore & bigger institutional incarceration facilities, a much smaller fraction of that money could be imaginatively used for commercially viable Public, Private, Partnerships (PPP's), such as these, leaving more money in the pot for healthcare, education, and a myriad of other public services that are always desperately underfunded; literally millions of dollars.

I'm 10 minutes away in San leandro I never knew this existed! I garden every year always looking for the most diverse nursery and wow now I can help support something that will better my community. So glad I saw this

Andrew, Mitchell...y'all put so much love, intention, and care into this video, and it shows. This is probably the best video that anyone has done thus far on PJ...we are so grateful! y'all let the beauty of the organization, and its people, speak for itself, and in doing so, have provided an incredible gift to everyone featured here. Their children and loved ones will always have this to remember the courage, heart, and vision of their parents, who came through so much trauma and pain and separation, to then fight for beauty, their health and freedom, and the beauty, health, freedom and joy that their community deserves. The community leaders featured here, Otis Spikes (Nursery Manager), Sol Mercado (PJ's Re-Entry Coordinator), Covonne Page (Aquaponics Farm Manager), Gordon Limbrick (who's amazing track is featured at the end), Yennifer Flores (Propagation Manager) and her mom Adela Flores, Rachel Adriano, Simone Robinson, and Gavin Raders (PJ Cofounder) give so much of themselves every day to bring this dream into being. And we can't do it without y'alls support! Now 14 yrs in, we are really going for it right now! Right down the street from this nursery, on the same block just 100' over, PJ is building out a 3-acre incubator aquaponics farm that is intended to not only grow 150,000 lbs of organic produce/year, but also to open source the technology and help incubate a worker-owned cooperative that can scale this model across Oakland, and perhaps much further...to demonstrate how to grow healthy food and create good jobs on paved/toxic land that can't otherwise be farmed, and with 80% less water than in-ground growing. This work is literally a matter of our survival, individually and collectively. We're ALSO building out a pay-what-you-can cafe, community center, arts venue, retail nursery, farmers' market and commercial kitchen in El Sobrante (project is called The Good Table), just a mile from our 5-acre Mother Farm (where this nursery stock is grown out for propagation material)....so with so many big projects on our plate, we REALLY appreciate y'alls love and support! You can find out lots more about our organization and these projects at www.plantingjustice.org and www.plantingjustice.net Lastly, it has been so incredibly heartwarming to read everyone's comments here. To see people from Oakland and the Bay commenting on how they have been touched by PJ in the past, to hearing from customers around the country who have purchased their organic permaculture plants from us and to hear that they are thriving, to supporters from around the world sharing such beautiful affirmations and prayers with us....this means more to us than you know! Deep humble gratitude and thanks! If y'all ever come to the area, please do visit us in person at 319 105th Avenue in Sobrante Park, deep East Oakland!!!! We can't wait to work with Andrew and Mitchell again as these new projects come to fruition. Blessings on y'alls work friends....you are not only incredible teachers and craftspeople, but genuinely sweet, generous, and kind people...thank you!

Permaculture is more than plants! Permaculture is people and society too! It is love. Great outreach, Andrew!

I have ordered plants from Planting Justice every year! I have a little urban food forest in Massachusetts. The plants from this nursery are beautiful, well packed, and travel across the country in great condition! Every single plant I have ordered is doing well. To know that the plants started with love and healing, that they were part of changing lives, building community…. ❤❤❤ THANK YOU PLANTING JUSTICE!!!!

I cried watching this, it's such a moving and important program. Especially hearing what kind of food is sold in poor, undeserved areas. There is hope! Thank you for making us aware of this program and allowing folks to work and HEAL. Justice!

This is proof when people are given a second chance or purpose, it can be life changing. So proud of these young people willing to be the change❤

LOVE IT!!! "We don’t inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children. Native American proverb

Now THIS is what I call God’s work. I get goosebumps from what everyone is doing and experiencing during their career at this nursery.

Wow, this is amazing and inspiring! I live in California but haven't heard of PJ. I'll have to go visit next time I'm in the Bay. I'm also flabbergasted that a nursery could support almost 60 employees! This is great. We need to adopt this here in the Central Valley, where we have about 20 of the state's 45 or so correctional facilities, and it's agricultural land. "Freedom is by design."

This is the answer to most of the problems that plague our society. Such a beautiful thing, thank you!

The "politicians throwing money at the problem" line was the perfect contrast to this concept. This is not a complicated operation, yet it's so effective and fruitful for all involved - even the buyers of these plants. I 100% support this effort.

14 years!! What an achievement. What lovely human beings. This is so inspiring.

This is what permaculture is all about for me. Thank you for showing this.

Wow. When I was searching for a specific variety of Cornelian cherry, I ordered it from Planting Justice. I had no idea. Beautiful plant, now thriving here in New England. Will never look at it the same way again.

What a beautiful work they do , rescuing human beings with dignity and honor . You got my respect . 👏👏

This is one reason why we order our plants from this nursery all the way from TN! We have to encourage this beautiful vision and one way to do it is to vote with our boots. We choose to support those who support others in the best possible way!

This is an amazing Work It needs to be adopted, scaled and replicated on a greater level. I look forward to working with this project and Planting Justice ❤

Whenever I even get the sense that my anxiety is gonna spike, I come to videos like this, inspiring and hopeful. I hope this sets an example for the country.

I'm local and lucky to be able to buy some hard to find permaculture plants AND support people who are trying to get their lives back by fostering nature. I've always said that so much healing can take place once we get back to the natural world and Planting Justice is proof of that. Thanks PJ for everything you do!

so.. solving two issues at the same time producing a win win situation. the idea of the permaculture nursery is itself brilliant. the idea of helping people when they really needed it is an add on bonus

Hands down amazing. This company appreciates, values and wants to see its employees thrive and win. Its giving the employees so much more than a job. Wow.

Did you hear that: “only 1 person out of 75 formerly incarcerated staff has gone back to prison on a new charge in 14 years of Planting Justice. (...) that’s like less than a 2 percent recidivism rate compared to that 60 percent in the State of California of people going back.” In other words, by putting nature and people back at the center of our so-called modern societies, we have the great opportunity to rebuild a new society on human values ​​that really make sense and that are closer to what we could call happiness.

Great video. Gave me some ideas. can have my own mini plant nursery. I'm 76, Puerto Rican and live in Minnesota in the middle of nowhere. Due to a grandfather clause that I invoked, I was allowed to have a mini farm/wildlife habitat in the middle of town. (Previous owner had a mini-farm going back to the Great Depression era.) I have multiple types of fruits, so all I need is to learn the best way to propagate them. Then sell them at the farmer's market. Always looking forward to Andrew's videos.

Beautiful! Thanks for sharing their story. These people are inspiring and it goes to show what can happen when you put people first. Livable wages, happy employees, happy families. Keep up the good work to the whole crew out there!

THIS!!!! THIS THIS THIS!!!!! This is what permaculture and getting back to Mother Earth is all about. You can't get better than this!!! Every video I have watched of yours has consistently emphasized COMMUNITY & BELONGING. Perfect. Just perfect!!!! We need to get this beautiful message to explode across the US and other 'developed' countries. Thank you.

That is the future we need. People woring with nature not at a desk being unhappy all day

Just amazing. This is true rehabilitation and reintegration.

This is just AWESOME! This is also training people for a economic collapse scenario. You’re going to want people like these on your team!

So great to see. There used to be another program called The Garden Project of San Francisco that operated for 30+ years. They worked out of the San Bruno Jail employing at risk youth and ex offenders. They grew organic vegetables at the farm on jail property which were given out to the community, and had a native nursery. They contracted with the PUC doing conservation work in the watershed. I’m happy the Planting Justice program is available as a resource for the community still. Nothing like getting your hands in the earth for healing.

Great video Andrew. 2000 thumbs up. Makes me think about how I could use my organic farm to help those in need of direction. Keep up the good work, both you and the people on the nursery in this video :)

I have ordered many plants from this organization and they are growing great! I would love to see this program duplicated in other places in the country.

Such an amazing model! Simple and well paid work that soothes the body and the soul. We need more businesses like this.

I’m so glad to see this. I used to tattoo in East Oakland years ago and always wondered why there weren’t more farms in empty lots. I thought that the people in this city would benefit from contact in nature. It softens anyone’s hard edges and brings them back to the essence of living. Great job! I think a good idea also would to take kids camping and learn basic outdoor skills

Gardening heals the soul, soothes the mind, lightens the heart, and strengthens the body.

I've bought their trees at a farmer's market in Oakland, they are wonderful.

Exquisite. This is what sacred humanity is all about.

This program sounds absolutely INCREDIBLE!!! I hope that it can help set a standard by so clearly demonstrating that when given the opportunity to make a legal, decent living wage, and given the support needed, recidivism (reincarceration) drastically decreases. Not to mention they’re simultaneously helping to promote food security and sharing their knowledge and skills throughout their community! This project is genuinely doing SO MUCH good for not only their nursury staff themselves, but their families and the community they live in. It’s absolutely stunning and I am so happy to have seen this. ❤ Thank you for spreading awareness of this project! Definitely going to find some way to support this in the hope that other cities will catch on!!!!

People helping people, and letting nature help people, while providing nurturing food plants that help for other people, the way God designed us all to be. The two greatest commandments, Love God, and love one another. Kudos to Andrew and all of the employees who have made this such a success story,, it shows the transformation of their hearts, minds, and bodies. It is a beautiful thing to see.

yo!!! this nursery is amazing! no one can argue the numbers behind a system like this. this can be set up all over the country

I've always said this is the solution. Love this so much. There would be no prison system/prison business. People need purpose and rehabilitation out of trauma from existing in the hood. All the best to these guys 👏🏽❤️💯

This is truly amazing, it’s so important to give people the dignity to live

It's not just about healing the nature, it works on those who participated in this activity and makes them feel appreciated and have a sense of achievement.

Fabulous. Planting Justice re-grows lives. Thank you for sharing this amazing story. Every aspect is one of encouragement. Living wage work! Setting an example for others to follow. Blessings

This is amazing. $25 per hour plus benefits for the families. And it’s incredibly rewarding work. And like the dude says if they drop a bomb, he knows how to grow his own food. Bravo 👏 🙏

I got so emotional, when ever you take care of mother earth, mother earth take care of you and all we need is love ...

I bought three organic pear trees from them last summer and they are doing amazing! Thanks!

Great plan, great execution! They have a crazy assortment of food perennials and I WILL be dropping some money here! (waiting for restocks)

So inspirational... I hope this model can be implemented in many communities... God bless permaculture... God bless Planting Justice...

Oh man, I've been there! I live in San Mateo (sort of), and went accross the bay in search of some special plants. I think I was really looking for specimens of Hardy Kiwi (Kiwi Berry). I ended up finding some, I think, but can't remember. Also got some "Honey Berry" plants, and one "Orange Muscat Grape" or something like that. They propagate A LOT over there, and have a fairly extensive and unique/special selection of plants, especially fruiting plants! I did not know, or maybe heard but it didn't sink in or I didn't realize just HOW supportive they are of formerly incarcerated people. AMAZING, YES, and BEAUTIFUL. We need so much more of this kind of support and activity in this world. Thank you Planting Justice, may all of your efforts benefit all around you, and may more and more of us find ourselves supported by, and participating in, supportive activities like this.

The reward is much more than paycheck. It is pride and joy of growing.

I LOVE YOU ALL soooo much!! Your sharing an amazing lesson that humanity needs to remember....the earth is our mother and has given us all we need to live and love. Food is freedom ❤ I'm super happy for you all! Thank you!

Love this place. The selection and expertise are out of this world - all in one place, year-round.

I am crying so hard omg it’s so moving Heal the world It’s like galugs, the exact opposite of gulags, voluntary and healing

Plants bring life, joy and community. Increases dignity and respect for each other without the use of violence.

I grew up in ESO. This is awesome! I love it! Juvenile hall taught me I didn't want to be locked up at all. But this is so awesome!

Amazing video! I feel so grateful to be part of the planting justice family! ❤

Beautiful show. I'm luck I grew up in Canada, in the suburbs of Ontario and decent opportunities were never denied to me. My life would have probably been much different if we had immigrated to the US in 1967. Opportunities avert incarceration. Higher wages reduce crime and government dependency. Put the burden of working for a living back on the employers. Stop punishing people who've done their time. I've never seen an incarceration question on a job application, except for American companies, finance and police. All that will right the ship.

Maybe this is why our ancestors lived as one with nature.

So THIS is Planting Justice. Formerly Rolling River Nursery? I've been waiting to be notified when you re-stock on the Landt peach tree -- 4 years. If it's out-if-stock, it must be a winner, and I have been looking for a golden-flesh late-ripening peach, even more so, since I'm loosing the buds/blooms to frost with my early-season Red Haven. I read the companies bio long ago, but to actually see it implemented made me proud of the work you do by giving men who had been incarcerated a chance to make a living, and develop a trade, in a peaceful place that is healing to the mind. Working in agriculture is calming to the central nervous system, which is why I spend a lot of time in the garden. I think I appreciate it more for my mental health, than the vegetables I yield from it. This was a beautiful, informative, inspiring video.

It is blessed that there are people who care and help people like this. I think it's messed up that EVERY person who goes to jail in the US it's treated as punishment, and there is no rehabilitation or effort to grow peoples skills so they can get a good job when they get out. You're in there for a decade and you come out unhireable, why wouldn't you just go back to doing crime? Imagine if you came out with several years of carpentry experience, or culinary experience, or being able to solder electronics? They do this in other countries, and nearly nobody ever goes back to jail.

I love that the word spiritual was mentioned. Every part is healing

People primarily need something that helps them see beyond themselves. That is healing and growth. Being a part of something that makes an impact. It's good for everyone. Basic human treatment. ❤

Drop dead gorgeous program and people. Love it.

This is what my daughter wants for her new community. She’s working in a clinic for an underserved community. They’re in a food desert.

Everyone protect this! Don't take the safety of such a radical and beautiful place ❤❤

I got my package from Planting Justice in the mail the day this was uploaded! 2 honeyberry varieties, sea kale, and hablitzia. Their selection is amazing and their cause legendary. Love them and what they're doing.

I've started recommending your videos to everyone I know, I think your content should be mandatory. You've taught me so much about water, permaculture and living, and I love all the other topics you cover too! Like this one 🪴

DUDE!!! THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS WITH US!!!!!

This is a great program for the community!

One of the most uplifting I've heard in a long while.

This is what we need, community and going back to the basics. A lot of pop culture and hood culture needs to be dismantled, as well as big government!

Holy shishkebabs!!!I can't wait to even finish this video to comment. My next day off I am going to be there!

Respect to that old lady that showed him.

This project is so amazing! Compassion in action. Our society needs this so badly, now more than ever. Hopefully politicians from across the country will look at this as a template for use in their communities. 🙏

Inspiring. A thriving model. A no brainer. Freedom by design. Kudos to this model. May it be planted in every urban area.

Working in nature is healing. It’s the amazing feeling to see your hard work grow and blossom. We need to go back to basic, gardening!

Turning negative into positive thank you for being brave enough to embrace the perspective of better things to come and manifesting a beautiful idea into your beautiful reality. So proud of the accomplishment

A Life for new Life, Beautiful!❤

We need more of these. Imagine no hungry people.

This is for a good cause I’d support the nursery.

This is war, and I want in. It’s a victory garden for the whole community and we are all fighting the same system together. This is the kind of thing I know I need to work into making

Heart warming and hopeful. Thanks Andrew for this wonderful video and well done to all the amazing people at Planting Justice. I'm here in South Africa where this kind of project would do wonders for our society.

Wow. This is incredible! Thanks for making this video.

Andrew THIS is awesome thank you for covering it.

Planting Justice is supposed to take over the old City of Sacramento tree nursery in my neighborhood. This plan has been in the works for a few years now, so I hope it works out…..

Andrew, you are aware, I look forward to meeting you sometime, you are an inspiration for me and when I will have my permaculture ready I’ll send you a thank you or something.

This restoration project is what we as a people on a planet need all over. Thank you for showing me this project and these folks, and I thank them as well for struggling towards a better future.

Excellent, fantastic. Love their attitude!

What a lot of companies and people tend to forget is that not all felonies are the same. Not all felonies are motivated by the same passion.

This program makes more sense than public school. Imagine a populace with the knowledge to care for themselves and not depend on the government.

I love this place, we go shop here w my kids like once a month! Amazing team doing amazing work ❤❤

Wow this is amazing. Imagine if instead of being in prison and waiting to get out doing hardly anything with their lives for years, inmates would be able to learn these skills, heal their bodies and minds and get a career going at the same time for when they leave prison? I think there would be less violence in the prison as well as they would feel they are doing something valuable with their lives. This would allow inmates to feel self worth again the same way the programs I’ve seen where inmates help train dogs to then give these to blind people. There are ways to help people grow in prisons and give them the encouragement they need so they can feel not all is lost and to perhaps for many, find a passion for life and work … something they probably never had the opportunity to have before. It’s a wonderful project which I hope will inspire others to start in their own communities.