As I reflect on my first year as Executive Director of the Los Angeles Community Garden Council, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible progress we’ve made together. This year has been filled with milestones, and I’m excited to share some highlights with you—and ask for your support as we look toward an even brighter 2025.

2024 Highlights

• Reviving the Gardenwide Gathering: In October, we brought back the Gardenwide Gathering of Community Gardens at El Sereno Community Garden after years without a large-scale event. It was an incredible day of celebration, connection, and learning, with gardeners from across Los Angeles coming together to share resources and strengthen our network.

• Farm-to-Fiesta at Stanford Avalon: Earlier this year, we hosted the Farm-to-Fiesta Festival, where we showcased the power of community gardens in fostering sustainability, fresh food access, and cultural expression. The event featured Azteca Dancers, a salsa-making competition, and hands-on educational booths for all ages.

• Streamlining Operations: We modernized our operations with new tools like Basecamp, a redesigned website and CRM through NationBuilder, and Bill.com for financial management, making us more efficient and transparent.

• Advancing Policy: Thanks to Councilman Tim McOsker, Gaffey Street Community Garden was designated as a model for sustainability and resilience, paving the way for broader recognition of community gardens as critical to Los Angeles’ future.

This year has reinforced what I’ve always known: our 2,000 gardeners are incredible. They are hard-working, selfless, and community-minded—growing food for their neighbors, supporting children’s education, and building connections in neighborhoods across LA. But one lesson stands out: gardeners rarely ask for help. That’s where we come in—and why I’m asking for your support.

Looking Ahead to 2025

In the coming year, we want to focus on:

1. Empowering Garden Leaders: Expand our leadership workshops and peer-to-peer learning programs to ensure every garden has the tools to thrive and build self-governance.
2. Increasing Awareness and Advocacy: Amplify the visibility of community gardens as vital spaces for food security, climate resilience, and cultural connection through stronger public outreach and advocacy efforts.

We’re planting the seeds for even greater impact, but we can’t do it without your help.

How You Can Help

Your donation will directly support:
🌱 Expanding leadership training and peer learning for gardeners
💧 Developing water conservation and climate-smart practices
📣 Amplifying advocacy for urban gardens as critical community spaces

Donate Today

Thank you for helping us make this year a success and for joining us as we grow a more resilient, connected Los Angeles in 2025. Together, we’re not just planting gardens—we’re planting hope, resilience, and a better future for our city.