The Inspiring Story of a Community Growing Food in Harmony with Nature

Written by Ina Lee, Board Member & Director of Communications

At Reap Goodness, we believe that everyone can make a positive impact on the environment and their well-being by growing their own food in harmony with nature. That’s why we’ve embarked on an inspiring mission, bringing together a community of dedicated individuals who are determined to restore our Earth swiftly and ensure ongoing access to healthy foods.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the incredible work of three groups that form the heartbeat of our initiative – The Rainwater Harvesters, The Food Foresters, and The Environmentalists. Each group has a unique role and contribution to our project, but they all share a common vision: to create a sustainable food forest that nourishes people and the planet.

The Rainwater Harvesters: Capturing Nature’s Gift

Water is essential for life, but it is also a scarce and precious resource. The Rainwater Harvesters are the architects of a sustainable water supply, crafting structures in the soil and utilizing nearby rocks to capture and store rainwater. They also collect rainwater off school roofs and erect canvas-covered structures to increase the catchment area. Every drop is precious and filtered through natural materials, such as sand and charcoal, before being used to irrigate our plantings. The Rainwater Harvesters showcase the beautiful synergy between nature and human ingenuity, turning rainwater into a life-giving force for both plants and ecosystems.

The Food Foresters: Planting for Abundance and Diversity

Food is not only a necessity, but also a source of joy and health. The Food Foresters are the planners and researchers of our food forest, meticulously selecting the optimal food plants, bushes, and trees for our school’s location. They harness the power of AI technology to access the latest information, considering exact geographic coordinates, climate, soil, and sun exposure to identify the perfect candidates. Each member contributes a choice of food plant, creating a harmonious guild that mimics the seven heights of plants found in an old-growth forest. This thoughtful approach ensures that our food forest not only feeds many, but also fosters a diverse and resilient ecosystem that supports wildlife and soil health.

The Environmentalists: Protecting the Web of Life

Environment is more than just a backdrop, it is the web of life that sustains us all. The Environmentalists are the guardians of this web, diligently researching the beneficial insects and birds in our immediate area and planting for their needs. Their work goes beyond food production; they understand the intricate relationships and dependencies that exist among living beings. By identifying plants that cleanse the soil and strategically placing them outside the school and along nearby roadways, they tackle pollution from vehicles and potential nearby farms. They also plant flowers and shrubs that attract pollinators and predators, enhancing the biodiversity and balance of our food forest. Without this group, our food forest might struggle to thrive, highlighting the interconnectedness of a healthy environment and sustainable food sources.

Join Us and Be an Unstoppable Force of Good

As we embark on this journey to restore Earth and provide ongoing access to healthy foods, let’s celebrate the tireless efforts of The Rainwater Harvesters, The Food Foresters, and The Environmentalists. Together, these groups form an unstoppable force, a beacon of hope for a greener future. Please join Reap Goodness today, and be part of this amazing community. With every raindrop, every plant, and every person, we can make a positive difference on this planet. Together, we reap goodness for generations to come.