Western Institute for Leadership Developm

Our garden venture is an integral part of our mission and identity. We believe in preparing our students to take leadership roles in building a sustainable and just world. WILD is located in an economically disadvantaged community, and our vision is that our indoor and outdoor gardens become learning centers for the entire neighborhood and community, with our young people actively engaged in promoting health, access to fresh and organic food, home gardening, and environmental justice. We have a solid three-year plan for expanding our efforts, which currently include outdoor and aquaponic gardens, creating a neighborhood seed bank with native food emphasis, constructing a greenhouse, composting, community growing opportunities, on-site farmers market,and green entrepreneurship. Right now we are gardening with borrowed tools, and need to purchase our own, as well as procure soil amendments, irrigation supplies, young fruit trees, and shade structures, to increase our capacity and yield.