Urban Agriculture Project

When the Midtown Palo Alto Garden was established in 1994, BAA had two urban gardens including the East Palo Alto Garden. At the same time, the issues of food justice, local production, organic farming methods, pesticides, et al were reaching a wider audience beyond the typical environmental set, and whole foods stores, co-op markets, and farmers markets were thriving.

The Urban Agriculture Project was an organizational umbrella for the gardens plus various agriculture-related educational activities BAA was presenting, such as pulling up most of the concrete in front of 715 Colorado Ave and planting native plants and an edible landscape. Meg Hilbert and Susan Stansbury also organized numerous edible landscaping workshops at various locations.

The gardens shared some volunteers but not others; for example, East Palo Alto residents tended to frequent their local garden and locals in Midtown Palo Alto frequented that one. A few key volunteers crossed over, including Jim Steinmetz, Denise Ladwig, Leland Francois, Jack Hogan, and Mike Hogan. These folks were the lifeblood of maintenance, watering, repairs, community outreach, fundraising, and event organizing. Their dedication to the local communities and building a movement for local healthy food awareness can’t be understated.