n 2009, the WE CAN Community Institute introduced its Urban Farm Network programs, designed to help provide access to low-cost, healthy, fresh produce in inner-city urban areas and to promote the principles of sustainable agriculture and sustainable living in all areas of life. Through the Urban Farm Network, WE CAN works to strengthen inner-city communities by providing the Information, Resources and Distribution channels necessary to develop and maintain local food micro-economies. We endorse practices for improved urban land use, including:
• Building backyard edible forests;
• Conducting lawn conversions;
• Installing drip irrigation, water conservation, and grey water systems.

We sponsor workshops and projects to promote health and nutrition awareness, especially among the youth, and to foster individual education, empowerment, and community-building through application of Permaculture principles of sustainability.

Powering the Green Revolution can support development of a new Green Collar  Economy that will present economic opportunities for many individuals in under- served, inner-city communities. The Urban Farm Network works to incorporate training in sustainable trade skills that are critically necessary for our 21st century            society and to create job opportunities for at-risk, low-income youths and young adults that will earn them meaningful situations in the new economy.   

Permaculture Demonstration Test Site
WE CAN is developing the framework and intellectual, technical, administrative, consultative, and community-based infrastructure to initiate Phase I of Permaculture Demonstration Test Site in South Central Los Angeles for application of various Agro-forestry designs, methodologies, and techniques to transform landscapes from ornamental to edible—an urban farm. Phase I also establishes: faculty/staff requirements; administrative policies, procedures, and processes; and the curricular underpinnings for testing, training, and outreach models for program perpetuation. The project also includes oral, written, and video documentation of: (a) planning and design; (b) site deconstruction; (c) planting; (d) maintenance; (e) community engagement and communication; (f) harvesting and collection; (g) distribution and information dissemination; (h) replication; (i) evaluation; and (j) correction and improvement.

WE CAN is privileged to work with a variety of individuals, groups and organizations that are committed to applying permaculture principles of sustainability to create a healthier, cleaner, and more balanced society for all:

                                 Larry and Kathryn Santoyo of Earthflow Design
                                                          RootDown LA
                                 Tom Bradley Environment and Sciences Charter School
                                             Lawndale Environmental Charter School

Planting a Little Piece of Paradise:

The 60th Street Parkway Project

E CAN will transform the curb-side strips of grass on both sides of the 600 block of West 60th Street (South Central Los Angeles) into a drought-resistant, naturally-beautiful, and environmentally-healthy “micro-park.” As plants mature and soil volume increases, residents will:

           •Save Water—Save Money  
           • Increase Property Value
           •Eliminate Mowing and Unsightliness
           • Beautify and Create an Aromatic Environment
           • Restore Natural Habitats (important insects and micro-organisms)
           • Change the way they think about their community

This will be achieved by working with 60th Street residents to install various organic materials and plants that will require minimal-to-no maintenance or watering when they become established.

You are invited to join us in Planting a Little Piece of Paradise on 60th Street
Friday, September 11th  and Saturday, September 12th
8 am to 2 pm
RSVP today at—WWW.SERVE.GOV—Keyword: 900 44

On the home page of Serve.gov, right column, see: “Find a Volunteer Opportunity”; Enter Keyword (90044) and City (Los Angeles); Scroll down to find “E”—“A Little Piece of Paradise” and click; Scroll down to “Sign Up”

Wear a cap. Bring: work gloves, tools if you have them, and positive energy!

Learn how we’ll transform dry, barren lawns into beautiful, useful and sustainable lands.

Apply that information to your own home and neighborhood