Land, Agriculture, and Community- Based Food Systems

From Blight to Bloom: Cultivating Hope

Embark on an exploration of agriculture and community impact with us as we explore regenerative and indigenous farming techniques in creating health, community, and sustainability.

01:33

From Forgotten Triangle to Thriving Community: The Rid-All Green Partnership, Cleveland, Ohio – Trailer

In 2010, Cleveland, Ohio's 'Forgotten Triangle' was nothing more than a notorious, illegal dumping ground. Today, it's transformed into a vibrant hub for urban farming, community wellness, and a newfound sense of local pride. This isn't just a story about soil and seeds; it's a story about people reclaiming their neighborhood and restoring its dignity. Watch the trailer for a sneak peek into the full-feature film that delves deep into how urban agriculture and a resilient community spirit have turned this once-forgotten corner of the city into a place its residents are proud to call home.

01:30

Spirit Farm: A Soil-to-Soul Awakening in Vanderwagen, New Mexico — Trailer

Step into the transformative world of Spirit Farm, where each heartbeat of the Earth resonates with larger global awakenings. Located in Vanderwagen, New Mexico, Spirit Farm is more than a place—it's a living conversation between humanity and the Earth. This trailer offers a glimpse into how the farm's profound connection to nature serves as a mirror to the world, from intricate soil patterns to pressing concerns about future generations. But this is just the beginning. Stay tuned for our feature film that delves even deeper into this soul-nourishing journey.

02:18

Nourishing Soil, People, and Community: The Organic Farm School, Clinton, Washington -- Trailer

Step into a world where agriculture is not just about growing food, but about nurturing life—from the soil to the people who walk on it. The Organic Farm School offers a fresh lens on regenerative agriculture, emphasizing its vital role in reconnecting communities to their food sources. This trailer prepares you for a captivating journey into a sustainable future, where the act of farming becomes a symbiotic relationship with the Earth, benefiting not only our food supply but also our collective well-being. Get ready to be inspired by a way of life that shows us how human existence can be harmonious with the natural world.

Thriving Films 2023 Film Series: Regenerative Agriculture
(Part I)

Thriving Communities Films partnered with three U.S.-based organizations that are leading the way in regenerative and indigenous farming through grassroots efforts that premiered at our Gathering 2023.

Regenerative and Indigenous Farming Practices

Indigenous and regenerative farming are both sustainable agriculture methods. Indigenous farming is based on traditional knowledge and focuses on local ecological conditions and cultural values. Regenerative farming draws on indigenous practices and aims to optimize soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem management.

Both ways offer solutions to modern agriculture challenges and there is a growing recognition of the importance of incorporating Indigenous knowledge into regenerative farming for more sustainable and equitable food systems.

Making A Positive Community Impact

Through their innovative agricultural practices and unwavering commitment to their communities, these organizations demonstrate the power of regenerative farming to transform the food system and create a more just and sustainable world.

2023 Film Series

Rid-All Green Partnership in Cleveland, Ohio: Rid-All is an urban farm that uses regenerative farming practices to produce fresh, healthy food for the local community while also creating jobs and promoting education and training. https://ridall.org/

Spirit Farm in Vanderwagon, New Mexico: Spirit Farm is a regenerative farm that works with the Navajo Nation to restore the soil and revive traditional agricultural practices, while also providing fresh food and economic opportunities for local residents. https://covenantpathways.org/

Organic Farm School in Clinton, Washington: The Organic Farm School is a non-profit organization that trains new farmers in regenerative farming practices, while also producing fresh, healthy food for the local community and promoting sustainable agriculture. https://organicfarmschool.org/

By highlighting the stories of these organizations through film and other mediums, we aim to inspire and educate others on the potential of regenerative farming to improve community health, build resilience, and promote social and environmental justice.

We invite you to learn more about these organizations and the benefits of regenerative farming for community food security and sustainability.

Randy McShepard, Co-Founder and
G. Keymah Durden III, Co-Founder of Rid-All Green Partnership in Cleveland, Ohio.

A Community Growth Story

The Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative (DSNI) in Boston stands as a testament to the power of community-based environmental justice and sustainable development. One of the pillars upon which this initiative was built is the legacy of Gus Newport, who served as a director of DSNI and later contributed his wisdom as a board member of Thriving Communities until his passing in 2023. During his tenure at DSNI, Newport played a key role in spearheading the development of community gardens, parks, and green spaces, while also laying the groundwork for sustainable transportation and energy practices that the initiative has carried forward since 1993.

DSNI's work has empowered residents to take ownership of their neighborhoods and prioritize their needs and values. DSNI is another example of a sustainable and resilient community.

Read On

Learn More About Regenerative Agriculture

NRDC: https://www.nrdc.org/stories/regenerative-agriculture-101#what-is

Regeneration: https://regeneration.org/

Regeneration International: https://regenerationinternational.org/

Regenerative Agriculture Alliance: https://www.regenagalliance.org/

The Rodale Institute: https://rodaleinstitute.org/

Black Farmers and Regenerative Agriculture: https://www.greenamerica.org/communities-frontlines-climate-crisis/unearthing-legacy-black-farmers

Indigenous Farming Practices and Regenerative Agriculture: https://nfu.org/2020/10/12/the-indigenous-origins-of-regenerative-agriculture/

Regenerative Agriculture Podcast: https://regenerativeagriculturepodcast.com/

Continue the journey! Explore Part II of our exploration into Regenerative Farming in 2024.

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