Happy 2025 from the LEAF Team!
- From Elaine, LEAF President -
In 2024, we had a few “downs” but way more “ups.” In the first quarter, we completed the move from our old stomping grounds, LEAF Stone Garden, the land directly behind the Vet Clinic leased from Dr. Chris Stone, to our new LEAF Urban Garden, the land adjacent to the railroad tracks leased from Alameda County Water District. We were sad about moving but ecstatic that we finished a month ahead of schedule. The big downsides in 2024 were the eight break-ins into our gardens. The burglars have taken our power tools, garden supplies and even our snacks! Our Operational Action Team responded quickly, fixing the fences, installing stronger locks and other deterrents to try to thwart the burglars. However, two weeks ago, they returned again. We received notification that the burglar was breaking in, but this time, we called the police. LEAF volunteers and the police arrived within 15 minutes of the notification but alas, the burglar escaped through the entrance they created in the fence. Hopefully, they now realize we mean business and will stop this craziness.
Our Operational Action Team is very resilient, and even though the burglars continued to wreak havoc, the team continued to focus on building the new Urban Garden infrastructure. Phase 1 is already completed. The goal is to complete Phase 2 and 3 by late spring so we can start our summer crops.
Urban Garden Infrastructure Project Timeline
Phase 1 projects completed in 2024 as a result of all the hard work of our volunteers. YAY!!!
Educational center installed in the Bee Garden
Propagation and composting area installed
Two lath houses rebuilt; affectionately called Pretzel and Quad
Gazebo built as center piece for the new garden
“Ring road” defined and chipped, encircles the new garden
Irrigation phase 1 installed outside the ring road
Parking lot weeded, “de-rocked,” leveled and mulched
Soil testing was completed by UC Davis to understand the effects of regenerative agricultural practices in building healthy soil. Soil was tested where regenerative practices were used over a 10 and 5-year period and a control area where the practices have not been used.
Phase 2 projects slated for completion in January 2025 (weather permitting)
LEAF native plant nursery in the Quad lath house in full production
Native plant hedgerows between the fence and the ring road to be planted
Soil food web compost experiment (continuing)
New garden inside the ring road prepped for cultivation
Clearing off all “stuff” from the area
Weeding and leveling are complete, mulch and compost to be added
Cover crops of oats, vetch, peas, bell beans, crimson clover to be sown
Cleaning and organizing our “boneyard” of the assortment of garden supplies
Phase 3 projects slated for completion in late Spring 2025
Landscape design for the new garden
Propagation of edible seedlings for the new garden
Planters constructed from the donated wood slabs to be installed in the new garden
Kitchen/patio pavers installed and structures put in place
Shipping containers cleaned, organized and shelves installed
The growth of the gardens would not have been possible without the funds provided by our grant team, which expanded to five members in 2024. This team doubled the donations for our Growing for Good Program; Growing Food (produce donations to food banks) and Cultivating Minds (educational programs) in addition to raising funds for our Urban Garden Infrastructure and Student Intern Program. YES!!!
The new Urban Garden will have four educational gathering spaces, so LEAF is now in the position to consider expanded educational opportunities and new strategic partnerships. In order to do so, we needed a team of business professionals to develop a 3 to 5-year strategic plan. I am thrilled to announce the newly formed Strategic Action Team and Strategic Advisory Board who will complete the following:
Cohesive brand strategy that reflects our mission, vision, values and our motto, “Every LEAF Day is Earth Day”
LEAF’s annual and multi-year corporate strategy
Comprehensive fundraising strategy
Strategic partnerships with corporate, community and government stakeholders
I am so excited about the operational projects and strategic development slated for 2025. I will keep you updated on our progress in the newsletters to come. Happy Happy New Year : )
Our volunteers work year-round to feed our community by sowing seeds, planting seedlings, nurturing plants and then harvesting farm fresh produce that we donate to our local food banks Tri-City Volunteers in Fremont and Centro De Servicios in Union City.
Our total 2024 produce donations was 5,335 lbs of fruits and veggies.
We passed our GOAL of 4,500 lbs.
Medfly Quarantine Update
On December 12th, a new notification was sent out by the California Department of Agriculture (CDA) noting that the quarantine boundaries have expanded into Hayward in addition to Fremont, Newark, Union City, Milpitas and Sunol.
The quarantine is in effect until July 19, 2025, which is the length of time for three life cycles of the medfly treatment protocol. CDFA is employing biological (sterile male flies) and chemical controls (foliar baits near detection sites) as the primary controls and secondarily physical control with fruit removal.
LEAF will comply with the current quarantine date of July 19, 2025
We have put in a plan of action for 2025: We will grow produce that is not included in quarantine. So tomatoes, peppers and eggplants are out, and onions, brassicas, leafy greens, legumes, cucumbers, summer and winter squashes, melons and herbs are in.
All tree fruits will not be donated to the food banks, friends or neighbors.
And unfortunately, we cannot accept gleaned fruit from our community.
Gleaned Fruit Program on HOLD
Fruit donations are not accepted at this time due to the medfly quarantine that will be in place until July 19, 2025. See Medfly Quarantine Update in the section above.
Have questions? Email us at info@fremontleaf.org
LEAF Talkin' Dirt from your home
An online meeting series for you to chat about gardening with others from your home on the first Wednesday of each month from 7 to 8 pm. Join experienced gardeners for an online gathering. We'd love to have you regardless of your gardening experience.
LEAF has some changes coming in January. Our longtime knowledgeable horticulturist, Rebecca, has decided it’s time to focus her energy in Canada, so she will no longer participate in Talkin’ Dirt. Initially, Rebecca volunteered and worked in the LEAF Gardens, then after moving back to Canada over three years ago, she continued her involvement with LEAF as a member of our marketing team, including writing blog posts on sustainable living, and then participating in Talkin’ Dirt. THANK YOU, Rebecca, for your support. We will miss you.
I’m happy to announce that Carol Evans will be joining Talkin’ Dirt for LEAF. Carol has been a volunteer at LEAF for almost four years. She actively participates in gardening, harvesting produce and making deliveries to the food banks. She will provide updates on what is happening at our LEAF Gardens. Plus, she is a beekeeper so she can answer your questions about honey bees.
The next online gatherings are Wednesdays, February 5th and March 5th
We have fresh wildflower raw honey and worms to sell. Honey and worm sales fund their room and board :)
Raw Honey: Normally $24 for a pint jar, now only $20
Composting Worms: $20 for a small plastic container
Purchase at our LEAF Shop, and pick up at our LEAF Urban Garden
Make a Difference This Year: Volunteer with Us!
LEAF volunteers are needed on the 2nd Saturday of every month from 9 a.m. to noon to help us tackle projects that benefit from a group effort. These volunteer hours count towards the high school community service hours requirement. Be a part of a community helping a community. We also have projects that will qualify for Eagle Scout and Gold Projects.
Our next volunteer days are: Saturday, January 11th, and February 8th
More info at fremontleaf.org/volunteer
Please hit the donate button if you feel aligned with our mission so we can continue to develop spaces to educate our community, build healthy soil, and provide food for those most in need.
Any amount you can give is greatly appreciated.
We also accept checks. Payable to LEAF at PO Box 2816, Fremont CA 94536.
©2023 Local Ecology and Agriculture Fremont (LEAF)
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