Quetzal Entrepreneurial Market Garden Project

“Sowing seeds of possibility” and “cultivating success one row at a time” are themes that vibrantly resonate with students at a new a ambitious garden program for at-risk teenagers in the Santa Barbara area. This program has been created and is guided by Oscar Carmona, owner of Healing Grounds Nursery. Students not only receive hands-on gardening experience, they also learn how to create value-added products such as salsa, flavored oils and gourmet salad mixes and market them to the broader community.

Along the way the students are applying science, math and writing skills which enable them to engage meaningfully in their work. The goal is to help these young men and women enjoy some success in school. It also provides them with opportunities to build viable options in work and study in the future.

The Green Gardener Certification Program at the Salvation Army

Provides adults who are working their way back into the community with an opportunity to learn sustainable landscaping skills. The course provides a focus on job skills which can lead to work opportunities in the future. It also provides a positive focus away from debilitating addictions or hope for a better tomorrow as they regroup from unfortunate life experiences.