Yucca Valley, CA, July 18, 2009 – The 2nd meeting of Boulder Community Gardens took place at Greg, Chris and Jeremy’s home in Yucca Valley. Director Carol Petersen began the meeting agenda with a brief statement of purpose, “Collective Efforts” and expressed gratitude for those who are participating in the Boulder Community Garden project. In attendance were 22 persons who sat in the glow of a beautiful garden brimming with squash, amaranth, zinnia’s, and more.

At the meeting Dr. Robert Ellis of Earthwise Organic Farms explained his offer to set aside several acres for a community garden on farmland adjacent to his sustainable farm in Joshua Tree. The site already has an abundant supply of high quality water, is located next to a worm farm, a large scale pesticide-free farm, and is easily accessible via Sunfair Rd.

Dr. Ellis suggested that we might consider the growing of indigenous trees and plants as there is a ready market for those items in the high desert. Dr. Ellis also expressed his favorable impression of the amount of talent, knowledge and experience demonstrated by the members of Boulder Community Garden.

We were in the company of people including Mara Cantello who had received the Jefferson Award for community volunteerism. Her favorite quote, “We must continue to exhibit the spirit of volunteerism and generous individual giving for in that spirit be found life finest experience.” Each year Mara and a community of selfless volunteers produce Tender Loving Christmas. We were in the company of eco activist’s and social activist’s. Cindy Zack has taught for 17 years at Yucca High biology, ecology and gardening. Our hosts were adept in water management, composting and a knowledge of insects with a family owned business which has products at the Smithsonian. There were several healers including Dr. Chuck founder of the High Desert Health Fair, Kendra Moshie who is certified from the Hippocrates Institute and Alpha Richards who does spiritual readings.

The gathering lasted for 6 hours and everyone had a time to share from the heart. During the break new friends came together and inspiration was flowing with great feedback and interaction. John, artist and flute player emphasized the social importance of having a place to “make and grow community.” There was an amazing vegetarian buffet with ginger noodle’s, grilled artichokes, a savory corn dish, beans, potato salad, fresh organic fruit, French toast bread putting with strawberries, veggie chorizo and nopales and blue corn tortillas.

For more information about Boulder Community Gardens, visit their website at http://bouldercommunitygardens.ning.com/