Hello Friends of LVEJO,

We are proud to announce the release of

"its about more than trees"
engaging uninvolved communities in urban forestry

by Colleen Carroll, Ed.D.
Nature Talks Publishing, Kauai, Hawaii

Engaging Uninvolved Communities in Urban Forestry is an exploratory study about the involvement of diverse groups in local greening efforts. The project was supported by the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program on the recommendation of the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council, Nature Talks, an Environmental Education Organization, approached this study with the aim of learning what motivates minority and undeserved individuals and communities to get involved in urban greening projects. The interview strategy involved locating and visiting existing urban greening projects with minority and undeserved participants. Projects were selected based on success, diversity, geographic range, and accessibility. Nearly 30 projects were visited across the United Stated in eight states. Twenty of these sites were featured in this book. Though the settings and social issues at the project sites vary, they have one thing in common: urban greening was used as a catalyst to improve the living situations for minority and undeserved communities. Program leaders use plants to help resolve social issues ranging from individuals growing healthy economical food in their backyards to communities striving for environmental justice, clean air and soil, safer neighborhoods, or open space to play in. Other efforts involve perpetuating the values and traditions of native cultures, creating places of beauty in low-income neighborhoods, and cultivating communities of peace.

LVEJO and it's volunteers were highlighted under environmental justice and the community gardens that have been a proud part of the work with Little Village. We invite you to please contact Colleen Carroll, Director of NatureTalks for more information. Additional copies are available at an introductory price of $19.95 plus tax and shipping. Email NatureTalks@gmail.com or write NatureTalks, P.O. Box 1094, Kalaheo, HI 96741 or stop by LVEJO's office to view a copy.

LVEJO and the volunteers would like to thank Tom Dilley for making this collaboration possible
and Colleen Carroll, Ed.D. for choosing LVEJO to be a part of this amazing book.

LVEJO Gardening Book Mention

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LVEJO Holiday Volunteer Party
click on any image for the full sized images

In December 2007, LVEJO continued it traditional Volunteer Holiday Party. LVEJO volunteers, organizers and board brought food to share with each other and celebrated the years victories. A slide show was created in 2007 of the campaign highlights by volunteers and shown on the gym wall. Certificates and gift baskets were also given out to campaign participants for there hard work and dedication. LVEJO would like to thank all of its volunteers for taking the time to work with us in the community. We would also like to congratulate LVEJO’s 2007 Organizer of the Year Rafael Hurtado!!  

LVEJO would like to extend a gracious thank you to the following sponsors of the 2007 Holiday Party:

Fruteria El Indio

La Chiquita

Restaurant Aguascalientes

Samatas Premium Wholesale Distributors, Inc.

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