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In a bustling collaboration between Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC) undergraduate artist Jessica Wilson and lead artist Morgan Udoh from the Walls Project Public Art Program, a new chapter in Louisiana's creative workforce development is developing. Their small endeavor, a modern mural adorning the parking lot of the newly redesigned EBRPL Outreach Center, is one of many recent projects that bring aesthetic rejuvenation but also pilot pre-apprenticeship in community engagement. For Jessica Wilson, this project marks a significant milestone in her artistic journey. BRCC undergraduate artist Jessica Wilson has teamed up with lead artist and Walls Project Public Art Program Coordinator, Morgan Udoh, to create a modern mural that promises to breathe new life into our newly redesigned EBRPL Outreach Center parking lot. Jessica’s second mural of the pre-apprenticeship pilot, this collaboration is her opportunity to “inspire, provoke emotions in others, and make a meaningful impact on the world.” Collaborating with professionals like Morgan Udoh amplifies her learning experience and expands her artistic horizons. Morgan Udoh, herself, is actively mentored by other Louisiana artists with 20-40 years of experience in Public Art, thus the cycle of education and leadership in culture bearing continues.  Student Artist, Jessica Wilson, is currently working on the EBRPL Outreach Center mural with Senior Program Coordinator, Morgan Udoh following a redesign of the center’s parking lot that included a large blind primed for public art. The pre-apprenticeship workforce pilot extends beyond individual artists like Wilson. It encompasses the Walls Project after-school programming, Culture Club, involving students from Scotlandville Magnet High School and Capitol High School in transformative creative initiatives as well as targeted infusion of HS design competitions, that included Southern University Lab School students Lola Saunders and Dashayla Snerling, the winning designers for a recent bus stop mural in North Baton Rouge. At Scotlandville Magnet High School, students are designing, producing, and installing temporary modular seating, lighting improvements, and sculptures, alongside undertaking mural restorations in Scotlandville Plaza. These efforts are in preparation for Scotland Saturday's Levitt Amped Concert Series , where the vibrant blend of artistry and functionality will enhance community spaces.  Scotlandville Magnet High  School students starting Phase 1 of the placemaking design project for Scotlandville Plaza Meanwhile, Capitol High School students are immersing themselves in digital archiving, sculpture restoration, and placemaking within their campus and the Eden Park/Easytown neighborhoods with the support of art guild members who are experts in Digital Media and Drone Photography. By engaging in these activities, they contribute to preserving cultural heritage, combating blight, and fostering economic revitalization through artistic interventions. Morgan Udoh, reflecting on the overarching goal of the pre-apprenticeship program, emphasizes, “Pre-apprenticing the next generation in the creative redesign, blight remediation, and public art restoration has been the goal of the art program since the beginning of my leadership. If we want to bolster community engagement and prepare communities, we must provide targeted pathways for our next generation of culture bearers to practice stewardship in their spaces. What better way to sustainably maintain cultural competency during urban development while infusing economic vitality through the arts?" The impact of Louisiana's apprenticeship initiatives extends far beyond individual projects. They lay the foundation for sustainable cultural preservation, community engagement, and economic growth. Through hands-on experiences and mentorship, aspiring artists like Jessica Wilson and high school students across Baton Rouge are honing their crafts and contributing to the vibrant tapestry of Louisiana's creative landscape.

Scotlandville Magnet High School (SMHS) and Capital Senior High School (CHS) recently concluded a dynamic Culture Club Afterschool program pilot, offering a diverse range of enriching activities and community-building experiences. At SMHS, students engaged in LEGO masonry patching, where they learned valuable construction skills while creating innovative structures. Meanwhile, at CHS, students delved into the realms of cybersecurity, drone photography, and community event planning through interactive workshops, gaining essential knowledge in modern technologies and outreach best practices. Both schools also focused on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) with identity lessons facilitated by our One Rouge community organizer. These sessions encouraged self-reflection, empathy, and understanding, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. Local wild clay artist Nickeyia Johnson led a hands-on workshop at SMHS, inspiring students to explore their creativity through clay sculpting. Additionally, AB Artistry guided students in portrait painting, showcasing their artistic talents while reflecting on their self-images and self-love goals. Both campuses engaged in Urban Agriculture with plantings and herb tastings at SMHS. and new garden bed building and planting at CHS. A volunteer day with the renowned LSU dance team at SMHS saw students adding vibrant paint to brick benches while restoring the Class of '75 donated seating area, enhancing school pride and beautifying the campus. At CHS, students learned the art of creating hex quilts, showcasing their craftsmanship and creativity. Both SMHS and CHS explored the world of paper and water-marbled art, discovering unique techniques and creating stunning works of art. CHS students also contributed to the restoration of a Class of '80 book culture on campus, preserving history and heritage. Looking ahead, SMHS students have the exciting opportunity to extend their Culture Club learning into the summer as junior artist guild members. They will contribute their artistic talents to Scotlandville Plaza ahead of the Scotland Saturday Levitt Amped summer concert series and restore two key murals along Scenic Avenue, fostering community pride and creativity. The Culture Club Afterschool program at SMHS and CHS has not only nurtured creativity, skills, and community spirit but also empowered students to explore new entrepreneurial interests, cultivate friendships, and take on the task of cultural preservation in their schools and neighborhoods.

In the wake of COVID-19, teens, and the grownups who adore them, face significant challenges regarding their social and emotional development. The pandemic widened the gap in teens’ social skills, leaving many struggling with basic interpersonal interactions like communication and teamwork. The Futures Fund Culture Club tackles this head-on by giving students the responsibility and scaffolded support to lead on and off-campus mural projects. This hands-on leadership experience helps them practice problem-solving, negotiation, and collaboration. Additionally, when students lead campus-wide projects, they feel a stronger sense of agency and connection to their school. Research has also shown that “third spaces”—places outside of home and school—are vital for helping teens to grow socially. These spaces allow them to explore their identity, build relationships, and feel a sense of community. ¹  and may safeguard our teens from loneliness, stress, and alienation. ³  By giving students ownership of the beautification efforts on their campus, Culture Club fosters a deeper connection to the school environment and pride in its upkeep.   Studies even show that teens who have access to these kinds of spaces demonstrate higher social competence and self-esteem. Beyond art, Culture Club directly supports schools’ PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) goals through its Friday incentives. Hosting DJ parties, gaming events, food truck roundups, and splash days, Culture Club also serves as a Tier 1 intervention tactic, keeping students engaged and motivated to improve. Research supports this approach—positive reinforcement like these events is proven to boost school engagement and attendance . ² What makes Culture Club truly unique is how student leadership is at the heart of the program. Teens take charge of every step, from design (or restoration) to execution, transforming their campuses and each other. Citations:  ¹ Oldenburg R. (1999). The great good place: Cafes, coffee shops, bookstores, bars, hair salons, and other hangouts at the heart of a community. New York, NY: Marlowe & Company. ² M.R. SANTIAGO-ROSARIO, K. MCINTOSH, S. IZZARD, D.C. LISSMAN, & E. CALHOUN (2023). Is positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) an evidence-based practice? Center on PBIS ³ Finlay, Jessica et al. “Closure of 'third places'? Exploring potential consequences for collective health and wellbeing.” Health & place vol. 60 (2019): 102225. doi:10.1016/j.healthplace.2019.102225

Connecting teens with community and urban farming is crucial for fostering a sense of responsibility, resilience, and environmental stewardship. Engaging in urban farming allows young people to develop practical skills in sustainable agriculture, which are increasingly important in a world facing climate change and food insecurity. It also provides them with a direct connection to their community, promoting teamwork, collaboration, and a shared commitment to improving their neighborhoods. Through these activities, teens learn the value of hard work, the importance of healthy eating, and the impact of local food systems on their well-being and the environment. By involving teens in urban farming, we empower them to become proactive leaders and advocates for sustainable living, creating a positive ripple effect that can transform communities and inspire future generations. This year, Baton Roots will be able to connect youth to sustainable agriculture due in part to a generous $50,000 award from Huey and Angelina Wilson Foundation with the Empower 2024 grant . This grant focuses on improving outcomes for children and families residing in North Baton Rouge, with focus areas including Housing, Education, Community Wellness, and Economic Vitality. The Hustle & Grow Youth Gardens program, an extension of Baton Roots, is designed to educate and empower the youth of Baton Rouge about sustainable urban agroforestry. Operating primarily in ZIP codes 70802, 70805, and 70807, this program addresses food security and environmental stewardship. Through intensive training sessions held during the spring and fall, and additional summer work-study opportunities, Hustle & Grow engages approximately 60 youth participants. These young people gain invaluable skills in sustainable farming, from planting to harvest and distribution, fostering a sense of stewardship and community impact. This program doesn’t stop at hands-on training; it includes semi-annual teacher training and provides necessary supplies and resources to ensure program effectiveness. Participants visit Baton Roots Urban Farm to learn techniques they can implement in their school gardens, enriching the agricultural science curriculum at Capitol, Istrouma, and Scotlandville high schools. The program is also integrated into our Culture Club Afterschool programs, offering workshops and lesson materials led by skilled agriculture educators. Over the past three years, we've made significant strides in supporting and managing school gardens, directly impacting the educational experience at local high schools. We've trained teachers, district staff, and community partners in locally-effective regenerative farming methods that aren't typically covered in traditional agricultural science programs. These methods help manage stormwater, improve soil fertility, and yield healthy, pesticide-free food, making them essential for both environmental and community health.

In a wave of excitement and cultural enrichment, Capitol High School (CHS) proudly welcomed the expansion of Culture Club afterschool this semester. The partnership kicked off with a bang during the February Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) event, featuring the dynamic beats of DJ Izzy and a delectable journey through the flavors of Black-owned restaurants. But this collaboration is more than just entertainment – it's a transformative journey encompassing community development, cultural exploration, and personal growth. CHS came alive with the energetic sounds of DJ Izzy, setting the stage for an unforgettable cultural experience. Students not only danced the night away but also savored the diverse and delicious offerings from Black-owned restaurants, turning the February PBIS event into a celebration of unity and diversity. The collaboration with The Walls Project promises a holistic approach to community development. CHS students are diving into poverty-disrupting programming that includes urban agriculture, allowing them to connect with sustainable practices. Cultural preservation and placemaking initiatives empower students to contribute to their community's identity, fostering pride and a sense of belonging. The Digital Media training component ensures they are equipped with essential skills for the digital age, preparing them for future success. Thanks to Keep Louisiana Beautiful, Culture Club participants at CHS will unleash their creativity in eco-art workshops, blending artistic expression with environmental responsibility. The collaboration with the Huey and Angelina Wilson Foundation, Baton Rouge Alliance for Students, and New Schools for Baton Rouge opens doors to career-building modules led by guest creative professionals. This alliance aims to inspire and guide students towards fulfilling creative careers, shaping a future brimming with possibilities. Guiding this transformative journey is EBRPSS educator Brandon Singleton, whose passion has quickly turned Culture Club into a cherished safe haven for students. Beyond academics, the club serves as a space for students to connect with peers, fostering a sense of belonging and community. Singleton's leadership ensures that Culture Club transcends the boundaries of a typical afterschool program, becoming a catalyst for personal growth and community development. The expansion of Culture Club to Capitol High School goes beyond a mere afterschool program; it symbolizes a commitment to holistic student development and community empowerment. The diverse range of activities, from entertainment and culinary exploration to eco-art workshops and career-building modules, creates a well-rounded experience for CHS students. With passionate educators and support from various foundations, this collaboration is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of students and the community at large, creating a legacy of empowerment and inspiration for years to come. Join us in cultivating culture and community at Capitol High School! Culture Club is a program made possible through the support from Baton Rouge Alliance for Students, New Schools for Baton Rouge, Huey & Angelina Wilson Foundation, Aetna/CVS, and the generous gifts of individual donors.

If you’ve flown into Baton Rouge recently, you might have noticed a burst of vibrant color greeting you in the airport’s rental car annex. That’s the work of local artist Ashli Ognelodh, whose stunning mural transforms the space into a welcoming introduction to Baton Rouge’s rich culture and a brief history of the airfield’s development. More than just a decorative piece, it’s a visual story of the city—one that greets travelers with a sense of place and ideas for strategic tourism the moment they grab their bags to explore. Ashli Ognelodh, a well-known figure in Baton Rouge’s art scene, is no stranger to large-scale murals. She has completed numerous public art installations throughout the city in collaboration with The Walls Project, a local organization that uses art to ignite community change. A Celebration of Baton Rouge The mural is a vivid love letter to the city. Stretching across the rental car annex, it immerses you in the sights and spirit of Baton Rouge. Cultural districts such as the Louisiana State Capitol, Garden District, and Spanish Town are depicted in vibrant detail, mixed with abstract bursts of color that symbolize the energy and diversity of the city. There are also historical nods to the airport's past as a WWII airfield, offering a subtle reflection on the city's evolution. Ognelodh’s skillful use of color immediately draws the eye—splashes of yellows, reds, and blues create a vibrant palette that shifts as you move through the space. Each section of the mural weaves together elements of Baton Rouge’s past and present, portraying the city’s journey from a bustling trading post along the Mississippi River to a modern cultural hub. Her mix of realism and playful abstract forms encourages travelers to slow down, look closer, and appreciate the layers of stories embedded in the installation. A Warm Welcome for Travelers One of the first things travelers see when they arrive in Baton Rouge, the vignettes create a vivid backdrop for reunion moments, set the tone for visitors’ time in Baton Rouge, and serve as a reminder to returning residents of what makes their hometown special. The location itself adds an extra layer of impact in a once mundane liminal space. The airport’s rental car area might seem like an unusual canvas, but Ashli Ognelodh’s mural transforms this functional space into a portal experience whose story adapts based on the direction from which you enter the space. Baton Rouge in Full Color While Louisiana is known for its vibrant culture, Ashli Ognelodh’s mural at the Baton Rouge Airport sets the capital city apart, offering a targeted visual experience that celebrates Baton Rouge’s unique identity. Her mural captures the essence of the capital, creating a colorful welcome that stands out from the broader cultural landscape of the state. It’s not just a reflection of Louisiana’s music, food, and festivities—it’s a love letter to Baton Rouge itself. For residents and tourists alike, the installations invite patrons to connect with the city’s deep-rooted heritage and explore its unique flora and fauna. Whether you’re arriving or returning home, Ognelodh’s mural provides a vibrant introduction that makes you feel the pride and pulse of the capital city. Next time you’re at the Baton Rouge Airport, take a moment to appreciate this masterpiece—Ashli’s work ensures that you carry a piece of Baton Rouge with you, wherever you go.

Baton Roots is dreaming of a whole new look. Since Walls Project started Baton Roots in 2019, the program has quickly expanded from its main community farm at BREC Howell Park to a network of community farms at schools and affordable housing sites across Baton Rouge. From the beginning, Baton Roots’ mission was to provide fresh food access in food deserts as well as improve the community's quality-of-life, public safety and economic development through year-round agriculture, health and arts programming.This year, the program is ready to share its new and improved vision of the Baton Roots community farm. This aspirational document hopes to result in the Walls collaborating with their partners at BREC to implement components of the plan over the next 1-5 years. The vision is to transform the 4-acre farm into a walking and biking friendly agricultural wonderland with art installations, performances spaces, areas to create, farmers markets, innovative gardens, and edible crops. Over the course of 2020 and 2021, the plan was developed by Walls Project, the LSU School of Landscape Architecture, LSU School of Architecture and the Coastal Sustainability Studio and co-curated by artist-in-residence, Faheem Majeed. Project partners on the master plan included National Endowment for the Arts , BREC , LSU , HealthyBR/Geaux Get Healthy and over a hundred community organizations, schools and municipal agencies. “We had to think about what art means and what types of spaces are beneficial to that,” LSU Landscape Architecture professor Nicholas Serrano says. Integrating art into Baton Roots has always been the organization’s goal. In addition to wanting to launch its own artist and farmer residency program, the plan for the art farm includes temporary art installations where local artists can showcase their work or visiting artists-in-residence can utilize the space for community outreach. It’s not all about visual art at Baton Roots either. Performance and makers spaces are also being considered to include stages and covered gathering spots. “We had to think about the types of art that the Louisiana and Baton Rouge community supports and participates in.” The art farm will be the first of its kind in the Baton Rouge area. It will feature many spaces for community engagement including a potential farmers market area for local businesses and growers to set up shop and sell fresh foods. Baton Roots wants to have a maker’s space area where locals can create anything from art to woodworking projects amidst the backdrop of an urban farm oasis. Who needs an art studio when you have The Yard Lab? With the vision of Baton Roots and the support of local residents the Walls Projects aims to expand the concept of public art, create pavilions for education and food distribution, launch a visiting artist-in-residence program and share a space where the public and professional artists can work to create art. By sharing the plan with the community, the art farm is one step closer to becoming a tangible open-air, green and art space that is transformational to Baton Rouge. "Over the past three years, Baton Roots has distributed tens of thousands of pounds of food to community members throughout East Baton Rouge Parish. We’ve instructed hundreds of educational sessions and worked with residents to develop communal knowledge about growing our own food here in Louisiana. We are so grateful to receive this Planning Award from NEA to solidify the vision for Baton Roots and to house our program at BREC’s Howell Community Park. We are excited to use the incredible work in this document to push our farming efforts forward, not for ourselves, but for the neighbors of the farm and larger community. We know how urban agriculture education and learning about food can bring people together, and we are so excited for these recommendations for Baton Roots to bring even more people into our program’s home and further our collective learning. Our vision is to help repair the food system and bring fresh food access to all residents of East Baton Rouge Parish. This aspirational document shows the path to completing this mission and we admire all the hard work, attention to detail, and dedication required to create this master plan. Thank you again for all involved and we will see you on the farm!" - Mitchell Provensal (Senior Program Coordinator, Baton Roots Community Farm) See the complete masterplan for the Baton Roots art farm here .

As September draws to a close and we enter the full swing of a still-new school year, Baton Roots is looking back at our summer hosting MYWE scholars at the community farm. MYWE, or the Mayor's Youth Workforce Experience , is a summer program led by the Mayor’s office, Big Buddy, and other community organizations. The program connects high school youth with summer internship opportunities at local organizations while simultaneously providing weekly personal and professional development opportunities. This year, MYWE matched 13 scholars with Baton Roots. Scholars learned fundamental skills in urban agroforestry and community based programming. They helped us start and maintain seedlings, weed, harvest, distribute produce to community members, and lead educational programs for volunteer groups and summer camps while visiting the farm. The Walls Project is grateful to Big Buddy for all they do to keep this program going to provide opportunities for young people in our city. Check out the videos below to see what MYWE scholars Jerry, Kayden, Dylan, Chelsea, loved about working with Baton Roots! Jerry "When we started planting lettuce it was actually fun lowkey" Kayden "my favorite thing to do at Baton Roots is to plant flowers" Dylan "My favorite thing about Baton Roots this year was planting sweet potatoes and squash" Chelsea "my favorite thing that I did this summer would probably be picking okra. To me it's therapeutic, I can just walk around." Thank you to Big Buddy, the Mayor's Office, and most importantly to the incredible MYWE scholars who joined us this summer!

Every year, Baton Roots grows tens of thousands of pounds of fresh food and delivers educational programming reaching hundreds of people. This year, we are delighted to have three new faces joining our team to delivery high quality educational and community programs. Yasmyne Wells joins us as an Agroforestry Educator, leading our after school programming at Capitol High School. Gigi Hall and Hadley Hines work with Baton Roots as 2024-2025 ServeLouisiana corps members. Gigi Hall joins the team as the Volunteer and Program Outreach Coordinator. Hadley Hines joins the team as the Program Development and Evaluation Coordinator. Get to know Yasmyne, Gigi, and Hadley below! Yasmyne Wells, Agroforestry Educator Name and Pronouns: Yasmyne, aka Yas. My pronouns are she/her. What is your role with Baton Roots? I am a member of the Walls Project, working with the Culture Club Program, as the Agroforestry Educator. My role is to teach young people all about urban agriculture, gardening, landscaping, maintaining a healthy mental space, and so much more! Tell us more about you! I am a proud graduate of Southern University A&M College with a Bachelor’s in Agricultural Sciences. I am the owner and operator of Just Growing Here LLC, where I work as a gardener, landscape gardener, plant cultivator, and a teacher to the community about the many aspects of gardening. Do you have a favorite plant? What do you love about it? My favorite plant is the Diffenbachia, aka Dumb Cane, aka Leopard Lily. It is my favorite plant because the leaves are too cool, I love leopard print, and during my trip to Brazil, I learned that they believe the plant means “you can’t mess with me,” and that’s an important reminder as a woman!  Gigi Hall, Volunteer and Program Outreach Coordinator Name and Pronouns: Gigi Hall - She/Her What is your role with Baton Roots?   Volunteer & Program Outreach Coordinator. As Volunteer & Program Outreach Coordinator my goal is to cultivate & nurture relationships with community organizations, schools, and local businesses to expand volunteer networks & partnerships. As well as recruiting volunteers & educating them on the mission & benefits of volunteering with Baton Roots. It is my responsibility to supervise & engage with volunteers during events & programming.  Tell us more about you! I am an artist. I love video games, podcasts, & sushi in unhealthy doses. I have worked in many different areas of industry. My passion tends to keep me busy. I have been cooking a double major in Photography & Graphic Design & a minor in journalism for a while but it's almost done. I am a second-year Americorps Serve La Member & the reason I chose to serve with Baton Roots is because my goals directly align with their mission & core values.  Do you have a favorite plant? What do you love about it? My favorite plant is Hemp, it is an incredibly versatile plant. Hemp is used in cosmetics, skin care, fragrance, and medicine. In some countries hemp is being used as a more sustainable plastic, single-handedly dwindling their carbon footprints. Hemp has been & continues to be used for thread, clothing, bags & shoes in our modern fashion world. Hemp is the future! Hadley Hines, Program Development and Evaluation Coordinator Name: Hadley Hines What is your role with Baton Roots? I am an AmeriCorps member serving as the Program Development and Evaluation Coordinator for Baton Roots! This year, I will be focusing on developing and evaluating the effectiveness of Baton Roots’ programming to better serve our community. Tell us more about you! When I am not on the farm, you can find me attending a local community-led event, enjoying the great outdoors, or hanging out with my two cats!   Do you have a favorite plant? What do you love about it? A plant that I love is milkweed because it is a home to monarch butterfly caterpillars, and a pollinator for many other awesome insects.

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved leader and friend, Teressa Calligan, fondly known as "Dean T." On Sunday, September 15th, Teressa passed away, leaving behind a legacy of profound kindness, thoughtfulness, and unwavering dedication to the Baton Rouge community. Teressa was the heart and soul of the Futures Fund for nearly a decade, shaping the lives of countless teens and adults across Baton Rouge. As Dean of Coding since 2020, she became a guiding light for all those eager to explore the world of technology. Her leadership was not only thoughtful but transformative, as she consistently pushed the program to new heights, always adapting to challenges with grace and determination. Teressa is survived by her loving family—along with a wide circle of friends, colleagues, and the many Futures Fund participants she mentored. A lifelong learner, Teressa pursued her passion for technology with zeal, challenging herself and others to grow. Outside of her work with Futures Fund, she played a critical role in cybersecurity at Entergy, safeguarding vital networks that keep our communities connected. Her journey with Futures Fund began in 2014, first as a volunteer and a parent of a student. Witnessing firsthand the impact of the program, Teressa quickly became an instructor and later the lead content developer. Her promotion to Dean of Coding in 2020 was a natural progression of her dedication. In this role, Teressa welcomed students and instructors alike, ensuring that everyone felt empowered, supported, and inspired to excel in their tech journeys. Tireless in her efforts, she never hesitated to give her time and energy, offering one-on-one support and mentorship to anyone in need. Teressa’s legacy is one of service, compassion, and an unshakable belief in the potential of others. She will be deeply missed, but her influence will live on through the many lives she touched.  Friend and Futures Fund colleague, Ana Paula Justino reminds us, “Teressa is not a statistic, a number … she IS an amazing mom, wife , friend , daughter, sister, cousin, mentor , teacher, employee, entrepreneur … she wore various hats and ALL OF THEM with her whole heart. She was present and intentional, all the time. Keep your loved ones close and let go of things that harden your heart. Life is shorter than what we expect and unpredictable.” Update to include service details: Oasis Christian Church (4524 Brookstown Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70805) Thursday, September 26, 2024 Viewing 9 AM - 11 AM, Services 11 AM

Baton Rouge, LA  – The Walls Project is thrilled to announce the Sow Good Community Resource Festival, set to take place on October 12 from 9 AM until 1 PM. This event will bring together volunteers and community members at two key locations: the Baton Roots Community Farm at BREC Howell Park (5509 Winbourne Avenue) and the BRCC Acadian campus ( 3250 N Acadian Thruway) . The Sow Good Community Resource Festival is designed to promote community engagement, provide valuable resources, and educate participants on various important topics through a series of workshops and giveaways. Event Schedule and Highlights: Baton Roots Community Farm at BREC Howell Park: Tree Distribution: The tree giveaway and tree maintenance workshops are made possible through funding provided, in part, by the Inflation Reduction Act and the USDA Forest Service, Urban and Community Forestry Program. USDA and The Walls Project are equal opportunity providers and employers. Volunteer Project: Mulching Citrus Trees in the Orchard (9 AM - 10 AM):  Join us in caring for the citrus trees in the orchard at Baton Roots Community Farm. Tree Share and Maintenance Workshop: Fruit Tree Guilds (10 AM - 11 AM):  In collaboration with Baton Roots and BR Green, a workshop will be held on the best practices for building fruit tree guilds, maintenance, and care, followed by a tree share to promote fruit tree guilds within our community. Farm Fresh Cooking Demo and Food Tasting with AHA (10:30 - 11:30 AM): Taste seasonal dishes with produce directly from Baton Roots farm! Recipes are prepared by chefs and nutrition educators working with the American Heart Association. This program is supported by Geaux Get Healthy, a project of HealthyBR.  All-levels Yoga under the oak trees (11 AM - 12 PM):   Join us for a relaxing and rejuvenating yoga workshop underneath the shade of the live oak trees at the farm. This workshop is open to all experience levels and yoga mats are provided on site. Tech Giveaway and Training: Laptop Distribution:  With the support of James. M. Cox Foundation, we will distribute 50 laptops to qualified individuals. Participants must prequalify and attend at least 2 workshops to receive their free personal computer!  Digital Equity Access (9 - 10 AM):  Informational session on internet broadband equity, ensuring everyone has access to necessary technology and resources. Keyboarding and Email Writing Basics (10 - 11 AM): Learn the essentials of keyboarding and email writing in this workshop, designed to help you communicate effectively and efficiently in the digital world. Internet Safety (11 AM - 12 PM):  Essential tips and guidelines for staying safe online. Job Search Tips (12 PM - 1 PM): Using the internet to look for job opportunities and what you need to apply. Paint Giveaway and Workshop: Project Paint Techniques (9 - 10 AM):  Join our hands-on workshop on proper project painting techniques, where you'll learn essential skills to achieve a professional finish on any painting project.  Proper Paint Disposal (10 - 11 AM):  Learn the correct methods for disposing of paint, emphasizing environmental responsibility.  Recycled Paint Share (11 AM - 12 PM): Workshop attendees can take home free paint from a selection of popular household colors (limit 5 gallons per individual, 10 gallons per business). The Sow Good Community Resource Festival aims to foster a sense of community, provide essential resources, and offer educational opportunities to all attendees. We invite everyone to join us for a day of service, learning, and community building. For more information about the Sow Good Community Resource Festival, please contact Helena Sato at 225-434-0515 Ext 0 or helena@thewallsproject.org . Join us on October 12 to Sow Good and grow together!

At Durango High School, creativity, teamwork, and community spirit came together in a big way with the completion of a vibrant new mural on the exterior wall of the High School next to their impressive IMPACT Career Innovation Center. What started as an ambitious idea led by our student-driven Interact Club turned into an inspiring reality—all within the span of just one school day! A Call to Action The journey began when The Walls Project was approached by a representative, Kate Kelly, from the Rotary Club of Durango. They helped paint our Manna Soup Kitchen mural and had heard about our ongoing efforts to engage students in meaningful projects and offered their support. With Kate’s position as assisting the Interact Club and The Rotary Club’s encouragement and financial backing, the idea of creating a mural that would both beautify Durango High School’s campus and symbolize the students’ collaborative spirit took root. Planning the Mural From the outset, this project was all about the students. Dozens of Durango High School students, guided by the Interact Club, stepped up to the challenge. Together, they decided on a theme that would resonate with the entire student body, and the search for the right artist began. The Walls Project, selected senior Maisy Harlan, a talented artist who is set to attend Fort Lewis College this fall, to lead the design efforts. The Big Day: Bringing the Mural to Life With Maisy’s design in hand, and under the mentorship of local muralist and DHS alum Parker Ledford, the students got to work. In just one day, over 35 students came together, brushes in hand, to transform a blank wall into a stunning piece of art that reflects the vibrancy and creativity of our school community. The energy on campus that day was electric. Students picked up their paintbrushes and painted side by side for hours until the mural was finished. The teamwork and collaboration were truly inspiring to witness. The Finished Mural: A Symbol of Possibility By the end of the day, what had been a plain, unassuming wall was now a colorful and captivating mural, full of life and meaning. The design, brought to life by Maisy and her peers, serves as a testament to what can be achieved when students are given the opportunity to lead, collaborate, and create. A Grateful Community We are incredibly grateful to the Rotary Club of Durango for their support and to all the students, staff, and community members who made this project possible. A special thank you goes to Maisy Harlan for her leadership and artistic vision, and to Parker Ledford for guiding our students through this transformative experience. This mural is more than just a piece of art; it’s a symbol of what’s possible when we come together as a community. It stands as a reminder of the creativity, dedication, and potential that exists within every student at Durango High School. We invite everyone to visit the mura to see the mural in person and to celebrate the incredible achievements of our students. Thank you to everyone who was part of this journey. Together, we’ve created something truly special that will inspire future generations of students for years to come.