Oak Grove School alumnus David Klein is in full swing, transforming the KFA's old, dried-out orange orchard in Ojai into a demonstration of how to restore eroded land from the ravages of climate change and years of chemical fertilization and pesticides. The land reclamation project takes advantage of permaculture techniques that work in harmony with local climate and terrain, and seek a balance between crop cultivation and the needs of the local flora and fauna.

You can read more about the project in the fall issue of the KFA's newletter Foundation Focus (click here).

David graduated from Oak Grove School in 2000 and now returns to help the KFA deal with its aging, neglected orange orchard, and restore the land to health and productivity.

Doing a lot with a little . . .
But David can't do it without a tractor to remove the dying and dead orange trees, chip them for mulch, and create the berms and swales that will capture rainwater and use it for irrigation. Once in place, the system will require a minimum of irrigation, will naturally enrich the soil and thus avoid chemical fertilizers, and will produce a diverse crop of olives, almonds, pomegranates, and apricots - all part of a locally grown food supply for Oak Grove School lunches, and for a food cooperative in Ojai.

Orchard owners throughout Southern California are struggling to cope with huge increases in water rates and a declining market for their mono crops of oranges and avocados. The KFA's land reclamation project can lead the way.

Please contribute what you can to help us reach goal on a new tractor for David and his volunteers!

Your green power will make our green power come to life! To make a donation in any amount click here.