​From Waste to Wonder: Community Harvesting for Climate Resilience

​Community Workshop at Japhet Creek Ecovillage

​Transform your relationship with food, waste, and climate through hands-on learning and creative expression in a supportive community setting.

​Living in Houston means navigating complex relationships with food access, environmental health, and climate impacts that affect our daily lives. Whether you're concerned about rising grocery costs, interested in reducing household waste, or curious about growing your own food, you're not alone in these experiences.

​Join neighbors from Houston's Third and Fifth Ward and beyond for a 3-hour outdoor learning journey that honors your existing knowledge while building new skills for climate resilience.

​This workshop takes place at the peaceful Japhet Creek Ecovillage, where you'll explore the land through guided walks, learn practical composting techniques, and document your experiences through collaborative art-making. We'll weave together personal stories, environmental science, and community wisdom to create resources that serve our neighborhoods.

​What You'll Experience:

​Land Connection & History (11:00 AM - 12:45 PM)

• ​Begin with community introductions and land acknowledgment in a trauma-informed setting

• ​Explore the ecovillage ecosystems with experienced guide Brian Herod

• ​Learn about edible plants and sustainable harvesting practices

• ​Share food traditions and climate adaptation stories at your comfort level

• ​Connect with the history and agricultural heritage of this special place

​Refreshments & Break (12:45-1:00 PM)

​Creative Documentation & Commitment (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM)

• ​Use artistic scribing to capture your learning and emotions from the day

• ​Co-create pages for a community zine that will serve as a neighborhood resource

• ​Reflect on next steps and potential ongoing commitments to food/waste action

• ​Complete brief surveys that help us understand the workshop's impact

​What You'll Take Home:

• ​Practical composting skills you can use in any living situation

• ​Digital and physical resources for continued food security and waste reduction

• ​Connection to ongoing monthly programming and community support

• ​Your contribution to a collaboratively created community resource zine

• ​New relationships with neighbors working toward similar goals

​Important Information About This Workshop:

​Research & Community Co-Design: This workshop is part of Art for Climate Resilience, a six-month community research program. We believe communities are the experts on their own experiences, and we're working together to document what helps build climate resilience. Your participation contributes to a community-designed zine and helps us understand how arts-based learning supports environmental health and climate mental health.

​Participation is voluntary in all activities. You can engage at whatever level feels comfortable, whether that's active sharing or quiet observation. We honor different communication styles and recognize that discussing food access and environmental stress can bring up difficult emotions.

​Who This Serves:

• ​Adults and youth (ages 14+) interested in sustainable living and community connection

• ​People experiencing or concerned about food insecurity and climate impacts

• ​Community members wanting to learn practical environmental skills

• ​Anyone curious about the connections between personal health and environmental health

• ​Residents of Houston's Third and Fifth Ward, and allies supporting environmental justice 

​Who's Making This Possible:

​Program Leadership: Art for Climate Resilience is created by Ryn Delpapa, an interdisciplinary artist with a global health background specializing in arts-in-health, climate storytelling, and mindfulness practices. They are passionate about supporting communities in building resilience and hope in the face of environmental challenges.

About Our Community Partners

​Facilitation Team:

• ​Brian Herod: Land-based Educator and Ecovillage Guide with expertise in sustainable systems

​Venue Partner: Japhet Creek Ecovillage - providing beautiful outdoor learning space and demonstration areas

​Funding Partners: This workshop is offered with a sliding scale thanks to partnerships. The overall program, Art for Climate Resilience, is funded in part by the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance.

​Register & Prepare:

​What to Bring: Comfortable shoes for outdoor walking, sun protection, water bottle (extras available), and openness to learning alongside neighbors

​Weather Policy: Workshop continues rain or shine with covered spaces available. We'll contact participants if extreme weather requires rescheduling.

​Important Notes:

• ​We'll be exploring both individual experiences and broader structural issues

• ​This is a brave space where difficult truths about our community's conditions will be acknowledged

• ​All sharing is voluntary, and participants can engage at their comfort level

• ​Follow-up resources will be provided for anyone who wants continued support

​Reserve Your Space: Limited to 35 participants to ensure meaningful connection and individual attention. Please indicate any accessibility needs or concerns when registering.

​Questions Welcome:

​If you have concerns about accessibility, need more information about the research component, or want to discuss how this workshop might serve your specific interests, please reach out. We're committed to creating a space where everyone can participate meaningfully.

​Contact: hello@ryndelpapa.com

​This workshop acknowledges that environmental and food challenges are serious community issues while centering the wisdom, creativity, and resilience that already exists in our neighborhoods. Together, we're building practical skills and supportive relationships for the climate challenges we face.

​This workshop focuses on wellness and community building. If you're experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact (713) 970-4483 NAMI Greater Houston or seek immediate professional support.