A Note From Our Founding Executive Director

Mar 2, 2026

Dear Solano Community,

It is with gratitude, excitement and some sadness I am ready to announce that after 15 amazing years of creating and managing Sustainable Solano, I will be transitioning out of my executive director’s role this summer.

Growing Benicia Community Gardens into Sustainable Solano, a countywide organization, has been an inspiring, difficult and rewarding journey. I’ve learned so much about our beautiful county, its incredible people, challenges and opportunities, and about myself. I am forever grateful to all the people who made this work possible – our community partners, government and business leaders and people from all walks of life who come to our events, support our programs and trust the organization. Our exceptional team and board members, current and past, will always have a special place in my heart.

Allison Nagel, our co-executive director, will move into the role of executive director following the transition. The organization is in great strategic and financial shape, and I am confident that it will continue to thrive and evolve in service to Solano County.

— Elena Karoulina, founding executive director

Sowing Seeds of Connection: 2025 Permaculture Design Course

Dec 30, 2025

By Nicole Newell, Sustainable Landscaping Program Manager

Our 2025 Permaculture Design Certification (PDC) in Benicia blended online zoom sessions with hands-on, in-person training for nine students from August through December. As part of their training, students and instructors collaborated on redesigning an 850-square-foot residential lawn into a permaculture oasis, featuring rainwater-capturing swales, laundry-to-landscape, and native plant guilds. Local residents Gabie and Kyle opened their yard to host the hands-on weekends. We’re so grateful to them for sharing their beautiful space, fostering hands-on learning and building a vibrant community around regenerative design.

I took a PDC course in 2015 with Toby Hemenway, author of Gaia’s Garden. That experience was life-changing: the principles didn’t just feel like new information, but rather a “remembering” of ancestral knowledge I already held. Beyond teaching a whole-systems design approach, these PDC courses forge deep connections with each other and the ecosystem that we are part of. I had the honor of supporting the 2025 Benicia PDC led by Lydia Neilsen and Anne Freiwald and saw firsthand how they intentionally cultivate a supportive container for growth and reflection, sharing material that can be applied in both life and work. We were joined by Heath Griffith of Grow with the Flow, a local Benicia designer who graciously volunteered their time to support the program.

“We designed, dug, planted, sang, and became one with the wild, creative, living pulse of life.”

Carrie

Benicia PDC student

A vital part of the PDC was the design projects, with students working in groups to collaboratively design three local sites. The program concluded on Dec. 6 with a public event where these projects were presented to the community. Before the presentations, the PDC group gathered and sang a song of Courage. Each group presented with a unique artistic flair, blending whole-systems thinking and design principles with a deep respect for local indigenous tribes and the historical context of the land. These are aspirational designs, but we hope that the visions will be shared with the stewards of each design location and could influence future decisions.

Here are the visions of all three projects and two Who Am I? poems from the perspective of the land.

Group Name: Gaia Mana Katonda

Design Location: Graceway Church in Benicia

Students: Juliet Majalya-Francis, Karen Borg, Owen Peute

Establish and sustain a sacred garden that reflects harmony through the practice of permaculture. We seek to cultivate a living expression of faith where prayer, reflection, play, and participation unite in a rhythm of growth and renewal. We strive to nurture systems of life that honor the interdependence of soil, water, plants, and people. Through this garden, we envision a community flourishing in spirit and in stewardship, embodying abundance and grace.

Group Name: The Gold Growers

“Sanctuary of Life”

Design Location: Swenson Garden at Heritage Presbyterian Church in Benicia

Students: Carlos Zaragoza, Rianna Samson, Natallia Pulko, David Gustafson

We want to keep the Benicia Community Gardens’ mission alive: Strengthen community resilience by increasing access to sustainable, regional sources of food [and] improving communal space.

Who Am I?

I am a multi-communal space that welcomes everyone.

I am a place where many lives meet —
people, birds, animals, insects, roots, and rivers of quiet things.
All of them belong here.

I am alive, vibrant, full of movement and stillness at once.
Life does not simply live on me —
life flows through me.

I am generous by nature.
Abundance is not something I give —
it is something I am.

I open my fields to footsteps,
my shade to rest,
my soil to seeds.

I enjoy when someone comes and sits with me —
just to be with me,

I am a place for gathering,
for remembering that we are not alone,
that every being here is part of the same story.

I am here to share, to nourish, to hold.
And I welcome all who arrive with gentleness, curiosity,
and the willingness to listen.

Group Name: Subterranean Nobles

“A Vision for a Living Classroom and Urban Oasis for Pollinators”

Design Location: De La Salle High School in Concord

Students: Jazzmin Ballou, Carrie Rehak

We aim to provide a reminder of earthly connection for students amid studies, sports, and other curricular and cocurricular activities. By enhancing especially … the main common spaces for students, such as the Quad and Inner Court … we seek to foster curiosity and connection through intentional planting, habitat creation, and permaculture ethics (Earth Care; People Care, and Fair Share), principles, and design.

This campus will be an oasis for the entire community: students, staff, parents, and wildlife,
supporting pollinators, birds, beneficial insects, plants, shrubs, groundcovers, and soil organisms.

Excerpt from “Who I Am from the Land” (from the Perspective of a Bdelliod Rotifer)

….I want to thrive.
For fungi to bloom. For bacteria to roam. For nutrients to cycle.
I want cover crops to knit soil back together and compost to restore memory.
I want moisture and air in balance, in a breathable, living network.
I want life to move through earth’s restless, resilient web of roots, worms, fungi, wildflowers, oaks, vegetables, bees, birds, and my family of rotifers.

I want students to see me through microscopes, to sense me in the soil beneath their feet and in
their hands, not as something small and hidden, but as part of the pulse of life that carries seasons forward.

I want them to walk mindfully, to plant thoughtfully, to harvest water wisely, so that every clump of roots and drop of rain becomes a handful of wonder or a cradle for my kin.

I want them to pause, to observe, to experience earth as a living, breathing classroom where every droplet, every worm, every microbe is a teacher.

I want them to know that caring for earth is caring for themselves and that the smallest creatures, like me, carry both memory and future.

After their public presentations, the PDC class celebrated their achievements, received their certificates, and discussed future opportunities. Below are some of the actions they hope to take in the year ahead.

  • Continue attending garden installations.
  • Volunteering for related projects and community events.
  • Organizing or attending garden tours.
  • Hosting gatherings to share skills and ideas (e.g., about specific permaculture topics like building soil, water harvesting, or food preservation).
  • Forming community connections to support ongoing sustainable education and build resilient neighborhoods.

The day was filled with heartfelt community connection and the impact of the course is already visible. May this momentum continue to have a rippling effect in our Solano County communities. We are excited to see what the future holds for the students and Sustainable Solano will look for ways to support their future endeavors.

Interested in learning more about permaculture? Check out these trainings and resources:

East Bay Permaculture monthly meetings

Earth Activist Trainings

EcoFarm Conference– Jan 21-24

Occidental Arts and Ecology Center

Quail Springs

Bioneers

Localizing California Water

Celebrating Petite Sirah & SuSol in Suisun City

Nov 3, 2025

By Sustainable Solano

Karina Cook and Princess Washington at the Petite Sirah meet & greet in October

It was a wonderful evening of wine, music, poetry and conversation around Sustainable Solano and local food at the Petite Sirah meet & greet with board members Princess Washington and Karina Cook on Oct. 25.

As part of the SuSol’s board’s community outreach, board and team members have paired up for intimate gatherings to connect local community members and leaders with SuSol’s work in the county. Princess and Karina, both influential residents of Suisun City, wanted to do something special that highlighted Suisun’s special place in the county and the world through its Suisun Valley wineries — particularly Petite Sirah, for which Suisun Valley’s climate is ideally suited.

This led to a fantastic evening planned by Princess and Karina and hosted at the Solano Yacht Club, surrounded by the beloved marshlands, and showcasing local wineries. SuSol’s Local Food program manager, Chef Stephanie Oelsligle Jordan, planned out a variety of food pairings for the donated wines, and SuSol Board President Maggie Kolk spoke about our work in the county.

Princess called the focus on Solano’s agricultural community and local food deeply meaningful, and was excited about future opportunities to showcase Suisun Valley wine and local food in the city. “As the Petit Sirah capital of the world, it was a joy to honor our harvest and community spirit through Sustainable Solano,” she said.

We are so grateful to those who donated to make the event a reality and to Sustainable Solano that night!

Thank you to the following for donating products, services, time and talent to make this evening a success!

Fairfield-Suisun Rotary Club

Caymus-Suisun

Sunset Cellars

Tolenas Winery

Whim Cellars

Solano Yacht Club

Supervisor Wanda Williams

David Camper (Excalibur)

Essex Cook

Leon Echols, the Working Class Violinist

Slideshow

Click through to see photos from the evening!

Photo credit: Essex Cook

Public Art Makes Spaces More Walkable and Welcoming

Mar 27, 2025

By Taylor Collins, Development & Communications Coordinator

Public art has a way of transforming everyday spaces into places where people want to slow down, gather, and enjoy their surroundings. Too often, we move through our cities at a rushed and urgent pace, focused on getting from one place to the next. But sometimes, we need reminders that public space should be made for us to enjoy, linger in, and connect with one another.

That’s exactly what the Fairfield in Full Bloom mural set out to do. This vibrant piece of art captures the diverse and friendly spirit of Fairfield, bringing color, creativity, and warmth to the area. At the community mural event on March 22, we invited community members to make their mark — literally — by adding their handprints to the mural. We are grateful to the community members and city leaders who came out to the event, and to the City of Fairfield, Select Furniture property owner, and artist Sheree Rayford for working with us to make this mural a reality.

Despite the light sprinkling rain and cloudy skies, the event was bright and uplifting. We engaged the community in air quality education, and one lucky participant even took home a DIY air purifier! Attendees could review the community-driven air quality action plan that was created through engagement with Fairfield residents. Copies of the plan are now with city staff and at the local libraries. We also got creative by painting kindness rocks, and decorating them with inspiring messages to spread joy long after the event. And in a collective act of optimism and renewal, we planted flowers and dispersed seeds, adding new life and beauty to the area.  

Public art is more than just decoration — it invites us to stop and spend time outside. By making our streets more walkable, welcoming, and meaningful, it fosters a deeper connection between people and the places they call home. Fairfield in Full Bloom is now part of the landscape, a reminder that our city is meant to be enjoyed, one step at a time.

Artist Sheree Rayford

As part of our work in Fairfield around air quality, community members have asked about ways to create more walkable spaces. Some of this work has to be done through large changes, such as the ideas envisioned by our Youth Air Protectors in their street redesign projects. But other changes can be done on a smaller scale, such as planting trees in front yards that will shade sidewalks and improve the air, as was done through two Fairfield garden installations through this program. Then there is what can be done on a community scale. We hope this mural will invite residents to use, enjoy and care for the trail more often.

This mural project and Sustainable Solano’s Fairfield air quality work is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment — particularly in disadvantaged communities.

2025 Benicia & Vallejo Demonstration Food Forest Garden Tour: April 26

Mar 27, 2025

By Nicole Newell, Sustainable Landscaping Program Manager

Every year, as the first blooms of spring peek through the soil, excitement fills the air in our Solano County community. It’s time for our 9th Annual Food Forest Garden Tour in Benicia & Vallejo — an event that not only showcases stunning gardens, but also inspires us to make the most of our precious resources. This enchanting day draws gardening enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, all eager to explore the beautiful landscapes crafted with care and creativity.

The day starts with a talk on permaculture — designing in a way that works with nature — at 9 am at Avant Garden in Benicia. Attendees can pick up maps of participating gardens and visit Benicia gardens from 10 am-1 pm and Vallejo gardens from 1-4 pm (there will be an opportunity to pick up maps at Vallejo People’s Garden from 12-1 pm for those who can only attend in the afternoon). The tour is self-guided and you can visit gardens at your own pace.

Register here!

This year, we are more committed than ever to promoting sustainable practices that beautify our environment and offer an opportunity to build connections with each other within our beloved community. Wander through vibrant gardens during this self-guided tour, each a testament to the wonderful ideas that can sprout from a healthy foundation of soil. From compost systems to drought-resistant plantings to creative ways of growing food, you’ll be amazed by the resourceful and creative permaculture techniques on display.

The garden tour offers more than just beautiful views: it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and conservation. As you visit each garden, you’ll have the chance to interact with passionate gardeners who are eager to share their secrets and insights. Each garden has a name and tells a story — a narrative of nature, patience, and building relationships — qualities we all can draw inspiration from!

We hope you’ll join us for this special event!

Learn more about the gardens on the tour here!

How It Will Work

You can choose to tour for the whole day or for half a day.
Benicia Demonstration Food Forest Gardens will be open 10 am-1 pm
Vallejo Demonstration Food Forest Gardens will be open 1-4 pm

Register here

Itinerary pickup:

9-11 am: Itineraries will be available at Avant Garden in Benicia (400 First St.). This itinerary will include all of the demonstration food forest gardens in Benicia (open in the morning) and Vallejo (open in the afternoon).

12-1 pm: Itineraries for the Vallejo garden sites (open in the afternoon) will be available at the Vallejo People’s Garden behind  the Global Center for Success (1055 Azuar Dr/BLDG 733).

Highlights and What’s New

Every garden is an opportunity to learn about permaculture, native planting, water conservation, and much more. By attending the tour, you will leave with practical knowledge that can transform not just your own garden but also the way you interact with the environment. Here are a few new projects and educational talks that will be highlighted during the garden tour:

An Introduction to Permaculture

Anne Freiwald will open the garden tour at Avant Garden in Benicia with a talk on permaculture. After the talk she will be available to answer any questions about the Permaculture Design Certificate Course beginning on Aug. 25.

Interns

Interns from our Benicia Youth Wellness Program will be at Avant and Swenson gardens providing opportunities to learn about local food and gardening. There will be a local food demo and taste test. Interns from the Vallejo Environmental Leadership Fellowship will be at Vallejo People’s Garden in the afternoon.

HOA

Visit this lawn conversion project designed by Michael Wedgley from Soilogical and installed by the Bay Vista Homeowners Association. This project not only serves as an example of environmental stewardship, but also as an inspiring model for HOA communities everywhere. This project will show resilient plants that are adapted to our local climate and require far less water than traditional lawns.

Solano Resource Conservation District

Pollinators require specific environments to thrive, and Solano RCD will be providing education at the Pollinator Pathway garden on how to create and maintain monarch habitats; they also will be promoting the Bay Area Butterfly Festival on June 1 and will have 6 pack of Milkweed plants for sale for $10.

Vallejo People’s Garden

Suzanne Briley from Vallejo People’s Garden will be giving talks on Creating Spaces for People and Wildlife, looking at ways to have garden spaces for ourselves while supporting wildlife. Talks and tours will be from 1-2:30 pm and 2:30-4 pm.

We are still planning so there is more to come……

Together, we can grow more than just plants: We can cultivate a thriving environment for generations to come. Join us on this journey and be part of a movement that makes every garden a step towards connection and sustainability! Remember that every little change you make at home can contribute to a larger, more sustainable world. Whether it’s growing your own herbs on a windowsill or planting a pollinator garden in your backyard, the creative possibilities are endless!

While the tour is free to attend, we welcome donations to help keep this important work alive. This is our first food forest tour since the Solano County Water Agency discontinued funding for our Sustainable Backyard program, which supported the creation of many of these gardens. Your support ensures that we can continue installing new food forests, provide hands-on educational workshops, and empower more people to create sustainable, water-efficient landscapes in their own communities.

This also ensures that we will continue to have gardens to open for annual tours so they can continue to inspire others! It costs around $7,000 to create one food forest garden from design through installation. Our goal is to raise that amount in connection with the tour.

We invite you to mark your calendars for this transformative experience. The tour will take place on Saturday, April 26. Bring your family and friends, pack your passion for gardening, and get ready to be inspired.

Register here!

Have questions? Feel free to reach out to nicole@sustainablesolano.org

Thank you to Magic Cabinet for sponsoring this year’s tour!

Sustainable Solano’s Position on California Forever

May 29, 2024

By Sustainable Solano

Sustainable Solano has remained publicly silent until now about California Forever, both as a proposal and a ballot item. But we have spent that time in active discussions as a team and board to weigh the California Forever proposal and the process taken to get it to this point and test it for alignment with Sustainable Solano’s mission and objective to nurture initiatives for the good of the whole. We work to help bring our communities together in a way that connects people with each other, the Earth and something larger than themselves, and we must base our responses upon those values.

We have determined the motives behind California Forever do not align with our values as an organization, even if some parts of the proposed community do reflect measures we would like to see for Solano County’s existing cities.

Sustainable Solano’s work around community resilience, sustainable landscapes and local food all starts at a singular nexus — the interest in giving a voice to the community and building community trust toward the good of the whole. We can say without a doubt that the approach taken to acquire property and establish California Forever does not align with that core value for our organization. Solano County residents are frustrated due to the lack of transparency and absence of trust around the intentions of those behind California Forever. As an organization that is exploring what it means for us to democratically govern ourselves in an open manner, we ask no less of those who are seeking to change the county where we ground our work.

Even in the structure of its proposed community, California Forever does not align with our values. The decision for this community to remain unincorporated will result in residents being denied a locally elected municipal government. The new city will not have a mayor or city council, with many governmental functions relegated to nonprofits established by California Forever, or to the County Board of Supervisors. Consequently, the voices of residents may go unheard, and their ability to participate meaningfully in shaping the future of their community can be hindered. Without a local government, residents are often deprived of the essential mechanisms for representation, decision-making, and resource allocation that are fundamental to democratic governance. Issues such as environmental protection, infrastructure development, and public services become challenging to address without a locally elected centralized authority to coordinate efforts and advocate for community needs.

In the absence of a community-elected municipal government, this unincorporated city may face significant obstacles in achieving the democratic ideals of equitable representation and collective decision-making.

There are other areas where California Forever does not properly align with Sustainable Solano’s mission and values. We promote sustainable land use and the protection of ag land, which this proposal would directly affect as well as removing range land and endangering critically important habitat. We work with communities to lift up residents’ voices around environmental degradation and injustice, and see where creation of a large new city in the county would increase the negative effects on surrounding communities commensurate with increased traffic and strains on water supplies.

California Forever paints a picture of a community that would be built for walkability with good jobs and affordable housing. We appreciate and understand the vital importance of these features of a sustainable city, and would like to see more in our existing cities — cities where people could easily walk, bike or take local transit to jobs that pay a livable wage, have access to grocery stores with healthy seasonal food, can gather in public spaces with urban greening, and use renewable, local energy. We would like to encourage building this vision within our existing cities, and invite you to think about how such changes could be brought to where you live. These strategies would strengthen Solano County and our local communities, but for California Forever they remain only ideas at this point, and there are far too many conflicts with our values for us to support the California Forever proposal as a whole.