Levi Brewster: Landscape Portfolio

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Welcome to my portfolio, a curated compilation highlighting a decade of my life and work. Explore glimpses of my Altadena home, witness the impact of land restoration in my community, and join me in sharing a vision that seeks to reconnect our spirit with the earth. This collection weaves together personal and professional chapters of my life into a presentation I hope you will enjoy.

My journey as a Learning Naturalist
In 2017, as the morning sun cast a golden glow over the evolving landscape of the New Horizon School garden, I stood at the threshold of an enchanting world—the Peace Garden. I couldn’t anticipate that this budding oasis would become the setting for a transformative chapter in my life, weaving together the principles of restorative land work, community, and spirituality.

My introduction to the garden was serendipitous, sparked by volunteer work alongside a friend who was a parent at the school. In its nascent stage, the garden captivated me with its multifaceted intentions and thoughtful design. Functioning as an emblem of the harmonious intersection between faith, spirituality, and the land, the garden at New Horizon School aimed to cultivate not only bountiful produce but also bring together the diverse threads of our community.

Entrusted with the task of establishing a comprehensive garden program, my role involved conducting classes for preK to 4th grade, enhancing the curriculum for 5th-8th graders, overseeing an after-school Farm to Table club, and organizing a series of free community workshops focused on regenerative gardening and landscape opportunities.

The Peace Garden transcends the confines of traditional classrooms, becoming an expansive learning space. From unraveling the mysteries of plant life cycles to instilling the importance of sustainable agriculture and native habitat, the garden provides a rich foundation of knowledge. It cultivates a sense of responsibility, urging students to become caretakers of the earth and active contributors to their community. Here, literature, math, and science lessons unfold amid the rhythmic cycles of nature.

Beyond the classroom, the garden serves as a common ground for our community to share stories of faith and practice, fostering connections across cultures and nationalities. Histories echo through the garden, resonating with memories of climbing fig trees in Lebanon and harvesting olives in Palestine. Within this sacred space, prayers harmonize with the practical work of tending the soil.

Over the years, I've borne witness to the flourishing of plant, animal, and fungal communities—a manifestation of the vitality pulsating through the garden. Along the way, students have grown, and colleagues have passed on, following the intricate dance of life. In this relationship with the land and the cycles of nature, I discovered a workplace that has enhanced my life, offering invaluable lessons from dedicated garden maintenance to building resilient communities and deepening my own spiritual connection to the earth.

The Peace Garden, beyond being a source of personal fulfillment, has become a conduit for sharing stories and fostering connections. As I reflect on my experience, I realize that its impact transcends my individual journey. The Peace Garden emerges as a space where others will share in generations of growth, a testament to the interconnectedness of all living beings. Like thriving seeds that bring life to the universe, the Peace Garden stands as a living testament to the power of nurturing both the land and the human spirit.

Learn more about the Peace Garden here: https://newhorizonschool.org/peace-garden-vision-and-goals/