Here There Gardens

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The Here There Encampment has several gardens that began in March of 2020, when campmember Tim, with the encouragement of Leela, began tending the narrow strip of grassy land between the sidewalk and the BART tracks. It started with a bit of tilling, some overgrown onions, and mustard seeds from a nearby garden.

Over time, other camp members took interest in gardening, and camp supporters gave plants that needed new homes.

The Here There garden tenders have learned that they do not need to water the plants, as they implement the indigenous Amazonian practice of composting with “biochar,” activated charcoal added to decomposing biomass. In line with modern research, the remediated Here There soil supports diverse life forms and induces drought-tolerance, transforming the region into a lush polyculture for the enjoyment of passersby.

Their various flowering plants attract pollinators and birds that are uncommon in human-occupied land, despite Here There being a small stretch of land between an active BART line and a busy traffic corridor.

The Here There Encampment serves as a donation distribution center for the nearby homeless population. All in need are provided food, blankets, and access to their solar charging station.

Despite the support they provide for countless homeless people and their local ecosystem, Here There faces perpetual threat of eviction by the City of Berkeley, which has approved plans to expand the traffic corridor.