Spring Work Day at Sotononono: Cultivating Regeneration Together

On May 20th, a small group of us gathered at Sotononono — a historic home once lived in by a local school principal — now slowly being transformed into a community-rooted learning space in the hills of Kumano City. Our purpose was simple: to care for the land and deepen our relationship with it through hands-on work and shared moments.

The event was led by agroforestry educator Amy Arnett and network ecologist Carolina Carvalho, both of whom bring international experience in regenerative education and community design. Despite the early summer heat, the group remained energized as we explored a foundational principle in regenerative agriculture: intentionally shaping plant communities through thoughtful selection. With gloves and tools in hand, participants learned to identify local species — removing those that harm ecosystem health, such as bushkiller vines, fiber nettles, and sticktights — and making space for beneficial natives and companion plants to thrive.

We also turned our attention to the soil and its hidden allies. Using roof tiles salvaged from the Sotononono house, we created a layered border in the food forest. This structure not only defines space but also invites in life: amphibians, reptiles, solitary bees, and other helpful creatures who support biodiversity in subtle but crucial ways. The forest gave back, too — participants harvested taro roots, gladiolus bulbs, and fresh bamboo shoots. We closed with a shared picnic inside, cooled by the shade and filled with quiet laughter, open conversation, and gratitude.

Each person was invited to take home a small part of the forest — a plant, a memory, a new sense of stewardship. These are the seeds of regeneration: small actions rooted in care, carried back into daily life. We’re grateful to everyone who joined us for this special day, and we look forward to continuing to grow this living place, together.