Growing a Shared Future: Food, Farming & Community | STEM Speaker Series

Plant Sonoran wheat and hear from local food and farming experts about building a more equitable food system in Ventura County. What could a more equitable food system look like in Ventura County, and how can we grow it together? Join us on December 1 for a conversation with food systems experts Nathanael Gonzales-Siemens and Beth Massa of the Rodale Institute, and Daniel Chavez of the Saticoy Food Hub. Explore their visions for the future, local efforts advancing food equity, and an emerging Sonoran wheat pilot connecting agriculture and community learning. Before the panel, join us to plant a small wheat plot at the library. 5:00–6:00 PM | Sonoran Wheat Demo Ancient grain farmer Nathanael Gonzales-Siemens will help us seed a small test plot of Sonoran wheat, a grain grown in the Southwest for hundreds of years. Take home a small bag of seed to grow in your own garden! Be sure to visit the library's local Seed Library, where community members can check out vegetable and flower seeds for their gardens. 6:00–7:00 PM | Panel Presentation Nathanael Gonzales-Siemens Organic Farmer | Rodale Institute Nathanael Gonzales-Siemens is an organic farmer at the Rodale Institute's Ventura County research center. Raised on a family farm in California's San Joaquin Valley, he returned to agriculture after working in education and criminal justice reform. His work combines regenerative farming, food justice, and experimentation to build healthier soil and more resilient communities. Daniel Chavez Co-founder & Farm Manager | Saticoy Depot Daniel Chavez (he/him) is co-founder and farm manager of Saticoy Depot, a decolonized urban farm. Born and raised in Saticoy with ancestral roots in Mexico, he's dedicated to uplifting his hometown. From tutoring at the library to supporting the community food pantry and Saticoy Farmers Market, his work brings neighbors together through food. His favorite vegetable? Brussels sprouts. Beth Massa Program Manager | Rodale Institute Beth Massa is a program manager at Rodale Institute and farms with her husband, Chris, at Virtue Farms in Ventura County. Her work emphasizes healthy soil, biodiversity, and making regenerative agriculture environmentally and economically sustainable. She also serves on the board of Saticoy Food Hub, supporting local food systems and stronger communities.