We spoke with David James, one of the founders of the original garden projects of the Butte Environmental Council, back in 1975. We met David James at the 50th Anniversary Gala of the Butte Environmental Council. He traveled from Grants Pass, Oregon, to attend the celebration as one of the people who was there at the founding of BEC in 1975. He and Paige Miser Gimbal—with the leadership of Annabel Lund–founded the BEC community gardens project. His story about that and his subsequent work these past 50 years compelled us to have him on Ecotopia.

David James is a self-described “horticulturalist,” but he also a gardener, a farmer, an entrepreneur, a philanthropist, a mentor and a mega volunteer. We spoke about his work with the Butte Environmental Council’s community garden project and his work in Oregon, including service Oregon State U. extension service, with 4H, with gardening clubs and master gardener classes. He also created Greenleaf Industries in 1981, which raises literally tons of food and uses workers from the less abled community. And much more; David is a model of community engagement.

Listen to this excellent interview.

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