Literacy for Environmental Justice’s Living Classroom

The urban environmental education and youth empowerment organization Literacy for Environmental Justice (LEJ) is about to begin construction work on its Living Classroom, an eco-efficient, solar- and wind-powered community meeting space and environmental classroom in San Francisco’s Heron’s Head Park. The park is a 24-acre restored wetland on the former site of Pier 98 in Hunter’s Point. Funded by the San Francisco Department of the Environment, and designed with input from San Francisco public school students as well as adult community members, the Living Classroom will be the first “off the grid” public building in San Francisco. It will also be a model of building efficiency, using recycled construction materials and incorporating a natural wastewater treatment plant. The area surrounding the classroom will feature a greenhouse; a garden of plants traditionally used by the area’s original Ohlone inhabitants for food, medicine, and boat-building materials; and a butterfly garden. Community volunteer workdays are planned for July 14, July 28, and August 11. To donate materials, volunteer time, or offer other forms of support, contact Jenn Sramek, Living Classroom Program Coordinator, at (415) 508-0575.