Capital District Earth Repair Meetup

Capital District Earth Repair Meetup is a monthly gathering for people interested in reimagining our relationships with the Earth and each other. We explore topics like ecological gardening, community food systems, composting, degrowth, mutual aid, and regenerative design—drawing from frameworks such as permaculture, agroecology, ecological design, and bioregional thinking.

Some meetups are guided by a facilitator; others unfold as open discussions shaped by those who attend. Everyone is welcome to bring short readings, questions, ideas, or propose topics—we value dialogue over dogma, and co-creation over consumption.

We recognize that true ecological renewal is inseparable from social transformation. Healing land and community requires challenging extractive systems, supporting justice, and rebuilding community interdependence.

This is a collaborative, non-hierarchical space for shared learning, curiosity, and mutual support. We reject guru-led models and embrace diverse voices, seasonal rhythms, and participatory decision-making.

RSVP is not necessary, and meetup only allows 10 people to RSVP. So please, just show up, and don't worry about registering too much.

From Rich: At this meetup, I’ll be giving a short, research-based talk on growing fruit in urban soils—especially in places with an industrial legacy. I’ll cover how contaminants like lead, arsenic, and mercury behave in soil, how they interact with common perennial fruits and shrubs, and what current science says about their actual risk in food crops. We’ll also go over practical soil safety strategies and why, based on the evidence, it’s generally safe to grow fruit in these environments with a few precautions.