About Us
Literacy for Environmental Justice
Our Mission
Literacy for Environmental Justice (LEJ) promotes ecological health, environmental stewardship, and community development in Southeast San Francisco by creating urban greening, eco-literacy, community stewardship and workforce development opportunities that directly engage and support local residents in securing a healthier future.
Our History
Over the years, LEJ has engaged thousands of volunteers in community action projects that benefit Southeast San Francisco. From local and state level advocacy, to hands on restoration at Heron’s Head and CPSRA, to environmental justice programming in schools, LEJ has consistently engaged residents of all backgrounds in relevant programming that promotes environmental justice and ecological health.
Our Team
Our talented staff members bring decades of experience working engaging youth and community members in ecological stewardship and environmental justice activities.
Our Approach to Change
Engage in Urban Greening
We believe that when neighborhoods and parks are cared for, it not only increases resident pride and stewardship, but raises the overall health of the community. What results is increased resources, safety, and economic prosperity.
Promote Eco-Literacy
All of LEJ’s programming – from volunteer days to structured service learning for schools – seeks to promote eco-literacy through inquiry-based learning and educational activities. LEJ continues its vision of connecting a generation of youth – tomorrow’s leaders & decision-makers – to formative experiences, today.
Foster Community-Based Stewardship
LEJ continues to engage individuals – whether volunteers, school groups, corporate groups, or others, in hands on ecological restoration with the hopes of increasing community development, increasing ecological stewardship, and ultimately improving environmental health.
Facilitate Workforce Development
Since LEJ was founded in 1998, we have provided education, leadership, and park stewardship for youth and young adults in Bayview Hunters Point. A core component of this has been youth leadership and stewardship programming for teens, focused on providing structured, positive early employment experiences in the form of a year-long internship.
Learn More About Our Work
Native Plant Nursery
The Candlestick Point Native Plant Nursery is a vibrant community hub that is at once a living classroom for our educational programming, a center for green workforce development, and a premier source for hyper-local Native plants for habitat restoration in San Francisco.
Eco- Apprentices
Eco- Apprentices support the nursery team in collection, processing and propagation of native plant species, work on restoration sites with an emphasis in plant establishment, invasive removal and site preparation, and assist in the implementation of LEJ’s volunteer programs and education experiences.
Eco-Adventures
Eco-Adventures is an environmental education program that offers service-learning, and outdoor recreation for youth between the ages of 9 to 18. It is offered in collaboration with local teachers, activities include kayaking and camping trips, guided plant walks and environmental justice tours and schools.
Get Involved
Volunteer
Supporting LEJ is an investment in a healthy and just future for Southeast San Francisco. Learn how you can help support our mission, get involved in volunteer programs, or assist LEJ in other ways.
Eco-Stewards Team-building
Literacy for Environmental Justice hosts a variety of corporate groups for full day or half day programs. Our volunteer programs are held at our Candlestick Point Native Plant Nursery in Bayview, our satellite Nursery on Treasure Island, or in Candlestick Point State Recreation Area (CPSRA).
Donate
Your support of LEJ allows us to employ youth and engage local residents in the process of growing plants, restoring local habitats, and preserving the unique biodiversity of Southeast San Francisco. Everyone has a role in a sustainable future!