Welcome to RootsQuest: Empowered to the Max,
a spellbinding tale of the epic journey of three Urban Roots adventurers-in-training (interns). Each chapter reflects a crucial part of our mission and the comprehensive work we undertake together on the East Side of Saint Paul.
On this quest, you’ll witness the trials and triumphs of our adventurers. You’ll see how each challenge they face aligns with our goals of sustainability, food justice, and youth empowerment.
You, too, are part of this tale. Every donation you make this Give to the Max Day season supports sustainable practices, improves food security, and empowers youth. Give to the Max Day is November 21, and early giving starts today—please join us during these next few weeks to grow brighter futures.
Now get ready for RootsQuest! Let’s make a difference together, one chapter at a time.
Gratefully,
Hayley Ball
Steward of the Roots (Executive Director)
On a late-summer day on the East Side of Saint Paul, three intrepid adventurers-in-training—Kristine the Bold, Yee Leng the Wise, and Touly the Strong—tended the flourishing garden where the paths of Third and Maria converge near Phoenixfeather Market. As Kristine toiled, her trowel struck a curious object embedded in the soil. With fervor, she unearthed an enchanted chest. Their hearts beat with suspense as they opened it, revealing a parchment bearing a riddle:
With spirits roused, the trio embarked on their quest, unknowing of the perils ahead. They knew that just as they play a crucial role in the quest’s success, you play a critical role in the success of Urban Roots.
Youth interns at Urban Roots develop leadership, entrepreneurial, and life skills through urban agriculture, cooking, and conservation. Donations are essential to sustain this work, providing opportunities for young people to connect with nature, learn sustainable practices, and give back to their community.
On Give to the Max Day, Minnesotans across the state come together to support positive work throughout the state. You too can join this movement and be part of something truly magical. As a token of gratitude, all who give $60 or more to the coin of the Urban Roots realm or start or increase a recurring gift shall receive wondrous artwork crafted by youth interns at Urban Roots.
Thank you so much.
The trial to battle the foe who chokes and binds has led our adventurers-in-training to Mother Earth’s Sanctuary of Trout Brook (aka Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary). Crown Vetch the Usurper, royalty from a neighboring kingdom, had besieged the land. Their footsteps fell with foreboding care as The Usurper overtook all in its path. Yet, as Kristine observed Crown Vetch’s selfish movements, she felt a pang of empathy. This creature, though fierce, was not inherently evil—it was lost, far from the lands it once called home.
“Let us vanquish this scourge,” proclaimed Touly, gripping his enchanted ax with resolve. But even as Crown Vetch the Usurper writhed in defiance, he knew that their true battle was one of restoration, not destruction.
Drawing on courage and strategy, they faced the beast. Kristine, gifted with a keen insight into the art of communication, understood the sorrow hidden beneath its wrath and deftly guided their efforts. Yee Leng poured over ancient texts in search of restoration methods, while Touly engaged the writhing vines in fierce combat.
At last their efforts paid off. Removal of Crown Vetch the Usurper revealed a hidden parchment bearing the next clue:
Exhausted but undaunted, they ventured forth to the next trial, their collaboration and problem-solving skills set to be tested further. Remember, just as our adventurers rely on their noble hearts to face their trials, Urban Roots’ Conservation Program relies on your generosity to improve greenspaces throughout the realm of the East Side. Bestow upon us your aid in the form of $60+ or a new or increased recurring gift, and you shall receive a magnificent piece of art from our youth as a symbol of our gratitude.
Conservation youth interns support and improve green spaces around the East Side and participate in the restoration of local parks (helping at 7 different parks, close to 250 acres of land) through removal of displaced plant species, native seed collection (from over 60 different species), and installation of native plants (over 1,000 plants planted each year). Interns learn hands-on skills through the installation and maintenance of rain and pollinator gardens and also engage in citizen science projects, such as insect surveys, water sampling, and forest inventories. Your donations support these efforts and more. Be a part of Minnesota’s annual giving holiday by helping our youth interns and green spaces grow.
Our adventurers-in-training entered the Great Cook Fresh Hall where an array of ingredients awaited them alongside an ancient scroll proclaiming:
Drawing on his extensive knowledge, Yee Leng decided on a dish that would leave their guests spellbound. Kristine, a master of culinary arts, took command of the preparation. The trio soon found that their task was fraught with challenges. Foreboding clatters and sharp glints of metal filled the kitchen, testing their focus and resolve. Perils seemed to lurk in every corner of the chambers and creatures too small to be seen. Yet, the interns remained undaunted, for they were seasoned in the gastronomic arts, knew their culinary safety, and adept at navigating these treacherous trials using social-emotional skills to manage stress and support one another.
As the feast came together, the aroma of roasted vegetables, fresh greens, and vibrant herbs filled the hall. Every dish showcased produce from Urban Roots’ gardens—sweet tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and earthy root vegetables that had absorbed the terroir of the Village of Saint Paul. When the feast was ready and served, the villagers’ faces lit up with joy.
An elder, the wise and friendly Hayley, Steward of the Roots, spoke in gratitude, her heart filled with pride: “Truly, thou hast wrought a feast most splendid! We are nourished, in both body and spirit.”
With the villagers’ bellies full, Hayley offered the next clue:
Determined, the adventurers pressed on, knowing their next challenge lay within the gardens where the ingredients had been grown. Before they left, Hayley addressed the realm:
“Remember, the greatest magic is the power of community. On Give to the Max Day, we call upon all who support our mission. Your gifts will keep our youth learning and our larder full. Join us in this journey with a gift of $60 or more or a new or increased recurring gift and in return, receive a unique piece of art from our talented interns—a symbol of your role in this story.”
Cook Fresh interns learn valuable skills in food preparation, safety, and planning while exploring nutrition, career opportunities, and the cultural importance of food. Your donations ensure that we can continue providing food education along with fresh, nutritious meals to our youth and community. Join countless Minnesotans in this giving celebration by supporting fresh cooking on the East Side!
The next and final trial led our adventurers-in-training to the Highgarden of Rivoli Bluff (aka Rivoli Bluff Farm and Restoration Site), a glorious growing site high atop the bluffs overlooking the Village of Saint Paul. There, our adventurers found a soiled scroll proclaiming:
The adventurers took on the noble quest of gathering the harvest for distribution, guided by the esteemed Urban Harvest Oracle who joined them to impart knowledge of sustainable urban agriculture. Their mission was complex yet essential, and the Oracle arrived to provide aid as a reward for their fortitude.
Balancing the soil alchemy (nutrients, moisture) and battling weedy foes were critical for an abundant yield. Timing was equally important—harvesting too soon or too late would bring ruin. And the utmost challenge was summoning the resolve to complete the harvest. Yet, with the Oracle’s counsel, they adapted, ensuring that every bushel of fresh, local food was ready for the great harvest distribution.
Upon harvesting the final tomato, our trio unearthed the long-awaited clue for finding the treasure they tirelessly seek:
About the Market Garden program
Youth in the Market Garden program participate in small-scale crop production in our urban gardens while engaging with hands-on curriculum. Interns practice valuable job and life skills through growing food, becoming stewards of their environment and communities.
The produce that’s grown goes to the Cook Fresh program, our youth interns’ homes, farmers markets, and hunger relief efforts on the East Side of Saint Paul.
This summer, we sold our produce at Mill City Farmers Market and our pop-up market on the East Side (SNAP/EBT accepted). We also provided over 4,000 pounds of produce to partners such as CLUES and Family Values for Life, as well as through our own food giveaway events, making our produce accessible at no charge.
Through our Culturally Specific Crop Partnership program, we are able to pay community members to teach our youth interns about traditions, techniques, and stories around growing crops, demonstrating the spectrum of important perspectives on how to take care of our seeds, plants, and communities.
The adventurers-in-training gathered at Roots Roost, home of four Radiant Eggbearers. The lead Eggbearer, Featherwise, stepped forward and proffered a luminous egg, pulsing with an inner glow.
Featherwise clucked reverently, “This is the Egg of Abundance. Our Precious. It holds the knowledge, nourishment, and sustainability that Urban Roots cultivates in our community. But its magic is fragile—it needs the light of others to truly shine.”
The message is clear: the power of the precious egg grows as the community unites to support Urban Roots, nurturing leadership, green spaces, and a brighter future.
“Give to the Max Day is upon us,” the Eggbearers clucked solemnly. “Continue to the cottonwood to rally your community and make the Egg of Abundance’s promise a reality!”
As our adventurers-in-training journeyed to the mighty cottonwood, a message appeared for the realm:
The adventurers now call upon all friends of Urban Roots to join them on this momentous day. With each donation, the strength of all adventurers grows through the power of collective efforts.
This quest’s conclusion is nigh—soon, the treasure will be revealed…
The next and final trial led our adventurers-in-training to the Highgarden of Rivoli Bluff (aka Rivoli Bluff Farm and Restoration Site), a glorious growing site high atop the bluffs overlooking the Village of Saint Paul. There, our adventurers found a soiled scroll proclaiming:
The adventurers found the mighty cottonwood with branches enfolding an inviting alcove. There they found a chest, glowing with otherworldly light, but inside, they found not gold or jewels, but an astounding insight.
The treasure was the profound growth they had achieved on their journey. “The treasure we sought was not material,” Yee Leng declared with a smile, “but the wisdom, skills, and confidence we have gained!”
The trio rejoiced with spirits buoyed by the lessons learned and the triumphs achieved. In battling Crown Vetch the Usurper, they had restored nature’s harmony. The feast and harvest had nourished the community, in both body and spirit. And throughout the journey, the adventurers developed leadership and life skills that will see them through all future quests. They now become leaders in their own right, inspiring and guiding others to become champions of stewardship and community service.
As our adventurers discovered, the real treasure lies in growth – in conservation, cooking, and gardening skills; in 21st century employment skills like communication and critical thinking; and in the literal growth of our gardens and greenspaces. Your support helps to sustain and grow our work to promote environmental stewardship, nourish our community, and empower youth.
Thank you for being part of this extraordinary RootsQuest adventure and Give to the Max Day 2024.