City Slicker Farms

Last month, we said goodbye to our beloved Childcare Garden Coordinator, Sarah Karlson, who's moving to Madison, Wisconsin with her husband and three kids.

Sarah has been on staff since 2007 -- the longest of anyone at City Slicker Farms. She created the Childcare Garden Program and grew it from a small pilot to one of City Slicker Farms' most impactful programs; through her leadership, City Slicker Farms has built more than 70 childcare gardens that provide food and unique learning opportunities for over 2,000 children.

Sarah was deeply valued by the childcare providers and children she worked with. Easily recognizable in her big sun hat and Carhartt pants, children would often bounce around with excitement when she arrived at a childcare center for her seasonal mentor visit. Sarah helped instill an appreciation of homegrown food in the hearts of kids, and provided them a therapeutic space to get their hands dirty and watch their seedlings grow. As one childcare provider told us, the kids have truly learned how to care for the garden; the older ones correct and guide the younger ones when they notice them hurting or digging up plants.

Sarah's warmth, compassion, and kindness were felt by everyone she touched. She strongly believed that gardens have the power to heal and that they should be accessible to everyone. Her work in the Bay Area embodied that belief. She was involved in the urban agriculture community far beyond City Slicker Farms; she also taught classes at Urban Adamah, contributed to her cohousing community's garden, and has led many herbal medicine workshops.

Just as Sarah helped City Slicker Farms grow, our staff watched Sarah grow -- from a young woman to a mother of three and from a personal gardener to an expert garden teacher. Her presence will be sorely missed, from her wonderful hugs to her adorable baby stories to her often compost-covered face. We know good things lie ahead for you, Sarah! Best of luck on the next adventure!