Sustain Ability Inc. is an IRS approved 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization
OUR STORY
Born from a vision in December 2021, our farm began as a neglected plot of land, overgrown with dying shrubs. Today, it's a thriving ecosystem in Houston, Texas, teeming with life. Where once there was barrenness, Texas native plants have returned, biodiversity flourishes, and wildlife habitats have sprung up. We cultivate medicinal herbs, flowers, and fruit trees, embracing a regenerative, no-till approach to farming—working with the land, not against it. Our beds are rich with plantings, nourished by a continuous cycle of leaf composting that enhances soil health.
A single thriving beehive was just the beginning; we aspire to nurture five. Beyond our cultivated beds, we're dedicated to prairie restoration, a testament to which is the joyful return of fireflies—a vibrant sign of a healthy ecosystem. Even the challenging clay soil is responding to our efforts, as cover crops steadily improve its quality.
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Our commitment to biodiversity is paramount. We strive to create healthy environments not only for ourselves but for all the creatures who share this land. We eschew chemical pesticides, instead fostering a balanced ecosystem where natural predators keep pests in check. We believe that biodiversity is essential for a functional and thriving ecosystem, and we approach our stewardship of the land with deep respect and intention.
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In 2022, we established a "learning" nursery, a vital component of our farm's cycle of growth. Here, we nurture seeds into plants, vegetables, and trees, providing a clean origin for our farm's bounty. This process allows us to understand each plant's needs intimately from its earliest stages. The nursery also serves as a living laboratory, a place of learning and exploration for our environmental education programs.
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The farm and the nursery—these two interconnected spaces—have become our classrooms. They've allowed us to experiment with different techniques, to learn, adapt, and refine our practices. More importantly, they provide a place where youth and children can experience the natural world firsthand, forging a connection that fosters understanding and inspires stewardship. It's this deep connection—this understanding of our intricate relationship with nature—that fuels our commitment to environmental education. We believe that by nurturing this connection in young minds, we empower the next generation to become passionate protectors and caretakers of our Earth.
We incorporated the environmental education aspect of our mission from the understanding that if youth and children connect and understand our interdependency and interconnectedness with nature they have more chances to internalize protecting it and at the same time benefitting form it as a resource for wellbeing.
Board of Directors and Staff
Laura Powell
FAVORITE TREE? Live oaks (Quercus Virginiana) are beautiful and mighty trees, standing tall with their strong, twisting branches. Found across the Southeastern U.S., these trees are considered ‘super trees’ when it comes to mitigating climate change. Live oaks are excellent in reducing pollutants in the air, soaking up floodwaters in their roots, and cooling urban heat islands with their wide canopy. The reduction of pollutants in the air also has a positive impact on the health of people, and trees are known for their mood-boosting qualities. Live oaks keep their leaves year-round and are often planted close; because of this, their roots hold on to each other, making them excellent at withstanding high wind and hurricanes that much of the southeastern U.S. experiences. They provide habitat and food sources for wildlife, and often have spanish moss growing on their branches. I love them for their beauty, their conservation abilities, and their resilience. --What is YOUR favorite tree?-- WHY THIS WORK? I think it is important to advocate for the earth and be stewards of the land. This is our one earth, and I think it is beneficial to learn the balances and interconnectedness of ecosystems, so we can work with the earth and not against it. Sharing knowledge of this with others is the natural next step. Knowledge should always be shared, available, and not kept to oneself. Children intuitively have a connection to nature and fostering that relationship will create more informed, compassionate individuals towards the earth from an early age. I choose to be here because I think this is meaningful work, and I feel honored to be a part of it. Laura is our Board Chair and Founder.
Adriana ReyesRetana
FAVORITE TREE? Giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum). I love this tree not only for its majesty but also because it provides for the sustenance of plants and animals, plays a crucial role in the water cycle in forest ecosystems, and in the carbon process, vital for mitigating climate change. Its purpose, beyond its beauty, is transcendental, and its longevity seems to me like a symbol of nature's wisdom. --What is YOUR favorite Tree?-- WHY THIS WORK? This work is important to me because, being aware of the significance of the environment for human development and survival, I feel the need to take an active role in raising awareness among children and young people about the importance, care, and respect we must have for the environment. I hope that through education, new generations will internalize this awareness and establish a natural and respectful relationship with the environment in their daily lives. Adriana is our Board Secretary and Founder.
Miko Tsubai
FAVORITE TREE? Mangrove trees (Rhizophora mangle) live along tropical and subtropical coastlines, possessing a unique salt filtration system that allows them to grow out of and thrive in saltwater. They have complex, interlocking root structures that can withstand intense weather events, such as hurricanes, which creates a protective barrier for coastal landscapes and communities. These root systems also provide a biodiverse habitat and shelter for young marine life, where they can safely mature until they have grown large enough to swim farther out into the ocean. Mangroves act as one of Planet Earth's best natural defense systems against climate change with their ability to absorb and store massive amounts of carbon, helping to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. My favorite because of the way that they adapt to, and work in harmony with, their environment. I am inspired by the mangrove's resiliency in the face of extreme conditions, which is how I hope to approach the work we do here at Sustain+Ability. --What is YOUR favorite Tree?-- WHY THIS WORK? I choose to be here because I want to do everything that I can to make sure that environmental education and sustainable practices are accessible to as many people as possible. Everyone has the right to connect with nature, and a responsibility to protect it. This work is important to me because we only get one shot at this life on Planet Earth, and I want to be a part of caring for our shared space and global community. Miko is our Board Treasurer and Founder.
Claudia Vargas
FAVORITE TREE? The Bald Cypress (Taxodium Distichum). There's something awe-inspiring about witnessing these towering giants, draped in their feathery foliage, standing sentinel along Texas waterways. To me, they embody the very essence of resilience and endurance. I feel a deep connection to the history they represent, knowing that their "wood eternal" has been used for generations, and that they've stood witness to the changing landscapes of this state. Their beauty is undeniable. Beyond their beauty, I'm constantly reminded of the vital role Bald Cypress plays in our environment. I marvel at how their strong roots stabilize the earth, protecting our precious water resources, and how their swamps act as natural guardians, buffering us from floods. These trees are the lifeblood of countless creatures, providing shelter and sustenance. Every time I'm near a Bald Cypress, I'm filled with a sense of responsibility and a profound love for these magnificent trees and the vital ecosystems they support. They are a treasure worth protecting, a legacy I want to help preserve for all Texans. --What is YOUR favorite Tree?-- WHY THIS WORK? My commitment to environmental education and sustainable practices stems from a deep appreciation for the restorative power of the natural world. Experiencing nature's inherent healing qualities fuels my desire to give back to the ecosystems that nurture us. By sharing my love for the environment and providing practical tools and skills, I aim to plant seeds of hope for a more sustainable future. It's about empowering individuals to become informed stewards, capable of making choices that better serve both the planet and future generations, fostering a collective responsibility for the well-being of our shared home. Claudia is our Founding Director.