Urban Milpa – Garden Series #5 Preparing for Harvest

We will review culturally relevant harvesting practices rooted in gratitude customary to the milpa system. We will review seed savings techniques within the context of food sovereignty and cultural continuity. We will finish with regenerative methods crucial for sustainable urban agriculture. To make the experience more enjoyable, every participant will enjoy complementary icy red prickly pear lemonade. Special guest, Marlene Aguilar of Irekuarhikua. Marlene Aguilar Marlene Aguilar is Xicana and of P’urhepecha descent, born and raised in Tongva territory (in what is now known as East Los Angeles, CA) with roots in the inter-mountain valley region of Michoacán, Mexico. As community-based cocinera, she draws inspiration from her campesin@ family, but has also been shaped by her work in different food equity programs, specifically CSAs (community supported agriculture). She is founder of the food project, IREKUARHIKUA, which aims to offer seasonally inspired affordable plant-based meals while highlighting the resilience of indigenous foods. Her project is currently offering a meal prep service like comida corrida from fondas or cocinas económicas found throughout Mexico. URBAN MILPA SERIES LA Plaza presents the Urban Milpa Series—a hands-on program inspired by the life cycle of the Three Sisters: corn, beans, and squash. Participants will deepen their understanding of urban gardening while fostering a balanced and productive ecosystem. Led by Marlene Aguilar of Irekuarhikua, the series runs monthly on Saturdays or Sundays from 1 pm to 3 pm through October. Participants may register for free for the full series or join individual sessions.