Exploring MLRP at the Allensworth Summer Program

 

This summer, the Allensworth Summer Program brought together young minds from Allensworth, Alpaugh, and Richgrove, all between the ages of 12 and 15, to explore innovative agricultural practices. The participants tapped into their creative sides by crafting informative zines (small, hand-made, informative booklets) about the Multi-benefit Land Repurposing Program (MLRP). These zines explored various aspects of MLRP, from land restoration to water conservation efforts, giving the students a hands-on understanding of how transitioning irrigated agriculture to alternative land uses, a practice known as land repurposing, can help us achieve groundwater sustainability and provide multiple benefits to the well being of the community, economy, and environment.

But the learning didn’t stop there. One of the standout activities was their work on agrivoltaics—a system that combines agriculture with solar power. The students experimented with how effectively this method could generate energy while providing shade for plants and reducing heat exposure for workers, a critical factor during hot summer days in agricultural fields. They also explored ecologically sound solar farms, or “ecovoltaics” for short, which could have broad applicability and multiple benefits for growers, wildlife, communities, and even Tribes throughout the SJV. This program not only taught practical skills but also empowered these young participants to think critically about the future of agriculture and groundwater sustainability.

Below is a gallery of the MLRP Zines published by the Allensworth Summer Program youth.