Cultivating Local Knowledge

Cultivating Local Knowledge

At California State University, Northridge (CSUN) we developed a project seeking to uncover the untapped wealth of Local Ecological Knowledge within CSUN and the San Fernando Valley (Valley). Local Ecological Knowledge is a set of knowledge, beliefs, and practices regarding ecological relationships gained through personal observation and interaction with local ecosystems. The goal of our Cultivating Local Knowledge (CLK) initiative is to bring together diverse stakeholders across campus, the Valley, and CSUs invested in resilience in our communities and who will co-develop opportunities to support existing and new projects. The objective of this initiative is to bring together people, to actively share what we are currently doing, and to contribute to or support local ecological knowledge initiatives. We invite you to join the conversation, network, brainstorm, and help us build this initiative.

Contact us at
clk@csun.edu or lisa.chaudhari@csun.edu 
for more information

Opportunities:

Fill out this interest form to learn more about volunteer and paid opportunities

Fill out this interest form to learn more about the HERE Center Intern Opportunities. 

Please contact Lisa Chaudhari at lisa.chaudhari@csun.edu or clk@csun.edu to learn more about community and faculty opportunities. 

Recent and Upcoming Events

Follow us on Instagram, stop by at one of the events, or email us!

Lei Hilo Workshop

Join the Cultivating Local Knowledge program at CSUN's G.A.R.D.E.N. for a hands-on Lei Hilo Workshop led by Dr. Kalani Heinz. Participants will explore the cultural significance of the ti leaf and learn traditional lei-making rooted in Hawaiian tradition.

Monday, May 4, 2026, from 2:30–4:30 PM
North of G6 parking.

Registration is highly encouraged.
Contact clk@csun.edu for more information.

REGISTER

 

Rooted Readings: The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer

Cultivating Local Knowledge invites the CSUN community to its Rooted Readings series, featuring The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Come explore art and literature rooted in land, culture, and community through engaging conversations and interactive activities.

April 21, 2026, from 12–1:30 PM 
Whitsett Room

Note: A free e-book is available for the CSUN community
Follow @cultivatinglocalknowledge for future events.

 

 

Garlic & Food Sovereignty Workshop with Alexys Romo of Black Thumb Farm

The Cultivating Local Knowledge program hosted a hands-on workshop exploring urban farming, the history of garlic, and food sovereignty through BIPOC stories in agriculture, led by Alexys Romo of Black Thumb Farm.

 

Wednesday, March 25, 2026
@10–11:15 AM & @11:30 AM–12:45 PM
Food Garden & Outdoor Classroom, north of G6 parking


For updates on future events, contact clk@csun.edu

Check out some of our past events!

View Events

Contact

For more information, please contact: Dr. Lisa Chaudhari, HERE Center faculty researcher, lisa.chaudhari@csun.edu or clk@csun.edu.

Follow us on Instagram
@cultivatinglocalknowledge

 

Project Outcome

Local ecological knowledge: a new evidence base for health research

Chaudhari L. Flores-Marcial X, Zappia N, Tyutina S, Lin J, Archer D, Martinez J, Antonio A, Garzon J, Lopez-Florez J, Saetermoe C. Local ecological knowledge: a new evidence base for health research. HPHR. 2023;57.10.54111/0001/EEE1