Community Impact

Sept 2024—For years, community members in Del Norte have quietly voiced concerns over the effects of chemical spraying associated with lily bulb cultivation in the small community of Smith River—known as the ‘Easter Lily Capital of the World’—located just a few miles south of the Oregon border. Despite past efforts, these voices haven’t been able to achieve the progress they seek. The formation of a new group marks a renewed push to bring attention to an issue that has, for too long, been kept under wraps.

At the group’s first meeting, attendees revisited the ongoing impacts of chemical spraying on our environment, health, and livelihoods. An impact report by Greg King starkly highlights these effects, revealing the detrimental consequences for soil, water, and public health that the community has long endured (you can read the full report here). Driven by both historical frustrations and an urgent need for change, community members discussed how to amplify their voices, find common ground, and pursue meaningful action.

The group’s diverse perspectives foster a unified commitment to protecting community well-being and preserving the land for future generations. During the meeting, attendees identified actionable steps, including community education, engaging decision-makers through policy advocacy, and promoting sustainable practices that prioritize public health and long-term, positive change for all. 

While challenges lie ahead, this group is rooted in a collective resilience that has never faded. With strong community support and a vision for lasting impact, they are determined to bring this long-standing issue to light and fight for a sustainable, healthy future for all—one that nurtures the health of the community and surrounding land.

Oct 23, 2024—Read the article

Oct 21, 2021—Read the article

Oct 4, 2021—Read the article

May 10, 2021—Read the article

April 18, 2016—Watch the video.

Our built environment has a tremendous impact on our health. Imagine if you lived in a community without sidewalks? How would your kids get to and from school safely? The community of Lamont in South Kern County tackled this as an issue of community safety. And in the northern tip of California, Del Norte County’s Native American population was hindered in managing the land due to fire suppression policies that conflicted with their ability to grow crops and manage their land in a way that best supports the community’s health. This video chronicles two Building Healthy Communities sites and how they changed their neighborhoods through grassroots organizing and people power.