Incarcerated persons are proudly showing off the fruits of team efforts with Ironwood State Prison’s facility micro gardens.
Embracing the normalization pillar of the California Model, many of the incarcerated population have turned to gardening on the facility recreational yards.
The micro garden project, which began in June, started as an idea pitched to prison management by the population. Beautifying the institution and normalizing the environment contributes to overall wellness for staff as well as the incarcerated population. According to the gardening participants, the hobby reduces stress.
Overall, the micro gardens teach horticulture skills, instill responsibility, and offer a sense of accomplishment. As a whole, these contribute to easing their reentry into society after incarceration.
Submitted by Lt. C. Whalen


Read more rehabilitation stories.
Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter).
Related content
Painting Over It: Healing Through Arts at CIM
Damian Reyes has converted incarceration into rehabilitation, thanks to Healing Through Arts, a program started at California State Prison, Los Angeles County.…
Read More
Transforming lives: How CDCR is redefining prison education
A sprawling education system, complete with accredited adult schools, college classes and career training designed to transform lives, exists within…
Read More
Why CSP‑Solano’s vocational programs are on the rise
When Summer Peterson officially started at California State Prison (CSP) Solano, last September, she came with an understanding of the rehabilitative…
Read More