Zines
One of our guiding principles is Research + Learn, Shared Knowledge. In addition to our log where plot leaders share their journal entries, we occasionally publish zines. Please enjoy the free PDFs below or purchase limited hard copies via merch, Theodore Payne, Plant Material and in person at Oaktown Nursery.
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METRICS FROM THE FIELD: A WORKBOOK FOR LOCAL LAND STEWARDS
By Will Macfarlane, Dante Iñiguez, Jenny Jones, Hannah Pae, Alex Robinson, Sarah Smiley, Adrian Tenney, Jen Toy, Dani Vonlehe, Mattea Wallace (2025)
Inside, you’ll find 10 hands-on worksheets beautifully illustrated by Test Plot stewards to help you document the real value of your work. We’ve curated a set of metrics designed specifically for community-led efforts that reclaim damaged land—not just for ecological health, but for justice, connection, and care. This zine is for ecological gardeners, scientists, and teachers who want to want to integrate monitoring practices into their land-based work.
Thank you to the California State Parks Foundation for their support of this work.
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ONE YEAR IN LANDCARE: A PRACTICE GUIDE
UN AÑO EN EL CUIDADO DE LA TIERRA: UNA GUÍA DE PRÁCTICAS
by Jen Toy, Morgan Rose, Lucia Bayley, Dante Iniguez (2023)
This english/spanish zine outlines a series of landcare practices. Our hope is to provide inspiration for the different ways that we engage in acts of care for the land. The practices are time-based and will help you pay closer attention to the interconnectedness of place, culture, plants and rituals. This is not meant to be a plant maintenance guide, per se, rather these practices seek to broaden the ways we connect with plants, and in turn each other.
Hard copies are Risograph printed on recycled speckletone paper.
Thank you to the California State Parks Foundation for their generous support of this work.
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TEST PLOT COMMUNITY SURVEY
The questionnaire was sent to 40 regular volunteers of seven Test Plot sites across LA in April 2023, ranging in age from 19 to 83 years old. The intent was to collect qualitative data to support research on community-based land stewardship. Inside you’ll find fascinating data points and heart-warming stories. These results are useful for anyone looking to create their own community surveys.
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I PLANT THEREFORE I AM
YO SIEMBRO POR ESO EXISTO
by Jen Toy, Colin Amos, Danielle Vonlehe, Robert Andrade, Daniela Velazco (Spanish translation by Eliana Ramiriez) (2022)
Our first english/spanish zine shares practical information about how to start a test plot, from the size and location to tools and equipment. The zine also features fun sections such as host plants, practical uses and “letter to a fellow gardener.” The information has since been expanded and is available on our website under “getting started.”
(free download)