Revive The Roots

Revive the Roots is a non-profit organization based out of Smithfield, RI. Our mission is to create ecologically regenerative and dynamic social spaces through the education and practice of permaculture.

By working with students and faculty at local schools, we have planted edible forest gardens and annual vegetable gardens throughout northern Rhode Island. At our public grounds, Mowry Gardens, we provide space for people to grow their own food, explore trails along the Woonasquatucket river, and connect with their family and friends. We also host a series of events and workshops to bring together and educate the public about permaculture and sustainable practices. Overall, Revive the Roots is meant to serve as an educational and recreational hub in Smithfield, and also as an example for the rest of Rhode Island to nurture both community and local ecology.

Since the fall of 2010, Revive the Roots has been working alongside other organizations and members of the community to fulfill our mission. Currently, we are leasing 27 acres of land and curating an eight-bedroom farmhouse, previously owned by the late Mary Mowry from the Smithfield Land Trust. We entered our gardens lease agreement in 2011 and immediately began cultivating the land with the help and support of Smithfield locals, family, and friends. In 2013 we entered a curatorship program to restore the Mowry residence, built circa 1730, with the guidance of Preserve Rhode Island (a non-profit organization based out of Providence, RI). In 2014, we erected a 30’x72’ high-tunnel greenhouse with the financial assistance of the NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service).