Board Advisor

Born in Norwalk CT, Roberto Zapata (they/them) is a first generation child of parents from Costa Rica  and Colombia. At a very young age Roberto learned how to work with their hands. They have had a long history of wood working and construction. Roberto is a passionate builder, designer, and creator. They apprenticed with an arborist for three years, learning rigging, SRT climbing, and proper tree pruning.  They have independently pursued  the study of tree, plant, and  mushroom medicines. 

In 2015 Roberto started a community garden project,  Meadows Garden Pride  in the Norwalk public housing complex where they lived. Through the use of Hürgelkelur they created garden beds that required no tilling, fertilizing, or irrigation, thus eliminating many outputs. From 2017-2018, Roberto led campers ages 8-18, and adults of all ages, in foraging, plant identification, and medicinal plant harvesting classes at Holmes Camp & Retreat Center. In 2018 they earned their permaculture certification. They served on the Board of Directors of The Unadilla Community Farm, in Unadilla, NY (2018-2024)They are Co-Founder of the KINDRED Creative Residence & Agro-ForesT, and serves as an advisor on the Board of Directors of Apprentice Earth Inc. a 501(c)(3) non-profit. They are a recipient of the 2023-2024 Braiding Seeds Fellowship from Soul Fire Farm.