Sustainability through
Gleaning Services
Connecting homeowners with volunteers to reduce food waste and feed our community
Our Mission
At Earth Arts Unlimited, our mission is to create easy access to sustainable living practices. Our programs reduce organic waste and share local harvests, supporting those most vulnerable, to the benefit of all.
Volunteer Scheduling
Sign up for upcoming harvests and join our community
Top Volunteers
Our harvest heroes making a difference
Request a Harvest
Have fruit trees? Let us help you share the bounty
Support Our Mission
Help us grow our community harvest program
Share
Help Us Reach Our Goal!
Donate via Zelle
Send your donation directly to us with zero fees. 100% of your gift goes to supporting community harvests.
Send Zelle payment to:
earthartsunltd@gmail.com
Open your bank app, search for Zelle, and send your gift today!
Become a Monthly Supporter
Join our sustaining community of harvest champions
Secure recurring payments processed via Stripe. Cancel anytime.
Make a One-Time Gift
Prefer not to use Zelle? Make a secure one-time donation via credit card.
Secure payment processed via Stripe
Shop Our Value-Added Products
Locally-made products from sustainably wildcrafted, fresh-harvested fruit, flowers, and natural ingredients
Local Honey
$12
Fruit Preserves
$8
Harvest Basket
$20
Waiver & Safety Information
Important legal documentation for volunteers and homeowners
Share
Volunteer Liability Waiver
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE PARTICIPATING
By participating in Earth Arts Unlimited harvest activities, I acknowledge and agree to the following:
- I understand that harvesting fruit and produce involves physical activity and potential risks including but not limited to: ladder use, tool operation, exposure to weather conditions, insects, allergens, and uneven terrain.
- I acknowledge that I am participating voluntarily and assume all risks associated with harvest activities.
- I agree to follow all safety guidelines provided by Earth Arts Unlimited coordinators and homeowners. I have read and agree to abide by the Volunteer Best Practices and all other guidelines listed in the Education Hub.
- I acknowledge that if I have a life threatening allergy to bees that I will be responsible for my own health by either choosing not to participate or ensuring that I carry an up-to-date EPI pen on my person at all times and agree to inform harvest coordinator of my life threatening bee allergy status before beginning the harvest. I further agree that I am responsible for anything that may arise from my presence at the harvest should I encounter a bee sting.
- I agree to wear appropriate protective attire and to pay attention to my surroundings on location at harvests, including but not limited to the following: above ground irrigation parts, proper harvest techniques and personal body mechanics while harvesting, proper ladder use, fellow volunteers working near me, thorns on branches while reaching through the tree, where I place my head and face in the branches, and avoiding breaking branches.
- I will inspect all equipment before use and refrain from using any equipment I deem unsafe.
- I release and hold harmless Earth Arts Unlimited, its coordinators, homeowners, and other volunteers from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action arising from my participation.
- I consent to emergency medical treatment if necessary and assume financial responsibility for any medical costs incurred.
- I grant permission for Earth Arts Unlimited to use photographs or videos of harvest activities for promotional purposes.
This waiver is binding on my heirs, executors, and assigns. If any portion is held invalid, the remainder shall continue in full force.
Sign This Waiver Digitally
This creates one signed PDF that is saved to your device and emailed to Earth Arts Unlimited.
Homeowner Access & Liability Waiver
PROPERTY ACCESS AGREEMENT
By requesting a harvest through Earth Arts Unlimited, I acknowledge and agree to the following:
- I grant permission for Earth Arts Unlimited volunteers to access my property on the scheduled harvest date(s) for the purpose of harvesting fruit and produce, including, if necessary, access to the restroom for volunteers. Volunteers will remove shoes before entering home for restroom use.
- I certify that my property is reasonably safe for harvest activities and I have disclosed all known hazards including but not limited to: aggressive animals, unstable structures, electrical hazards, bee/wasp nests, poisonous plants, and access limitations.
- I understand that volunteers are not professional arborists or gardeners and that pruning or tree damage may occur during harvest activities.
- I release and hold harmless Earth Arts Unlimited, its coordinators, and volunteers from any claims related to property damage, personal injury, or harvest outcomes.
- I agree that harvested produce will be distributed according to Earth Arts Unlimited policies, which typically allocate: 1/2 shared with community; 1/4 left with homeowner; 1/4 shared with volunteers.
- I understand that harvest dates are weather-dependent and may be rescheduled if conditions are unsafe.
- I agree to be present or designate a responsible adult representative during the harvest activity.
- I certify that I have legal authority to grant access to this property.
This agreement is binding and shall remain in effect for all harvest activities scheduled through Earth Arts Unlimited during the current calendar year.
Sign This Waiver Digitally
This creates one signed PDF that is saved to your device and emailed to Earth Arts Unlimited.
Education Hub
Learn best practices for volunteering and tree care
Volunteer Best Practices
Safety First
- Always inspect ladders and equipment before use. If it looks unsafe, don't use it.
- Always ensure all 4 feet of your ladder are squarely on the ground before climbing.
- Always use a spotter to steady the ladder when climbing above 8 feet on any ladder or if you desire for any reason.
- Wear closed-toe shoes, long pants, and sun protection. Gloves are recommended. We recommend to bring gloves, long sleeves and a bandana, a sun hat, and a water bottle.
- Stay hydrated and take breaks, especially in hot weather.
- Never climb higher than the second-to-last step on a ladder.
- Use a spotter when working on ladders or reaching high branches.
- Be aware of bees, wasps, and other insects. If allergic, carry appropriate medication.
- Communicate with your team about movements and potential hazards.
Responsible Harvesting
- Pick only ripe fruit. When in doubt, ask the homeowner or coordinator.
- Use proper picking technique: twist and lift gently to avoid damaging branches.
- Handle and clean produce carefully to avoid bruising and damaging harvested fruit and prevent wasted harvest.
- Sort as you pick: separate damaged fruit from good quality produce.
- Don't prune branches carelessly or needlessly. We are harvesting, not tree trimming. Please take care not to break branches and only prune as needed to ensure access to the harvest. Coordinators can teach proper branch pruning techniques as needed. Always ask first before pruning.
- Respect the property - stay in designated harvest areas unless otherwise directed.
Being a Great Guest
- Arrive on time or communicate if you're running late.
- Introduce yourself to the homeowner and thank them for sharing their harvest.
- Clean up thoroughly - leave the site tidier than you found it.
- Dispose of damaged fruit in compost bins if available, or as directed.
- Close gates, return equipment to its proper place, and secure access areas.
- Be respectful of the homeowner's time and property boundaries.
- Be mindful of your choices to engage in the following topics of your conversation as we build community: Avoid religious proselytizing, political argument, using any rude or offensive language including cursing or any form of hate speech. We seek to connect and share the best of ourselves and lift each other up to brighter times and better friendships. Let's stay focused on what brings us forward together as we get to know each other and enjoy each other's company throughout the harvest process.
- Share your joy! These activities build community - be friendly and welcoming to new volunteers.
Homeowner Tree Care Tips
Basic Pruning Guidelines
- Best Time: Prune most fruit trees during dormancy (late winter/early spring before bud break).
- The 3 D's: Always remove Dead, Diseased, or Damaged branches first.
- Air & Light: Thin the canopy to allow sunlight and air circulation - this prevents disease and improves fruit quality.
- Angle Matters: Make cuts at a 45-degree angle just above an outward-facing bud.
- Shape: Maintain an open center or modified leader shape depending on tree type.
- Young Trees: Focus on establishing strong structure rather than fruit production in the first 2-3 years.
- Mature Trees: Limit removal to no more than 25% of the canopy in a single year.
Common Local Pests & Solutions
- Aphids: Small green/black insects on new growth. Spray with water or use insecticidal soap. Encourage ladybugs.
- Codling Moths: Cause wormy apples/pears. Use pheromone traps and remove fallen fruit promptly.
- Scale Insects: Brown bumps on branches. Apply horticultural oil in dormant season.
- Fruit Flies: Affect stone fruits and citrus. Use yellow sticky traps and harvest promptly.
- Powdery Mildew: White powder on leaves. Ensure good air circulation and consider sulfur spray.
- Fire Blight: Blackened shoots (looks burnt). Prune 12" below infection and sterilize tools between cuts.
- Prevention: Healthy trees resist pests better. Water deeply but infrequently, mulch, and fertilize appropriately.
Optimal Harvest Timing
- Apples: Ripe when seeds are brown and fruit separates easily with a gentle twist. Skin color deepens.
- Pears: Pick while still firm; they ripen off the tree. Test firmness near the stem.
- Stone Fruits: Slight softening, color change, and sweet aroma indicate ripeness.
- Citrus: Color alone doesn't indicate ripeness - taste test! Citrus can stay on the tree for months.
- Figs: Soft to touch, drooping on stem, and possibly splitting at bottom.
- Persimmons: Fully colored and soft for Hachiya type; firm and orange for Fuyu type.
- General Rule: Early morning harvesting after dew dries provides best quality and storage life.
Value-Added Products
Handcrafted goods from rescued harvests
Support Earth Arts Unlimited by purchasing products made from sustainably wildcrafted items, locally harvested fresh fruit, flowers and other natural objects. Each purchase helps fund our gleaning programs, community education initiatives, and food sharing efforts.
All products are made from locally sourced materials that would otherwise go to waste, creating value while reducing waste in our community.
Fruit Preserves
Handmade jams from rescued harvests
$8
Raised Bed Garden Containers
Custom-built from repurposed materials
Contact for pricing
Seasonally Appropriate Seedlings
Locally grown starter plants for your garden
Contact for pricing
Seeds
Saved and sustainably sourced seeds
Contact for pricing
Handmade Pressed Flower Cards
Beautiful cards featuring pressed wildflowers
Contact for pricing
Hand-Pressed Artisan Paper
Handcrafted paper from recycled materials
Contact for pricing
Pressed Flower Framed Art
Unique framed artwork featuring pressed flowers
Contact for pricing
Secure Checkout Powered by Stripe
All purchases are processed securely through Stripe. Your support helps fund our gleaning programs and community education.
Sustainability Consultation Services
Professional composting programs for businesses and communities
Professional Composting Programs
Earth Arts Unlimited provides expert consultation for sustainable living practices. We teach property owners how to create and maintain their own organic garden and/or small scale orchards, and we provide expertise in composting to homeowners and applicable non-profits or businesses whose work creates industrial scale organic waste.
We guide homeowners, small businesses and nonprofits as they learn to transform their organic waste into compost, safely. Our services increase community sustainability as we learn to turn waste into useful resources.
Sustainability Solutions from Organic Waste Problems
- • Transform organic waste into compost safely
- • Create new income streams from organic waste processing
- • Develop marketable compost and soil amendment products
🌱 Environmental Impact
- • Divert organic waste from landfills
- • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- • Enhance corporate environmental reputation
Our Consultation Services Include
Program Design & Implementation
Custom organic garden, small-scale orchard and/or composting system design, infrastructure planning, regulatory compliance guidance and implementation from concept to launch.
Industrial & Commercial Support
Large-scale composting operations for local growers and animal rescue non-profits.
Training & Education
Comprehensive training and education programs for homeowners, communities and client staff covering best practices, safety protocols, quality control and operational efficiency for proper composting and effective organic gardening.
Market Development
Product development strategies, pricing guidance, distribution channel identification, and marketing support for your compost products.
How We Work With You
Assessment
Evaluate your property, goals, resources, and waste streams
Strategy
Develop customized organic garden and/or composting plan for your property or business
Implementation
Guide setup and initiate operations
Support
Ongoing consultation, program monitoring and optimization
Homeowners & Private Property Owners: Looking for composting education and garden development support?
Ready to Transform Your Waste Into Revenue?
Contact us today to discuss your composting program needs
Home Composting & Garden Development
Educational resources for homeowners and gardeners
Educational Resources for Homeowners
Whether you're starting your first compost bin or developing a complete home garden ecosystem, Earth Arts Unlimited provides the education, consultation, and the hands-on support you need to succeed.
Household Composting Fundamentals
Getting Started with Home Composting
Composting transforms your kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich soil amendment while reducing landfill waste. Our education programs teach you the science and art of successful home composting.
What to Compost
- • Fruit and vegetable scraps
- • Coffee grounds and tea bags
- • Eggshells and nutshells
- • Yard trimmings and leaves
- • Shredded paper and cardboard
❌ What to Avoid
- • Meat, fish, and dairy products
- • Pet waste and kitty litter
- • Diseased plants or weeds
- • Grease, oils, and fats
- • Treated wood or synthetic materials
Composting Methods We Teach
Bin Composting
Traditional enclosed bins for small to medium yards. Perfect for beginners.
Tumbler Systems
Fast-acting rotating drums ideal for limited space and quick results.
Worm Composting
Indoor-friendly vermicomposting for kitchen scraps year-round.
Garden Development & Installation
Our comprehensive garden consultation services help you transform your property into a productive, sustainable food system. From planning to planting to ongoing care, we guide you every step of the way.
Garden Planning & Design
- • Site assessment and soil testing
- • Climate-appropriate plant selection
- • Water-wise irrigation design
- • Companion planting strategies
- • Season extension techniques
Installation Support
- • Raised bed construction guidance
- • Soil preparation and amendment
- • Irrigation system setup
- • Mulching and weed management
- • Tool and equipment recommendations
Harvesting, Propagation & Soil Care
Harvest Techniques
- • Optimal harvest timing
- • Proper cutting methods
- • Post-harvest handling
- • Storage and preservation
- • Continuous harvest planning
Seed Saving & Propagation
- • Seed collection and cleaning
- • Proper storage techniques
- • Starting from seed
- • Cuttings and divisions
- • Building seed libraries
Soil Health Management
- • Organic matter incorporation
- • Cover cropping strategies
- • Nutrient cycling principles
- • pH balancing techniques
- • Beneficial microbe support
Workshops & Educational Programs
We offer hands-on workshops throughout the year covering seasonal gardening topics, composting techniques, and sustainable food production. Check back regularly for upcoming educational opportunities!
Coming Soon: Seasonal Workshop Series
Start Your Home Garden Journey
Contact us for personalized consultation and education
Coordinator Dashboard
Manage harvests, volunteers, and program analytics
Coordinator Login
Contact admin to create a coordinator account
Pending Harvest Requests
Volunteer Signups
Contact Management
Manage and export contact information for homeowners, volunteers, and marketing purposes.
Homeowner Contacts
Volunteer Contacts
Marketing Email List
All contacts who have opted in to receive marketing communications.
📊 Program Statistics
📚 Completed Harvests Archive
Click to expand/collapse historical records
Historical record of all completed harvest events with volunteer tracking. Includes both harvest-specific signups and legacy date-based volunteers.
💸 Pending Tips
Harvest requests with pledged cash or Zelle tips. Mark as received when tip is collected.
🎯 Donation Goal Settings
💸 Zelle Payment Address
All Zelle payments should be sent to: earthartsunltd@gmail.com
This address is displayed on the Support Us page and harvest tip forms.