Rooted in the Canal. Growing a stronger future, together.
Raíces del Canal
Raíces del Canal · San Rafael, California

Strong roots.
A stronger
future.

When young people connect with the land, their culture, and each other, a whole community grows.

One young person. One garden. One neighborhood.
Children and an adult smiling among flowers in their neighborhood garden
More than gardens.
We grow the leaders of tomorrow.
Rooted in cultureConnected to the landGrowing togetherLed by community
Our neighborhood. Our future.

A thriving Canal
starts with all of us.

We work alongside Latino youth and families in San Rafael’s Canal neighborhood to nurture belonging, build community, and reconnect with the land.

Our vision is a thriving Garden District, with fresh food, beautiful green spaces, and opportunities for every family to lead.

Get to know our roots →
What we grow

Deep roots.
Lasting possibility.

Four connected ways to help a community flourish.

01 /

Environmental justice

Young people working with soil in the garden

Connecting young people to the land through gardening, food systems, and hands-on environmental learning.

02 /

Community power

People sharing a conversation at a community event

Creating space for youth and families to organize, advocate, and shape the future of their neighborhood.

03 /

Cultural connection

Community members sitting in a circle with a drum

Remembering our roots and strengthening our connection to the land, our cultures, and one another.

04 /

Health & wellbeing

Young people connecting outdoors beneath trees

Nurturing belonging and wellbeing through community, culture, and time in nature.

A place for every part of our community

Good things grow for everyone.

Different ways to take part. Shared reasons to belong. See what Raíces del Canal can mean for you and your family.

An instructor and a small group of students gathered around classroom tables
For parents & caregivers

More support for your child. More breathing room for you.

Free after-school care, tutoring, and meaningful activities give families practical support beyond the school day.

Find your place →
Children and adults holding up colorful handmade paper projects
For kids & young people

A little extra help. A whole world to discover.

Get help with schoolwork, try art and sewing, explore the garden, and find your voice alongside other young people.

Find your place →
An adult supporting students working with notebooks and laptops at a classroom table
For volunteers

Your time and skills can make someone’s day.

Tutor, help with creative activities, care for gardens, or lend a hand at gatherings. Marin high-school students are welcome, too.

Find your place →
Students and an adult standing behind flowering plants in a neighborhood garden
For sponsors & community partners

Help the Canal thrive. Be part of what grows.

Help sustain free after-school support, community gardens, and gatherings that bring Canal families together.

Find your place →
Help the next generation take root

Good things grow
when we give together.

Support community programs with a one-time gift, or help sustain the work through monthly giving.

Support Raíces del Canal ↗︎
With gratitude to our sponsors

Growing stronger, together.

Thank you to the organizations helping our community take root and thrive.

Let’s connect · Sigamos en contacto

Stay connected, your way.

WhatsApp or email—choose how you hear from your community.

WhatsApp

WhatsApp is the best way to keep in touch with Raíces del Canal. Get updates about Mingas, after-school activities, garden days, and ways to join in.

QR code coming soon

We’ll share a code to join right here.

Our WhatsApp invitation is coming soon.