Community Support

Doing Our Part to Make Our World a Healthier One!

Partnering to Preserve a Living Legacy

Peaceful Valley Farm & Garden Supply is proud to support the work of the Felix Gillet Institute, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to locating, preserving, and propagating rare heirloom plants from the Gold Rush era. Their work has uncovered a living library of historic fruit and nut trees—plants that once formed the foundation of West Coast agriculture and are now nearly lost to time.

Through our partnership, we’ve donated over $9,000 to the Institute—and a percentage of each heritage tree we sell continues to go directly back to them. These funds help the FGI continue its mission: tracking down 100+ year-old “grandmother” plants, taking cuttings, and preserving their genetics before they disappear.

In addition to trees, we also offer select seasonal heirlooms from their discoveries—such as historic roses, lilacs, and other rare ornamentals. Each purchase supports a cause greater than gardening: the protection of biodiversity, heritage, and resilience in our food and farming systems.

See our Felix Gillet Institute tree collection to help continue this legacy in your own backyard. These unique and storied plants are not just garden additions—they're living history.

Want to Do More?

You can also make a tax-deductible donation directly to the Felix Gillet Institute or email theFGI@gmail.com to join their mailing list for updates, tastings, and special event invites.

Learn more about their mission at the Felix Gillet Institute website.

School Gardens

At Peaceful Valley, we believe in nurturing the next generation through hands-on experiences in the garden. We've supported local schools like Clear Creek, Deer Creek Elementary, and others by donating bulk soil to help their gardens flourish. These spaces are more than just planting beds, they’re vibrant outdoor classrooms where students grow, learn, and connect with the land.

Community Gardens

Supporting community garden projects is a meaningful way we contribute to food security and neighborhood resilience. Crossroads Community Garden, for example, bolsters their weekly food distribution with fresh, homegrown produce. We’ve also donated seeds to Outfielders Community Garden, a grassroots effort based at the Sierra Vista Community Center in Colfax. Their mission empowers families to grow their own food, deepen their connection to the earth, and build lasting self-sufficiency.

Master Gardeners

The Nevada County Master Gardeners provide invaluable education and support to our community, and we’re grateful to partner with them. From supplying bulk seeds to help restock the Madelyn Helling Library’s Seed Library, to welcoming them at our events, we recognize and value the impact of their work. Through education and outreach, they help neighbors grow food, share gardening wisdom, and foster a more sustainable future.

Environmental Preservation

We are deeply committed to local environmental stewardship and proudly collaborate with the Bear Yuba Land Trust to maintain area trails and preserve open spaces.

".... Together, we’re protecting Nevada County’s natural landscapes and ensuring they can be enjoyed by generations to come."

— Jo Laracy, General Manager at Peaceful Valley Farm & Garden Supply – Grass Valley

We also support the efforts of the Nevada County Monarchs and Milkweed group and the Nevada County Beekeepers Association through seed donations and collaboration on educational displays at our local events.

Future Farmers

We’re excited to sponsor Bear River’s Future Farmers of America program, which helps cultivate tomorrow’s agricultural leaders. These hardworking students gain hands-on experience in farming, sustainability, and leadership, and we’re thrilled to support their journey as they grow in skill and confidence.

Sierra Harvest

Our collaboration with Sierra Harvest reflects our shared vision for a sustainable and food-secure community. Their work spans from school garden programs that inspire Nevada County’s children to Ag Skills training for new and aspiring farmers. Sierra Harvest meets people where they are, nurturing growth in gardens, kitchens, and communities across the region.

KVMR Garden Forum

We’re the proud sponsors of KVMR radio’s recurring Garden Forum show, a trusted source of seasonal gardening advice tailored to Nevada County. The program brings together local farmers, gardeners, and visionaries to share stories, tips, and timely wisdom that help keep our community thriving—one broadcast at a time.