When Woody DeLauder looks at his, he sees tomatoes, radishes, beets—and an opportunity to nourish both his community and the environment.

What started as a backyard passion has grown into Rootbound Farms, a thriving local market garden and downtown La Plata storefront dedicated to seasonal produce, locally made goods, and bringing the community together.

One of Woody's favorite gardening philosophies is simple: let nature lead.

Instead of constantly disturbing the soil, Rootbound Farms uses a no-dig approach, adding compost to feed the ground naturally. Healthy soil supports healthy plants, attracts beneficial insects, and creates a thriving ecosystem—much like what you'd find on a walk through one of Charles County's forests.

It's proof that sometimes Mother Nature really does know best.

Inspired to give it a try? Charles County Environmental Resources offers composting workshops that teach residents how to turn food scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich compost at home. Composting is an easy way to improve your garden, reduce household waste, and return valuable nutrients back to the soil.

But Rootbound Farms isn't just growing vegetables—they're growing community.

Their downtown shop features products from fellow Charles County farms and makers, helping keep dollars local while making fresh, seasonal food more accessible. Unsold produce is donated through a community refrigerator program, ensuring perfectly good food nourishes neighbors instead of ending up in the trash.

That's exactly the kind of thinking we love to celebrate.

Reducing food waste is one of the simplest ways we can all make a positive impact. That's why Charles County Environmental Resources hosts Food Waste Prevention Week annually, sharing practical tips and community events that help residents save money, waste less, and make the most of the food they bring home.

As a former teacher, Woody is also creating free workshops where neighbors can learn practical skills, connect with one another, and share knowledge—from gardening and mending clothes to fun community gatherings that bring people together. Sustainability grows even stronger when it's shared.

His story is a reminder that making a difference doesn't require a huge farm or expensive equipment. Sometimes it starts with a compost pile, a few raised garden beds, shopping locally, or simply choosing to waste a little less.

 You Can Help Grow a Greener Charles County, Too

The best part about sustainability? Anyone can be a part of it.

Whether you're composting at home, planting a pollinator-friendly garden, supporting local farmers, reducing food waste, or picking up litter in your neighborhood, every small action helps create a cleaner, healthier Charles County.

Looking for a way to get involved?

• Join our Adopt-A-Road or Adopt-A-Spot program and help keep our roadways, parks, and public spaces beautiful.
• Attend one of our composting or rain barrel workshops.
• Participate in Food Waste Prevention Week events and discover easy ways to reduce waste at home.
• Follow Charles County Environmental Resources for year-round environmental tips, volunteer opportunities, workshops, and community events.

Know Someone Making a Difference?

Every day, residents, businesses, schools, and community groups are finding new ways to care for our environment—and we'd love to celebrate them.

Do you know someone helping make Charles County a little greener? Maybe they're organizing neighborhood cleanups, creating wildlife habitats, composting, gardening, inspiring others, or simply leading by example. Tell us about them!

They could be featured in a future Community Roots spotlight and inspire others to take action in their own neighborhoods.

Because when one person makes a difference, it encourages another... and another... until an entire community grows stronger together.

After all, protecting Charles County is something we can all do, one thoughtful action at a time.

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Stay connected with Charles County Environmental Resources! Sign up for our monthly newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for recycling tips, environmental news, local events, workshops, seasonal reminders, and practical ways to help keep Charles County clean and green.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCEnvironmentalResources

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccenvironmentalresources/

Newsletter: https://www.charlescountymd.gov/services/environmental-resources/the-charles-county-environmental-insider

CHARLES COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS | ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES DIVISION

10430 Audie Lane, La Plata, MD 20646 • 301-932-5656 (MD Relay 7-1-1)