ABOUT SIZWE
William Sizwe (Siz-Way) Herring is a dedicated environmentalist and founder/director of EarthMatters Tennessee, a nonprofit ecology education organization.
A frequent classroom presenter and workshop leader, Sizwe is a certified instructor in the field of permaculture, a system of design based on ecological and human principles of balance and growth. In 2002 he was recognized as Teacher of the Year by the Tennessee Environmental Educators Association.
Today, Sizwe’s organization maintains the George W. Carver Food Park, where over 30,000 tons of organic compost is produced and distributed each year. The Food Park is the home of Nashville’s only “land sculpture” made entirely of leaves and compost materials.
The Food Park serves as nature’s playground in the city, and activities are provided for children on a regular basis. Sizwe is also the urban coordinator for Kids To The Country, and since 1994 has led the summer program at The Farm in Summertown, Tennessee.
As part of his mission to bring balance and wholeness to earth communities, Sizwe has volunteered his time as a trained mediator since 1993. He uses his staff position at Tennessee State University’s student center to bring an awareness of both earth and human ecology to college students.
His influence was instrumental in the creation of the campus organization Gateway to Heritage, which conducts cleanup and planting projects on the grounds and immediate neighborhood of the university. These ongoing actions are done in memory of several activists who've passed, that dedicated their lives to the Jefferson Street community.
He is a former board member of the American Community Gardening Association and proud part of the Middle Tennessee Food Security Cooperation. Sizwe served as "resident land companion" and retreat leader at Penuel Ridge Contemplative Retreat Center from 1998 until 2003.
