Montagnard agriculture and history: a visit with Thomas Eban

Several of us went on a field trip to visit Thomas Eban, a Montagnard community member with an amazing urban farm (1.6 acres) in Greensboro, NC. We spoke with Thomas about his agricultural work, and also about Montagnard architecture, and how to make various things with bamboo and other natural materials.

Thomas also spoke with us about the years he spent as a fighter for Montagnard independence and liberation (coincident with the years when America was also fighting with the North Vietnamese).

The land Thomas works is in an area of Greensboro with fairly small lots and lots of houses, so a 1.6 acre parcel is a pretty surprising sight to behold. Thomas told us the land was formerly some sort of golf practice course. He said he still occasionally digs up golf balls when he is working! The picture below shows one part of the property, and in the foreground you can see planting for the new growing season has just begun.