In the winter of 2012, Cottonwood Urban Farm was just a seed of an idea—a small vision to turn a dusty plot of land in Panorama City into something meaningful. Founded by Elliott Kuhn, an LA native and educator, Cottonwood grew from that initial dream into a joyful, thriving urban farm dedicated to food, community, and education. Nestled in the Tujunga Wash basin, this farm was built by hand, one bed at a time, transforming once-forgotten soil into a vibrant space where people, plants, and ideas can grow together.
How It All Began
Our journey began with friendship, imagination, and a good bit of elbow grease. After spending time learning organic farming techniques in Austin, Texas, Elliott purchased the land in 2011 and got to work alongside his friend, Samantha Dillingham, transforming the space into a small vegetable garden. With patience and care, we enriched the soil, sowed our first seeds, and watched as our crops—and our community—began to flourish.Our first few years were all about experimentation and learning. We started small, with a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program, offering fresh produce to a handful of locals. Over time, our ambitions and reach expanded. By 2013, we were selling at farmers' markets, sharing our harvest with Panorama City and Altadena. Through these early experiences, we refined our skills and learned the magic that happens when food and community come together.
Growing in Every Direction
With each passing year, Cottonwood’s mission has continued to blossom. In 2015, Elliott began working with SEE-LA’s ‘Farmer in the Classroom’ program, connecting kids at LAUSD schools with the process of growing food. Watching young students’ curiosity and excitement firsthand reaffirmed our commitment to education and outreach—there’s nothing quite like inspiring the next generation to connect with their food. Our partnerships have only deepened over the years. In 2018, LA Compost set up a composting hub on the farm, making Cottonwood a true center for sustainability. And when the pandemic hit, we launched Market Zero, a curbside produce pickup program that provides fresh, organic produce from our trusted farming friends like Frecker Farms. In 20120, Black Thumb Farm moved their operations into the original garden plot and has expanded ever outward with their commitment to connecting local high school students to the power and magic of food production. In 2022, Behind the Beet was founded and headquartered at CUF, dedicated to their mission of making health and wellness workshops accessible and approachable for students and community members of all ages. In 2023, CUF in partnership with LA Compost and Black Thumb Farm applied and won the LA REPAIR grant to build a new community garden and permanent home for Black Thumb Farm at a 2 acre vacant land site in North Hills.
Find us in Panorama City, where we've turned a once derelict plot into a thriving farm.
We’re a collective of cultivators who believe in the power of authentic connection, and are passionate about sustainably and collaboratively growing food and community in our city.
CUF Founder
LA Compost
Soiled Inc.
Behind The Beet
Ginger Trail Creative
