Henry David Thoreau once said, "The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation." But last night at Vista Brewing, I saw something different. I saw a group of people who are not content to watch the world around them turn to dust—literally and figuratively. We came together because we believe in regeneration, in bringing life back to the land and to our lives.

As we watched Common Ground, the follow-up to Kiss the Ground, we were reminded of a powerful truth: just as soil can be restored and made rich with life, so can our communities, our futures, and the world we leave for our children.

A Venue Rooted in Regeneration

Vista Brewing

A 21-acre destination brewery located just outside of Austin at the gateway to the Central Texas Wine Trail in Driftwood, TX.

Vista Brewing, our venue for the evening, perfectly embodied this message of renewal and connection. Co-founded by Karen and Kent Killough, Vista is more than just a brewery—it’s a destination. Nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, it’s a place designed to inspire people to slow down, reconnect with nature, and experience the beauty of sustainably-produced food and drink. Vista’s deep commitment to sustainable agriculture—restoring pastureland, growing fruits and vegetables, and maintaining a thriving apiary—aligns perfectly with the themes of soil regeneration and environmental stewardship highlighted in the film.

Adding to the evening’s impact, a panel discussion featuring local and national leaders in the regenerative movement provided valuable insights and personal experiences. Panelists included:

Kent Killough, co-founder of Vista Brewing, who shared his journey of creating a sustainable destination brewery.
Dylan Kongos of Songland Farms, bringing his unique perspective on regenerative farming practices and their impact on local food systems.
Finian Makepeace, producer of Common Ground and co-founder of Kiss the Ground, whose passion for soil health and environmental advocacy inspired the audience.
Meghan and Ben Roberts of Elder Hill Farms, offering real-world applications of regenerative agriculture and the challenges they face.

Panel Discussion

An inspiring evening at Vista Brewing for the sold-out *Common Ground* film screening, where community members gathered to engage with panelists and discuss the importance of regenerative agriculture and soil health.

A Delicious and Meaningful Meal

Farm-to-table excellence at Vista Brewing:

Elder Hill Farms bone-in pork chop with spiced apples, purple sweet potato puree, and a fresh salad featuring Songland Farms produce. A perfect pairing with Vista's craft brews!

The evening was not just about film and discussion; it was also a celebration of regenerative agriculture through food. A thoughtfully prepared dinner special showcased the fruits of sustainable farming: Elder Hill Farms bone-in pork chop with spiced apples, served alongside a purple sweet potato puree and a refreshing salad featuring pecans, feta, fried shallots, and grilled pear vinaigrette, all highlighting the incredible produce grown at Songland Farms.

This meal was more than just delicious; it was a tangible reminder of why regenerative practices matter. Every bite reflected the dedication and hard work of the farmers who prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and sustainable food systems. It reinforced the powerful connection between what we grow, what we eat, and how we care for the land.

A Powerful Demonstration

One of the most striking moments of the night was a demonstration by Finian Makepeace, who used two simple plates—one filled with flour and the other with bread—to illustrate the stark difference between desertified soil and healthy, life-giving earth. When water was poured onto the flour, it failed to absorb, running off in a soupy, powdery mess—just like the runoff we see in landscapes stripped of their nutrients by years of extraction without replenishment. But when poured over the bread, representing healthy, thriving soil, it was absorbed deeply, slowly releasing clear runoff after it had taken in all it could. This simple yet powerful demonstration painted a clear picture of what happens when we mine the land without replenishing it—and the alternative that is possible through regeneration.

A Community United for Change

Throughout the night, it became clear that this movement is about more than just restoring soil; it’s about restoring hope, purpose, and community. Kris Vandenberg of Vetted Farms, a member of the Farmer Veteran Coalition of Texas, shared his thoughts on the evening, saying:

“God has given us the earth to be good stewards of His creation and regenerate life above and below our feet. We have to be conscious of and care for what is below our feet as much as what is in and around us. Beyond this, it is our mission to regenerate, facilitate, and educate the world. It is about resilience, renewal, and regeneration to leave the world a better place than how we have received it.”

Reflecting on the powerful sense of unity present at the event, he added:

“The presence of community was palpable. I teared up knowing that what we were watching was igniting fires in individuals who want their legacies to be solidified in this movement.”

His words are a reminder that our mission is not just about soil—it’s about people, legacy, and a shared commitment to Save the Soil, ensuring that the land we nurture today will sustain generations to come.

Growing Scene: Cultivating Community and Change

At Growing Scene, our mission is to cultivate more than just crops—we strive to grow communities. We believe that by fostering connections between farmers, consumers, and advocates, we can create a thriving ecosystem of change. Events like last night’s screening are a testament to the power of coming together, learning, and inspiring one another to take action.

Whether it's through supporting local farms, sharing knowledge, or simply starting conversations, every effort contributes to a larger movement—one that seeks to regenerate not only the land but the very fabric of our society. Our goal is to build a future where people and the planet thrive in harmony, working hand in hand to restore what has been depleted.

At Growing Scene, our goal is to connect passionate gardeners with events like these and provide a hub for the thriving gardening scene in Austin and Central Texas. Whether you’re interested in plant swaps, sustainability workshops, or hands-on gardening events, we’re here to help you find your next opportunity to grow.

Moving Forward Together

We weren’t just watching a film last night—we were witnessing a call to action. The earth is suffering from desertification, but hope is not lost. Through regenerative agriculture and conscious stewardship, we can transform barren landscapes into fertile ground and fight against the quiet desperation of a depleted world.

The energy in the room was tangible—filled with a shared sense of purpose and determination. Together, we are choosing restoration over depletion, action over apathy, and a future full of life—both in our soil and in our souls.

If you’ve ever felt the weight of environmental challenges, remember this: restoration is possible. Regeneration is not just a concept; it’s a movement, and it starts with us.

Join the Growing Scene community and stay informed about upcoming events, workshops, and plant swaps in Austin and Central Texas. Don’t miss out—subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media for the latest updates!

Let’s keep the conversation going. Let’s keep learning. And most importantly, let’s keep taking action.

Join the movement. Regenerate. Restore. Revive.

Fighting Quiet Desperation: A Reflection on Common Ground