This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. If we can plant a garden today in an empty, unloved lot, should we if the act is illegal? Even though bureaucratic procedures may ultimately allow for the garden, should we use guerilla acts to hack the system? How do we act in accordance with laws and norms to create the world and neighborhood we want?

Sarah Schindler is an associate professor at the University of Maine School of Law who is quickly earning a national reputation for her scholarship, which focuses on the intersection of sustainable development and land use law. Two of her most recent articles, “Of Backyard Chickens and Front-yard Gardens: The Conflict Between Local Governments and Locavores” (Tulane Law Review), and “The Future of Abandoned Big Box Stores: Legal Solutions to the Legacies
of Poor Planning” (Colorado Law Review) were widely praised as creative and insightful additions to the fields of local government and land use law. At Maine Law, Professor Schindler teaches property, land use, local government, real estate transactions, and animal law. She received the Professor of the Year award in 2013. Prior to joining the Maine Law faculty, Professor Schindler
clerked for Judge Will Garwood of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in Austin, Texas and practiced law at Morrison and Foerster in San Francisco.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)