International Migratory Bird Day
Saturday, May 16th, 2009 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve
Bring along your picnic lunch
8 a.m. - Meet at the Visitor’s Center for a bird walk and bird banding. Learn what a neotropical migrant is and why birds migrate. Make sure you have your camera!
10 a.m. and 1 p.m. - Bill Kastern, owner of Wild Birds Unlimited in Aberdeen with suggestions on how to augment your property with feeders, bird boxes, water features and more.
11 a.m. - Beginning birdwatching program at the Visitor’s center.
1 p.m. - Susan Campbell speaking on hummingbird research conducted at the park. View a hummingbird being banded.
3 p.m. Learn about the ecology, conservation and monitoring of the endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker.
All day - Taste and learn about shade grown coffee from the Tropics. View a photo display by local wildlife photographers, prepared by members of eth Sandhills Natural History Society. Enjoy the world renowned video, Winged Migration, in the auditorium. Test your identification skills with a display of bird skins and nests.
Special thanks to Sandhills Ecological Institute (Southern Pines), Wild Birds Unlimited (Aberdeen), Toucanet Coffee and volunteers from Sandhills Natural History Society for making this program possible.
For more information, feel free to call the park office at (910) 692-2167.
5/14/2009
Easy Rule to Remember
[Our dollar is our vote]
"Omnivore's Dilemma" Author Michael Pollan's New Advice on Buying Food: "Don't Buy Any Food You've Ever Seen Advertised"
Michael Pollan is one of the nation's leading writers and thinkers in this country on the issue of food. He is author of several books about food, including The Botany of Desire, The Omnivore's Dilemma and his latest, In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto. In light of what he calls the processed food industry's co-option of "sustainability" and its vast spending on marketing, Pollan advises to be wary of any food that's advertised.
http://www.democracynow.org/2009/5/14/omnivores_dilemma_author_michael_pollans_new
"Omnivore's Dilemma" Author Michael Pollan's New Advice on Buying Food: "Don't Buy Any Food You've Ever Seen Advertised"
Michael Pollan is one of the nation's leading writers and thinkers in this country on the issue of food. He is author of several books about food, including The Botany of Desire, The Omnivore's Dilemma and his latest, In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto. In light of what he calls the processed food industry's co-option of "sustainability" and its vast spending on marketing, Pollan advises to be wary of any food that's advertised.
http://www.democracynow.org/2009/5/14/omnivores_dilemma_author_michael_pollans_new
5/13/2009
Pollan on Eating Well
Here's a sampling of Michael Pollan's rules of how to eat well:
Avoid food products that contain ingredients that are unfamiliar, unpronounceable, more than five in number or include high-fructose corn syrup.
Avoid products that make health claims.
Shop in the peripheries of the supermarket, where the fresh food is; avoid the middle, where processed food resides.
Eat meals, not snacks.
Eat plants, especially leaves.
Don't get your fuel from the same place as your car gets its gas.
Eat slowly, at a table, and try not to eat alone.
Avoid food products that contain ingredients that are unfamiliar, unpronounceable, more than five in number or include high-fructose corn syrup.
Avoid products that make health claims.
Shop in the peripheries of the supermarket, where the fresh food is; avoid the middle, where processed food resides.
Eat meals, not snacks.
Eat plants, especially leaves.
Don't get your fuel from the same place as your car gets its gas.
Eat slowly, at a table, and try not to eat alone.
Zinn on Obama, MLK
Howard Zinn: "I Wish Obama Would Listen to MLK"
Legendary historian Howard Zinn joins us to talk about war, torture and the teaching of history. Zinn says Obama had Obama heeded the lessons of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., he wouldn't be escalating US attacks abroad and increasing the size of the US military budget. We also play excerpts of the forthcoming documentary, The People Speak, featuring dramatic readings based on Zinn's A People's History of the United States and Voices of a People's History of the United States. http://www.democracynow.org/2009/5/13/howard_zinn_i_wish_obama_would
Legendary historian Howard Zinn joins us to talk about war, torture and the teaching of history. Zinn says Obama had Obama heeded the lessons of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., he wouldn't be escalating US attacks abroad and increasing the size of the US military budget. We also play excerpts of the forthcoming documentary, The People Speak, featuring dramatic readings based on Zinn's A People's History of the United States and Voices of a People's History of the United States. http://www.democracynow.org/2009/5/13/howard_zinn_i_wish_obama_would
HFCS, It's Everywhere. Read the Label
http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2008/dec2008_Metabolic-Dangers-of-High-Fructose-Corn-Syrup_01.htm
5/12/2009
eBlast, Sustainable Sandhills
Sustainable Sandhills 2009 Earth Day/Week Events Review
There is no busier week of the year for Sustainable Sandhills than the week of Earth Day. Here is a roundup of a few of the events we are involved in during “Earth Week 2009” in the Sandhills. Activities included the Apple Crate, Sandhills Community College, Fayetteville Technical Community College, the Air Quality Poster Contest Awards and Alma Easom Elementary School.
Cumberland County Local Government Goes Green
In celebration of “National County Government” Week, May 3-9, and with encouragement by James Martin, the County Manager, Cumberland County is going green. As part of the Sustainable Sandhills’ “Greening Local Government” project, 12 Cumberland County departments are now Certified Green Businesses!
New Century International Elementary School Breaks Ground
Cumberland County government and school system officials participated in the ground-breaking ceremony for New Century International Elementary School, the first LEED elementary school in the Sandhills region. In addition to the school, a new branch of the Cumberland County Library System will also be built.
May 3-9: National County Government Week
May 7: Greening Fayetteville’s New UDO Community Meeting, 6:30 - 8:00 pm,PWC Operations Center, 955 Old Wilmington Road, Fayetteville.
May 7 - 8: North Carolina Conservation Network Retreat
May 19: Moore County CAT meeting, 6:30-8pm, Sandhills Community College, Dempsey Student Center, Clement Dining Hall, 3395 Airport Rd, Pinehurst.
May 21: Cumberland County Sustainable Film Series, 6:30-8pm, "The Power of Community - How Cuba Survived Peak Oil." Pate Room, Cumberland County Public Library Headquarters, 300 Maiden Lane, Fayetteville.
May 26: Harnett County CAT KICKOFF, 6:30-8pm, Central Carolina CC, Harnett County Campus, Miriello Administration Building, Room #135, 1075 E. Cornelius Harnett Blvd (Hwy 421), Lillington.
Support Sustainable Sandhills
Our continued growth and success depends in large part on your support.
Become a fan of Sustainable Sandhills’ new Facebook page to find out more about upcoming projects in your community!
There is no busier week of the year for Sustainable Sandhills than the week of Earth Day. Here is a roundup of a few of the events we are involved in during “Earth Week 2009” in the Sandhills. Activities included the Apple Crate, Sandhills Community College, Fayetteville Technical Community College, the Air Quality Poster Contest Awards and Alma Easom Elementary School.
Cumberland County Local Government Goes Green
In celebration of “National County Government” Week, May 3-9, and with encouragement by James Martin, the County Manager, Cumberland County is going green. As part of the Sustainable Sandhills’ “Greening Local Government” project, 12 Cumberland County departments are now Certified Green Businesses!
New Century International Elementary School Breaks Ground
Cumberland County government and school system officials participated in the ground-breaking ceremony for New Century International Elementary School, the first LEED elementary school in the Sandhills region. In addition to the school, a new branch of the Cumberland County Library System will also be built.
May 3-9: National County Government Week
May 7: Greening Fayetteville’s New UDO Community Meeting, 6:30 - 8:00 pm,PWC Operations Center, 955 Old Wilmington Road, Fayetteville.
May 7 - 8: North Carolina Conservation Network Retreat
May 19: Moore County CAT meeting, 6:30-8pm, Sandhills Community College, Dempsey Student Center, Clement Dining Hall, 3395 Airport Rd, Pinehurst.
May 21: Cumberland County Sustainable Film Series, 6:30-8pm, "The Power of Community - How Cuba Survived Peak Oil." Pate Room, Cumberland County Public Library Headquarters, 300 Maiden Lane, Fayetteville.
May 26: Harnett County CAT KICKOFF, 6:30-8pm, Central Carolina CC, Harnett County Campus, Miriello Administration Building, Room #135, 1075 E. Cornelius Harnett Blvd (Hwy 421), Lillington.
Support Sustainable Sandhills
Our continued growth and success depends in large part on your support.
Become a fan of Sustainable Sandhills’ new Facebook page to find out more about upcoming projects in your community!
Henside the Beltline, Raleigh, May 16
The Tour d'Coop, Henside the Beltline, Raleigh
Saturday, May 16 from 10am - 4pm.
Raleigh’s city chicken owners invite you into their backyards for a first-hand look at keeping chickens in an urban environment.
Bring the family, but please leave pets at home, since some flocks are not accustomed to four-legged visitors. You do not want to miss this unique “Parade of Combs” and their homes.
http://www.hensidethebeltline.blogspot.com
Saturday, May 16 from 10am - 4pm.
Raleigh’s city chicken owners invite you into their backyards for a first-hand look at keeping chickens in an urban environment.
Bring the family, but please leave pets at home, since some flocks are not accustomed to four-legged visitors. You do not want to miss this unique “Parade of Combs” and their homes.
http://www.hensidethebeltline.blogspot.com
5/11/2009
Scoop on Genetically-engineered Foods at YOUR Supermarket
http://www.geaction.org/truefood/shoppersguide/
Moore County Beekeepers, May 12
The May meeting of the Moore County Beekeepers Association will be held on Tuesday, May 12th at 7pm in the Moore County Agricultural Center in Carthage.
This will be our "Who wants to bee a Millionaire" session. During our business meeting, Kevin, Rick, and Dwight will report on suggestions for our website design.
We will also need an accurate headcount for our picnic in June, so if you are unable to attend tomorrow's meeting, but will attend the picnic, contact Debbie Tyner at rdtyner@embarqmail.com or 295-3639. Remember that the picnic is on June 9th at Cannon Park in Pinehurst and starts at 6:30 instead of 7:00pm. We would like to have enough food for all attending without overbuying.
This will be our "Who wants to bee a Millionaire" session. During our business meeting, Kevin, Rick, and Dwight will report on suggestions for our website design.
We will also need an accurate headcount for our picnic in June, so if you are unable to attend tomorrow's meeting, but will attend the picnic, contact Debbie Tyner at rdtyner@embarqmail.com or 295-3639. Remember that the picnic is on June 9th at Cannon Park in Pinehurst and starts at 6:30 instead of 7:00pm. We would like to have enough food for all attending without overbuying.
5/08/2009
Venezuela's Petrol
Chavez extends state oil industry
Venezuela's President Chavez announces plans to nationalise companies that provide services for the country's oil industry.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/americas/8039354.stm
Venezuela's President Chavez announces plans to nationalise companies that provide services for the country's oil industry.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/americas/8039354.stm
5/07/2009
Show Us the Money
UN 'stunned' by scale of bail-out
If extra money is not found to tackle climate change, bail-outs could be a "waste of money", UN head of environment warns. http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/science/nature/8036559.stm
If extra money is not found to tackle climate change, bail-outs could be a "waste of money", UN head of environment warns. http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/science/nature/8036559.stm
3-Week Window for Conversion to Organic
Organic and Transitional Farmers Restored to Rightful Status in EQIP*
*Washington, D.C. May 5, 2009* USDA today announced a special three-week sign-up for farmers in the process of converting to organic farming to receive technical and financial assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), a move applauded by the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition and its grassroots member organizations across the country.
The organic conversion assistance was provided for by the 2008 Farm Bill but the plan went awry when the Bush Administration issued rules for the EQIP program just before leaving office which baffled state and local offices of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). As a result, in a majority of states organic farmers and transitioning farmers were simply not being served, in contradiction of Congress’ intent in the farm bill.
“This was a was a wrong that needed righting, and with today’s announcement USDA is not only setting it right, but doing so in an innovative and farmer-friendly manner,” said Aimee Witteman, NSAC Executive Director. “We thank NRCS and USDA leadership for listening to the concerns of organic farmers and applaud their new initiative.”
Today’s announcement sets aside $50 million out of the $1 billion EQIP program for a special three-week sign-up for farms converting to organic production, farms expanding their organic production, or existing organic farms who desire conservation support to reach even higher levels of environmental performance. The sign-up period begins Monday, May 11 and goes through Friday, May 29.
Six core conservation practices (conservation crop rotation, cover cropping, integrated pest management, nutrient management, rotational grazing, and forage harvest management) are being made available to transitioning organic farmers on a nationwide basis. Each state may then also add a variety of ‘facilitating’ conservation practices specific to the type of agriculture in their region.
“Obviously we would wish to have more than a very short three weeks to work with our farmer networks to get the word out and get farmers into local NRCS offices to sign up for this exciting new initiative,” said Witteman. “We will work quickly to get the word out far and wide and our member organizations with expertise in organic agriculture will be helping farmers understand their options under the new program terms.”
Organic farming has strong environmental benefits for soil and water quality, climate change mitigation, and biodiversity. In recognition of this fact, Congress retooled the EQIP program in the 2008 Farm Bill to provide a general EQIP priority for organic farming in the program overall as well as a specific EQIP subcomponent for farms converting in whole or in part to organic farming.
The new initiative addresses the special “organic conversion assistance?’ component of EQIP in particular. Funding under the organic conversion section of the farm bill is capped at not more than $20,000 per farm per year, and not more than $80,000 per farm in any 6-year period. Organic farmers may opt to compete in this special pool, with the tighter payment caps, or may opt instead to compete in the regular EQIP pool for which the 6-year cap is $300,000. However, under the terms of the new initiative announced today, farmers will receive higher payments, relative to conventional EQIP rates, for five of the six national core practices for organic conversion option. The higher payment rates reflect the higher management costs associated with the mandatory three-year organic transition period and the higher ongoing management costs associated with organic farming.
“We expect this program to evolve and grow over time,” said Witteman.
“NRCS has made a good faith effort to address the needs of organic farmers and appears to be willing to make this program even better on an iterative basis in future years. This is a very welcomed new day.”
Aimee Witteman, Executive Director
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
p: 202-547-5754
f: 202-547-1837
www.sustainableagriculture.net
Cheryl Ripperton Rettie, Bookkeeping & Member Services
Carolina Farm Stewardship Association
PO Box 448, Pittsboro NC 27312
Tel: 919.542.2402 - Fax: 919.542.7401
cheryl@carolinafarmstewards.org
www.carolinafarmstewards.org
*Washington, D.C. May 5, 2009* USDA today announced a special three-week sign-up for farmers in the process of converting to organic farming to receive technical and financial assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), a move applauded by the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition and its grassroots member organizations across the country.
The organic conversion assistance was provided for by the 2008 Farm Bill but the plan went awry when the Bush Administration issued rules for the EQIP program just before leaving office which baffled state and local offices of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). As a result, in a majority of states organic farmers and transitioning farmers were simply not being served, in contradiction of Congress’ intent in the farm bill.
“This was a was a wrong that needed righting, and with today’s announcement USDA is not only setting it right, but doing so in an innovative and farmer-friendly manner,” said Aimee Witteman, NSAC Executive Director. “We thank NRCS and USDA leadership for listening to the concerns of organic farmers and applaud their new initiative.”
Today’s announcement sets aside $50 million out of the $1 billion EQIP program for a special three-week sign-up for farms converting to organic production, farms expanding their organic production, or existing organic farms who desire conservation support to reach even higher levels of environmental performance. The sign-up period begins Monday, May 11 and goes through Friday, May 29.
Six core conservation practices (conservation crop rotation, cover cropping, integrated pest management, nutrient management, rotational grazing, and forage harvest management) are being made available to transitioning organic farmers on a nationwide basis. Each state may then also add a variety of ‘facilitating’ conservation practices specific to the type of agriculture in their region.
“Obviously we would wish to have more than a very short three weeks to work with our farmer networks to get the word out and get farmers into local NRCS offices to sign up for this exciting new initiative,” said Witteman. “We will work quickly to get the word out far and wide and our member organizations with expertise in organic agriculture will be helping farmers understand their options under the new program terms.”
Organic farming has strong environmental benefits for soil and water quality, climate change mitigation, and biodiversity. In recognition of this fact, Congress retooled the EQIP program in the 2008 Farm Bill to provide a general EQIP priority for organic farming in the program overall as well as a specific EQIP subcomponent for farms converting in whole or in part to organic farming.
The new initiative addresses the special “organic conversion assistance?’ component of EQIP in particular. Funding under the organic conversion section of the farm bill is capped at not more than $20,000 per farm per year, and not more than $80,000 per farm in any 6-year period. Organic farmers may opt to compete in this special pool, with the tighter payment caps, or may opt instead to compete in the regular EQIP pool for which the 6-year cap is $300,000. However, under the terms of the new initiative announced today, farmers will receive higher payments, relative to conventional EQIP rates, for five of the six national core practices for organic conversion option. The higher payment rates reflect the higher management costs associated with the mandatory three-year organic transition period and the higher ongoing management costs associated with organic farming.
“We expect this program to evolve and grow over time,” said Witteman.
“NRCS has made a good faith effort to address the needs of organic farmers and appears to be willing to make this program even better on an iterative basis in future years. This is a very welcomed new day.”
Aimee Witteman, Executive Director
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
p: 202-547-5754
f: 202-547-1837
www.sustainableagriculture.net
Cheryl Ripperton Rettie, Bookkeeping & Member Services
Carolina Farm Stewardship Association
PO Box 448, Pittsboro NC 27312
Tel: 919.542.2402 - Fax: 919.542.7401
cheryl@carolinafarmstewards.org
www.carolinafarmstewards.org
5/06/2009
Local Honey for NC State Fair
North Carolina State Fair 2009 Honey Sales
Last year the NCSBA (NC State Beekeepers Association) honey sales booth at the state fair was a resounding success thanks in no small part to the efforts of Don Hopkins, Danny Jaynes and their group of dedicated volunteers. Approximately 3,300 pounds of honey were sold, generating over $22,000 and yielding a profit in excess of $8,000.
This year there have been a few suggestions to make the booth even more interesting for our state members and hopefully generate even higher sales volume and awareness of beekeeping in North Carolina. A current recommendation is to purchase up to two sixty-pound pails of honey from any NCSBA member at a price of $200 per pail.
The plan is to promote regional - local - honey for sale on specific days by having NCSBA members from that region man the fair booth on the days a specific local honey is featured. Last year several people asked for honey from their home region and were disappointed that the products couldn't be identified by region. Members representing their regions may find new sales opportunities in their area, as well as increasing the public's awareness of the NCSBA.
Last year the NCSBA (NC State Beekeepers Association) honey sales booth at the state fair was a resounding success thanks in no small part to the efforts of Don Hopkins, Danny Jaynes and their group of dedicated volunteers. Approximately 3,300 pounds of honey were sold, generating over $22,000 and yielding a profit in excess of $8,000.
This year there have been a few suggestions to make the booth even more interesting for our state members and hopefully generate even higher sales volume and awareness of beekeeping in North Carolina. A current recommendation is to purchase up to two sixty-pound pails of honey from any NCSBA member at a price of $200 per pail.
The plan is to promote regional - local - honey for sale on specific days by having NCSBA members from that region man the fair booth on the days a specific local honey is featured. Last year several people asked for honey from their home region and were disappointed that the products couldn't be identified by region. Members representing their regions may find new sales opportunities in their area, as well as increasing the public's awareness of the NCSBA.
5/05/2009
30-Minute Video re No-Till Gardening
http://allalongtheedge.blogspot.com/2009/04/fukuoka-inspired-no-till-garden.html
5/03/2009
5/01/2009
The Farmer Speaks
Published on Thursday, April 30, 2009 by CommonDreams.org
Agriculture and the Environment, It's Our Choice
by Jim Goodman
Farmers claim to be stewards of the environment, some would say it's best friend; others, its worst enemy. The truth is we can be both.
Humans have never left a small footprint, we have always tried to shape the environment to suit our needs. Initially farming had one purpose, food; farming provided a more stable diet than the hunter-gatherer existence.
As we became more "civilized" our effect on the land became more pronounced and more devastating. We thought the oceans were too vast, the soil too deep and the forests so thick that we could never harm them and, of course, we were wrong.
We used to grow food and fiber, now we raise commodity crops and commodity livestock. Farmers, for the most part, no longer sell to the consumer, they sell to processors who slice, dice, mince, preserve, pasteurize, color, flavor, package and deliver what they call food.
Agricultural production is neither controlled by nor is it supportive of farmers or consumers. Farmers have no control over prices so they do what they must to survive. Consumers buy what the global market provides, is there a choice?
We produce more than enough to feed the world. Yet, not everyone shares the bounty. Not everyone has the money or the access. Equally as sad, by the time the processors are done with their slicing, dicing, coloring and flavoring much of the "food" they deliver assaults, rather than supports our health.
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) claims agriculture is one of the biggest threats to the environment. The National Cattleman's Beef Association (NCBA) says agriculture does not harm the environment.
The University of Minnesota cites a seven fold increase in use of nitrogen fertilizer, a three fold increase in phosphorous fertilizer and a near doubling of irrigated cropland between 1961 and 1996. Since the introduction of Genetically Modified crops in 1996, fertilizer and pesticide use have steadily increased.
WWF notes global agriculture uses 70% of the worlds water and threatens the oceans with agrochemicals and the atmosphere with greenhouse gases from livestock production.
The US Geological Survey points to fertilizer, manure and agricultural runoff from the Mississippi basin as being responsible for the Gulf "Dead Zone".
The United Nations estimates that farm animals world-wide generate 18% of the worlds greenhouse gas emissions. Couple that with emissions from transportation, refrigeration, clearing land for crops and pastures and livestock do not appear as environmentally benign as NCBA would have us believe.
Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO's) have a negative affect on our health as well. The 2004 outbreaks of avian flu in Laos and Nigeria occurred on CAFO's and the current swine flu epidemic has Mexican lawmakers pointing the finger at CAFO's while Mexican health officials back them up.
CAFO's, crop production, water, processing and transportation comprise an industrial agricultural system that is no friend of the environment. The argument supporting the system,"we need to feed the world", is a lie. As the system industrialized, world hunger increased.
In the end the question is, who will decide if agriculture will protect or destroy the environment?
We can continue to allow multinational agribusiness corporations and industrial agriculture to control our food system. We can continue to accept CAFO's, mono-culture cropping and the inherent environmental damage they cause. Or we can think about the environment and humanity when we make our food choices. We can, as Michael Pollan says, "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants".
We need to think before we eat.Jim Goodman is a dairy farmer and activist from Wonewoc, WI and a WK Kellogg Food and Society Policy Fellow.
Agriculture and the Environment, It's Our Choice
by Jim Goodman
Farmers claim to be stewards of the environment, some would say it's best friend; others, its worst enemy. The truth is we can be both.
Humans have never left a small footprint, we have always tried to shape the environment to suit our needs. Initially farming had one purpose, food; farming provided a more stable diet than the hunter-gatherer existence.
As we became more "civilized" our effect on the land became more pronounced and more devastating. We thought the oceans were too vast, the soil too deep and the forests so thick that we could never harm them and, of course, we were wrong.
We used to grow food and fiber, now we raise commodity crops and commodity livestock. Farmers, for the most part, no longer sell to the consumer, they sell to processors who slice, dice, mince, preserve, pasteurize, color, flavor, package and deliver what they call food.
Agricultural production is neither controlled by nor is it supportive of farmers or consumers. Farmers have no control over prices so they do what they must to survive. Consumers buy what the global market provides, is there a choice?
We produce more than enough to feed the world. Yet, not everyone shares the bounty. Not everyone has the money or the access. Equally as sad, by the time the processors are done with their slicing, dicing, coloring and flavoring much of the "food" they deliver assaults, rather than supports our health.
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) claims agriculture is one of the biggest threats to the environment. The National Cattleman's Beef Association (NCBA) says agriculture does not harm the environment.
The University of Minnesota cites a seven fold increase in use of nitrogen fertilizer, a three fold increase in phosphorous fertilizer and a near doubling of irrigated cropland between 1961 and 1996. Since the introduction of Genetically Modified crops in 1996, fertilizer and pesticide use have steadily increased.
WWF notes global agriculture uses 70% of the worlds water and threatens the oceans with agrochemicals and the atmosphere with greenhouse gases from livestock production.
The US Geological Survey points to fertilizer, manure and agricultural runoff from the Mississippi basin as being responsible for the Gulf "Dead Zone".
The United Nations estimates that farm animals world-wide generate 18% of the worlds greenhouse gas emissions. Couple that with emissions from transportation, refrigeration, clearing land for crops and pastures and livestock do not appear as environmentally benign as NCBA would have us believe.
Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO's) have a negative affect on our health as well. The 2004 outbreaks of avian flu in Laos and Nigeria occurred on CAFO's and the current swine flu epidemic has Mexican lawmakers pointing the finger at CAFO's while Mexican health officials back them up.
CAFO's, crop production, water, processing and transportation comprise an industrial agricultural system that is no friend of the environment. The argument supporting the system,"we need to feed the world", is a lie. As the system industrialized, world hunger increased.
In the end the question is, who will decide if agriculture will protect or destroy the environment?
We can continue to allow multinational agribusiness corporations and industrial agriculture to control our food system. We can continue to accept CAFO's, mono-culture cropping and the inherent environmental damage they cause. Or we can think about the environment and humanity when we make our food choices. We can, as Michael Pollan says, "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants".
We need to think before we eat.Jim Goodman is a dairy farmer and activist from Wonewoc, WI and a WK Kellogg Food and Society Policy Fellow.
4/30/2009
More from Vaccine than. . .
http://allalongtheedge.blogspot.com/2009/04/more-people-died-from-swine-flu-vaccine.html
Hyperlocavores Amid Catastrophe
http://hyperlocavore.wordpress.com/2009/04/24/on-choosing-a-hyperlocavore-responds-to-catastrophe/
Safe Climate Means NO Coal
'Safe' climate means 'no to coal' *Keeping global temperatures within "safe" limits means leaving most of the world's fossil fuel reserves unburned, scientists conclude.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/science/nature/8023072.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/science/nature/8023072.stm
4/29/2009
European Bees in BIG Trouble
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/science/topics/bees/index.html?inline=nyt-classifier
Oldest Living Confederate Widow, May 8, 9, Southern Pines
[Maureen is selling tickets, too.]
The "Oldest Living Confederate Widow: Her Confession" is coming for one week only, May 8 and 9.
Written by Allan Gurganus and Jane Holding, the play is adapted from Gurganus' best-selling novel, The Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All, and stars solo actress Holding, who will perform for 90 minutes without an intermission.
Her character, Lucille Marsden tells the whole truth about her long marriage to a war-haunted veteran of our nation's worst trauma.
Held on the grounds of the historic Shaw House in Southern Pines, the play is presented by the Moore County Historical Association, proceeds to benefit the Historic Britt Sanders Cabin.
Beginning at 6:00 p.m. prior to each performance, there will be live music from the Civil War era by the Java Mules, a book-signing with Allan Gurganus, and a wine reception.
Performance begins at 7:00, $20 tickets and information are available through The Shaw House, 692-2051, The Country Book Shop and Sandhills Feed. Limited seating.
The "Oldest Living Confederate Widow: Her Confession" is coming for one week only, May 8 and 9.
Written by Allan Gurganus and Jane Holding, the play is adapted from Gurganus' best-selling novel, The Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All, and stars solo actress Holding, who will perform for 90 minutes without an intermission.
Her character, Lucille Marsden tells the whole truth about her long marriage to a war-haunted veteran of our nation's worst trauma.
Held on the grounds of the historic Shaw House in Southern Pines, the play is presented by the Moore County Historical Association, proceeds to benefit the Historic Britt Sanders Cabin.
Beginning at 6:00 p.m. prior to each performance, there will be live music from the Civil War era by the Java Mules, a book-signing with Allan Gurganus, and a wine reception.
Performance begins at 7:00, $20 tickets and information are available through The Shaw House, 692-2051, The Country Book Shop and Sandhills Feed. Limited seating.
4/28/2009
Smithfield, Hogs, Americas
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/story/12840743/porks_dirty_secret_the_nations_top_hog_producer_is_also_one_of_americas_worst_polluters
[There is chatter on the Web about Smithfield's operations in Mexico; google to find more. . .]
[There is chatter on the Web about Smithfield's operations in Mexico; google to find more. . .]
Imperiled Plant Conservation, Apr 30, Sou. Pines
SAVE OUR SANDHILLS HOSTS
EXPERT ON IMPERILED PLANT CONSERVATION
April 30, 2009, Save Our Sandhills hosts guest lecturer Rob Evans to speak on “Conserving Imperiled Plants in the Sandhills and Beyond.” Native plants and wildflowers should not be taken for granted, even if they are abundant in a particular place. Consider that North Carolina hosts over 4,200 different plants – a most diverse assortment, not only in North America but also the entire world. The Sandhills is being tested more than other areas in the state as to loss of open land given that much has succumbed to development. The NC Department of Agriculture and state officials are concerned about how many acres will continue to be consumed, thus drastically changing the balance of nature.
The Sandhills is often called a region of southeastern biodiversity. Scientists studying longleaf pine forests at Fort Bragg and Camp Mackall have identified almost 1,300 species of flower plants, conifer trees, and ferns, as well as 156 grass species, 100 bird species, 67 mammal species, more than 60 butterfly species, and 86 reptile and amphibian species. Given these numbers, it is important to know that each species is dependent upon another, native plants and wildlife critically linked. When native plants disappear, the insects dependent upon those plants disappear, thus affecting food sources for birds and other animals.
Rob Evans, an expert in the field of native rare plants and rare plant communities, is responsible for our state’s North Carolina Plant Conservation Program (PCP). Since 2004, he has overseen its unique mission of establishing and managing its system of plant preserves now totalling 18 sites on over 14,000 acres of land. He helps develop lists of imperiled plants according to three categories: endangered, threatened, and those of special concern. And in cooperation with botanical gardening specialists in the state, he works to propagate species threatened with extinction. Evans has worked with NatureServe, developing a classification of ecological systems for the southeastern United States, and he’s worked with The Nature Conservancy on several multi-state conservation plans. Evans has also worked for the U.S. Forest Service on the National Forests and National Grasslands in Texas on land and forest management as well as on endangered species. He has an M.S. in Plant Ecology from Stephan F. Austin University, has coauthored the U.S. National Vegetation Classification system, and has coauthored scientific articles on topics that include fire ecology and carnivorous plants.
A hands-on specialist, Evans actively manages the PCP’s numerous preserves. This is often necessary to ensure the future viability of rare plants, even on permanently protected lands. Approximately 75% of all listed plant species require a controlled burning regimen to reproduce and thrive. He can often be seen in full fire safety regalia, working to ensure that burns are properly planned and executed by crews of professionally trained foresters. These burns mimic the natural fires from lightning strikes that took place in North Carolina before fire suppression became fashionable. Fire is crucial to ensure North Carolina’s rich biodiversity. Often, repeated controlled burns provide wonderful surprises, as leaf litter turns to nutrient-rich ash, seeds germinate, and seedlings are nourished.
The PCP is a program within the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA & CS) working closely with the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program in order to determine which “Protected Plants” need urgent attention. Since state and federal laws provide almost no legal protection for plants, conservation efforts are a priority in preserving unique and irreplaceable native plants for future generations.
Join us; refreshments follow. Thursday, April 30, 7 PM, Southern Pines Civic Club, corner of Ashe and Pennsylvania.
EXPERT ON IMPERILED PLANT CONSERVATION
April 30, 2009, Save Our Sandhills hosts guest lecturer Rob Evans to speak on “Conserving Imperiled Plants in the Sandhills and Beyond.” Native plants and wildflowers should not be taken for granted, even if they are abundant in a particular place. Consider that North Carolina hosts over 4,200 different plants – a most diverse assortment, not only in North America but also the entire world. The Sandhills is being tested more than other areas in the state as to loss of open land given that much has succumbed to development. The NC Department of Agriculture and state officials are concerned about how many acres will continue to be consumed, thus drastically changing the balance of nature.
The Sandhills is often called a region of southeastern biodiversity. Scientists studying longleaf pine forests at Fort Bragg and Camp Mackall have identified almost 1,300 species of flower plants, conifer trees, and ferns, as well as 156 grass species, 100 bird species, 67 mammal species, more than 60 butterfly species, and 86 reptile and amphibian species. Given these numbers, it is important to know that each species is dependent upon another, native plants and wildlife critically linked. When native plants disappear, the insects dependent upon those plants disappear, thus affecting food sources for birds and other animals.
Rob Evans, an expert in the field of native rare plants and rare plant communities, is responsible for our state’s North Carolina Plant Conservation Program (PCP). Since 2004, he has overseen its unique mission of establishing and managing its system of plant preserves now totalling 18 sites on over 14,000 acres of land. He helps develop lists of imperiled plants according to three categories: endangered, threatened, and those of special concern. And in cooperation with botanical gardening specialists in the state, he works to propagate species threatened with extinction. Evans has worked with NatureServe, developing a classification of ecological systems for the southeastern United States, and he’s worked with The Nature Conservancy on several multi-state conservation plans. Evans has also worked for the U.S. Forest Service on the National Forests and National Grasslands in Texas on land and forest management as well as on endangered species. He has an M.S. in Plant Ecology from Stephan F. Austin University, has coauthored the U.S. National Vegetation Classification system, and has coauthored scientific articles on topics that include fire ecology and carnivorous plants.
A hands-on specialist, Evans actively manages the PCP’s numerous preserves. This is often necessary to ensure the future viability of rare plants, even on permanently protected lands. Approximately 75% of all listed plant species require a controlled burning regimen to reproduce and thrive. He can often be seen in full fire safety regalia, working to ensure that burns are properly planned and executed by crews of professionally trained foresters. These burns mimic the natural fires from lightning strikes that took place in North Carolina before fire suppression became fashionable. Fire is crucial to ensure North Carolina’s rich biodiversity. Often, repeated controlled burns provide wonderful surprises, as leaf litter turns to nutrient-rich ash, seeds germinate, and seedlings are nourished.
The PCP is a program within the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA & CS) working closely with the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program in order to determine which “Protected Plants” need urgent attention. Since state and federal laws provide almost no legal protection for plants, conservation efforts are a priority in preserving unique and irreplaceable native plants for future generations.
Join us; refreshments follow. Thursday, April 30, 7 PM, Southern Pines Civic Club, corner of Ashe and Pennsylvania.
4/27/2009
Conservation Insider Bulletin, April 24
Conservation Insider Bulletin
Published weekly for the Conservation Council of North Carolina
Conservation News to Peruse & Use
Editor: Dan Besse, cib@conservationcouncilnc.org
April 24, 2009
Environmental action has heated up in Raleigh, with opportunities to speak up on funding priorities and coastal issues coming soon, plus national news on climate change, this week in CIB:
--Legislative Watch: Transit Funding Advances; Mountaintop Protection Stalls; Beach Bummer Up Next; Speak Out On Budget
--Coast Watch: Offshore Drilling Hearing April 27, Climate Change & the Coast May 19
--Washington Watch: EPA Climate Action a "Game-Changer"
--Education & Resources: EPA Report Says Climate Change Will Increase Regional Ozone Pollution
Legislative Watch: Transit Funding Advances; Mountaintop Protection Stalls; Beach Bummer Up Next; Speak Out on Budget
Transit Funding Advances: The N.C. House this week voted twice by convincing margins (77-40, 75-40) to approve HB 148, "Congestion Relief / Intermodal Transport Fund", which would provide a critical public finance option for regional public transit systems. The bill, backed by environmental, municipal, and business groups alike, would permit counties to approve via public referenda a special 1/2 or 1/4 cent sales tax exclusively for the funding of public transit systems. It now goes to the Senate for consideration.
Mountaintop Protection Stalls: Legislation to protect threatened mountain environments in coal-producing states didn't fare as well. HB 340, "Appalachian Mountains Preservation Act", was heard in the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee this week. Power company representatives made dire and controversial predictions of coal shortages and electric price hikes if legislators approved this bill to bar North Carolina power plants from burning coal obtained by the environmentally devastating process of "mountaintop removal" strip mining. Facing likely defeat in committee, bill sponsors pulled back from a vote. Principal sponsor Rep. Pricey Harrison (D-Guilford) indicated that she would instead circulate a letter for concerned state legislators to sign in support of federal action to end the controversial practice altogether.
Beach Bummer Up Next: SB 832, "CRC May Permit Terminal Groin"—which CIB non-fondly calls the Beach Bummer Bill—is slated to be heard next week in the Senate Agriculture, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee. If approved, this terrible bill would rip a gaping hole in North Carolina's long-standing policies protecting our beaches and barrier islands. A host of leading coastal scientists have condemned these "terminal groins" as costly known failures, which temporarily retain sand in one spot at the expense of accelerating erosion elsewhere on the beaches. CCNC lobbyist Dan Crawford calls the bill "worse than ever" and encourages CCNC members and friends to call their Senators in opposition to SB 832.
Speak Out on Budget: Also next week, there will be important opportunities around the state to speak out for funding for pollution control enforcement, environmental education, and critical land conservation funds. On Tuesday, April 28, from 6-9 p.m., the N.C. House Appropriations Committee will hold a public hearing to receive public comments on this year's state budget. The in-person hearing will take place in Raleigh, in the auditorium of the N.C. Museum of History on Fayetteville Street. Ten community colleges around the state will host simultaneous live interactive broadcasts of the hearing in Charlotte, Dobson, Dublin, Fayetteville, Grantsboro, Henderson, Smithfield, Sylva, Williamston, and Winston-Salem. Speakers will be allowed up to three minutes for comments. Rules for speaking during the event, submitting written comments, and accessing the online broadcast are available at www.ncleg.net/sessions/2009/budget/2009/BudgetPublicHearing.html.
Coast Watch: Offshore Drilling Hearing April 27, Climate Change & the Coast May 19
Two important opportunities to address key issues for our coast are coming up soon.
This Monday, April 27, the state legislative task force on offshore drilling will hold a public hearing in Morehead City at Carteret Community College from 4-6 p.m. Public comments of two to five minutes (depending on turnout) will be heard. Coastal advocates say that the oil industry and its backers will have the "drill now" crowd bussed out in force, so it's important for the voices of environmental reason and long-term economic prosperity for our coast (fisheries and tourism) to be well-represented too. For more details, go to http://www.nccoast.org/Advocacy/2009actionalerts/offshoreoilAA.
On Tuesday, May 19, CCNC and other citizen conservation groups will host an educational event on Climate Change & the Coast, at the N.C. Botanical Gardens in Chapel Hill from 7-9 p.m. Speakers will include Dr. Stan Riggs, Distinguished Research Professor, East Carolina University, and former Secretaries of the N.C. Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources. Due to limited space, advance registration is required, at http://action.sierraclub.org/site/PageNavigator/Sign_Up_Coastal_Evening
Washington Watch: EPA Climate Action a "Game-Changer"
The U.S. EPA late last week announced its formal conclusion that human emissions of carbon dioxide and five other greenhouse gases now "endanger human health and welfare." That's the formal trigger required by a key 2007 U.S. Supreme Court decision applying the federal Clean Air Act, which now launches the formal rulemaking process for regulating those emissions.
The availability of this regulatory process helps level the national policy playing field, choking off the threat by opponents in the Senate to block climate change action by filibuster. President Obama, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, and Congressional supporters all say that legislation to address the issue is preferable. However, the clock is now ticking on alternative regulatory action if Congress fails to act in a timely manner.
A leading Congressional supporter of action on climate change, Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA), calls the EPA decision a "game changer" in the global warming policy debate. "It changes the playing field with respect to legislation," said Markey. "It's now no longer doing a bill or doing nothing. It is now a choice between regulation and legislation."
David Doniger, climate-policy director for the Natural Resources Defense Council, agreed. Doniger told reporters, "This has enormous legal significance. It is the first time the federal government has said officially that the science is real, the danger is real and in this case that pollution from cars contributes to it." (Associated Press, 4/18/09.)
Education & Resources: EPA Report Says Climate Change Will Increase Regional Ozone Pollution
Speaking of federal pronouncements on climate change, here's another wake-up call just released by EPA's Global Climate Change Research Program. The newly-released report concludes that continued climate change is likely to produce significant increases in summer air pollution caused by ozone in several major U.S. regions. Most of the study's modeling scenarios show North Carolina, especially Piedmont North Carolina, being especially hard hit by the resulting air pollution increases.
The entire report, titled "Assessment of the Impacts of Global Change on Regional U.S. Air Quality: A Synthesis of Climate Change Impacts on Ground-Level Ozone", including appendices, can be accessed at http://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/cfm/recordisplay.cfm?deid=203459.
Published weekly for the Conservation Council of North Carolina
Conservation News to Peruse & Use
Editor: Dan Besse, cib@conservationcouncilnc.org
April 24, 2009
Environmental action has heated up in Raleigh, with opportunities to speak up on funding priorities and coastal issues coming soon, plus national news on climate change, this week in CIB:
--Legislative Watch: Transit Funding Advances; Mountaintop Protection Stalls; Beach Bummer Up Next; Speak Out On Budget
--Coast Watch: Offshore Drilling Hearing April 27, Climate Change & the Coast May 19
--Washington Watch: EPA Climate Action a "Game-Changer"
--Education & Resources: EPA Report Says Climate Change Will Increase Regional Ozone Pollution
Legislative Watch: Transit Funding Advances; Mountaintop Protection Stalls; Beach Bummer Up Next; Speak Out on Budget
Transit Funding Advances: The N.C. House this week voted twice by convincing margins (77-40, 75-40) to approve HB 148, "Congestion Relief / Intermodal Transport Fund", which would provide a critical public finance option for regional public transit systems. The bill, backed by environmental, municipal, and business groups alike, would permit counties to approve via public referenda a special 1/2 or 1/4 cent sales tax exclusively for the funding of public transit systems. It now goes to the Senate for consideration.
Mountaintop Protection Stalls: Legislation to protect threatened mountain environments in coal-producing states didn't fare as well. HB 340, "Appalachian Mountains Preservation Act", was heard in the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee this week. Power company representatives made dire and controversial predictions of coal shortages and electric price hikes if legislators approved this bill to bar North Carolina power plants from burning coal obtained by the environmentally devastating process of "mountaintop removal" strip mining. Facing likely defeat in committee, bill sponsors pulled back from a vote. Principal sponsor Rep. Pricey Harrison (D-Guilford) indicated that she would instead circulate a letter for concerned state legislators to sign in support of federal action to end the controversial practice altogether.
Beach Bummer Up Next: SB 832, "CRC May Permit Terminal Groin"—which CIB non-fondly calls the Beach Bummer Bill—is slated to be heard next week in the Senate Agriculture, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee. If approved, this terrible bill would rip a gaping hole in North Carolina's long-standing policies protecting our beaches and barrier islands. A host of leading coastal scientists have condemned these "terminal groins" as costly known failures, which temporarily retain sand in one spot at the expense of accelerating erosion elsewhere on the beaches. CCNC lobbyist Dan Crawford calls the bill "worse than ever" and encourages CCNC members and friends to call their Senators in opposition to SB 832.
Speak Out on Budget: Also next week, there will be important opportunities around the state to speak out for funding for pollution control enforcement, environmental education, and critical land conservation funds. On Tuesday, April 28, from 6-9 p.m., the N.C. House Appropriations Committee will hold a public hearing to receive public comments on this year's state budget. The in-person hearing will take place in Raleigh, in the auditorium of the N.C. Museum of History on Fayetteville Street. Ten community colleges around the state will host simultaneous live interactive broadcasts of the hearing in Charlotte, Dobson, Dublin, Fayetteville, Grantsboro, Henderson, Smithfield, Sylva, Williamston, and Winston-Salem. Speakers will be allowed up to three minutes for comments. Rules for speaking during the event, submitting written comments, and accessing the online broadcast are available at www.ncleg.net/sessions/2009/budget/2009/BudgetPublicHearing.html.
Coast Watch: Offshore Drilling Hearing April 27, Climate Change & the Coast May 19
Two important opportunities to address key issues for our coast are coming up soon.
This Monday, April 27, the state legislative task force on offshore drilling will hold a public hearing in Morehead City at Carteret Community College from 4-6 p.m. Public comments of two to five minutes (depending on turnout) will be heard. Coastal advocates say that the oil industry and its backers will have the "drill now" crowd bussed out in force, so it's important for the voices of environmental reason and long-term economic prosperity for our coast (fisheries and tourism) to be well-represented too. For more details, go to http://www.nccoast.org/Advocacy/2009actionalerts/offshoreoilAA.
On Tuesday, May 19, CCNC and other citizen conservation groups will host an educational event on Climate Change & the Coast, at the N.C. Botanical Gardens in Chapel Hill from 7-9 p.m. Speakers will include Dr. Stan Riggs, Distinguished Research Professor, East Carolina University, and former Secretaries of the N.C. Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources. Due to limited space, advance registration is required, at http://action.sierraclub.org/site/PageNavigator/Sign_Up_Coastal_Evening
Washington Watch: EPA Climate Action a "Game-Changer"
The U.S. EPA late last week announced its formal conclusion that human emissions of carbon dioxide and five other greenhouse gases now "endanger human health and welfare." That's the formal trigger required by a key 2007 U.S. Supreme Court decision applying the federal Clean Air Act, which now launches the formal rulemaking process for regulating those emissions.
The availability of this regulatory process helps level the national policy playing field, choking off the threat by opponents in the Senate to block climate change action by filibuster. President Obama, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, and Congressional supporters all say that legislation to address the issue is preferable. However, the clock is now ticking on alternative regulatory action if Congress fails to act in a timely manner.
A leading Congressional supporter of action on climate change, Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA), calls the EPA decision a "game changer" in the global warming policy debate. "It changes the playing field with respect to legislation," said Markey. "It's now no longer doing a bill or doing nothing. It is now a choice between regulation and legislation."
David Doniger, climate-policy director for the Natural Resources Defense Council, agreed. Doniger told reporters, "This has enormous legal significance. It is the first time the federal government has said officially that the science is real, the danger is real and in this case that pollution from cars contributes to it." (Associated Press, 4/18/09.)
Education & Resources: EPA Report Says Climate Change Will Increase Regional Ozone Pollution
Speaking of federal pronouncements on climate change, here's another wake-up call just released by EPA's Global Climate Change Research Program. The newly-released report concludes that continued climate change is likely to produce significant increases in summer air pollution caused by ozone in several major U.S. regions. Most of the study's modeling scenarios show North Carolina, especially Piedmont North Carolina, being especially hard hit by the resulting air pollution increases.
The entire report, titled "Assessment of the Impacts of Global Change on Regional U.S. Air Quality: A Synthesis of Climate Change Impacts on Ground-Level Ozone", including appendices, can be accessed at http://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/cfm/recordisplay.cfm?deid=203459.
Rising Meadow Farm Open House, May 3
With just a week to go we are busy getting ready for our Open Farm on Sunday, May 3, 2009 from 1 - 5 pm.
Every year we have a joint Open Farm with Goat Lady Dairy - and this year is no exception! Here at Rising Meadow Farm we have 158 lambs bouncing around the pastures - they are just wonderful! We think you'll be able to see most of them on the 3rd. The Farm Store will be open for business. Fleeces S(natural-colored and Navajo-Churro only), roving for spinners and felters, yarn (I sent off Corriedale wool to the spinnery right after Shearing Day in February. The yarn just came back. Now I'm trying to dye some as quickly as possible for the 3rd.), Beautiful sheepskins - and of course lamb meat. All cuts are available.
This is the last we'll have until July - bring your cooler! Plan to come and just walk around the farms - Spring is a beautiful time on a farm. We (and the animals) have been enjoying green everywhere! Hope to see you on May 3rd - and as usual please leave your pets at home.
Every year we have a joint Open Farm with Goat Lady Dairy - and this year is no exception! Here at Rising Meadow Farm we have 158 lambs bouncing around the pastures - they are just wonderful! We think you'll be able to see most of them on the 3rd. The Farm Store will be open for business. Fleeces S(natural-colored and Navajo-Churro only), roving for spinners and felters, yarn (I sent off Corriedale wool to the spinnery right after Shearing Day in February. The yarn just came back. Now I'm trying to dye some as quickly as possible for the 3rd.), Beautiful sheepskins - and of course lamb meat. All cuts are available.
This is the last we'll have until July - bring your cooler! Plan to come and just walk around the farms - Spring is a beautiful time on a farm. We (and the animals) have been enjoying green everywhere! Hope to see you on May 3rd - and as usual please leave your pets at home.
We Must Change Our Lives
Of the ten calories of fossil fuels necessary to provide one calorie of food energy, about 40% is used for fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides and herbicides, about 23% for processing and packaging and about 32% in home refrigeration/freezing and cooking. Pat Murphy
International Fest, West Pine Middle School
Passport International Festival at West Pine Middle School, May 1 - 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm, Public is invited to sample foods, dances, and games from countries around the world with hands-on lessons in making Chinese dumplings, rolling sushi, and kneading pasta, dance lessons in merengue, salsa, tango, or shag, plus origami and a language lab. Proceeds will be used to purchase SMART boards. Tickets $10 per passport or $40 for a family of four or more. Information, 673-1464.
Global Economic Crisis
World Bank demands poverty action
World Bank head Robert Zoellick warns of a "human catastrophe" unless more is done to tackle the global economic crisis.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/business/8019942.stm
World Bank head Robert Zoellick warns of a "human catastrophe" unless more is done to tackle the global economic crisis.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/business/8019942.stm
Plant Sale, SCC, May 1, 2
SCC Plant Sale - 1 pm - 4 pm, Huette Hall, Sandhills Community College. Landscape gardening students annual plant sale. Event continues Saturday, May 2, 9 am - 12 pm. Pre-orders are encouraged. Information, 695-3882.
Recycle, May 2, Sou. Pines
Mixed Paper Recycling Drive - Keep Moore County Beautiful, Inc. is sponsoring a Mixed Paper Recycling Drive 9:00am - 3:00pm, at the Kangaroo Station in the Fresh Market Shopping Center, Southern Pines. Acceptable items include anything that is paper: Paper grocery bags, flattened boxes, telephone books, junk mail, magazines, catalogs, flattened corrugated cardboard, office paper, and newspapers. Household Batteries and Inkjet Cartridges and Cell Phones included. Contact Joan Neal, Executive Director, Keep Moore County Beautiful, Inc. at 947-3478
Plant Sale, Weymouth, April 28
WEYMOUTH CENTER PLANT SALE
THE ANNUAL SPRING PLANT SALE AT THE WEYMOUTH CENTER FOR THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES in Southern Pines will take place on Tuesday, April 28, from 9 a.m. until noon. Perennials (including daylilies), shrubs, and herbs will be available. For more information, call 692-6261 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.
THE ANNUAL SPRING PLANT SALE AT THE WEYMOUTH CENTER FOR THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES in Southern Pines will take place on Tuesday, April 28, from 9 a.m. until noon. Perennials (including daylilies), shrubs, and herbs will be available. For more information, call 692-6261 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.
4/26/2009
Wild Food, Fermentations Workshop, Asheville, August
http://main.nc.us/calendar/events/1238691409.html
Wild food and fermentations workshop, Aug. 5, 6. Ashevillage. Sandor Katz, instructor, author of Wild Fermentation and The Revolution Will Not Be Microwaved.
Wild food and fermentations workshop, Aug. 5, 6. Ashevillage. Sandor Katz, instructor, author of Wild Fermentation and The Revolution Will Not Be Microwaved.
Important from DemocracyNow.org
Flashback: A Look Back at the Church Committee's Investigation into CIA, FBI Misuse of Power
We take a look at one of the most famous special Senate investigations of government misconduct. In the mid-1970s, a US Senate committee chaired by Democratic Senator Frank Church of Idaho conducted a massive investigation of the CIA and FBI's misuse of power at home and abroad. The multi-year investigation examined domestic spying, the CIA's attempts to assassinate foreign leaders, the FBI and CIA's efforts to infiltrate and disrupt leftist organizations, and more. We speak with Sen. Frank Church's widow, Bethine Church, and Frederick A.O. Schwarz, Jr., who served as chief counsel to the Church Committee. http://www.democracynow.org/2009/4/24/flashback_a_look_back_at_the
Rise of Right-Wing Extremism Linked to Recession
The Department of Homeland Security released a report last week that warned right-wing extremist groups are gaining new recruits by exploiting fears about the economy and the election of the nation's first black president. We speak with Mark Potok of the Southern Poverty Law Center.
http://www.democracynow.org/2009/4/24/rise_of_right_wing_extremism_linked
We take a look at one of the most famous special Senate investigations of government misconduct. In the mid-1970s, a US Senate committee chaired by Democratic Senator Frank Church of Idaho conducted a massive investigation of the CIA and FBI's misuse of power at home and abroad. The multi-year investigation examined domestic spying, the CIA's attempts to assassinate foreign leaders, the FBI and CIA's efforts to infiltrate and disrupt leftist organizations, and more. We speak with Sen. Frank Church's widow, Bethine Church, and Frederick A.O. Schwarz, Jr., who served as chief counsel to the Church Committee. http://www.democracynow.org/2009/4/24/flashback_a_look_back_at_the
Rise of Right-Wing Extremism Linked to Recession
The Department of Homeland Security released a report last week that warned right-wing extremist groups are gaining new recruits by exploiting fears about the economy and the election of the nation's first black president. We speak with Mark Potok of the Southern Poverty Law Center.
http://www.democracynow.org/2009/4/24/rise_of_right_wing_extremism_linked
NC Coast in Climate Change, May 19, Chapel Hill
Join us for a conversation about the future of our NC coast in the age of climate change.
Tuesday, May 19
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
North Carolina Botanical Garden
Chapel Hill, NC
Hear from former Secretaries of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources as to what North Carolina needs to do to create a vision for responsible coastal management in the age of climate change.
Guest Speaker: Dr. Stan Riggs, Distinguished Research Professor, East Carolina University
Refreshments will be served.
Sponsored by Audubon NC, Conservation Council of NC, Environmental Defense Fund, NC Coastal Federation, NC Conservation Network, the Sierra Club-NC Chapter and Southern Environmental Law Center
The event is free; registration is required as the number of participants is limited.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Carrie Clark
Executive Director
Conservation Council of North Carolina
PO Box 12671
Raleigh, NC 27605
www.conservationcouncilnc.org
(919) 839-0006
fax: (919) 839-0767
Tuesday, May 19
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
North Carolina Botanical Garden
Chapel Hill, NC
Hear from former Secretaries of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources as to what North Carolina needs to do to create a vision for responsible coastal management in the age of climate change.
Guest Speaker: Dr. Stan Riggs, Distinguished Research Professor, East Carolina University
Refreshments will be served.
Sponsored by Audubon NC, Conservation Council of NC, Environmental Defense Fund, NC Coastal Federation, NC Conservation Network, the Sierra Club-NC Chapter and Southern Environmental Law Center
The event is free; registration is required as the number of participants is limited.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Carrie Clark
Executive Director
Conservation Council of North Carolina
PO Box 12671
Raleigh, NC 27605
www.conservationcouncilnc.org
(919) 839-0006
fax: (919) 839-0767
4/25/2009
The Food Revolution
Michael Pollan | A Food Revolution in the Making From Victory Gardens to White House Lawn
truthout.org/042309EA
Michael Pollan, OnEarth: "Last month, First Lady Michelle Obama broke ground for a new vegetable garden on the South Lawn of the White House. It's the first time food will be grown at the president's residence since Eleanor Roosevelt planted her Victory Garden during World War II. Back then, as part of the war effort, the government rationed many foods and the shortage of labor and transportation fuel made it difficult for farmers to harvest and deliver fruits and vegetables to market. The First Lady's Victory Garden set an example for the entire nation: they too could produce their own fruits and vegetables. Nearly 20 million Americans answered the call. They planted gardens in backyards, empty lots, and even on city rooftops. Neighbors pooled their resources, planted different types of produce, and formed cooperatives - all in the name of patriotism."
truthout.org/042309EA
Michael Pollan, OnEarth: "Last month, First Lady Michelle Obama broke ground for a new vegetable garden on the South Lawn of the White House. It's the first time food will be grown at the president's residence since Eleanor Roosevelt planted her Victory Garden during World War II. Back then, as part of the war effort, the government rationed many foods and the shortage of labor and transportation fuel made it difficult for farmers to harvest and deliver fruits and vegetables to market. The First Lady's Victory Garden set an example for the entire nation: they too could produce their own fruits and vegetables. Nearly 20 million Americans answered the call. They planted gardens in backyards, empty lots, and even on city rooftops. Neighbors pooled their resources, planted different types of produce, and formed cooperatives - all in the name of patriotism."
4/23/2009
Industrialized Chickens in Trouble?
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-chickens13-2009apr13,0,2407745.story
Tomato Song
Plant 'em in the spring, eat 'em in the summer
All winter without 'em's a culinary bummer
I forget all about all the seedin' and the diggin'
Every time I go out and pick me a big 'un.
Homegrown tomatoes, homegrown tomatoes.
What'd life be without homegrown tomatoes?
Only two things that money can't buy:
That's true love and homegrown tomatoes.
[See you at the Farmers' Market!]
All winter without 'em's a culinary bummer
I forget all about all the seedin' and the diggin'
Every time I go out and pick me a big 'un.
Homegrown tomatoes, homegrown tomatoes.
What'd life be without homegrown tomatoes?
Only two things that money can't buy:
That's true love and homegrown tomatoes.
[See you at the Farmers' Market!]
4/22/2009
What Is Hugelkulture? (It Works!)
http://www.statesmanjournal.com/article/20090422/COMMUNITIES/904220341/1107/NEWS
[Hugelkulture is how I've killed lots of weeds, especially liriope! and used cut brush from the yard. Maureen]
[Hugelkulture is how I've killed lots of weeds, especially liriope! and used cut brush from the yard. Maureen]
Scotch Riflemen to Attend MCHA Event, May 8, 9
To attend “The Oldest Living Confederate Widow: Her Confession”
The Shaw House, Southern Pines, May 8, 9
Members of The Scotch Riflemen 2001, Sons of Confederate Veterans, will attend the event sponsored by Moore County Historical Association, proceeds to assist with maintenance of the Britt Sanders Cabin on the Shaw House property.
The play is based upon Allan Gurganus’ best-selling novel and stars Jane Holding in a non-stop, 90-minute performance.
The Riflemen often work in tandem with the United Daughters of the Confederacy, John Blue Chapter, in Aberdeen. Members must show proof of having at least one ancestor who served honorably during the War Between the States, often referred to as The War for Southern Independence, ‘The Civil War’ being a misnomer.
The Riflemen take their name from the NC State Troops for Moore County under Captain Vander Blue. The group is formed in order to draw attention and honor to the region’s Southern heritage, especially to its distinctly Scottish flavor in this area of the South.
The Confederacy used at least five different flags during the war, but the most recognized is the one based upon the national flag of Scotland, the St. Andrews Cross, given that most of the troops in the Confederacy were of Scottish origin.
The Riflemen, arriving in uniform, will set up a tent on the Shaw House grounds for the weekend of the May 8th and 9th Oldest Living Confederate Widow performances, book-signings and wine receptions and are available to answer questions pertaining to Moore County’s cultural heritage.
The Shaw House, Southern Pines, May 8, 9
Members of The Scotch Riflemen 2001, Sons of Confederate Veterans, will attend the event sponsored by Moore County Historical Association, proceeds to assist with maintenance of the Britt Sanders Cabin on the Shaw House property.
The play is based upon Allan Gurganus’ best-selling novel and stars Jane Holding in a non-stop, 90-minute performance.
The Riflemen often work in tandem with the United Daughters of the Confederacy, John Blue Chapter, in Aberdeen. Members must show proof of having at least one ancestor who served honorably during the War Between the States, often referred to as The War for Southern Independence, ‘The Civil War’ being a misnomer.
The Riflemen take their name from the NC State Troops for Moore County under Captain Vander Blue. The group is formed in order to draw attention and honor to the region’s Southern heritage, especially to its distinctly Scottish flavor in this area of the South.
The Confederacy used at least five different flags during the war, but the most recognized is the one based upon the national flag of Scotland, the St. Andrews Cross, given that most of the troops in the Confederacy were of Scottish origin.
The Riflemen, arriving in uniform, will set up a tent on the Shaw House grounds for the weekend of the May 8th and 9th Oldest Living Confederate Widow performances, book-signings and wine receptions and are available to answer questions pertaining to Moore County’s cultural heritage.
Green Goods Discount Today, Sou. Pines
Happy Earth Day! If you have made the change of reducing your carbon footprint, Good for you! If not, it's never too late to get started.
To celebrate Earth Day, on April 22, Green Goods will give you 15% off your total purchase when you BRING or purchase a reusable shopping bag. As always, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle!
Green Goods, downtown Sou. Pines, Broad St. across from train station
To celebrate Earth Day, on April 22, Green Goods will give you 15% off your total purchase when you BRING or purchase a reusable shopping bag. As always, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle!
Green Goods, downtown Sou. Pines, Broad St. across from train station
4/21/2009
Save Our Sandhills, Apr 30, 7 pm
The next regular meeting of Save Our Sandhills (SOS) will be on Thursday, April 30, 2009 at 7:00PM at the Southern Pines Civic Club, corner of Ashe Street and Pennsylvania Avenue.
This meeting will feature a presentation by guest lecturer Rob Evans, who will speak on the topic, "Conserving Imperiled Plants in the Sandhills and Beyond." Mr. Evans is an expert in the field of native rare plants and rare plant communities, and is responsible for the North Carolina Plant Conservation Program. He has worked with NatureServe, The Nature Conservancy, and the U.S. Forest Service. Mr. Evans has an MS in Plant Ecology from Stephan F. Austin University. He has co-authored the U.S. National Vegetation Classification System, and has co-authored a number of scientific articles.
This meeting will feature a presentation by guest lecturer Rob Evans, who will speak on the topic, "Conserving Imperiled Plants in the Sandhills and Beyond." Mr. Evans is an expert in the field of native rare plants and rare plant communities, and is responsible for the North Carolina Plant Conservation Program. He has worked with NatureServe, The Nature Conservancy, and the U.S. Forest Service. Mr. Evans has an MS in Plant Ecology from Stephan F. Austin University. He has co-authored the U.S. National Vegetation Classification System, and has co-authored a number of scientific articles.
Good Ole Girls on UNC-TV
Tomorrow night on UNC-TV they're doing "Good Ole Girls," adapted by Paul Ferguson from Lee Smith's and Jill McCorkle's works. A real riot of corny comedy and toe-tapping music. If it comes off as well on tv as on the stage, you'll have a great time watching. (Think of Dolly Parton with a troupe.)
4/19/2009
Torture Exemption 'Illegal'
CIA torture exemption 'illegal' *President Obama's decision not to prosecute CIA agents who used torture breaks international law, a UN expert says.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/americas/8006597.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/americas/8006597.stm
4/16/2009
Sou. Pines Long-Range Planning Meetings
The next workshop for the SP Long-Range Plan will consider preferred growth strategies within the Town’s ETJ (extra-territorial jurisdiction). This includes horse country. Post card notices are not being sent, instead a flyer was included in town water bills. So folks living in the ETJ may not be aware that important decisions might be made that will impact their property.
“Plan Options” workshop, scheduled in repeating format for three times: Wednesday, April 22nd from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the Southern Pines Recreation Center, 160 Memorial Park Court, and twice on Thursday, April 23rd - from 11:30 to 1:30 pm at the Douglass Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Avenue, and from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the Southern Pines Recreation Center.
“Plan Options” workshop, scheduled in repeating format for three times: Wednesday, April 22nd from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the Southern Pines Recreation Center, 160 Memorial Park Court, and twice on Thursday, April 23rd - from 11:30 to 1:30 pm at the Douglass Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Avenue, and from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the Southern Pines Recreation Center.
4/15/2009
4/13/2009
4/10/2009
e-Blast from Sustainable Sandhills
Volume Three | April 10, 2009
Alma Easom Primary School Goes Green
Alma Easom, a K-1 primary school in Cumberland County, is going green with the help of the PTA and Sustainable Sandhills. Alma Easom's efforts started in 2006 when Connie Graham, Alma Easom Principal, encouraged staff to conserve by turning off lights in unoccupied rooms. Alma Easom won the Cumberland County Schools Energy Incentive Program and was awarded a voucher for $5,569. Read more!
What Would We Do Without Oil?
The next free film in our Sustainable Film Series is the inspiring and award-winning documentary, The Power of Community - How Cuba Survived Peak Oil. The film documents the struggle of the Cuban people after they became the first country to face the peak oil crisis. When you realize how much of our lifestyle relies on oil, you begin to understand the massive changes that took place, almost overnight, in Cuba. In addition to transportation and power outages, the most immediate problem became food scarcity. As hunger spread, people were left with no other choice than to grow food wherever they could, leading to widespread urban farming. Read more!
Operation Inasmuch "Operates" on Fayetteville
Sustainable Sandhills partnered with Operation Inasmuch and more than 1200 volunteers on Saturday, April 4 to transform 30 homes in a daylong home improvement "blitz" in Fayetteville. Over a year's time, the energy and water-saving measures provided on April 4 will conserve thousands of gallons of water and kilowatt-hours, saving these homeowners a significant amount of their hard-earned income. Read more!
Upcoming Calendar of Events
April 11: Sustainable Sandhills Urban Farm Tour - Find out more!
April 14: Moore County Sustainable Film Series, The Power of Community - How Cuba Survived Peak Oil, 6:30-8:00 p.m., Sandhills Community College, Dempsey Student Center, Clement Dining Room. 3395 Airport Rd., Pinehurst. Read more!
April 18: Earth Day Celebration at The Apple Crate (Sustainable Sandhills Certified Green Business) 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Fayetteville. Find out more!
April 21 & 22: The Green Summit, Sandhills Community College, 3395 Airport Rd., Pinehurst. Visit sandhills.edu for more information.
April 22: EARTH DAY
April 23: Lee County Community Action Team KICKOFF, 6:30-8:00 p.m., McSwain Cooperative Extension Service Center, 2420 Tramway Road, Sanford.
April 25: "Win With Air Quality - Recycling and Alternative Transportation' Poster Contest Awards at the Partnership for Children's KidStuff Stage at the Dogwood Festival, Fayetteville.
Support Sustainable Sandhills
Our continued growth and success depends in large part on your support.
Alma Easom Primary School Goes Green
Alma Easom, a K-1 primary school in Cumberland County, is going green with the help of the PTA and Sustainable Sandhills. Alma Easom's efforts started in 2006 when Connie Graham, Alma Easom Principal, encouraged staff to conserve by turning off lights in unoccupied rooms. Alma Easom won the Cumberland County Schools Energy Incentive Program and was awarded a voucher for $5,569. Read more!
What Would We Do Without Oil?
The next free film in our Sustainable Film Series is the inspiring and award-winning documentary, The Power of Community - How Cuba Survived Peak Oil. The film documents the struggle of the Cuban people after they became the first country to face the peak oil crisis. When you realize how much of our lifestyle relies on oil, you begin to understand the massive changes that took place, almost overnight, in Cuba. In addition to transportation and power outages, the most immediate problem became food scarcity. As hunger spread, people were left with no other choice than to grow food wherever they could, leading to widespread urban farming. Read more!
Operation Inasmuch "Operates" on Fayetteville
Sustainable Sandhills partnered with Operation Inasmuch and more than 1200 volunteers on Saturday, April 4 to transform 30 homes in a daylong home improvement "blitz" in Fayetteville. Over a year's time, the energy and water-saving measures provided on April 4 will conserve thousands of gallons of water and kilowatt-hours, saving these homeowners a significant amount of their hard-earned income. Read more!
Upcoming Calendar of Events
April 11: Sustainable Sandhills Urban Farm Tour - Find out more!
April 14: Moore County Sustainable Film Series, The Power of Community - How Cuba Survived Peak Oil, 6:30-8:00 p.m., Sandhills Community College, Dempsey Student Center, Clement Dining Room. 3395 Airport Rd., Pinehurst. Read more!
April 18: Earth Day Celebration at The Apple Crate (Sustainable Sandhills Certified Green Business) 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Fayetteville. Find out more!
April 21 & 22: The Green Summit, Sandhills Community College, 3395 Airport Rd., Pinehurst. Visit sandhills.edu for more information.
April 22: EARTH DAY
April 23: Lee County Community Action Team KICKOFF, 6:30-8:00 p.m., McSwain Cooperative Extension Service Center, 2420 Tramway Road, Sanford.
April 25: "Win With Air Quality - Recycling and Alternative Transportation' Poster Contest Awards at the Partnership for Children's KidStuff Stage at the Dogwood Festival, Fayetteville.
Support Sustainable Sandhills
Our continued growth and success depends in large part on your support.
Urban Farm Tour Sponsored by Sustainable Sandhills, April 11. Be here!
Sustainable Sandhills Urban Farm Tour
Saturday, April 11th, 2009
One last reminder to be sure to check out the Sustainable Sandhills Urban Farm Tour tomorrow! With over 20 sites in two counties, there’s sure to be something for everyone. You’ll see folks farming in small raised beds, full frontal gardening, chickens, bees, vermicomposting, straw bale gardening, shade gardens…the list goes on and on.
Come out and see how these “Urban Farmers” have easily woven edibles into their existing landscapes. You’ll be amazed! Each of them have a wealth of knowledge to share to make your urban farming journey a success.
Check in at headquarters (Cumberland – Cape Fear Botanical Gardens, Moore – Aberdeen Elementary School) to get a program and be one your way for this FREE event. You can follow this link also to get more information on the tour and urban farming.
We look forward to seeing you there!!!
Heather N. Brown
Business Development Specialist
Sustainable Sandhills, CTC Staff
(910) 639-7024 mobile
www.sustainablesandhills.org
brownh@ctc.com
Don’t Miss the Sustainable Sandhills Urban Farm Tour on April 11, 2009! This fun event is your chance to see what local people are growing in their own front and backyards – and learn what you can do at home to secure a healthier and more sustainable future! This self-guided tour includes bee-keeping, edible landscapes, chicken coops and more! For more information, please visit http://sustainablesandhills.org/LocalFoodCulture-2009UrbanFarmTour.html.
Saturday, April 11th, 2009
One last reminder to be sure to check out the Sustainable Sandhills Urban Farm Tour tomorrow! With over 20 sites in two counties, there’s sure to be something for everyone. You’ll see folks farming in small raised beds, full frontal gardening, chickens, bees, vermicomposting, straw bale gardening, shade gardens…the list goes on and on.
Come out and see how these “Urban Farmers” have easily woven edibles into their existing landscapes. You’ll be amazed! Each of them have a wealth of knowledge to share to make your urban farming journey a success.
Check in at headquarters (Cumberland – Cape Fear Botanical Gardens, Moore – Aberdeen Elementary School) to get a program and be one your way for this FREE event. You can follow this link also to get more information on the tour and urban farming.
We look forward to seeing you there!!!
Heather N. Brown
Business Development Specialist
Sustainable Sandhills, CTC Staff
(910) 639-7024 mobile
www.sustainablesandhills.org
brownh@ctc.com
Don’t Miss the Sustainable Sandhills Urban Farm Tour on April 11, 2009! This fun event is your chance to see what local people are growing in their own front and backyards – and learn what you can do at home to secure a healthier and more sustainable future! This self-guided tour includes bee-keeping, edible landscapes, chicken coops and more! For more information, please visit http://sustainablesandhills.org/LocalFoodCulture-2009UrbanFarmTour.html.
Beekeepers' Meet, April 14, Carthage
The April meeting of the Moore County Beekeepers Association will be held on April 14th at 7pm in the Moore County Agricultural Center in Carthage. Ellis Hardison, NC Master Beekeeper, will discuss "Tasmania/Apimondia". During our business meeting, Rick McAuley will discuss options available if we wish to have a club website.
Farm Up on the Urban Farm Tour, April 11
What you can see (below) at my Farm Up the Street, 345 North Page St. I also have hand-outs about sheet-mulching, mycilia, worm castings/tea, and the ever-important herb, comfrey. Hope to see you tomorrow! Maureen
Fruit trees and shrubs, pecans
Sheet-mulch/earthworms
Cut flower beds
Herbs/companion plantings
Three-season Carolina room
Laying hens
Guinea fowl
Worm bin/worm tea operation
Mushroom grow room
Comfrey/elderberry/rhubarb bed
Compost heap/compost hole
Beginning food forest
Bat and wren houses
Cover cropping for bio-mass
Pond/frog, toad, fish nursery
Rain barrel catchments
Chemical-free honey bees/top-bar hive
Drip-line irrigation
East-side raised beds for greens
For sale: fig, forsythia, rosa rugosa, Jerusalem artichoke, flag iris, Siberian iris, yarrow, blueberry, heirloom tomato, rose campion, mint (some of these must be dug; take my Farm Up card and leave your contact info so that I can get plants to you later)
Fruit trees and shrubs, pecans
Sheet-mulch/earthworms
Cut flower beds
Herbs/companion plantings
Three-season Carolina room
Laying hens
Guinea fowl
Worm bin/worm tea operation
Mushroom grow room
Comfrey/elderberry/rhubarb bed
Compost heap/compost hole
Beginning food forest
Bat and wren houses
Cover cropping for bio-mass
Pond/frog, toad, fish nursery
Rain barrel catchments
Chemical-free honey bees/top-bar hive
Drip-line irrigation
East-side raised beds for greens
For sale: fig, forsythia, rosa rugosa, Jerusalem artichoke, flag iris, Siberian iris, yarrow, blueberry, heirloom tomato, rose campion, mint (some of these must be dug; take my Farm Up card and leave your contact info so that I can get plants to you later)
4/08/2009
SS Film, How Cuba Survived Peak Oil, Apr. 14, SCC
Moore County Sustainable Film SeriesTuesday, April 14th, 6:30-8pm | Sandhills Community College, Dempsey Student Center, Clement Dining Room
Our Next Film: “The Power of Community- How Cuba Survived Peak Oil”
Sustainable Sandhills will be showing the second film in our Film Series focused on sustainability-related topics. The desire of Sustainable Sandhills is to heighten public awareness of pressing sustainability issues and to encourage community dialogue following each film.
The next film in our sustainable film series is the inspiring and award winning documentary, “The Power of Community-How Cuba Survived Peak Oil” by the Arthur Morgan Institute for Community Solutions. The film documents the struggle of the Cuban people after they became the first country faced with the peak oil crisis. With oil supplies drastically reduced and hunger spreading, people were left with no other choice and resorted to growing food wherever they could, which led to widespread urban gardening. As a follow-up to our upcoming Urban Farm Tour, “The Power of community” will take a look at local food as a necessity.
It will be shown Tuesday, April 14th, at Sandhills Community College's Dempsey Student Center, upstairs in the Clement Dining Room from 6:30-8:00 PM. The Film Series is held on a bi-monthly schedule, alternating with the Sustainable Sandhills Moore County Community Action Team Meetings. Each film will be aired from 6:30-8:00 PM at the same location, and the remaining 2009 revised schedule is as follows: June 18th, August 20th, October 22nd, and December 10th.
Bring the family! All ages are invited to attend and it’s FREE!!! We look forward to seeing you there!
Don’t Forget these upcoming events:
April 11th Urban Farm Tour.
April 21st & 22nd Sandhills Community College, Green Summit
Please contact Amanda with any questions regarding the Film Series at amandab@sustainablesandhills.org
Our Next Film: “The Power of Community- How Cuba Survived Peak Oil”
Sustainable Sandhills will be showing the second film in our Film Series focused on sustainability-related topics. The desire of Sustainable Sandhills is to heighten public awareness of pressing sustainability issues and to encourage community dialogue following each film.
The next film in our sustainable film series is the inspiring and award winning documentary, “The Power of Community-How Cuba Survived Peak Oil” by the Arthur Morgan Institute for Community Solutions. The film documents the struggle of the Cuban people after they became the first country faced with the peak oil crisis. With oil supplies drastically reduced and hunger spreading, people were left with no other choice and resorted to growing food wherever they could, which led to widespread urban gardening. As a follow-up to our upcoming Urban Farm Tour, “The Power of community” will take a look at local food as a necessity.
It will be shown Tuesday, April 14th, at Sandhills Community College's Dempsey Student Center, upstairs in the Clement Dining Room from 6:30-8:00 PM. The Film Series is held on a bi-monthly schedule, alternating with the Sustainable Sandhills Moore County Community Action Team Meetings. Each film will be aired from 6:30-8:00 PM at the same location, and the remaining 2009 revised schedule is as follows: June 18th, August 20th, October 22nd, and December 10th.
Bring the family! All ages are invited to attend and it’s FREE!!! We look forward to seeing you there!
Don’t Forget these upcoming events:
April 11th Urban Farm Tour.
April 21st & 22nd Sandhills Community College, Green Summit
Please contact Amanda with any questions regarding the Film Series at amandab@sustainablesandhills.org
4/07/2009
Confederate Memorial Day, Aberdeen, May 9
Saturday, May 9 is Confederate Memorial Day, a ceremony at Old Bethesda Church at 10 AM.
There are 31 Confederate soldiers and 3 Union soldiers buried there.
They will be honored by placing appropriate flags on each grave, a color guard to raise the flag, a speaker and a wonderful outdoor buffet provided by the United Daughters of the Confederacy, John Blue chapter of Aberdeen. The food is always great!
There are 31 Confederate soldiers and 3 Union soldiers buried there.
They will be honored by placing appropriate flags on each grave, a color guard to raise the flag, a speaker and a wonderful outdoor buffet provided by the United Daughters of the Confederacy, John Blue chapter of Aberdeen. The food is always great!
4/03/2009
Cotton, World's Dirtiest Crop
Cotton is "the world's dirtiest crop": The Deadly Chemicals in Cotton, a joint report by Pesticide Action Network UK and the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF), notes that $2 billion worth of chemicals are used on the world's cotton fields every year and "cotton is responsible for the release of 16% of global insecticides."
The World Health Organization classifies the cotton pesticide aldicarb as "extremely hazardous" while the joint report calls the organochlorine pesticide endosulfan "the most important source of fatal poisoning among cotton farmers in West Africa." Cotton chemicals also pose a major health risk to workers and children in Uzbekistan, India and other high-production countries. EJF's "White Gold- The True Cost of Cotton" about cotton's impacts in Uzbekistan won the Environmental Activism & Social Justice Award at the 9th Annual Earth Vision International Environmental Film Festival in Santa Cruz, CA this month.
The World Health Organization classifies the cotton pesticide aldicarb as "extremely hazardous" while the joint report calls the organochlorine pesticide endosulfan "the most important source of fatal poisoning among cotton farmers in West Africa." Cotton chemicals also pose a major health risk to workers and children in Uzbekistan, India and other high-production countries. EJF's "White Gold- The True Cost of Cotton" about cotton's impacts in Uzbekistan won the Environmental Activism & Social Justice Award at the 9th Annual Earth Vision International Environmental Film Festival in Santa Cruz, CA this month.
3/31/2009
Woman Behind the New Deal
"The Woman Behind the New Deal: The Life of Frances Perkins, FDR's Secretary of Labor and His Moral Conscience" * The current financial crisis is widely described as the nation's worst since the Great Depression. With the comparisons to the 1930s has come a renewed focus on the New Deal, the government initiative of social programs and public service jobs launched by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. A new book argues that no voice in the FDR administration was more influential in shaping the New Deal than Labor Secretary Frances Perkins, the first-ever woman cabinet member in the United States. The book is called The Woman Behind the New Deal: The Life of Frances Perkins, FDR’s Secretary of Labor and His Moral Conscience. We speak with author Kirstin Downey.
http://www.democracynow.org/2009/3/31/the_woman_behind_the_new_deal
http://www.democracynow.org/2009/3/31/the_woman_behind_the_new_deal
Workshop, On-Farm Poultry Processing
Animal Welfare Approved and Wild Turkey Farms invite area farmers to participate in a training and education session for anyone interested in on-farm poultry processing Poultry Processing Workshop Friday May 8, 2009Wild Turkey Farms in Salisbury, NC9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Funded by a grant from Animal Welfare Approved and built by Wild Turkey Farms, this mobile processing unit (MPU) will give area farmers the ability to process poultry on-farm, avoiding transport stress and providing an economical alternative to custom slaughter. The unit will be available to Animal Welfare Approved farmers as well as other area farmers, subject to availability.
Techniques on humane slaughter and safe handling will be addressed as well as composting processing waste. We will also talk about the legal and food safety aspects of processing under the 1,000-bird exemption. Workshop leaders include Andrew Gunther, Animal Welfare Approved Program Director, Lee Menius of Wild Turkey Farms, Brian Rosa of the NC DENR Division of Pollution Prevention and a representative from the NCDA&CS Meat and Poultry Division.
To register for the free workshop, please email Emily Lancaster at Emily@animalwelfareapproved.org. Deadline for registration is April 30, 2009. Directions and workshop details will follow registration confirmation.
Funded by a grant from Animal Welfare Approved and built by Wild Turkey Farms, this mobile processing unit (MPU) will give area farmers the ability to process poultry on-farm, avoiding transport stress and providing an economical alternative to custom slaughter. The unit will be available to Animal Welfare Approved farmers as well as other area farmers, subject to availability.
Techniques on humane slaughter and safe handling will be addressed as well as composting processing waste. We will also talk about the legal and food safety aspects of processing under the 1,000-bird exemption. Workshop leaders include Andrew Gunther, Animal Welfare Approved Program Director, Lee Menius of Wild Turkey Farms, Brian Rosa of the NC DENR Division of Pollution Prevention and a representative from the NCDA&CS Meat and Poultry Division.
To register for the free workshop, please email Emily Lancaster at Emily@animalwelfareapproved.org. Deadline for registration is April 30, 2009. Directions and workshop details will follow registration confirmation.
3/29/2009
Edible Garden at CA State Capital
http://www.cityfarmer.info/californias-state-capitol-to-get-edible-garden-says-wife-of-governor-arnold-schwarzenegger/#more-1272
We Don't Eat Grass
http://mail.live.com/default.aspx?wa=wsignin1.0
What Michelle and the kids and the crew did the other day was to drive a shovel right into the heart of that American icon: the lawn. They literally took the most pampered lawn in America, dumped it in the wheel barrel, and carted it away. All that was missing was a chorus of "This lawn is your lawn."
Is it possible that along with local, organic food, the First Garden can promote the thoroughly subversive idea that this symbol has seen its day?
. . .The low grassy surface has its roots in the English aristocracy, among folks who had so much food and land they didn't have to farm it, they only had to display it.
Today, lawns cover 40 million acres, making them the largest agricultural sector in America. They consume 270 billion gallons of water a week, or enough for 81 million acres of organic vegetables. They suck up $40 billion a year on seed, sod, and chemicals, leading one historian to compare them to "a nationwide chemical experiment with homeowners as the guinea pigs."
What Michelle and the kids and the crew did the other day was to drive a shovel right into the heart of that American icon: the lawn. They literally took the most pampered lawn in America, dumped it in the wheel barrel, and carted it away. All that was missing was a chorus of "This lawn is your lawn."
Is it possible that along with local, organic food, the First Garden can promote the thoroughly subversive idea that this symbol has seen its day?
. . .The low grassy surface has its roots in the English aristocracy, among folks who had so much food and land they didn't have to farm it, they only had to display it.
Today, lawns cover 40 million acres, making them the largest agricultural sector in America. They consume 270 billion gallons of water a week, or enough for 81 million acres of organic vegetables. They suck up $40 billion a year on seed, sod, and chemicals, leading one historian to compare them to "a nationwide chemical experiment with homeowners as the guinea pigs."
3/26/2009
Uh, Duh. . .
Clinton admits US blame on drugs
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says huge demand for illegal drugs in the US is partly to blame for gang violence in Mexico.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/americas/7963292.stm
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says huge demand for illegal drugs in the US is partly to blame for gang violence in Mexico.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/americas/7963292.stm
3/25/2009
Value the Neighborhood Honey Bees
http://www.chelseagreen.com/content/value-your-neighborhood-bees-and-fight-colony-collapse-disorder/
Cancun Moves Toward Sustainability
http://www.examiner.com/x-3068-Seattle-International-Travel-Examiner~y2009m3d24-Cancun-tourism-industry-takes-baby-steps-toward-sustainability
The Future Is Now--Oil Transition
http://www.chelseagreen.com/content/oil-has-peaked-now-begins-the-transition/
Farm Show and Tell, Mar. 30, Pittsboro
Monday, March 30, 2009
5:30-7:00-ish pm
CCCC Land Lab Farm “Show and Tell”
Pittsboro, NC
Rain or shine - please dress appropriately.
The Chatham County Center of North Carolina Cooperative Extension has organized a “show and tell” at the Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) Land Lab Farm from 5:30 pm until 7:00 pm or so for Monday, March 30. This farm visit is for farmers of all levels and also eaters interested in learning more about our local farms.
The Land Lab is the outdoor classroom for students enrolled in the Sustainable Farming Program at CCCC. Students can take classes in a wide range of topics, including organic vegetable production, livestock management, marketing, and much more. Students can enroll in continuing education classes or work towards an associate degree in sustainable agriculture. Learn more at http://www.cccc.edu/curriculum/majors/sustainableagriculture/
Next Monday we will see the spring production in full swing at the Land Lab: peas, carrots, kale, green onions, and potatoes have all been planted. Over-wintered cover crops will be looking full and beautiful and overwintered garlic and hoophouse crops will still be in the field. Laying hens are part of the crop rotation so we will see how chickens can provide nutrients and pest management as well as additional income! Students in the organic crop production class have their own production beds with a variety of spring crops.
We hope you will be able to join us! You do not need to register for this free event; the program will begin promptly at 5:30 pm. Please arrive a few minutes early so we can start on time.
The address is 764 West St., Pittsboro, NC 27312.
From the downtown traffic circle in Pittsboro, take 64 west.
Go about ½ a mile to the intersection of 64 and 87/902 at the light at Al’s Diner (on your left). Continue straight through the intersection to stay on 64. From the light, go 0.2 miles and turn right past the NAPA Auto Parts Store into the CCCC entrance. The Land Lab farm will be on your left as you approach the brick buildings. It is surrounded by an 8 foot high deer fence and hard to miss!
For more information on sustainable agriculture, visit Cooperative Extension’s Growing Small Farms website at http://www.growingsmallfarms.org.
Debbie Roos
Agricultural Extension Agent
Chatham County Center
North Carolina Cooperative Extension
919.542.8202
debbie_roos@ncsu.edu
www.growingsmallfarms.org
5:30-7:00-ish pm
CCCC Land Lab Farm “Show and Tell”
Pittsboro, NC
Rain or shine - please dress appropriately.
The Chatham County Center of North Carolina Cooperative Extension has organized a “show and tell” at the Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) Land Lab Farm from 5:30 pm until 7:00 pm or so for Monday, March 30. This farm visit is for farmers of all levels and also eaters interested in learning more about our local farms.
The Land Lab is the outdoor classroom for students enrolled in the Sustainable Farming Program at CCCC. Students can take classes in a wide range of topics, including organic vegetable production, livestock management, marketing, and much more. Students can enroll in continuing education classes or work towards an associate degree in sustainable agriculture. Learn more at http://www.cccc.edu/curriculum/majors/sustainableagriculture/
Next Monday we will see the spring production in full swing at the Land Lab: peas, carrots, kale, green onions, and potatoes have all been planted. Over-wintered cover crops will be looking full and beautiful and overwintered garlic and hoophouse crops will still be in the field. Laying hens are part of the crop rotation so we will see how chickens can provide nutrients and pest management as well as additional income! Students in the organic crop production class have their own production beds with a variety of spring crops.
We hope you will be able to join us! You do not need to register for this free event; the program will begin promptly at 5:30 pm. Please arrive a few minutes early so we can start on time.
The address is 764 West St., Pittsboro, NC 27312.
From the downtown traffic circle in Pittsboro, take 64 west.
Go about ½ a mile to the intersection of 64 and 87/902 at the light at Al’s Diner (on your left). Continue straight through the intersection to stay on 64. From the light, go 0.2 miles and turn right past the NAPA Auto Parts Store into the CCCC entrance. The Land Lab farm will be on your left as you approach the brick buildings. It is surrounded by an 8 foot high deer fence and hard to miss!
For more information on sustainable agriculture, visit Cooperative Extension’s Growing Small Farms website at http://www.growingsmallfarms.org.
Debbie Roos
Agricultural Extension Agent
Chatham County Center
North Carolina Cooperative Extension
919.542.8202
debbie_roos@ncsu.edu
www.growingsmallfarms.org
3/24/2009
Call Ahead for Grass-fed, Local Beef, Carthage, Mar. 26
Tim Emmert, 502 McReynolds Street in Carthage, Thursday, March 26th from 5-6pm. Bill & Dianna Osmolski from Green Acres Farm will have some of their grass-fed beef for sale either on the front porch or in the living room (depending on weather.) Patty and I have purchased from them for a little over a year and have been delighted by the quality of the beef.
The beef is raised on the Green Acres Ranch, processed at the USDA facility in Robbins, and then frozen. You'll be buying the beef frozen so you may want a cooler (or at least a plastic bag.) Price list is below.
Please let us know whether you will visit on Thursday, we'd like to give Bill & Dianna a rough estimate of how many coolers to bring. Thanks, hope this is of interest to some of you.
Tim
MARCH 2009 PRICE LIST
Stew Beef ($3.50/lb)
Shoulder Roast ($3.99/lb)
Cube Steaks ($4.25/lb)
Ground Beef ($4.50/lb)
London Broil ($4.99/lb)
Sirloin Steaks ($5.99/lb)
Sirloin Tip Steaks - Boneless ($6.99/lb)
T-Bone Steaks ($7.99/lb)
Rib Eye Steaks ($8.99/lb)
The beef is raised on the Green Acres Ranch, processed at the USDA facility in Robbins, and then frozen. You'll be buying the beef frozen so you may want a cooler (or at least a plastic bag.) Price list is below.
Please let us know whether you will visit on Thursday, we'd like to give Bill & Dianna a rough estimate of how many coolers to bring. Thanks, hope this is of interest to some of you.
Tim
MARCH 2009 PRICE LIST
Stew Beef ($3.50/lb)
Shoulder Roast ($3.99/lb)
Cube Steaks ($4.25/lb)
Ground Beef ($4.50/lb)
London Broil ($4.99/lb)
Sirloin Steaks ($5.99/lb)
Sirloin Tip Steaks - Boneless ($6.99/lb)
T-Bone Steaks ($7.99/lb)
Rib Eye Steaks ($8.99/lb)
Save Our Sandhills, Mar. 26, Sou. Pines
What Makes Our Sandhills Unique?
Save Our Sandhills, Thursday, March 26 presents PowerPoint presentation, “An Ode to Longleaf.”
“An Ode to Longleaf” will discuss what was and is our Sandhills, an area with a rich history because of the Longleaf pine. Early explorers described “a vast forest of the most stately pine trees." 98% of this forest is now gone.
In order for the longleaf ecosystem to flourish, fire takes an important place in rejuvenation. The Sandhills has an exceptional biodiversity adapted to and dependent upon fire, utilizing rescribed burns. In an area under pressure from development, there are many things each of us can do to save our Sandhills. Please come and discuss a variety of ideas.
Refreshments will follow. All are welcome to stay to discuss upcoming organizational events.
Thursday March 26 at 7 PM in the Southern Pines Civic Center at the corner of Ashe Street and Pennsylvania Avenue.
Save Our Sandhills, Thursday, March 26 presents PowerPoint presentation, “An Ode to Longleaf.”
“An Ode to Longleaf” will discuss what was and is our Sandhills, an area with a rich history because of the Longleaf pine. Early explorers described “a vast forest of the most stately pine trees." 98% of this forest is now gone.
In order for the longleaf ecosystem to flourish, fire takes an important place in rejuvenation. The Sandhills has an exceptional biodiversity adapted to and dependent upon fire, utilizing rescribed burns. In an area under pressure from development, there are many things each of us can do to save our Sandhills. Please come and discuss a variety of ideas.
Refreshments will follow. All are welcome to stay to discuss upcoming organizational events.
Thursday March 26 at 7 PM in the Southern Pines Civic Center at the corner of Ashe Street and Pennsylvania Avenue.
See Interview About Urban Farm Tour
http://www.faypwc.com/PWC_Connections_TV.htm [featuring Heather Brown of Sustainble Sandhills]
SS Dates to Save
SAVE THESE DATES!
Saturday, April 11, 2009 | Urban Farm Tour 10 - 3 pm
Tuesday, April 14, 2009 | Sustainable Film Series "The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil" 6:30 pm
Tuesday, May 19, 2009 | Community Action Team Meeting, SCC, 6:30
I look forward to seeing each of you on May 19th for our next CAT meeting. The meeting will again be held at Sandhills Community College in the Dempsey Student Center Clement Dining Room from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.
What can you do make the team more successful?
SPREAD THE WORD! Tell your friends, neighbors and coworkers about the meeting. VOLUNTEER! We need volunteers in order to meet our goal and to take on new projects. If you are interested in helping out, please contact Amanda Blue. We are currently looking for volunteers to help with:
Urban Farm Tour, April 11, 2009, Moore and Cumberland Counties – We need help recruiting sponsors and volunteers, doing administrative tasks and serving as site docents. Film Series – We need volunteers to help guests sign in and answer general questions. Would you be interested in bringing snacks to share with the group? Community Action Team Meetings – We need volunteers to serve as champions for projects in your community. MEETING LOCATION! Do you know of a great place for us to host a CAT meeting? If so, please contact Amanda Blue. (amandab@sustainablesandhills.org)
Amanda Blue, Community Action Team Coordinator
Sustainable Sandhills
PO Box 144, Fayetteville, NC 28302 (on-site)
709 Seven Lakes North, West End, NC 27376 (off-site)
(910) 484-9098 office
Saturday, April 11, 2009 | Urban Farm Tour 10 - 3 pm
Tuesday, April 14, 2009 | Sustainable Film Series "The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil" 6:30 pm
Tuesday, May 19, 2009 | Community Action Team Meeting, SCC, 6:30
I look forward to seeing each of you on May 19th for our next CAT meeting. The meeting will again be held at Sandhills Community College in the Dempsey Student Center Clement Dining Room from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.
What can you do make the team more successful?
SPREAD THE WORD! Tell your friends, neighbors and coworkers about the meeting. VOLUNTEER! We need volunteers in order to meet our goal and to take on new projects. If you are interested in helping out, please contact Amanda Blue. We are currently looking for volunteers to help with:
Urban Farm Tour, April 11, 2009, Moore and Cumberland Counties – We need help recruiting sponsors and volunteers, doing administrative tasks and serving as site docents. Film Series – We need volunteers to help guests sign in and answer general questions. Would you be interested in bringing snacks to share with the group? Community Action Team Meetings – We need volunteers to serve as champions for projects in your community. MEETING LOCATION! Do you know of a great place for us to host a CAT meeting? If so, please contact Amanda Blue. (amandab@sustainablesandhills.org)
Amanda Blue, Community Action Team Coordinator
Sustainable Sandhills
PO Box 144, Fayetteville, NC 28302 (on-site)
709 Seven Lakes North, West End, NC 27376 (off-site)
(910) 484-9098 office
How Cuba Survived Peak Oil
Sustainable Sandhills' next film in our Sustainable Film Series will be "The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil" on April 14th at Sandhills Community College. Join us for this inspiring documentary and bring a friend, it is free!!!
3/23/2009
Food Not Lawns
http://www.examiner.com/x-3746-Boston-Green-Living-Examiner~y2009m3d20-Food-not-lawns-the-underground-food-revolution-that-promotes-suburban-sustainability
Washing, Drying Efficiently
http://www.chelseagreen.com/content/dont-be-an-energy-glutton-how-to-wash-and-dry-your-clothes-efficiently/
3/20/2009
Church-based Community Ag
http://blog.sojo.net/2009/03/18/gods-garden-church-based-community-agriculture/
Land Use for Indigenous Rights
Land boost for Brazilian Indians
Brazil's top court approves a large reservation for the sole use of Amazonian Indians, in a boost to indigenous rights.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/americas/7954121.stm
Brazil's top court approves a large reservation for the sole use of Amazonian Indians, in a boost to indigenous rights.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/americas/7954121.stm
It's Happening!
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/19/dining/19garden-web.html?_r=1
[Obamas putting in garden at White House]
[Obamas putting in garden at White House]
3/19/2009
Carcinogens In Baby Products
http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/green/greenblog/2009/03/childrens_bath_products_tainte.html
Need Your Small Plastic Flower Pots
Dear Friends, please save your smaller plastic flower pots, even as small as the four- or six pack. I'm potting up seedlings for sharing and market. I also need your used 16 oz. water bottles and egg cartons (doz). Let's keep prices low and recycle our junk! (You can just sort of throw the stuff out your car door at 345 North Page Street.)
Thanks! Maureen
Thanks! Maureen
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)