Friends of the Gainesville Organic Blueberry Farm

Hello Friends of the Gainesville Organic Blueberry Farm,
 
I want to extend a Big Thank You to the kids at Job Corps and their leader, Aaron Pringle, as well as the folks from Swallowtail Farm and a big bunch of volunteers they brought out last Saturday. Thanks to all these hard working folks, the berry patch by the church is completely cleaned out - nothin but berries and blossoms and 2 trees left for a little shade- a great deal of mowing got done thanks to the Swallowtail Farm folks bringing out a bushhog and zero turn mower, and we worked on the ballfield patch after the church patch was done-so the farm is looking beautiful in its spring blossom gown – if the number of flowers and bees is any indication, it looks to be a very berrylicious year! It is so sweet to go and pick berries from the bushes you helped save – a sort of cycle coming full circle reminding us that our ancestors only ate domesticated food by the sweat of their brow, and that the work that field laborors do every day is more difficult and exhausting than most of us have any inkling of. But just wait til the season starts, every drop of sweat will be worth it! By the way – there is no quarantee that there will be U-Pick this year, since I have no desire to take that on again, and I dont know anyone who does, so if you want to pick, you will most likely have to work in the fields – not wait for U-Pick.
 
Tonight unwind at Common Grounds for the Peace benefit concert – read below for details from Dan =>

“Please Peace Me – a Rock, Pop, and R&B” concert (4 bands and 1 solo performer) – featuring the exciting comeback of Little Jake and the Soul Searchers (old time r&b/soul singer with a new horns section). Also The Righteous Kind (groovy rock and roll), Heavy Petty (local Tom Petty cover band), and Travis Atria (of Morning Bell).

It’s a benefit for The Peace Alliance (my main “extra-curricular activity” – www.thepeacealliance.org), the Student Peace Alliance (the student version – www.studentpeacealliance.org), RAWA (Revolutionary Afghanistan Women’s Association – wow, hardcore, serious), and our own local H.I.T.T. (the Hippodrome Improvisational Teen Theater – they work in juvenile detention centers, healing kids in jail using theater).

The ticket is $5 – the bands will be fun – hope to see you there!

And Finally read below for details of the Food on the Lawn Fair and Farmer’s Market - first ever farmers market at UF. It is from 11-3 on Monday – come visit Michael and I at our table representing the Blueberry Farm and our two groups www.GvilleBlueberryFarmFriends.org and www.EdiblePlantProject.org 

Hope to see you today at the farm, Tonite at the PEACE BENEFIT CONCERT and Monday at the Food on the Lawn on UF campus-Please read on for details! maureen 

4-3-2010 job corps + 024.jpg

Hello Friends of the Gainesville Organic Blueberry Farm,
 
First a BIG THANK YOU to all who came out to our last round of work parties, turnout was great and we had a good time and got a lot done! I really enjoyed talking and working with you all – Thank You!
 
Now the bees are buzzing and the blossoms are blooming and the weedy trees are trying to outgrow the berry bushes! Lets get out there this Sunday and Tuesday at 3 to the 2 bridges patch to clear the bushes of some brush and vines. We will be cutting weedy trees and vines, while disturbing the opening berry blossoms as little as possible. So far it looks to be a good year for berries!
 
So c’mon out on Sunday and Tuesday at 3. I will be by the barn with plenty of tools. You bring plenty of drinking water, gloves and long sleeves, and snacks for any kids you bring. Kids are very welcome but please leave pet friends at home.
 
If you have never worked with us before, Sunday would be a nice time to come out and check out the farm, the weather should be beautiful! You can work as much or as little as you like – we have until June to get hours in before the season starts. So c’mon out and enjoy our favorite neighborhood farm – what are you waiting for?
 
And read on for GREAT NEWS from the Citizen’s Co-op!

Hope to see you down on the farm!

maureen
www.GvilleBlueberryFarmFriends.org
 
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Home Sweet Home – March 2010

435 South Main A Letter from the Steering Committee . . .     To our dear friends, fellow co-op owners & the community,     We are pleased to announce the headquarters of Citizens Co-op, the Kitchen Incubator, and Cooperative Communities in downtown Gainesville.    This is just the beginning of the first Local Food Market to grace our town. There is a lot of work to do still. We aim to provide only local and regional food products in the store, supplemented by some necessary bulk goods from other locations. We cannot promise you tomatoes year-round, but you will find all the bounties of our local harvest each time you walk through the doors.   We are so very proud and grateful to see these projects finally solidified on a common ground. We have excellent neighbors – the Civic Media Center and South Main Arts Center – welcoming us to our new home and collaborating on the future development of this corridor. There is much to be done, but we hope to have the beginnings of our marketplace open for business by May 1st. This depends on fundraising efforts and the permitting process. You can help by JOINING NOW, if you’re not already a member. Or purchasing INVESTOR SHARES to fund the build-out. We have estimated the need for another $40,000 to renovate this into the beautiful, vibrant, healthy market space that our community deserves.   Some of the bulkiest costs are the refrigerated display cases and units that are required to keep produce, dairy, and meats stored. If you know or have access to used equipment of this nature, please contact Gretchen McIntyre at 352.219.1562.   Please read through the updates on each of our projects below, including Member Poll results, on the Kitchen Incubator & Cooperative Communities, upcoming Board Elections, and other important events and news from the community. Also check out Gretchen & Noah’s TV20 Spot!   In cooperation, Citizens Co-op Steering Committee Gretchen McIntyre, Co-Chair     store look: people’s co-op in portland   485 Members & Growing Why This Space? Thank you to everyone who responded to the Member Poll in January, around 300 voices were represented. We chose the Store location based on the following results: 45% favored this location (next highest 30% for NW 13th st) 92% approved of starting with current member totals 45% wanted to see a physical location (next highest 26% wanted more frequent communication) 26% are most concerned with having more local food options (next highest 16% want organic food choices) 47% prefer a small but vibrant neighborhood marketplace The vision for this storefront is as follows: To make some tasteful, basic renovations to bring the space up to code and allow for some immediate food access. To begin a distribution point for drop-off and pick-up of Gainesville Farm Fresh Online Market. Begin supplying any and all local food produce and products we can find, supplemented with some organic Bulk goods. Build out a mini-kitchen with baking oven to sell fresh bread, baked goods, and small prepared food items. Raise the necessary funds to build food storage sheds in back to house our donated walk-in coolers from Shands AGH. Aid the growth of the local food system & local food products through supporting the Kitchen Incubator and Cooperative Communities. Expand into a larger space in a few years, or open another small marketplace in a different sector of town.   Kitchen Incubator in Boynton Beach Project News   We are currently applying for 501(c)3 status through Cooperative Communities, an umbrella non-profit corporation, to continue expanding upon and supporting the growth of our local food system. This is an integral function for the success of the Co-op Marketplace. Without a local food supply, infrastructure to support it, and regulations to ease the flow of goods to consumers – we’ll be selling only “PET” food in our store.   The Kitchen Incubator is a separate entity within Cooperative Communities. It is currently researching and applying for multiple grants to fund the build-out of the certified kitchen space – to begin local food production immediately, support the creation of new businesses and jobs, and provide educational and nutritional courses to the community.   Support for these projects can happen through donations, directly or in-kind with kitchen equipment, offices supplies, and wood shelving; grant writing support; or signing up for the Kitchen Referral Program to begin matching entrepreneurs with restaurant kitchen time. Contact val@celestejet.com for more information.   There is a Kitchen Incubator FUNdraiser on March 20th, from 5-8pm, at the 30124 Junction in Waldo and unveiling of the Local Food Roadshow featuring tastes from our local restaurants and farmers. A $20 donation gets you delicious local food and drinks, tastes of upcoming Kitchen Tenants, door prizes, silent auction, good company, live local music, and information about our local foodways.    Example of Produce Display Case Store & Equipment Needs Items can be donated through Cooperative Communities for a tax-deduction, or credited towards future food dollars for in-store use.   Store Needs: Refrigerator & Freezer Display Cases, 2 Computers, 2 Cash Registers & Scanners, Inventory Software, Gallons of Eco-friendly Paint, Wood Shelving, Scales for weighing, Shopping Baskets, Display Baskets & Produce Bins, Ceramic Pots for displays, Large Shoulder Bags, Commercial Coffee Maker, Kitchen Utensils, Food Processor, Panini Press, Hand Sink, Eco-cleaning supplies, Office Supplies.   In This Issue A Letter from the Steering Committee . . . Why This Space? Project News Store & Equipment Needs Local Food Roadshow Upcoming Events March 19-28: Gainesville Environmental Film & Arts Festival, Hippodrome March 20: Kitchen FUNdraiser, Local Food Roadshow. March 26: Downtown Art Walk & Music Show @ The Co-op Store! April 12-13: UF Local Food Summit. Food on the Lawn April 12th on UF Campus. April 24: 1st Annual Gainesville Garden Bike Tour, sponsored by Citizens Co-op.   More details on Events page. Bearded Brothers in AGH Coolers Donated Equipment The Co-op & Kitchen Incubator would like to express a warm thank-you to the Alachua County Commissioners, especially Chair, Cynthia Chestnut, for their support in procuring two walk-in coolers from Shands AGH. The Bearded Brothers have kindly de-constructed these items for us at cost. Receiving these major pieces of equipment will allow us to begin operations much sooner than otherwise anticipated. The City Commissioners have also helped procure a triple basin sink and stainless steel cooking pans from Mom’s Kitchen, which will be very useful in the Kitchen operations.   Please express your thank-you’s to any of the Commissioners or Bearded Brothers when next you see them. Swallowtail Farm Carrots Spring Garden-to-Go The spring garden-to-go kit from Comet Farms will consist of 36 plants that are strong, robust, beyond organic, and grown with the utmost care and love. Also included will be seed packets of green beans and pumpkin to be direct sown. The kits are $30. To order, contact haleygardner@gmail.com, or call 386.496.8211.   Courtyard Stage Being Built Upcoming Board Elections It’s about time to elect our first representatives to sit on the Co-op Board. The board’s role is to oversee major decisions about the store, and integrate long-term goals with sustainable operations of the co-op. For our first election, general members will elect one Member Representative. Producer members will elect one Producer Representative. Board service requires attendance at one monthly meeting, phone conferences, and frequent emailing in between.   Please nominate your Member Representative at citizenscoop@gmail.com. All nominated individuals will need to attend upcoming information & training sessions to be eligible.  French Broad Co-op in Asheville Work Exchange Members: Start accruing some volunteer hours now, and we’ll credit you discounts on your future grocery bills!   March 26th: Help us clean up & clear out the space on Friday, March 26th from 10am-5pm for the Art Walk & Music Show that night. We might also do some painting.   We’re also looking for any help from members with renovation, building, & electrical work or grocery store management experience willing to earn future food dollars. Call us or come to the store on a work day to get your hands dirty!

Hello Friends of the Gainesville Organic Blueberry Farm,
 
Just a reminder to come out to the farm this Sunday at 2 and get some sun while workin’ in the rows. And how about the next weekend as well, Saturday the 13th sounds like a great day for a chainsaw oak massacre, like the one we had last year, we’ll meet at 10am. If you are planning on doing shiitakes this year, you can come out to the farm and get ‘em there while getting work credit at the same time. Many helpers will be needed so c’mon out even if you dont have a chainsaw, what could be more romantic? And while we’re getting crazy planning ahead, why not put Feb 21st on your calendar as well, 2pm with the ‘Friends’.
 
I will be by the barn for 1/2 hour after meeting times, then we’ll head out to the 2 bridges patch to give the berry bushes some TLC! I’ll have plenty of tools, you bring plenty of water and long sleeves and gloves, (and chainsaws on the 13th). Kids are welcome but please leave pet friends at home. Please try to arrive within 1/2 hour after start times, especially if you have never been out to the 2 bridges patch. I think we’re gonna have some fun out there this month! And if you bring a shovel and a plastic bag you can dig blueberry suckers out between the rows where they will get mowed – start you own berry patch!
 
And finally Calling ALL FARMERS!! check out the exciting training programs for farmers who want to be able to accept Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) coupons at area markets. Training is required if you want to be able to accept these at markets, so read below and mark your calendar for Tues and Weds of NEXT WEEK! This is the first I’ve heard of this program but it sounds really exciting!
 
If you have any questions please email me at maureenreschly@hotmail.com and I’ll try to get back to you in a timely manner.
 
Please pass this on to any groups or individuals who may be interested – sharing is COOL!
 
Hope to see you down on the farm!

maureen
www.GvilleBlueberryFarmFriends.org
 

Communications Office – Press Release CONTACT: Mark Sexton, Communications Coordinator PHONE: (352) 374-5204; CELL (352) 283-2317 EMAIL: msexton@alachuacounty.us  …stay engaged For Immediate Release   Training Session for Area Farmers February 5, 2010   4:15 p.m.   ALACHUA COUNTY, FL – The Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (FDACS), Bureau of State Markets, will be conducting training sessions for the Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) at the Alachua County Extension Office (2800 NE 39th Ave., Gainesville), on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. and again on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.    This program has increased sales for growers selling at the farmers’ markets and is required before you can accept FMNP coupons.  All farmers who are interested in selling their produce at retail markets are encouraged to attend.  There is no fee or program cost for this training.    For more information, call FDACS at 800-357-4273.    The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) provides participants with coupons that can be used to purchase locally grown, fresh Florida fruits and vegetables. This produce can be purchased at authorized community farmers’ markets from April 1 through July 31, 2010.     Under guidelines applicable to both programs, only fresh fruits and vegetables grown in Florida or within 50 miles of the farmers’ market may be purchased with the coupons.  Coupons may be used to purchase a wide variety of approved commodities.   This program benefits farmers by expanding the base of consumers who shop at community farmers’ markets.   It also benefits consumers who can easily purchase locally grown fresh produce using their program coupons.  Fresh fruits and vegetables are important to good health, and these programs enable participants to conveniently purchase nutritious products that enhance their diet.         All Extension Programs and Services are open to all without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin or handicap.  For persons requiring special accommodations, please contact the Extension office at (352) 955-2402 (voice) or TDD/TYY (352) 955-2406 or at the Alachua County Extension Service, 2800 NE 39th Avenue, Gainesville, FL  32609.  Please contact the Extension Office at least five working days prior to the program so that proper consideration may be given to the request. -30-

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Hello Friends of the Gainesville Organic Blueberry Farm,
 
Hope you are staying warm and enjoying the winter – and if your beginning to think about fresh tomatoes, then its time to start some of your favorite seeds to plant out after the last frost. If you dont save your own seed and would like some to start check out this website mentioned on the Craigslist garden blog http://wintersown.org/wseo1/YourChoiceTomatoSASE.html. They say if you send a self addressed stamped envelope you can get 6 different varieties (pick from gazillions) of open pollinated tomatoe seeds. TOMMMMMATOES!
 
And the berry bushes are waiting for you to come and liberate them from vines and weedy trees, so come out to the farm on Sunday at 2 and I will be by the Barnyard gardens with plenty of tools. You bring gloves and long sleeves and plenty of water. Kids are very welcome but please leave pet friends at home. It will be a beautiful day to get those hours in – the season is rapidly approaching and you dont want to be without your pickin card come June. So far it looks like a great year – the bushes are full of fattening flower buds wisely keeping covered hopefully until the last frost. If we have a year like the one before last, everyone will want to be picking and freezers will be full to bursting – So c’mon down to the farm and get some sun and excercise with fun folks in the rows, come summertime you’ll be glad you did!
 
And finally I want to thank everyone who has made this group what it is, and done the farm a favor by putting in your time - you ROCK!
 
Hope to see you down on the farm!

maureen
www.GvilleBlueberryFarmFriends.org

Hello Friends of the Gainesville Organic Blueberry Farm,
 
THANK YOU WONDERFUL FRIENDS! Last Sunday’s Big Barnyard Benefit Sale for Haiti was a success because of all the great stuff, and delicious food that you donated for the sale, and all of you who stopped by to shop. We made $503.25 and thanks to some wonderful folks who work at CH2MHill, they will match it 100%, for a total of $1,000 going to the Red Cross Haiti relief fund as a result! This could not have happened without every one of you who gave your time, stuff and cash to the effort – SO THANK YOU, THANK YOU & YEAH, WE DID IT!
 
Now back to the berry bushes! I will be in the barnyard gardens at 3 on Saturday with plenty of tools and the will to work! You bring gloves, long sleeves and plenty of water, and snacks if you bring kids. Kids are very welcome, but please leave pet friends at home.  We will be going out to the 2 bridges patch to cut vines and weedy trees.  It is also still the perfect time to dig blueberry suckers (the ones that sprout between the rows from underground runners) so if you want some free bushes of your own bring a plastic bag to keep the roots moist and a shovel to dig them.
 
And all you fabulous mowers – what would you think about participating in a big MOWER RACE, PARADE AND PAGEANT! That’s right! Show off that mowing monster while helping the farm by mowing the roads and rows. We could have prizes for best costume, and best decorated mower as well as ugliest and cleanest exhaust and races and maybe a pulling contest. This idea was dreamed up by Mary and Christian and I think it is a great one! We will be working on this concept and welcome any other ideas – different contests for different sized mowers, etc., so start oiling up those yard machines and tractors and get ready to show them off! Let me know if you are interested in doing this, so I can know if it is feasible. 
 
Finally, check out the forwarded community bulletin below for details about free raised bed gardening classes, and other classes coming up!
 
Hope to see you Saturday down on the farm!

maureen
www.GvilleBlueberryFarmFriends.org

Communications Office – Press Release CONTACT: Mark Sexton, Communications Coordinator PHONE: (352) 374-5204; CELL (352) 283-2317 EMAIL: msexton@alachuacounty.us  …stay engaged For Immediate Release   Free Raised Bed Vegetable Gardening Class January 27, 2010 10:15 a.m. The Alachua County Extension Office is pleased to offer the following free Gardening Program. This class will be presented by Wendy Wilber, Environmental Horticulture Agent, at the Alachua County Extension Office (2800 NE 39th Ave., in Gainesville).  Raised Bed Vegetable Gardening – February 3rd, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.  Learn about an innovative way to grow vegetables. You will learn how to grow your own produce within limited space. A demonstration garden is located on site. The class will cover vegetable gardening basics and teach how to use raised beds for increased efficiency.  Pre-register by leaving voicemail at 352-337-6209.   For information on upcoming gardening programs, click here.   For more information contact Wendy Wilber, Environmental Horticulture Agent, at 352-955-2402 or wlw@alachuacounty.us.   For persons requiring special accommodations, please contact Wendy Wilber at 352-955-2402 (voice) or TDD/TYY 352-955-2406. Please contact the Extension Office at least five working days prior to the program so that proper consideration may be given to the request.

Hello Friends of the Gainesville Organic Blueberry Farm,
 
Well we have had a great response and lots of great donations came in yesterday, but many have requested to drop off donations today so I will be by the Blueberry Farm Barn again today from 4 – 6 to accept donations for the big sale tomorrow.
 
Also I was thinking that an open acoustic jam would be really nice and I know there are lots of you out there with some great musical talent – so if you bring your instrument and play a little (or preferably alot!)you will get a free raffle ticket. The raffle basket will include a quart jar of chemical free wildflower honey from my bees, a bunch of organic citrus and sunchokes, a bag of fresh organic shiitake mushrooms, a certificate for a free massage by the fabulous Suzanne-Michelle, and whatever else people want to throw in. So pick up that music maker and c’mon down to the farm tomorrow morning and tickle our ears with your tunes.
 
Also Oliver the Avocado King from Abundant Edible Landscapes www.EdibleLandscapers.com said he would donate some of his avocado trees. (If you know Oliver then you know he is the Go-To guy for Avocadoe trees adapted to this area!) And Michael from the Edible Plant Project www.edibleplantproject.org (which also resides at the farm) will be donating some plants as well.
 
Finally if you havent done so already, check out our website at www.GvilleBlueberryFarmFriends.org to learn more about us, and the Big Barnyard Sale To Benefit Haiti, happening tomorrow from 8am to 12noon.
 
And if you would like to be added to our email list to receive notices of work parties or events at the farm please send me an email at maureenreschly@hotmail.com
 
I think we’re gonna have a successful fundraiser for the RED CROSS HAITI RELIEF FUND, and alot of fun too!

maureen

Hello Friends of the Gainesville Organic Blueberry Farm!
 
Have you been feeling powerless to help Haiti, like I have, because money is tight? Time to do that early Spring cleaning and bring all your clean, gently used clothes and goods to donate for the Big Barnyard Benefit Sale. Donations may be dropped off at the blueberry farm barn this coming Friday between 4 and 6pm. The proceeds will go toward the Red Cross Haiti Fund.  Baked goods and fresh fruits and vegetables will also be accepted for donation – its probably best if you bring these yourself but if you are unable, then dropping them off at the barn on Friday is fine too. And I will be putting together a raffle basket with a little blueberry wildflower honey, some sunchokes, some citrus, and hopefully some shiitakes if we get a flush before then. Michael said that the edible plant project could donate a couple of plants for the raffle basket too. So tell all your friends and come out this sunday morning to see what bargains may be had, and get together with great folks to help those in need in Haiti. So to reiterate:
 
Donation Drop Off Friday 4-6pm at the Gainesville Organic Blueberry Farm barn.(1621 se 15th st – the gate by the barn will be open).  Please make sure everything is clean and usable and in a bag or other container that is easy to carry. Everything will be accepted – books, housewares, bikes, furniture, seeds, produce, and baked goods or prepared foods – whatever you think might sell. If utensils or plates or bowls are needed – please bring enough for all the food to be sold.
 
If you are bringing prepared foods or baked goods please write the ingredients on a card so people know what they are buying.
 
If anyone would like to play some music or provide any entertainment for this event – please do – musicians or entertainers will get a free raffle ticket! Please send me an email at maureenreschly@hotmail.com if you can help us out this way. There is electricity to the barn but no running water. We flush the toilet, and wash hands with rainwater.
 
Please forward this to anyone or any group you think would like to participate.
 
Lets see how much we can raise to benefit our Island Neighbors in Haiti!
 
Gainesvillians are GREAT!

maureen

Hello Friends of the Gainesville Organic Blueberry Farm!
 
Yes, the blueberry flower buds are still safely wrapped in their coats, and so hopefully no worse for the ridiculously cold weather we’ve had for the last few days And now is the perfect time to dig up blueberry sucker plants (some with flower buds already) from in between the rows where they will be mowed.So who is brave enough to join me at the farm at 3pm tomorrow and friday, to get back to work in the rows? At least there wont be any mosquitoes and we probably wont sweat as much as we would during warmer weather
 
So c’mon out and get some sunshine and join me at the barnyard tomorrow and Friday at 3pm. I will have plenty of hand tools, you bring gloves and plenty of drinking water.  We will be working in the 2 bridges patch. If you would like to dig up suckers to transplant, bring a shovel and a plastic garbage bag to keep the roots from drying out! Remember all hours worked or pledged toward last years picking rights will be transferred to this years season, since the late freeze wiped out the crop last year as it did to many other berry farms in the area.  As always, kids are welcome but please leave pet friends at home.
 
If anyone has any questions please email me at maureenreschly@hotmail.com and I will try to answer in time.
 
Also read on to the forwarded letter below about some great folks teaching what they know for next to nothing – starting this weekend with a new kind of beekeeping technique!
 
Hope to see you out on the farm!

maureen
PS=>read on for urban homesteading class details!
 
Subject: Urban Homesteading Series Presents: Intro to Bee Keeping and Backyard Hives
Date: Mon, 4 Jan 2010 15:12:22 -0500

please forward to anyone you think might be interested…

URBAN  HOMESTEADING  SERIES  PRESENTS:

Intro to Bee Keeping and Backyard Hives

 01/16/10 , 10:00 am – $30  – Participants will leave this class with an introductory understanding of bee keeping and a hive they have constructed themselves. We will explore the human/bee relationship both historically and in a modern context. Focusing on climate appropriate methods and holistic techniques, will go over the information necessary to the starting beekeeper, such as bee lifecycles, pollination, and hive placement within and urban setting. Then we will collectively construct top-bar bee hives, a simpler and more natural style bee hive than conventional box hives.

This class will have plenty of time and space for discussion and questions.  The empty hives will be ready to be filled with a new bee colony this coming spring.

This class will be held outdoors in downtown Gainesville.  Rain date will be the following Saturday, 01/23/10

Beginning Homebrewing 101, 02/13/10

Intro to Fiber Craft, 03/20/10

Please contact Neil at 352-246-6736 to register or for more information.    

 To receive notices of upcoming events, email urbanhomesteading@riseup.net

The Gainesville Urban Homesteading Project organizes hands on, accessible workshops designed to share our skills and resources for creative self-reliance and a more sustainable urban community.

All classes are taught by volunteers. Prices listed include cost of materials only.

Pre-registration is required as class size is limited

Finally its raining and Its shiitake time! (see pictures at end of letter or attached)  Those of you who participated in our shiitake inocculation parties last year should be looking for some lovely mushroom caps on your logs – depending on the variety you chose they may have already fruited, or may wait until December. If you have seen no swelling of the waxed areas on the logs you can soak them by putting them in buckets and flipping them after a few hours.This is called forcing them and should bring out the caps. Dont soak more than 24 hours per end.

If you missed the parties last year and are interested in the process of inoculating shiitake logs you can attend a free workshop this Saturday from 11 to 12:30 at the county extension building. Go to www.alachua.ifas.ufl.edu/calendar.shtml for more info (they are offering container gardening on the 18th and best management practices for sustainable green industries (nurseries, landscaping etc.) on the 23rd.

Also on Saturday from 9 to 1 is the Sustainable Gardening open house at the ethnobotany gardens on UF campus near the bat house. Read forwarded message below for details.

And check out Abundant Edible Landscapers website www.ediblelandscapers.com for details of their upcoming 2 week permaculture design course where you can become a certified permaculture designer!

Exciting things are happing with the Friends of the Gainesville Organic Blueberry Farm! We have been chosen by a fabulous grad student to help us file papers for nonprofit status, we have turned on the electricity at the barn and hope to have a barnyard sale/ bake sale benefit soon where you can bring your gently used items to donate to the cause, and buy that perfect post consumer gift for the holidays, or eat pumkin pie while enjoying the farm with friends. Details coming soon.

For now I know many are ready to get out in the rows again since the weather has cooled down so lets get out there and show those berry bushes some love! I will be by the barnyard gardens this coming Friday and Saturday at 4 pm and Sunday at 10am with plenty of tools. Please show up within 1/2 hour of start times or you may miss us. As usual kids are welcome but please leave pet friends at home. Bring plenty of water and gloves and long sleeves (and snacks if you bring kids).