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"What's on your mind?">
The~Garden~Cultured~Home~Economic~Network
Outreach Education
Seed~Star
2 posts
Jul 15, 2008
10:27 AM
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Predators, Parasitoids and Native Pollinators in the Orchard
A Farmscaping for Beneficials Farm Walk
EVENT DATE: Tuesday, July 29th, 2008
PLACE: Columbia Blossom Orchards and Clastic Fruit LLC, Mosier OR
TIME: 2:00-5:00 P.M. Organic Fruit Tasting at 5:00
TO REGISTER CONTACT: Gwendolyn Ellen, 541-737-6272, gwendolyn@science.oregonstate.edu
Ever wonder what a beneficial mite looks like? Or why the flower bed next to the house is full of beneficial insects (at least you think they are beneficial insects) while the pear tree you planted two years ago is covered in thrips? The Farmscaping for Beneficials Project of the Integrated Plant Protection Center (IPPC) at Oregon State University (OSU), and the farmers of Columbia Blossom Orchards and Clastic Fruit invite local farmers to take a break with us for an afternoon of intrigue and discovery with native bees, and beneficial predators and parasitoids, Tuesday, July 29th from 2-5 at Columbia Blossom Orchards..
The walk will feature Colombia Blossom Orchards (CBO), a 32 acre diverse orchard of certified organic stone fruits such as, cherries, peaches, plums, apricots, nectarines and grapes. Jim Reed has been producing certified organic fruit at CBO for over 13 years. Brian McCormack, has certified 38A of his grapes pears and cherries. Both orchards employ insectary plantings, hedgerows, flowering cover crops to encourage beneficial insects to their orchards. Matthew Shepherd of the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation will be teaching us all about native pollinators in the orchard and Munk Bergin of Pest Management Systems, a Mosier consultant who specializes in biological pest management in orchards and stored products will answer any questions we may have on other orchard biological pest management techniques.
At the walk we will be taking a detailed, hands-on, look into the identification, biology, and ecology, of native bees, predators and parasitoids and the on-farm habitat that supports them. You will leave with a heightened appreciation for the natural biodiversity that already exists at Columbia Blossom Orchard and the opportunities that exist to enhance habitats for beneficial organisms on your own farm. Don?t miss this unique opportunity to follow veteran organic orchardists and bugscapers as we attempt to understand and observe how the complex web of biodiversity and crop production interact right before our eyes!
Come witness first hand, the deadly world of insect predators as they relentlessly pursue their prey against countless obstacles while we probe such riveting questions as, does this pollinate pears? Why is this wasp called a parasitoid? Hey, why isn't this beneficial insect around when I need him the most?
This is a free BYOB (bring your own bug) event so if some insect has been bugging you this summer and you don't know what it is pop it in a jar and bring it along.
Participants are also invited to join us for an organic fruit tasting at the end of the walk. Please register by calling Gwendolyn Ellen at 541-737-6272, gwendolyn@science.oregonstate.edu
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The farm walks are sponsored by OSU's, Farmscaping for Beneficials Project at IPPC and The Xerces Society who are working together on projects that support grower-led activities to build the knowledge and implementation of conservation biological control (CBC) on local farms. Conservation biological control can be defined as methods used on and around farms to restore and enhance beneficial organism populations that can increase to numbers that may limit pest populations. Such methods may include insectary plantings, grassy field margins, beetle banks and hedgerows.
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Seed~Star
3 posts
Jul 15, 2008
11:55 AM
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The SolWest Fair is July 25th, 26th & 27th, 2008
at the Grant County Fairgrounds, John Day, OR
The Eastern Oregon Renewable Energies Non-profit presents Solwest Fair the last full weekend of each July. SolWest is an occasion for learning, networking, and supporting all types of renewable energy.
This three-day event offers engaging activities for all ages and knowledge levels. Participants from around the western region and beyond come to join the SolWest community and learn about energy efficiency, solar and wind energy, alternatively fueled vehicles, and more.
Check out the SolWest photos @ www.solwest.org
Post a note here if you would like to attend the event and perhaps car-pool with the eco-team.
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bugboy
4 posts
Jul 30, 2008
9:24 AM
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The weekend in John Day,Or. at Solwest '08 was rewarding on many levels as the gathering of alternative minds often is. Sale of OG garlic, red cornmeal and cereal and sale of Sharon Rempel's book Demeter's Wheat inspire me to grow. A day spent with seed production in Monument, Or. allowed an application of fish fertilizier and liquid kelp to stimulated good seed set.
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gaiadirtworshiper
2 posts
Aug 20, 2008
9:03 PM
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How would you like to have more energy? Sleep less? Cleanse and detoxify your body? Lose weight? Combat cancer? Turn back the clock?
Discover the power of WHEATGRASS!
Wheatgrass packs a punch with antioxidants, enzymes, chlorophyll, and amino acids. Its benefits are numerous and more is being discovered all the time.
Learn more about the benefits of wheatgrass and the rich history of wheat in our culture:
The Gorge Grown Eco-Team presents the Crescent Moon Eco Talks Tues, Sept. 9 in Terra's lovely garden. The event is a potluck and will start around 6 pm. Please bring a lawn chair if you have one. We will be covering Chapter 1 in the following publications:
"The Wheatgrass Book" by Ann Wigmore
"Demeter's Wheat" by Sharon Rempel
If you need help obtaining a copy of either book please drop us a line and we'll see that you get a copy!
Space is limited to 10 or 12. Please RSVP via post and let us know what you will be bringing to the poluck and for directions. Or better yet, come and see us at the Gorge Grown Farmer's Market on Thursdays and Juice The Goose!
We look forward to seeing you there!
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gaiadirtworshiper
3 posts
Aug 20, 2008
9:20 PM
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Are you looking for a way to preserve the abundant fruits and vegetables that we here in the gorge are blessed with?
Try canning! It's a great way to take control of what goes into your food supply and to support the local economy. Canned items also make extra-special gifts for Christmas, birthdays, and housewarmings. There's nothing better than that pint of peaches in the middle of January!
I would like to host a canning workshop at my house on Saturday, Sept. 13 around noon. We will start with a potluck lunch. I expect we may be doing pears, in which case I'll share with you my secret for making them extra-yummy! I will keep you posted as things develop.
You will need to bring something for the potluck, a paring knife, a potato peeler if you have one, and your sense of humor. Space is limited to 8 due to size constraints. I would be willing to add more workshops, however, if there is sufficient interest...
Please RSVP via post or come and see us at the Gorge Grown Farmer's Market and get juiced!
See you there!
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bugboy
6 posts
Sep 23, 2008
10:27 AM
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Seed Collection & Preservation Workshop
Two classes will be offered Oct.8'08 7:00-9:30PM and Oct.15 7:00-9:30PM at the Rockford Grange in Hood River, OR.
Corn, dry beans, garbonzoes, and storage onions grown for seed will be our focus. Learn new skills as you prepare to grow these plants to mature seed. Cleaning & proper storage will be covered as well. Cost per student is $40. A book will be available for purchase, but is not required.
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bugboy
7 posts
Sep 23, 2008
10:32 AM
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...a forward from Heather Duyck
The Sustainability discussion group held it's first gathering on Sept 9th. Future discussions will be the second Tuesday of each month at 7pm downstairs at Zion Lutheran church in The Dalles.
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Seed~Star
7 posts
Jan 22, 2009
3:22 PM
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Earlier this week (inauguration day) Munk attended an excellent planning meeting of interested parties and stakeholders in the Williamette Valley focusing on sustainable prduction of organic grain and dry beans.
Suppliers,growers,seedsman and processors all were given updates and plans for increasing supply of local state-wide production. New buyers were found for the limited supplies available from production of '08 Heritage Foods and Seeds including red corn meal and garbanzo flour. Limits of organic seeds were discussed as well.
Several contacts we're made for expansion of sales in '09. More to come...
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sprout
1 post
Feb 15, 2009
2:17 PM
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WORKSHOPS: OSU Food Preservation classes and training
Preparing to Preserve...
When it comes time to preserve those perfect fruits and vegetables from your garden or farmers market, you'll want to be ready with the right equipment and recipes for success.
Preserving food saves you money because you can purchase fresh food when it is most abundant. Food in season is also the most nutritious and tasty - qualities you'll keep when you preserve food at home. Learn about the equipment and resources you'll need to freeze, can dry, pickle, and vacuum seal.
Date/time: March 3rd at 6:00 p.m.
Location: Hood River Middle School, room 200
Class fee: $3.00 through Hood River Community Education, 386-2055
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Master the Art of Food Preservation
Learn to safely preserve food in this series of nine hands-on classes taught by OSU Extension staff and certified volunteers. Topics include boiling water bath canning of fruit, tomatoes and salsa; pressure canning vegetables, meat and fish; dehydrating, freezing, jams and jellies, and pickling. Students are asked to complete all classes in the series and pass an open book, take home test to become a certified OSU Family Food Educator.
Once certified, students are asked to perform payback hours in a number of volunteer opportunities to share their knowledge with the public. For more information or to request a program application, stop by call the Hood River County Extension Service at (541) 386-3343. Applications are due by March 10th.
Dates: Wednesdays, April 1 - May 13 with one Saturday class, May 2nd
Time: 2:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Place: Senior Center in The Dalles (two blocks from Fred Meyer)
Cost: $50.00
WORKSHOPS: Cultivating Success, Farmers' Business Planning
Agricultural Entrepreneurship- Business Planning Courses to be offered this Spring
Contact: Clayton Burrows
206-719-0056
claytonburrows@wsu.edu
Starting in January and February, Washington State University County Extension offices will be offering a popular course on creating a profitable agricultural enterprise. Both current and new farmers are invited to sign up for this intensive, interactive learning opportunity in agricultural entrepreneurship and business planning. The course features a full line-up of local guest speakers, including farm lenders, accountants, attorneys, insurance experts, marketing specialists, and successful farm entrepreneurs.
Participants will learn skills in business planning, direct marketing, financial management, and record-keeping. They will also receive information on federal and state programs targeted to the needs of small and family farms, including risk management, conservation practices, and farm loan programs.
The course is designed for both beginning farmers as well as current growers who are looking to take their farm in a new direction. The course is offered by the Cultivating Success Program, a collaboration of Washington State University, the University of Idaho and the non-profit organization Rural Roots. Regional farmers who model sustainable farming and marketing practices serve as mentors for the course. Students will complete the course having developed a sound business plan they can take to a lender to help finance their enterprise or use as a roadmap for their farm business.
The cost of the course is typically between $150-275. Registration fees remain low due to the generous sponsorship of the USDA Farm Service Agency and WSU Extension.
For more information about Cultivating Success and the most up-to-date information on specific class offerings, visit http://cultivatingsuccess.org/coursecalendar_WA.htm (Note: most of these courses are outside the Gorge region but worth a look for folks willing to travel)
Last Edited on 15-Feb-2009 2:42 PM
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sprout
4 posts
Feb 15, 2009
2:40 PM
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Portland Urban Farming 2009
Meet farmers that are changing Portland's urban landscape as they grow food in all kinds of places. Learn about their methods, philosophies & where we're going with urban farming!
Q & A discussion panel with farmers, land lenders, CSA subscribers, community organizers and others working to create an urban foodshed in Portland.
If you want to...
* Become more independent in your food choices
* Get more involved with local food production
* Tune in through work parties and Join US!
Wednesday, February 18th, 5:30-7:30p.m.
At the People's Food Coop Community Room
3029 SE 21st
There is no charge to attend...
For more info e-mail: puf2009@calliopes-table.com
http://www.trashfactory.net/sunrootgardens/
Last Edited on 15-Feb-2009 2:40 PM
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Jason G. Gibson
Organic Ranger
3 posts
Mar 16, 2009
10:06 AM
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Join millions of people from around the globe in turning their lights off for one hour on Saturday, March 28 @ 8:30 pm as a call for action against climate change. Over 930 cities in 80 countries are participating, from New Zealand to the Eiffel Tower. Mark your calendar and make your vote count!
more info at www.earthhour.org
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