Support The Land Conservancy to save Madrona Farm.
Great restaurants and locally grown food go hand-in-hand. For better taste, and better prices, several of Vancouver Island's best restaurants depend on locally grown foods to make the dishes you love. These same restaurants choose to support local farmers with a commitment to sustainable farming. When you eat at these restaurants on the dates listed below, the proceeds from your meal will go directly to help save this important agricultural and ecological treasure in the Blenkinsop Valley.
April 5: Mo:Le, 554 Pandora Avenue, 250-385-6653
April 25: The Bistro at Merridale Cider, 1230 Merridale Road, 250-743-4293
Madrona Farm is a 27-acre mixed vegetable farm located on Blenkinsop Road in Saanich. Nestled at the foot of Mount Douglas on excellent soils, the farm produces a diversity of 105 vegetables, 12 months a year, and is a critical source of locally grown food.
Madrona Farm is also guided by a commitment to environmental, social and economic sustainability. Hundreds of customers visit the farm stand each week; local chefs rely on the farm for fresh vegetables, and Madrona donates produce to Victoria food banks and shelters. Madrona Farm is also an important ecological area. The property includes vital wildlife corridors and ponds that provide excellent habitat for birds and aquatic species.
The Land Conservance has a unique opportunity to bring Madrona Farm under its ownership and protect it now and for future generations. A community-purchased farm, and the placement of it in the hands of a land trust, is an innovative model and proving to be an effective way to secure farmland. The farm will be leased to David and Nathalie Chambers to continue farming while providing education and training for apprentices. Once the Chambers retire, the land will again be leased to new farmers to continue producing vegetables for the Greater Victoria area.
Help protect this ecological and agricultural treasure, and keep it in local food production. TLC must raise $750,000 by July 2009 and a total of $1.7 million by January 2010 to complete the purchase.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
“Finding Common Ground”, Field Day & Social
Second Annual “Finding Common Ground”, field day and social
May 8 – 9, 2009
Silver Hills Ranch, 1010 Shuswap River Drive, Lumby BC
Lee Hesketh has been at the forefront of developing integrated riparian management and other innovative, sustainable management options for interior livestock producers. “Finding Common Ground” reflects his commitment to bringing together industry, government and conservation interests and working towards practical solutions.
This is an open invitation from Lee Hesketh and Silver Hills Ranch.
“Last April, my family and friends hosted a field day showcasing how the ranching community in our area had worked to protect and enhance the environment through promoting sustainable and innovative land management practices. The positive feedback from those attending last years event has inspired me to again invite those of you wanting to hear more on my “Common Sense Approach” to come back out to Silver Hills Ranch on May 8th 2009. The day will include a tour of the Mabel Lake Valley, the Shuswap Falls and back up to Silver Hills Ranch with a selection of my friends and associates presenting words of wisdom along the way. The tour will assemble at 9:30 at the Mabel Lake Hall and leave at 10:00. My personal experience with field days and conferences is that the greatest value comes from the opportunity to meet and socialize with people with similar interests but different backgrounds and fields of expertise. This field day will promote ‘a hats’ off approach and encourage individuals to relax and enjoy the company of others while sharing ideas and looking at how thinking out of the box has brought about positive change with valuable habitat areas being developed. Fresh air is guaranteed so dress for the weather with things wrapping up at about 4:30 pm. Like last year we will have a great meal and evening social starting back at the Mabel Lake Hall around 6 pm. At around 9 pm we will move back up to Silver Hills Ranch and enjoy a bonfire in my back yard. Moving the date forward to May will allow us to offer the opportunity for those wanting to keep things on a low budget type working holiday the opportunity to stay and camp for free at the ranch Friday night and possible Saturday night. We have a large back yard with lots of space for tents, trailers, campers or RVs. Last year my friends and family put the evening meal together. This year they will be assisting me with hosting the bonfire so to allow for the hiring of a caterer who can provide a great meal and to help cover some additional expenses such as portable outhouses and a little bit of entertainment etc… a pre registration of $30 per person is requested. Children under 15 being free if attending with a registered adult. I encourage anyone wanting to spend some quality time with your kids, family or friends, to bring them along and enjoy a different type of field day. What I won’t have or be responsible for is showers or meals other than Friday evening. Remember, this is field day promoting sustainability so please be prepared to sustain yourself! I will have free firewood, a few picnic tables and portable outhouses available but no power or water hookups. We do have a side channel to the Shuswap River in close proximity though. For those worrying about weather, our hay barns will be empty so rain or shine we will have cover for socializing and sleeping if required. The other reason for requesting pre-registration is so that I can organize space for everyone. Last years event was enjoyed by 46 people through the day. Maybe I’m being over optimistic but it never hurts to have a plan so I’m limiting the event to 120 people so the first ones registered will be accommodated. Remember, Woodstock started off being small as well!” For those wanting the softer touches there are several local bed and breakfasts and a motel close by as well. The City of Vernon offers a wide cross section of motel and hotel accommodation as well. It is a 45 minute drive to Vernon from the Mabel Lake Hall, site of the evening meal and a full hour from Silver Hills Ranch, site of the bonfire and camping. People are encouraged to stay over and share a common breakfast in the morning with the possibility that I can at least supply coffee.
For those staying over
Guests staying over can go on a 5 km hike the following day looking at a potential grassland development. A great chance to see mule deer on open range. The hike promotes the serenity of the ranch and how we are working to protect and enhance the natural attributes. A tour of the Silver Hills homestead also will showcase the ranch’s day-to-day operations and future look at eco-tourism. Silver Hills Ranch is looking at diversification promoting the production of value added products while promoting sustainability in its land management practices. The ranch is also considering opening to limited camping experiences. Be the first to look at an approach that promotes a camping experience like no other for free. Over 20 km of mountain biking and hiking trails are available. River ridge golf course located across the river from the ranch will be open and offering specials to guests attending Fridays field day. Silver Hills Ranch will be working with Silver Spurs Trail Rides this summer offering a wide variety of horse back riding and camping opportunities.
May 8 – 9, 2009
Silver Hills Ranch, 1010 Shuswap River Drive, Lumby BC
Lee Hesketh has been at the forefront of developing integrated riparian management and other innovative, sustainable management options for interior livestock producers. “Finding Common Ground” reflects his commitment to bringing together industry, government and conservation interests and working towards practical solutions.
This is an open invitation from Lee Hesketh and Silver Hills Ranch.
“Last April, my family and friends hosted a field day showcasing how the ranching community in our area had worked to protect and enhance the environment through promoting sustainable and innovative land management practices. The positive feedback from those attending last years event has inspired me to again invite those of you wanting to hear more on my “Common Sense Approach” to come back out to Silver Hills Ranch on May 8th 2009. The day will include a tour of the Mabel Lake Valley, the Shuswap Falls and back up to Silver Hills Ranch with a selection of my friends and associates presenting words of wisdom along the way. The tour will assemble at 9:30 at the Mabel Lake Hall and leave at 10:00. My personal experience with field days and conferences is that the greatest value comes from the opportunity to meet and socialize with people with similar interests but different backgrounds and fields of expertise. This field day will promote ‘a hats’ off approach and encourage individuals to relax and enjoy the company of others while sharing ideas and looking at how thinking out of the box has brought about positive change with valuable habitat areas being developed. Fresh air is guaranteed so dress for the weather with things wrapping up at about 4:30 pm. Like last year we will have a great meal and evening social starting back at the Mabel Lake Hall around 6 pm. At around 9 pm we will move back up to Silver Hills Ranch and enjoy a bonfire in my back yard. Moving the date forward to May will allow us to offer the opportunity for those wanting to keep things on a low budget type working holiday the opportunity to stay and camp for free at the ranch Friday night and possible Saturday night. We have a large back yard with lots of space for tents, trailers, campers or RVs. Last year my friends and family put the evening meal together. This year they will be assisting me with hosting the bonfire so to allow for the hiring of a caterer who can provide a great meal and to help cover some additional expenses such as portable outhouses and a little bit of entertainment etc… a pre registration of $30 per person is requested. Children under 15 being free if attending with a registered adult. I encourage anyone wanting to spend some quality time with your kids, family or friends, to bring them along and enjoy a different type of field day. What I won’t have or be responsible for is showers or meals other than Friday evening. Remember, this is field day promoting sustainability so please be prepared to sustain yourself! I will have free firewood, a few picnic tables and portable outhouses available but no power or water hookups. We do have a side channel to the Shuswap River in close proximity though. For those worrying about weather, our hay barns will be empty so rain or shine we will have cover for socializing and sleeping if required. The other reason for requesting pre-registration is so that I can organize space for everyone. Last years event was enjoyed by 46 people through the day. Maybe I’m being over optimistic but it never hurts to have a plan so I’m limiting the event to 120 people so the first ones registered will be accommodated. Remember, Woodstock started off being small as well!” For those wanting the softer touches there are several local bed and breakfasts and a motel close by as well. The City of Vernon offers a wide cross section of motel and hotel accommodation as well. It is a 45 minute drive to Vernon from the Mabel Lake Hall, site of the evening meal and a full hour from Silver Hills Ranch, site of the bonfire and camping. People are encouraged to stay over and share a common breakfast in the morning with the possibility that I can at least supply coffee.
For those staying over
Guests staying over can go on a 5 km hike the following day looking at a potential grassland development. A great chance to see mule deer on open range. The hike promotes the serenity of the ranch and how we are working to protect and enhance the natural attributes. A tour of the Silver Hills homestead also will showcase the ranch’s day-to-day operations and future look at eco-tourism. Silver Hills Ranch is looking at diversification promoting the production of value added products while promoting sustainability in its land management practices. The ranch is also considering opening to limited camping experiences. Be the first to look at an approach that promotes a camping experience like no other for free. Over 20 km of mountain biking and hiking trails are available. River ridge golf course located across the river from the ranch will be open and offering specials to guests attending Fridays field day. Silver Hills Ranch will be working with Silver Spurs Trail Rides this summer offering a wide variety of horse back riding and camping opportunities.
Labels:
Integrated Riparian Management
Poplar and Willow - Challenge and Change
September 28 - 30, 2009
Poplar and Willow - Challenge and Change
Hosted by the Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Agroforestry Division in Partnership with the Poplar Council of Canada (PCC)
All members, researchers and practitioners are invited to attend.
Two half-day technical sessions, featuring poster and oral presentations, will be held in Regina, SK. A full day research field tour will take place near Indian Head, SK and will feature the Agroforestry Division's poplar & willow research. The field tour will showcase the Division's work in tree breeding, biomass research, biotic and abiotic stresses and environmental impacts and uses of poplar and willow.
Note: The annual PCC business meeting will be held during the event.
Deadline for abstracts (300 words or less) is July 20, 2009. Please indicate preference for poster or oral presentation. Send abstracts to Dr. John Kort at john.kort@agr.gc.ca
For more information or to register for this event, please contact the AAFC Agroforestry Division at 866-766-2284, agroforestry@agr.gc.ca or visit www.poplar.ca/events.htm
Poplar and Willow - Challenge and Change
Hosted by the Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Agroforestry Division in Partnership with the Poplar Council of Canada (PCC)
All members, researchers and practitioners are invited to attend.
Two half-day technical sessions, featuring poster and oral presentations, will be held in Regina, SK. A full day research field tour will take place near Indian Head, SK and will feature the Agroforestry Division's poplar & willow research. The field tour will showcase the Division's work in tree breeding, biomass research, biotic and abiotic stresses and environmental impacts and uses of poplar and willow.
Note: The annual PCC business meeting will be held during the event.
Deadline for abstracts (300 words or less) is July 20, 2009. Please indicate preference for poster or oral presentation. Send abstracts to Dr. John Kort at john.kort@agr.gc.ca
For more information or to register for this event, please contact the AAFC Agroforestry Division at 866-766-2284, agroforestry@agr.gc.ca or visit www.poplar.ca/events.htm
Labels:
Biomass Cropping,
Conference,
Field Day
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Learn About Distillation of Aromatics and Aromatherapy
Aromatic Farm Coop – Upcoming Public Events
Saturday, April 18, 2009
2009 Annual General Meeting
The Aromatic Farm Co op is hosting a public event in partnership with the BC Forest Discovery Centre, in Duncan, BC. Join them at the Discovery Centre’s pristine 100 acre forested site to learn about aromatic farming, essential oil distillation and the health benefits of aromatherapy.
Experts will share their knowledge and experience by providing hands on demonstrations, herbal walks and aromatherapy talks. The day’s activities will also include museum tours and train rides - A day of FUN for the whole family!
The Co op’s focus is the steam distillation of products from variety of native trees, shrubs and organically grown aromatic crops. The raw material used is obtained from agroforestry production, woodlots and other producer members through a sustainable, community-based model. Another goal is to teach the artisan crafts of aromatic farming and steam distillation for therapeutic grade essential oil production through workshops and an accredited apprenticeship curriculum.
Admission Fee: Co-op Members $5, Non-members $14
Continuing Education credits available for Aromatherapists
Saturday, April 18, 2009
2009 Annual General Meeting
The Aromatic Farm Co op is hosting a public event in partnership with the BC Forest Discovery Centre, in Duncan, BC. Join them at the Discovery Centre’s pristine 100 acre forested site to learn about aromatic farming, essential oil distillation and the health benefits of aromatherapy.
Experts will share their knowledge and experience by providing hands on demonstrations, herbal walks and aromatherapy talks. The day’s activities will also include museum tours and train rides - A day of FUN for the whole family!
The Co op’s focus is the steam distillation of products from variety of native trees, shrubs and organically grown aromatic crops. The raw material used is obtained from agroforestry production, woodlots and other producer members through a sustainable, community-based model. Another goal is to teach the artisan crafts of aromatic farming and steam distillation for therapeutic grade essential oil production through workshops and an accredited apprenticeship curriculum.
Admission Fee: Co-op Members $5, Non-members $14
Continuing Education credits available for Aromatherapists
Friday, March 27, 2009
AFTA Seeks Host for 12th NA Agroforestry Conference
The Association for Temperate Agroforestry is seeking proposals from organizations interested in hosting the 12th NA Agroforestry Conference in 2011.
Proposals are due in to AFTA by March 31, 2009.
For more information, visit the Association’s website: www.aftaweb.org
Proposals are due in to AFTA by March 31, 2009.
For more information, visit the Association’s website: www.aftaweb.org
Labels:
Agroforestry,
Conference
11th NA Agroforestry Conference Registration Deadline
Last chance to register for the 11th North American Agroforestry Conference: Agroforestry Comes of Age: Putting Science into Practice
May 31 - June 3, 2009
Columbia, Missouri
It is urgent for those who plan to attend this biannual conference to register by April 1. Currently there are only approximately 66 people registered. The conference hosts need to have a total of at least 100 registered attendees by April 1 in order to move forward with the conference. Conference information and the registration form are available on the University of Missouri, Center for Agroforestry website.
May 31 - June 3, 2009
Columbia, Missouri
It is urgent for those who plan to attend this biannual conference to register by April 1. Currently there are only approximately 66 people registered. The conference hosts need to have a total of at least 100 registered attendees by April 1 in order to move forward with the conference. Conference information and the registration form are available on the University of Missouri, Center for Agroforestry website.
Labels:
Agroforestry,
Conference
Thursday, March 26, 2009
2009 BC Land Summit
The 2009 BC Land Summit is being held on May 20 - 22, 2009, in Whistler, BC. Six British Columbia organizations have combined to hold a joint Summit to focus on the theme of "A Better Future: Adapting to Change."
The six organizations include: the BC Association Appraisal Institute of Canada, the BC Institute of Agrologists, the BC Society of Landscape Architects, the Land Trust Alliance of BC, the Planning Institute of BC and the Real Estate Institute of BC. The Summit will build on the success of the 2004 Land Summit, and will provide opportunities to learn, share ideas, collaborate and network with others working in diverse land-related fields.
The program for the 2009 BC Land Summit will be a rich, diverse, and inter-disciplinary program related to land and land-use. It will feature presenters and content from a wide variety of fields, including but not limited to: planning & land use, landscape architecture, land conservation, agriculture, real estate & land valuation, urban design, and more.
The program will be made up of a variety of elements, including:
Plenary sessions and keynote speaker addresses including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Sherry Kafka Wagner, Thomas R. Berger, and Richard Hebda.
Concurrent break-out sessions with individual presenters and panelists
Roundtable discussions and discourse
Mobile workshop tours and field trips
Multi-media presentations
Intensive professional development workshops
Networking opportunities
Trade show displays and exhibits
Concurrent sessions will include a presentation on agroforestry for edge planning.
Early Bird registration deadline has been extended to March 31, 2009.
The six organizations include: the BC Association Appraisal Institute of Canada, the BC Institute of Agrologists, the BC Society of Landscape Architects, the Land Trust Alliance of BC, the Planning Institute of BC and the Real Estate Institute of BC. The Summit will build on the success of the 2004 Land Summit, and will provide opportunities to learn, share ideas, collaborate and network with others working in diverse land-related fields.
The program for the 2009 BC Land Summit will be a rich, diverse, and inter-disciplinary program related to land and land-use. It will feature presenters and content from a wide variety of fields, including but not limited to: planning & land use, landscape architecture, land conservation, agriculture, real estate & land valuation, urban design, and more.
The program will be made up of a variety of elements, including:
Plenary sessions and keynote speaker addresses including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Sherry Kafka Wagner, Thomas R. Berger, and Richard Hebda.
Concurrent break-out sessions with individual presenters and panelists
Roundtable discussions and discourse
Mobile workshop tours and field trips
Multi-media presentations
Intensive professional development workshops
Networking opportunities
Trade show displays and exhibits
Concurrent sessions will include a presentation on agroforestry for edge planning.
Early Bird registration deadline has been extended to March 31, 2009.
Labels:
Conference
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Bigleaf Maple Festival Another Resounding Success
The Sweetest Festival of the Season!
Duncan – The unique flavour of West coast maple syrup attracted visitors from all over Vancouver Island in February. “The festival was a huge success with over 2,000 visitors in attendance,” says Aimee Greenaway, Program and Collections Coordinator at the BC Forest Discovery Centre. “Visitors participated in tapping and syrup making demonstrations, tasted local maple syrup and enjoyed the festival atmosphere. New activities this year included a syrup finishing forum, hot maple tea samples, and a maple cooking demo with chef Bill Jones.”
The maple syrup contest drew entrants from Victoria to Port Alberni and was judged by celebrity chefs Don Genova, Mara Jernigan, and Bill Jones. Contest winners for 2009 are: 1st Place Light: Teesh Backlund; 2nd Place Light: Paul Minvielle; 3rd Place Light: Norm Bumstead and family; 1st Place Medium: Mountain Valley Farm; 2nd Place Medium: Cordell and Dolly Sandquist; 3rd Place Medium: Gary Backlund; 1st Place Dark: Norm Bumstead and family; 2nd Place Dark: Forest Reflections Luxury Bed & Breakfast; 3rd Place Dark: Steve Titus; Best in Show: Norm Bumstead and family; Judge’s Choice: Mountain Valley Farm.
The festival is hosted in partnership by the BC Forest Discovery Centre and the Sapsuckers, a group of local maple syrup producers. “The amount of energy the Sapsuckers and the BC Forest Discovery Centre put into making this year’s event a success was overwhelming,” says Gary Backlund, local maple syrup producer. “The Sapsuckers exhibited an impressive variety of maple products and displays, including value-added products like maple baking.”
Almost half of the visitors travelled from outside the Cowichan region to attend the festival. “This is truly a Vancouver Island event,” says Greenaway. “The Bigleaf Maple Syrup Festival creates an excellent opportunity to showcase the Cowichan region to island visitors. We look forward to welcoming new maple tappers and more workshops at next year’s festival.”
Duncan – The unique flavour of West coast maple syrup attracted visitors from all over Vancouver Island in February. “The festival was a huge success with over 2,000 visitors in attendance,” says Aimee Greenaway, Program and Collections Coordinator at the BC Forest Discovery Centre. “Visitors participated in tapping and syrup making demonstrations, tasted local maple syrup and enjoyed the festival atmosphere. New activities this year included a syrup finishing forum, hot maple tea samples, and a maple cooking demo with chef Bill Jones.”
The maple syrup contest drew entrants from Victoria to Port Alberni and was judged by celebrity chefs Don Genova, Mara Jernigan, and Bill Jones. Contest winners for 2009 are: 1st Place Light: Teesh Backlund; 2nd Place Light: Paul Minvielle; 3rd Place Light: Norm Bumstead and family; 1st Place Medium: Mountain Valley Farm; 2nd Place Medium: Cordell and Dolly Sandquist; 3rd Place Medium: Gary Backlund; 1st Place Dark: Norm Bumstead and family; 2nd Place Dark: Forest Reflections Luxury Bed & Breakfast; 3rd Place Dark: Steve Titus; Best in Show: Norm Bumstead and family; Judge’s Choice: Mountain Valley Farm.
The festival is hosted in partnership by the BC Forest Discovery Centre and the Sapsuckers, a group of local maple syrup producers. “The amount of energy the Sapsuckers and the BC Forest Discovery Centre put into making this year’s event a success was overwhelming,” says Gary Backlund, local maple syrup producer. “The Sapsuckers exhibited an impressive variety of maple products and displays, including value-added products like maple baking.”
Almost half of the visitors travelled from outside the Cowichan region to attend the festival. “This is truly a Vancouver Island event,” says Greenaway. “The Bigleaf Maple Syrup Festival creates an excellent opportunity to showcase the Cowichan region to island visitors. We look forward to welcoming new maple tappers and more workshops at next year’s festival.”
Labels:
Forest Farming,
Non-timber Forest Products
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