AMERICAN OAKS: A GENUS TO LOVE

April 2, 7 pm
Tim Boland, Director of the Polly Hill Arboretum on Martha's Vineyard
At the Cambridge Public Library, 449 Broadway
Grow Native Massachusetts: Every Garden Matters---Every Landscape Counts
Our American Oaks are extraordinarily diverse, display complex ecological relationships, and play an important planetary role in ecosystem stability. For a calendar, go to: http://www.grownativemass.org/programs/eveningswithexperts

Reminder - TUES FEB 25th 7:00PM - 2014 Cousins Field Garden Kick-Off Meeting

It's hard to believe as we gaze out our windows, but the 2014 growing season is approaching. Kitty has been kind enough to reserve the Fowler Library Lower Level Community Room at 7pm on TUESDAY FEB 25th for our 2014 garden planning meeting. Light refreshments will be provided.

Please let us know as soon as possible if you do not plan on continuing at the garden for this coming season. We have a long waiting list and would want to invite new participants to the planning session. We've done our best to make sure we included everyone in this email who participated in 2013, but if you notice we have missed anyone, please let us know.

Given schedules, it may be that you are unable to attend this meeting time. If so, please let us know and we will make arrangements to get the information to you. Also if there are any agenda items that you'd like to include, please let us know.

Agenda will follow shortly.

Looking forward to Spring and a great growing season!

Donna DeAngelis and Ted Guertin
Cousins Field Community Garden Co-Coordinators

CLIMATE SOLUTIONS: MEETING THE CHALLENGE

“Eco-Mind: Changing the Way We Think to Create the World We Want" with Frances Moore Lappé

SAVE THE DATE - Friday, March 14, 2014, 7 - 9 PM
Trinitarian Congregational Church, 54 Walden St., Concord, MA

Frances Moore Lappé is the author or co-author of 18 books including the three-million copy “Diet for a Small Planet". Her most recent work, Eco-Mind, (released by Nation Books in September 2011) is the winner of a silver medal from the Independent Publisher Book Awards in the Environment/Ecology/Nature category.

ConcordCAN!, joining with five other local sponsors, is pleased to announce that the next major speaker in the “Climate Solutions” speaker series will be renowned author and speaker Frances Moore Lappé. Save the date now; and stand by for further details!!
Frances Moore Lappé brings her brilliant and original mind to deeply consider the question of how best to approach the climate crisis. In her Concord appearance on March 14, she will assure us “that solutions to global crises are right in front of our noses, and our real challenge is to free ourselves from self-defeating thought traps that keep us from bringing these solutions to life.” In keeping with her upbeat message, the event will open with the lively music of local singer-guitarist, Tom Yates. There will be a book signing and reception at the conclusion of her remarks.

Wildness in Our Midst: The Middlesex Fells

Bryan Hamlin, Botanist and Chairman, Friends of the Fells
Tuesday, February 18 at 7 PM
Cambridge Public Library, 449 Broadway
Grow Native Massachusetts: Every Garden Matters---Every Landscape Counts

The Middlesex Fells Reservation has an impressive diversity of 30 different habitat types that spring from its unique geology, topography, hydrology, soil, and climate. These habitats support a rich diversity of flora and fauna that is unusual for a metropolitan setting. Come learn about the exceptional biodiversity of this urban forest, first set aside as a reservation in 1894. We will then consider how these local plant communities can enlighten the design of our own gardens. Dr. Bryan Hamlin is the lead author of a nine-year study of the Fells’ flora published in 2012, and is the President of the New England Botanical Club. Check out this link for their calendar: http://www.grownativemass.org/programs/eveningswithexperts

Sustainable Concord Coffee “Wildlife in Concord” with Peter Alden

Tuesday, February 18, 7:30 - 9 AM Harvey Wheeler Community Center

Peter Alden, a Concord resident, is a nationally renowned birder, naturalist, author, and lecturer. He has led nature tours to more than 100 countries and is the author of many books on North American, Latin American, and African wildlife. Working with his friend and colleague, E.O. Wilson, Peter organized an event called Biodiversity Day, the first of which took place right here in Concord.
How has wildlife in Concord changed since the days of Henry David Thoreau? Is there evidence of a significant loss of biodiversity? If so, what has caused it? What municipal and private wildlife management decisions are being made today that will reduce or enhance the quality of life for us and other life forms that inhabit our town?
Peter Alden is a lively speaker, and we look forward to his presentation. As usual, there will be plenty of time for your questions and lively discussion. Coffee, tea and a variety of local goodies are provided. See you there

Concord Seed Lending Library presents, "What's the Fuss about Heirloom Seeds?" by Dr. Deborah Bier

What's the Fuss about Heirloom Seeds? during Seed Lending Library Reopening Day
Saturday, 2/1, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm @Fowler Library
Dr. Deborah Bier [register here]

To celebrate the reopening we are proud to present, “What’s the Fuss about Heirloom Seeds?” with keynote speaker, Dr. Deborah Bier from 2:00-4:00pm in the lower level conference room at Fowler. Reopening is at 9:00am and other exciting events will be happening this day as well. See here for more info.

Grow Your Food 101 - talk by Meighan Matthews and Linda Ugelow, Wed. 1/29, 7:30 - 9:30.

Hello Gardeners,

If you'd like to listen to a great talk on growing food, check out this event at the Fowler Library, Wed. at 7:30pm. Registration is at the concordlibrary.org site here. 

GARDENING FOR LIFE 

Gardening for Life and the Concord Seed Lending Library are pleased to present---

Grow Your Food 101 

Meighan Matthews, Growing for Good founder and Linda Ugelow, Dancing Tomato Farmer

Wednesday, January 29, 7:30 to 9:30 PM @ Fowler Library, West Concord.

Discover the joy of growing and eating from your own food garden! Meighan Matthews and Linda Ugelow will help bring your garden dreams to reality! last year their presentation was a crowd pleaser with information and handouts to inform and inspire …and it was filled to capacity. Back by popular demand in a two hour format, they will help you begin planning your food garden before the growing season has begun. Learn what to plant and when, soil health and management, composting, building the garden site, season extenders, seed saving and starting, and lots more. -- Details to follow at www.concordfood.ning.com. The program is free, though donations to cover costs are welcomed.

Hello Cousins Field Community Gardeners, 
Here is some info. I thought I'd pass along from our friends at Gardening for Life. 

See everyone at the Garden cleanup on the Oct. 19/20th weekend.Kitty

According to the Farmers Almanac, we can expect a first frost by October 14 (Columbus Day!). There is lots going on this month. Here is a sampling of programs to consider! If you know of similar events open to the public, please forward to me deb01742@comcast.net (Debbie Barr) to alert our gardening friends. Join the Farm and Garden planning team, come hear about carbon sequestration at a local organic farm, and learn why and how to identify the Asian Long-horned Beetle at a program offered by our friends at the Walden Woods project. 

Coming Up:

Food, Farm and Garden Fair Planning Meeting

Meeting TBD the week of October 21

Based on the success of the Farm and Garden Fair, you are invited to share your expertise and time in creating a new and improved Food, Farm and Garden Fair. Join our well organized and enthusiastic team at a time to be determined the Week of October 21. What programs will we offer? What is our timetable? Where can we find funding?  Complete the doodle scheduler and let us know what works best for you.  Go to: http://doodle.com/73utat5974eaz23v

Tour of Meadow Mist Farm

Sunday, October 20, 2-4 pm.

Meadow Mist is a small organic farm and a site for the Carbon Sequestration Project, otherwise known as carbon capture and storage. How does this affect you?? When you know how much carbon your landscape generates, then you can begin to create a 'carbon budget' and ways to reduce the overall emission of greenhouse gases. The carbon sequestration project aims to measure the amount of carbon the Farm sequesters annually. Limited space. Please RSVP by October 18 to deb01742@comcast.net

Talking about Invasives: MOST WANTED LIST--- Invasive Forest Beetles

October 17, 7 pm at the Thoreau Institute, Lincoln

Presented by the Walden Woods Project and SuAsCo Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area and featuring Jennifer Forman-Orth, PhD, State Plant Pest Survey Coordinator.

According to Columbia University, the Asian Longhorned Beetle  "has the potential to cause more damage than Dutch elm disease, chestnut blight, and gypsy moths combined, destroying millions of acres of America’s treasured hardwoods, including national forests and backyard trees. The beetle has the potential to damage such industries as lumber, maple syrup, nursery, commercial fruit, and tourism accumulating over $41 billion in losses. This is the highest priority to control, as ALB has the potential to alter North American Ecosystems."   Come learn what WE can do to identify this pest. See invitation below: 

The Walden Woods Project October 7, 2013

 

Come to Cousin's Garden on Saturday, Sept. 7th for a 30 min. tour starting at 2pm and running on the hour at 3 & 4pm. See how tiny seeds turn into large vegetables, as well as opportunities to pick a few veggies and take home some seeds for next year.

A map and brochure and light refreshments will be available, as will plenty of gardeners on this day at the front of the garden. Hope to see many of you there!

Composting Tour Rescheduled to 5/22 @4:30 at Keyes Rd.

The composting tour was rescheduled to Wed. May 22nd. Please see below for more details, thanks!

Kitty

Rod Robison, Department of Public Works Environmental Services Program Administrator for the Town of Concord, agreed to reschedule the Composting Station Tour to Wednesday, May 22, 4:30 PM. So.... we hope that those who signed up will come...and invite others to join us who may have been unable to at the original time. Come on your own, or bring a friend!

If you want to sign up now, please do so before May 20 by emailing: deb01742@comcast.net.

Thanks!

Seedling Sale At the Food Project in Lincoln Memorial Day Weekend

Fellow Gardeners!
We have word of a HUGE plant sale going on in Lincoln Memorial Day weekend. The sale supports the efforts of the non-profit and very cool group The Food Project. Join them at their farm in Lincoln, Mass., for a three-day seedling sale on Memorial Day weekend. They will be selling over 60 varieties of vegetable, flower, and herb seedlings, including 21 varieties of tomatoes!
See you there!
WHEN:
Saturday, May 25 - Monday, May 27 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. each day Rain or shine
WHERE:
The Food Project's Lincoln Farm Under the Big, White Tent Route 126 & Baker Bridge Road Lincoln, MA 01773
PRICING:
4- or 6-packs: $5 each Singles: $3 each or two for $5
- Dave Stacey

Composing Tour and Talk - May 8th, 4:30 - 6pm @Town Landfill Composting Station, Concord, MA

Hello Cousins Field Community Gardeners,

If you'd like to learn more about how to compost, come to this talk! This is good info to make our gardens healthier and happier. Please RSVP to deb01742@comcast.net so Debbie Barr knows how many to expect.

Thanks,

Kitty

SAVE YOUR PLACE ON THE COMPOSTING TOUR AND TALK

How to Compost (so your garden will thank you!) 

Rod Robison, Town of Concord Environmental Services 

Wed. May 8, 4:30-6 PM, @ the Town Landfill Composting Station and a nearby private home 

Learn about Town composting with Rod Robison, Program Administrator, Environmental Services, held at the DPW composting station; followed by a nearby private home composting tour and demo (directions provided at the Composting Station) and vermi-culture group order pick up with Ray Pourali, Green Planet.

Concord Public Works manages a drop-off program for yard waste recycling that is open to all Concord residents. Compost and wood chips made from collected yard waste are available for free to all Concord residents. RSVP for details: deb01742@comcast.net. We will meet at the Walden Street entrance (Rt 126), just across Rt 2, on the left before you reach Walden Pond. 

and if that's not enough...

Group order for Vermi-Composting Kits and Tea!

Some of you have asked if there are alternate ways to pick up vermi-culture products if you can't join us for the Composting Tour and Talk on May 8.  The answer is YES....we can work out other dates to pick up at my house. Please place your orders by Monday, May 6  so Ray of Green Planet will bring enough for everyone. (email deb01742@comcast.net). Kits are $10 (one per outdoor composter works just fine for my 2 person household); Compost tea comes in pint ($7) and gallon ($20). I spray on seedlings using greatly diluted tea to reduce susceptibility to pests and disease.  

Growing Your Own- Part 2: Herb Cultivation and Uses - Tues. April 9th, 7:30 at Harvey Wheeler

Hello Gardeners,

 Just a note to let you know about another garden-related event about herbs. Hope you might consider attending...

 Thanks,

Kitty

   

Growing Your Own- Part 2: Herb Cultivation and Uses

Cathy Hansgate, Ladybug Farm Produce

Tuesday, April 9, 7:30 PM at Harvey Wheeler Community Center, West Concord

What are the top 10 herbs you like to grow? Can you grow herbs in the shade? Which ones are good companion plants for vegetables? How can I grow herbs in containers?? Find answers to these and other questions, as we take a closer look at herb cultivation and uses with small farm owner Cathy Hansgate, Ladybug Farm.  Cathy specializes in cut herbs, vinegars and other herbal products. She now uses organic, nutrient-dense, sustainable practices to grow veggies, herbs and fruit, and is a member of NOFA-Mass., NOFA-NY, New England Hops Alliance, and the Mass. Farm Bureau. 

The program is free though donations are welcomed. Please help spread the word by sending this message to your friends...or members! You are our best ambassadors to gardeners of all skill levels. THANK YOU!  

RSVP to ensure your seat at the table. RSVP by April 7 to  deb01742@comcast.net For details, go to. www.concordfood.ning.com

Food System Assessment Report, Thur. June 14th @7:30 @Harvey Wheeler CC

Hello Cousins Field Community Gardeners,

Another invite from our friends at Garden for Life on an important topic: The Food System Assessment Report. Hope you can make it to hear about the results. See below for how to reply.

Thanks,

Kitty

Gardening for Life members and friends

NEXT UP

Thursday, June 14, 7:30 PM, Harvey Wheeler Community Center 

Concord Food System Assessment Report: Building Local Food Connections.

Promote a town wide gardening movement is one of six recommendations!

Community Gardeners and Garden/Life members will gather to review the Concord Food System Assessment Report with Debbie Barr, Debbie Bier and Enid Boasberg, all members of the Concord Community Food Project Steering and Advisory Committee.  Please RSVP by June 12 to deb01742@comcast.net so we can be plan accordingly for handouts etc. 

Packed cover to cover with informative and colorful charts, pictures, graphics and information about our unique and vibrant local food system, the report starts with our agricultural history then quickly moves to current assets and challenges of all facets of the food system in Concord: land use, food production, distribution, processing, storage, manufacturing and waste recovery. 

Will you be part of the conversation? Come on your own, or bring a friend.  Go to: www.concordfood.ning.com for details.

CSA Farm Tour this Sat. June 9th, 9-11am

Hi Cousins Field Community Gardeners,

Here's an invite to a CSA Farm Tour by our friends at Gardens for Life. RSVP below if you'd like to join them!

Thanks,
Kitty

Hello Garden/Life members and friends

Looks like Saturday will be a beautiful day for a CSA Farm Tour and Talk Sat June 9, 9-11 AM!  There is room for 4 more...so for those who leave things to the last minute...here is your chance! Both farms have gorgeous greens and unique stories of how they started PLUS why CSA's are good for them...and for us.

Come on your own, or bring a friend. Please RSVP to deb01742@comcast.net so we can plan accordingly.

See you there!

Debbie Barr

Request for gardeners to work with the next generation!

From our friends at Gardens for Life. Hope you'll consider this nice opportunity!

Kitty

 

Volunteers are needed to help second grade students plant 'the three sisters' garden: (corn, squash and beans) and much more at Battle Road Farms.  

Here are the dates: Alcott on May 18, Thoreau on June 1, and Willard on June 8.  Each of those three days will host 2 classes in the morning, 9:30-12, then 2 classes in the afternoon 12-2:30.

Here is a chance to work with the next generation of "food and garden enthusiasts" in a terrific program between the Concord Public Schools, The Farm School, the Farm-Based Education Association and the Minuteman National Historical Park!

Volunteers help with about 15 kids at a time, with their teacher, a parent chaperone and the farm educator. It is all very well organized, and a fun way to share the most basic information on gardening.  Sign up ASAP with Brooke Redmond, at brooke@farmbasededucation.org

The  farm visits are structured so all students move through a 'round-robin' experience through 3 stations.

After the welcome and introduction:
Station A  2 groups (~20 students)  1 hour of 'field management' with Farmer Dave from the Farm School
Station B  1 group (~10 students)  30 min. vegi farming with Laura of First Root Farm
Station C  1 group (~10 students) 30 min. Three Sisters garden with Park Ranger Judith

There are NO rain dates.  Punctuality and proper dress / footwear are paramount.

Volunteering with the Concord 2nd Grade program at Battle Road Farms is a great way to spend a spring day!

Visit FOOD FOR THOUGHT at: http://concordfood.ning.com/?xg_source=msg_mes_network

Happy Gardening!
Debbie Barr

Backyard Birds and Bees, May 10th @7:30 @HWCC

 Hello  Cousins Gardeners,

More fun programs being offered by our friends at Garden for Life. Hope you can make one of them. There are many tips below, as well. Be sure to scroll down!

Kitty


Backyard Birds and Bees with Tom and Edie Sisson on  Th May 10, 7:30 PM at Harvey Wheeler Community Center,

If you have ever thought of raising chickens  or keeping bees, then don't miss our May program! 

Tom and Edit Sisson started Thoreau Country Farm as a family project 40 years ago and evolved into a farm business, selling honey and wholesale eggs or hatching eggs for classroom use. Edie oversees about 100 layers and also teaches at Drumlin Farm. (She brought 'Clucky the Chicken' to meet children at the Getting to Green program in 2011!) They also have a small garden for their own consumption. Tom has kept hives for 70 years, and is acknowledged as the 'bee whisperer' of Concord! He manages about 6 bee hives now. Space is limited: Please RSVP by May  5; a wait list will be started. 

Find out more: "When it comes down to it, beekeeping is far less work and far less dangerous that most people would expect",  (http://www.wickedlocal.com/concord/news/x112678806/Hive-king-Sisson-sticks-with-beekeeping-hobby#ixzz1sOWWHWBw)

Member Tips

Thanks to our members for the following tips. (If you know of an event or workshop of interest, let me know and I will forward to members!)

Emily Wheeler forwarded this  link to a food program on PBS that sounds up our alley: http://www.foodforward.tv.  

and another about gardening apps: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/05/garden/new-gardening-apps.html?_r=1&src=me&ref=general 

Lori Pazaris forwarded this notice of a Habitat Gardening lecture coming up next week on Thursday, 4/26/12, Maynard Public Library, 77 Nason St, Maynard, MA, 7:00 pm, lecturer: Ellen Walther Sousa; sponsored by Maynard Community Gardeners; free and open to the public; light refreshments provided.

Learn how to landscape your property as a natural “habitat garden,” providing food, shelter and housing for many birds, pollinators, and other “friendly” forms of wildlife. Ms. Sousa’s gorgeous slides of real New England habitat gardens illustrate gardening techniques that promote and sustain biodiversity, greatly benefiting our surrounding environment.

Ellen Walther Sousa is a writer, teacher, and garden coach living in Worcester Hills on a small farm registered with the National Wildlife Federation as a Certified Wildlife Habitat. She has a certificate in Native Plant Horticulture & Design from New England Wild Flower Society, a BA in English from Clark University, and is certified as a Master Habitat Naturalist from Windstar Wildlife Institute. Her new book The Green Garden (2011, Bunker Hill Publishing) has received great reviews so far! She writes and speaks regularly about habitat gardening in New England. 

Mary Lynn Benson forwarded this interesting lecture "How Can we Feed a Growing World and Sustain the Planet" on Tuesday, May 1, at 4:30 p.m., at MIT sponsored by the Union of Concerned Scientists:

12th Annual Henry Kendall Memorial Lecture:

How Can We Feed A Growing World and Sustain the Planet

When: Tuesday, May 1, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Where: Wong Auditorium, Tang Center-Building E51, Room 115, MIT, 70 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139.
A reception will immediately follow the lecture. Please check the MIT website for event details.
This year's talk will be given by Professor Jonathan Foley, director of the Institute on the Environment (IonE) at the University of Minnesota. Foley will discuss how increasing population and wealth, along with changing patterns of diet and consumption, are placing unprecedented demands on the world's agriculture and natural resources. He will discuss possible solutions that could double the world's food production while greatly reducing the environmental impacts of agriculture.
The Henry Kendall Memorial Lecture Series honors the memory of Professor Henry Kendall (1926-1999), who was the J.A. Stratton professor of physics at MIT. Kendall received the Nobel Prize in 1990 for research that provided the first experimental evidence for quarks. A founding member of the Union of Concerned Scientists in 1969, he served as its chair for 25 years. 

Red Wiggler Kits and Open Discussion 4/12 from 7:30-9pm at HWCC

Hello Cousins Field Community Gardeners,


Please consider yourself a friend of the Garden for Life group below and see Debbie's invite below. Hope you can make it!


Kitty



GARDEN/LIFE friends and members:

LAST CALL for Red Wiggler kits and Open Discussion to share what we know about gardening basics on THURSDAY APRIL 12 from 7:30 -9 PM.  Enid Boasberg and Emily Wheeler will facilitate the meeting and Ray Pourali will be there to deliver red wiggler kits and talk about vermi-culture. For more info on related events and the Film Screening/Discussion of Greenhorns on Friday April 13, go to www.concordfood.ning.com.

Open Discussion: Share info about the Concord Food Assessment, Seed Library and other food initiatives. Bring your questions!...no matter how basic. Here are some member questions: I'm short on time: What are the easiest veggies to grow? How long does it take for seeds to germinate?  How close should rows be planted? What is square foot gardening? How do I build raised beds? Where do I get good compost? When should I prune?

Vermi-culture

Ray Pourali, Green Planet vermi-culture expert, will bring the kits (about 1/2 lb) and compost tea for pick up on April 12. Place your order: youwillrememberit@gmail.com directly or at the meeting. In order to judge how many kits you will need to create a working compost heap... let him know roughly how many lbs of material you expect to recycle (compost) and if you have an outdoor or indoor compost.

See you on Thursday, April 12 at 7:30 PM at Harvey Wheeler Community Center.

Happy gardening

Debbie Barr

HOW TO PLACE YOUR RED WIGGLER ORDER

What are red wigglers?? What can I compost? If compost smells...what am I doing wrong? By popular demand, join our group order for red wigglers from Ray Pourali, environmental engineer by day and Green Planet Vermi-culture guru all the time! (scroll down for ordering information). Red wigglers are great at making compost out of kitchen and garden scraps. I plan to get two kits (they last well into the fall outside but do not over winter). He also provides a handout on vermi-composting.

Ray will deliver the kits (about 1/2 lb) and compost tea for pick up on April 12. PLEASE EMAIL HIM DIRECTLY to place your order: youwillrememberit@gmail.com. In order to judge how many kits you will need to create a working compost heap... let him know roughly how many lbs of material you expect to recycle (compost) and if you have an outdoor or indoor compost.

Ray says: I have exactly what you need to start a new compost bin, or to boost an existing one.  The key is the micro-organisms that go along with the worms. I will increase the worm quantity based on the expected available "food" scraps for the worms.

By using a compost bin, you will have a great control over the population and general well being of the worms. Please let me know if you need any help with making your compost bin.  I have tried a few designs and can share the info with you.  The total cost for having a very good compost bin is $9, compost tea $5. Please let me know if you have any questions and I will be glad to provide all the information you may need. 

All packages include care instructions and I provide long term support to ensure you have a successful experience. Looking forward to hear back from you, 

Cheers,  Ray

Two Dates for Spring Garden Clean Up

Credit to FCIT for use of this image.

Hello Gardeners,

April has started out pretty much as we suspected, blustery and cool but there's some nice sun out during the day time hours. With this thought, its time to think about our Spring Cleanup! I had mentioned in our Feb. meeting that the clean up date would be: April 14th with the 15th as a rain date. It sounded good at the time, however, it's also the start of school vacation week and we're going away! So, in light of this, Tracy and I have decided to hold two cleanup dates:

Sat. April 7th (Kitty will be there from 2-4pm)

Sat. April 14th (Tracy will be there from 9-11am)

Rain date, April 15th

We hope you can make either one of these dates to clean up your garden plot and if you are in the berry co-ops, please ask the coordinators how you can help them (Margaret G. - Raspberries, Barbara P. - Blueberries).

Frank C. has not been able to do much clean up this year due to his knee operation, so if your plot is already quite clear of rocks and other debris (including black plastic and wood chips), please help others. This will help the Town employees when they come to do the rototilling (date TBD).

Please wear gloves and bring large plastic trash bags for debris.  If you cannot participate on these dates, please plan to visit your plot between now and then to clear it of any rocks and debris. Please dispose of all rocks in the back of the garden in the rock pile. Do not place in paths or in the perimeter as this will interfere with weed clearing and mowing later in the season. Anything not removed by April 14th will be disposed of that day.

If you are a new gardener, we'll be contacting you in a separate email about plot locations soon!

Thanks for every one's help and see you this weekend (or next)!

Kitty & Tracy

Cousins Field Community Garden Co-Coordinators 

Film "Food Fight" Feb. 17th, 7:30-9:30 @Alcott school

This message is from our friend Debbie Barr, who would like to invite you to this film and discussion. Hope you can make it!

Kitty

The Focus on Food film series is part of ConcordCAN's Food for Thought campaign to start a public conversation about food. 

Our next film, Food Fight, includes two terrific speakers: Scott Soares, Agriculture Commissioner and a food entrepreneur, JD Kemp. 

For anyone interested in food and gardening...this is a great opportunity to consider how our local growers fit into the regional picture...and what MA consumers should do regarding the Farm Bill 2012...coming up this year in Washington. May be  our last chance for 5 years to change the direction.

I know members of the Ag Committee will be coming, and I hope you will come too! We need GARDENER voices heard! Scroll down for the invitation..and feel free to add your own message to your membership.

The Film Series is cosponsored with the Walden Woods Project.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION! 

Focus on Food Friday Night Film and Discussion Series

Friday, February 17^th, 7:30-9:30 PM, Alcott School   Doors open at 7 PM.   

“Food Fight”

screening & discussion with 

Scott Soares, MA Commissioner of Agricultural Resources

J.D. Kemp, CEO of Organic Renaissance FOODEx

Our speakers will bring us up to date on initiatives in our Northeast regional food system 

as well as the impact of the 2012 Farm Bill on farm land conservation, small farms and consumers.

                    

How did it happen that our food today is lower in taste and nutrition, and higher in fat and salt, than it was in 1960? And that in just two generations, American consumers of food have traded under-supply and malnutrition for excess and obesity?  

Food Fight tells the story.

Winner of the prestigious Audience Award from the International Documentary Association,  the film features interviews with Michael Pollan, Alice Waters, Marion Nestle, and other chefs, farmers, and politicians who are dedicated to reversing recent trends. 

This film screening is co-hosted by ConcordCAN and the Walden Woods Project. Learn more at: concordfood.ning.com

If Concord Schools are closed due to bad weather, the program will be cancelled.      

MORE ABOUT OUR SPEAKERS: 

Scott Soares is an advocate of sustainable farming and has taken a leadership role in building strong partnerships at the local, state and regional level aimed at achieving this goal. He grew up on his family farm, and joined the Department of Agriculture in 1996. His primary focus is enhancing economic opportunities for the Commonwealth’s farming community that meets the needs of an increasingly discerning public that is keenly interested in sustainable agriculture.

J.D. Kemp launched Boston-based Organic Renaissance Food Exchange in 2009 to help 're-regionalize' the Northeast food system. Food Ex offers an online platform to local food buyers such as restaurants and grocery stores, plus warehousing and logistical support so they can purchase directly from local food producers.