Fortuna Garden Project Flourishes In spite of the lack of sun, the Fortuna Garden Project continues to blossom and grow. The garden produces food to distribute to two food pantries in Fortuna and provides space for community groups to tend crops. New developments have been the addition of a 7.5 x 3.5 foot seed starter box for lettuce as well as the planting of two 50 foot rows, one of spinach and one of carrots – all have sprouted and are flourishing. The garlic crop planted last fall has been harvested and is being processed for distribution to the Pantry Shelf and Food Bank. The potato crop is just about ready to harvest as well and will be distributed once cured. Thanks to the donation of a washing station by Andy Rulofson (a project used to obtain his Boy Scout Eagle award), all produce will be able to be rinsed prior to distribution, ensuring clean ready-to-eat produce. One other development of note has been the garden obtaining “Registered Organic” status with the State of California. Recently, access to an adjacent greenhouse has been granted for raising starts. If there are any gardeners interested in having special varieties started for them, we can accommodate that desire – you provide the seeds and we will do the starts. To get more info, please contact Steve Palecki at Spalecki@fortunaACS.com.
September is Local Food Month The Humboldt Chapter Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) is excited to announce that September 2012 is Local Food Month.
Local Food Month is a county-wide celebration of local food, local farmers, and local abundance, intended to raise awareness of agriculture and healthy food systems in Humboldt County. Throughout September, a series of events provide opportunities to enjoy and learn about local foods and the people who produce them.
A full calendar of events will soon be posted to www.caff.org/humboldt. Many of the events are free. Each event brings people together to share food and fun in support of Humboldt County agriculture.
A sample of events includes: August 25: Community Garden Movie Night in Eureka. August 26: Northcoast Co-op Localize It! Event in Eureka. September 1: Farmers Market Tasting in Arcata. September 2: Farm Tour at Mycality Mushrooms in Arcata. September 9: Redwood Roots Farm Open House, 1:00 to 4:00 pm in Arcata. September 11: Greenway Partners will be hosting a food-themed TED Talk from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Arcata. September 17: Master Food Preserver Class: freezing and canning beans. Northcoast Co-Op Community Kitchen, 6:00 pm in Arcata. September 22: Taste of Willow Creek. September 22: Food for People Fresh Food Drive at Farmer’s Market in Arcata. September 29: Tour at Deep Seeded + Tule Fog, variety trials, potluck and music in Arcata. September 30: Northcoast Co-op Eat Local Challenge Celebration Potluck in Arcata. October 6: Fortuna Apple Harvest October 7: Fortuna Farmers Harvest Market on main street. October 13: North Coast Youth Culinary Allstars Salsa Competition at Farmer’s Market in Arcata
New wash station at Fortuna Garden Project.
Upcoming Events - Saturday August 25:
Documentary Screening about Henderson Community Garden in Eureka. 5:30pm to 8:30pm at Unity Church (1619 California, Eureka). Learn more about Eureka's longest standing community garden. For more information please contact Helen at (707) 499-0175.
- Sunday August 26: North Coast Co-op’s Localize It Festival. 11:00am to 3:00pm at the Eureka Co-op, 4th and B Streets in Eureka. For more information please call (707) 443-6027.
- Wednesday September 5: Monthly Meeting of North Coast Community Garden Collaborative. 3:30 to 5pm at Rio Dell Family Resource Center, 95 Center St. Anyone is welcome to attend. For more information please contact Debbie at DebbieP@nrsrcaa.org or (707) 269-2071.
- Free Produce Markets: varying dates and locations. Hosted by Food For People, the Market is in Eureka on the third Thursday of the month from 12 - 2pm; in Fortuna on the third Wednesday of the month from 11:30am - 1:30pm; in Garberville on the second Tuesday of the month from 10:30am - 12pm; and in Redway on the second Tuesday of the month from 12:30pm - 1:30pm. For locations or more information please contact Food For People at (707) 445-3166.
Congratulations! The following community gardens were awarded funding through North Coast Community Garden Collaborative's Small Grants Program, made possible through a grant from the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services Calfresh Program: - Latino Health Promotion Project Garden
- Wiyot Tribe Table Bluff Reservation Community Garden
- Garden of Eatin’ Community Garden
- River Community Homes, Inc. Member Plot Garden
- Villa de Valle Community Garden
- Pierson Park Community Garden Congratulations, and thanks to all the gardens that applied.
Community Garden Collaborative Gardening Gazette is a free publication of the North Coast Community Garden Collaborative, a support network of and for community gardens and partners working to increase access to fresh, healthy, and culturally appropriate foods for all North Coast residents. There are many ways you can support community gardens, like donating time, expertise, money, or gardening supplies such as tools or amendments. For more information about the Collaborative please visit northcoastgardens.org or contact Debbie at (707) 269-2071.
New planter boxes thrive at Willow Creek Community Garden.
