Yarden of Eatin'

Farm & Garden Education Challenges

April 4, 20102 Comments

What challenges are Farm & Garden Education programs facing in the Monadnock Region?

Prescribed curriculum
Not enough time to share the merits of outdoor and hands-on learning with decision makers
Lack of funding and time
Short growing season and long summer break
Not enough staffing to support program
Increased transportation costs
Lack of financial sustainability once grant funding ends
Difficult to find the right time to bring farmers, gardeners and educators together to share and learn new skills
Hard to pay farmers a fair price for their produce
Finding resources to support program (many organizations doing great work, but there is not once source of information for what groups are doing)

These challenges are certainly not unique to the Monadnock Region; but can a regional network help us focus to inspire collaborative thinking and identify solutions?

Water Wars: Bottled or Tap?

April 4, 2010Leave a comment

From Mother Earth News, February/March 2008

Our increasing consumption of bottled water – more than 22 gallons per U.S. citizen in 2004 according to the Earth Policy Institute – fuels an unsustainable industry that takes a heavy toll on the environment.
Also learn more at: Take Back the Tap.

Rain Barrels: A Home Owners Guide

April 4, 2010April 4, 2010Leave a comment

From Southwest Florida Water Management District

This extremely comprehensive how-to manual will have you harvesting your rain to water your plants in no time with cisterns and rain barrels.

Can Buying Local Mean Clean Water Too?

April 4, 2010April 4, 2010Leave a comment

From American Farmland Trust, March 2009

Buying locally from nearby farmers who care for the land can provide consumers with more than fresh food. Residents of the New York City metropolitan region who buy Pure Catskills branded products are also supporting the farmers who keep NYC’s drinking water clean. During the past decade, Catskill farmers have worked in cooperation with the Watershed Agricultural Council on a unique land protection and environmental stewardship program that keeps the watershed’s streams and reservoirs pristine-the same watershed that supplies drinking water to millions of New York City residents. Now, through a local food map and other resources, the new Pure Catskills initiative is helping consumers locate products from the farms that grow wholesome local food and clean water.