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In this issue:
Seedy Saturday Follow Up:
 Last Saturday officially marked the start of the growing season as Duncan celebrated our 3rd Annual Seedy Saturday event at the Mercury Theatre. Throughout the day, over 700 people attended, which is more than double in comparison to last year’s event! This shows a growing interest in local seeds and local food in the Cowichan Valley, and we were thrilled that this event was filled with such an amazing amount of positive energy and people! One community member, Todd Gesshe said, "Events like Seedy Saturday generate hope and positivity. Right now I feel proud to be a part of this community."
The amazing variety of organic seeds and vendors at Seedy Saturday was truly phenomenal. In fact, we may need to consider a larger venue next year! From our valley’s grass-root seed savers to established organic seed companies, this year had an amazing turn-out with featured seed companies like Seeds of Diversity, Salt Spring Seeds and Seeds of Victoria with Carolyn Herriot. However, there were also truly amazing groups like Growing Opportunities, Nanaimo Recycling Exchange, Transition Town, Makaria Farm, Reinder Supplies, and Kristi Tomlin of Ceres Edible Landscaping, just to name a few more! If you didn't get a chance to try out Farms’ Gate Catering (mm, chick pea fries) or Depot Dogs (samosas too), then be sure to check them out at Duncan's Farmer's Market. Both of these vendors were cooking up a storm and anyone who tried the food was not disappointed. Also, our future farmers were thrilled to plant Sunflower Seeds, and we had quite a few little artists who were excited to have a paintbrush in hand! Speaking of painting, congraulations to Arial for winning Caulen Elders Live Art Painting. Caulen is a very talented and humble artist, but we encourage you to check out his art at www.caulenelder.ca Many thanks to all of our seed donors! Because of the extra amount of seeds we have left from this event, we are excited to share that we currently have a community seed exchange table! We encourage all you green thumbs to bring your own organic seeds, or cutting sprouts to be amazed with what you can trade. Stop by the Sustainable Living Centre @ 181 Station Street and check it out!
Edible Neighbourhood:
Fond Farewell!
Last Friday we bid a fond farewell to our six Skills Link participants. Jonothan, Tessa, Dan, Zack, Mark and Justin were with us for just over four months, and in that time they really came to feel like part of the CGC family.
The Edible Winter Wonderland project ended on a high note with the team pulling together to completely install our sixth edible garden in a single day! Some time-lapse video was taken of the event and will be available on our website soon. As always, there are many people to thank for making this project a success. A final report takes a stab at naming them all, but for this space we'd like to especially thank the Neighbourhood Working Group for all of their help in making this project a reality. And of course our funder, Service Canada, as well.
The project may be finished but the work is just beginning. Work was started on Duncan's first Community Food Forest as part of this project, and that work will continue over the course of the summer. Of course there is an opportunity for ongoing support in maintaining the gardens and even growing in some of them.
We're planning another Alexander School Garden (work) Party for the middle of May so watch this space for your chance to get involved. And of course, if you'd like to volunteer to help with any of the gardens, we'd love to hear from you!
Ceres Edible Landscapes:
Truck & Trailer Request
The Cowichan Green Community and Ceres Edible Landscaping are now seeking a few pieces of equipment to assist us in our day to day operations for our landscaping team. We are wondering if there is anyone in Duncan and surrounding areas that is willing to donate a work truck/or trailer to us. The ideal vehicle would be one with a well kept maintenance history record, capable of hauling and loading landscape materials and equipment and preferably diesel. The trailer would require fully functional lights and turn signals as well capable of hauling larger loads of mulch and soil. Please contact Kristi or Kevin at 250.748.8506 with any questions or inquiries.
Kinsmen Community Gardens:
A big thank you to all of the gardeners who came out to our Kinsmen clean-up party! Although the rain makes gardening a little muddy, Spring is here and fresh growth is right around the corner! There is just something about preparing the ground for new seeds that reminds the sleepy gardener to get excited for all the growth that is soon to come! Oh summer, we await your sunny return! Currently, we have garden plots available in the Kinsmen's round mandala garden. Also, for the first time in a long time, there are two square garden boxes available as well! Please contact Amanda at 250-748-8506 or via email Amanda [at] cowichangreencommunity [dot] org">Amanda [at] cowichangreencommunity [dot] org
CGC is Hiring!
Farm to Community Project:
We're thrilled to announce our next community project, "Farm to Community" which will be starting mid May with support from the Service Canada's Skills Link Program. We will be hiring 6 youth who are interesting in learning to prep, cook, serve, and preserve local food with our 'roving' catering project. If you are under 30, unemployed, not on employment insurance and are having problems finding work, send your resume to info [at] cowichangreencommunity [dot] org (info@cowichangreencommunity.org) and we'll talk! Best of luck to all of our future applicants!
Sustainable Living Centre:
Local Bees, Honey & Candles
The Sustainable Living Centre is happy to announce that we have recently added Cottlestone Apiary local beeswax candles and honey to our varied selection of locally made products. Alongside our selection of mason bee houses and mason bee cocoons, we are proud to support local bee keepers, for they are the people whose work echoes in the greater picture of food security on Vancouver Island.
We would also like to announce that we have new store hours starting this week. We will be open Monday through Friday from 10am-5pm.
Please contact Amanda [at] cowichangreencommunity [dot] org or call 748-8506 if you are interested in having your products in our store, or to arrange a meeting. We encourage you all to scope out our store at 181 Station Street.
Community Events:
Cleared land available for growing food! Nothing wanted in return, would just like to see the space being used to grow local food. Must have own tools and equipment. Contact CGC at 250-748-8506 or info [at] cowichangreencommunity [dot] org if you are interested!
Community Supported Agriculture: Love Cowichan-grown food and want to support sustainable local agriculture? Sign up today to receive 19 weeks of fresh-picked organic vegetables from Makaria Farm this summer. Our yummy broccoli, carrots, sugar snap peas and strawberries go quickly: ensure your supply by joining our CSA. Visit www.makariafarm.com for more info, or give us a call at 250-597-3276
Alderlea Community Supported Agriculture:
Program starts up their 24 week program in May 2011. We offer a wonderful selection of high quality certified biodynamic/organic veggies all grown on our farms. We offer three different CSA share sizes. Please visit our website at http://www.alderleafarm.com for pricing and more info.
Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society Work Party: Many Hands Make the Job Smaller Sat. April 9th: 9am-4pm @ the Open Air Classroom.
* Plant close to native 500 native trees and shrubs to provide trail screening and food for wildlife
* Install 8 memorial benches in the 3 new wheelchair pullouts and new platform
* Install 10 new interpretive signs and 25 Hul'Qumi'num language species name signs
* Level the new trail and install the rock border for a nice finishing touch
* Removal of some scotch broom
We will have drinks and snacks on hand to keep up your stamina. Bring yourself and if you have them: a wheelbarrow, shovel, and a good pair of gloves if you are going to do the planting and rock work. Please RSVP with me with if you can attend. Pass this on and invite your friends, neighbours and anyone else who loves nature and wants to help out. Contact Paul @ 250-732-0462 to RSVP www.somenosmarsh.com
The Land Conservancy of British Columbia and the Cowichan Land Trust are pleased to announce an option to purchase Sansum Point on the Stoney Hill Peninsula is confirmed and a fundraising campaign is underway. This land acquisition will protect the stunning waterfront seascapes, rich ecological diversity, and future recreational opportunities at Sansum Point as a community treasure, forever.
The Cowichan Land Trust has helped acquire properties such as the Garry Oak Preserve and Chase Woods along with protecting many other properties with conservation covenants in the Cowichan Valley. If you are interested in making a donation towards the acquisition of Sansum Point, please contact the Cowichan Land Trust at (250) 746-0227 or go online to www.cowichanlandtrust.ca. Alternatively, you can visit The Land Conservancy of BC's website at: www.conservancy.bc.ca
Eating for Detoxification Everyday! With Cindy Dreger
Eat to Keep Clean and protected inside Everyday – Feel Better, Sleep Better, Love Better. Sun. April.10th from 6:30pm-9:30pm @ Duncan Garage. $25/advance-register at the Community Farm Store. You’ll go away with a renewed conviction to look after yourself in the most loving way, plus we’ll eat some good food and provide you with recipes and an information sheet. Call Nicolette at 597-1414 to reserve your spot.
The Cowichan International Aboriginal Festival of Film and Art: April 13 - 17, 2011. For a detailed schedule of events, visit www.aff.cowichan.net. For more info on the festival events contact 746.7930 or email aff [at] cowichan [dot] net
Awareness Gardening & Farming Night Gala: The Greenhorns- A Documentary Film about Young Farmers Wed. April 13th Doors @ 6:45pm- Edward Milne Community School (6218 Sooke Road): Panel discussion to follow film. Bring seeds and plants to swap, as well as your favorite nettle recipes. Donations greatly appreciated! Proceeds to Sooke Food Chi Fruit Chee Project. Check out: www.thegreenhorns.net for more info.
April 17th will see the kick off of the Junction Artists' Market. Local artists display beautiful one of a kind items that are yours to be bought or won in a carnival like atmosphere, every Sunday at Whippletree Junction (7km south of Duncan). Admission is Free! There are demonstrations, hands on activities, stories, and performance events.
April 17th- Featured Artist will be Master Carver Herb Rice. And one lucky visitor will win the hand carved lapel pin made by Herb Rice as a door prize!
April 24th- Featured Artist will be jeweller Michele Heath. And one lucky visitor will win the elegant sterling silver earrings made by Michele Heath as a door prize!
So put the family into the car and come over to Whippletree Junction and get in on the fun!
Duncan Business Improvement Area Society Annual General Meeting: Wed, Apr.20th-5:30pm @ Phoenix Station Motor Inn (360 Duncan St.) The DBIAS is accepting nominations for the Board of Directors to guide the future direction of downtown intitiatives. Board members need to attend 2 board meetings/month & to sit on one Duncan BIA committee. For more info call Agnes @ 715-1700.
The Farmlands Trust Society- Proud to Feature: “Food Security: It’s in Your Hands” Satu. April 30th from 2pm-4pm @ Stephen’s Community Hall (7921 St. Stephens Rd. in central Saanich, B.C. Free event. The FTS remains committed to promoting public awareness and interest in the importance of local sustainable agriculture and food security. In addition to Nick Versteeg’s documentary, special guest presenters include Belinda Claxton (Tsawout First Nation) and Lana Popham (Member of the Legislative Assembly for Saanich South). Contact: staff [at] farmlandstrust [dot] ca
Makaria Farm's Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program:
FoxGlove Farm Presents 2011 Workshops, Retreats & Events:
Learn how mushrooms can save the world, make your own homestead cheese, build a wood-fire oven, photograph the great outdoors, learn how to graft and prune trees or discover the art of fermentation + many other workshops. Check out: http://www.foxglovefarmbc.ca for more info! Contact: programs [at] foxglovefarmsbc [dot] ca">programs [at] foxglovefarmsbc [dot] ca or phone: 250- 931-5336
Alderlea Farm Cafe is Open All Season: Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday 11:00-3:00. The soups and pizza are organic and made from fresh ingredients from the farm. Conference Room and Catered Group meals are also available. 3390 Glenora Road, Duncan. Call 250-715-0799 or email johnkaty [at] shaw [dot] ca.">johnkaty [at] shaw [dot] ca.
Organic Gardening & Growing Food Courses offered by Gaia College in Victoria:
A wonderful selection of organic gardening courses awaits you this spring and summer. And if you act really fast - we still have some vacancies in the Growing Food course(Burnaby is full). All course details are listed at http://www.gaiacollege.ca/our-unique-programs.html
Vancouver Island: 8 Internships Available: Homesteading, Natural Building, Permaculture Farming:
For either 3 or 6 months, you can complete an internship in natural building and homesteading with long-time earth-builder, Kata Polano. Learn how to make a cob oven, build an earthen structure using several different techniques, and even help build an earthen turkey pen! Other homesteading activities: helping with livestock, growing an organic garden, working with food forests and orchards at Mossy Banks permaculture farm, just outside of Duncan. Register Soon-Only 8 interns this season! Here is a link for more info: http://www.earthenbuilt.com/learning-opportunities/2011-internship
Saturday Farmer - Organic Agriculture Internship
Learn about organic food production with Saanich Organics at Northbrook Farm. Join us for four Saturdays from 10am to 4pm. The mornings will be dedicated to a workshop on a different topic each week. In the afternoon, Saturday Farmers will put their learning into practice and develop hands-on skills while working in the field. No previous experience is necessary and there is no cost, just a passion for gardening and hard work.
Spring Session: May 28, June 4, 11, 18
Summer Session: August 6, 13, 20, 27
Check out www.saturdayfarmer.com for more details or email Jill: dalton [dot] jill [at] gmail [dot] com
Permaculture B.C. Design Certificate in Nanaimo, B.C. over the course of 6 Weekends!! @ Pacific Garden Cohousing Community @ #312-347 7th Street in Nanaimo, B.C.
Permaculture BC’s lead instructors, Brandon Bauer & Javen Bernakevitch will bring 20 years of combined experience & education, along with expert instructors to provide students with the most bio-regional knowledge and practical permaculture experience available.
March 26th & 27th, April 9, 10, 23 & 24th, May 7, 8, 21, 22, 28, 29 (Sat: 9am-9pm & Sun: 9am-5pm) $1099 + HST before March 1st, 2011 or $1199 + HST after March 1st (Includes Permaculture: A Designers Manual by Bill Mollison (Valued @ $100) Check it out: www.permaculturebc.com
You are invited to participate in the 2nd Annual Community Resources Awareness Day. Thurs. May 5th from 10am-4pm @ Si'em Lelum Gymnasium (5547 River Road) Invitees are from community service groups including Employment & Training, Disabilities, Mental Health and Addictions, Government, First Nations, Seniors, Multicultural, Environmental, Recreation, Food Banks, and more.
Fee: $20.00 per table (unlimited participants); Registration Deadline: March 31st. For more info emailanne [at] cvilrc [dot] bc [dot] ca"> anne [at] cvilrc [dot] bc [dot] ca or phone: 250-746-3930, ext 222.
‘Culinary Treasure Hunt’ Saturday, May 14, 2011:
A fun, tasty and educational event featuring 25+ farms, wineries, restaurants and food producers in the region. The event begins at the Mill Bay Centre at 10am and culminates with a Picnic/BBQ at the Cobble Hill Fairgrounds at 4:30. Draws for Great Prizes! $25 registration - limited to 100 ‘Hunters’. Includes basket, treasure map and entry in the draw. Funds raised will go toward a new Visitor Centre in South Cowichan. For more information & registration go to www.southcowichanchamber.org events page or call 250-743-3566 or email southcowichanchamber [at] shaw [dot] ca.
Dwight International School wants to build veggie gardens for their school cafeteria and needs to raise more funds to get the project going! They are part of an annual environmental action contest for BC schools which requires votes from the public. To help them reach their goal, please vote by visiting bcgreengames.ca. The school is searchable under the name Dwight.
Vancouver Island Heritage Food Service Cooperative (VIHFSC)- Island Ideal Meat Sales:
The VIHFSC has been formed to gather local farmers, ranchers and food service operators tp reinvigorate the agricultural food industry on Vancouver Island and surrounding gulf islands. All livestock are primarily grass fed by farmers on the island, and all livestock is humanely butcherd at the Co-Op’s Federally inspected Class A slaughter facility on Gomerich Road, South Wellington, B.C.
Best Buy Family Package: 100 lb Boxed Ground or stewing beef- $350.00
Mixed Pack: 40 lb Box- $250.00 (20 lb: Extra Lean Ground Beef and/or Stewing (1-1.5 lb packages), 10lbs: Roast Beef (3-4 lb roasts), 10 lbs: Prime Steaks (2 steaks/ lb)
Lean Hamburger/ Stewing Meat: 50 lb Box- $200.00
Beef Sausages: 25 lb Box- $200.00 (If you would like a custom order ie. breakfast sausage, pepperoni, smokies or farmers sausage-Please indicate flavor preference & how many lbs of each).
Vancouver Island Lamb: Approx. 50 lbs. - $6 / lb
TO ORDER CONTACT: Grant [at] islandtastesensation [dot] com">Grant [at] islandtastesensation [dot] com or by phoning: 250/668-8718. We accept orders online and by phone- 25% deposit on confirmation. All prices based on wax paper wrapping. All orders for pick-up at the Abattoir- 2322 Gomerich Road, Nanaimo. Delivery can be arranged with a delivery charge.
Accommodation wanted: Hardworking, clean living Community Farm Store employee looking for a country home. Will assist with farming/food production in exchange for reasonable rent. A small cabin, house or cottage in a peaceful tranquil setting would be perfect. Call 250-748-6227 and ask for Annette or leave a message at 250-597-1414.
For Rent: Small, cottage-like, 1 bdrm, 1bath home with office and utility room. Wood heat with electric baseboard back up. Washer/dryer. Convenient location, close to town. Big enough for 1 person or a couple who strives for a sustainable life style and has an interest in sharing the organic garden with owner who lives on property. $850 plus utilities. Contact Martha at 250-748-4006
Manifesting Creative Family Space:
My daughter and I are moving to the Duncan area in April. She will be attending kindergarten at the Sunrise Waldorf School. We are currently manifesting our new home to be a creative space where we could live on, or near a biodynamic/organic garden/farm, with a like minded family. We would love to offer our support, earth skills, service, time, and money to this new path. Are you are also on this path? drlansdell [at] hotmail [dot] com Thanks for your time, hopefully we will meet soon. Sincerely, Danny Lansdell06
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Events:
Earth Day Celebration Saturday, April 23
10am - 3pm
Charles Hoey Park
Come out and join us in a celebration for our Earth's natural environment. Earth Day is a time to inspire awareness for how we can reduce our ecological footprint. This year, Cowichan Green Community is hosting its third annual Earth Day Party, Saturday, April 23 from 10-3 at Charles Hoey Park in the heart of downtown Duncan. The day will celebrate all things eco-friendly and green. Join us in the park for:
- How to build your own potato tower planter
- “Can”-struction contest sponsored by the CVBD – create the best functional object out of pop cans
- Earth Day Party Easter Egg Hunt throughout downtown Duncan
- A green mall including non-profit environmental groups, artisans of sustainable crafts, and eco-minded businesses with a goal of creating a cleaner, more sustainable planet.
- Live music stage featuring Spirit Drummers, storytelling, Beverley Mckeen and Martyn Jones, and Bopoma
If you are interested in becoming a vendor with this event, please fill out a form here.
We encourage everyone, young and old to attend. This is a fun event that is rooted in pro-active efforts and hope for the future of our planet.
Black Tie Charity Drive
Sunday, May 1st
10am - 4pm
@
Cowichan Valley Bottle Depot
On Sunday, May 1st, the Cowichan Green Community encourages you to bring your refundables to the CVBD, located on 6476 Norcross Road. We are honored to be the Black Tie charity of the month, and we truly appreciate everyone's donations and time.
We would like to send our thanks in advance to Sherry and her staff at the CVBD. You are all appreciated far more than we can show, and we look forward to seeing you!
However, if you can't make it on Sunday, May 1st, we are also accepting refundables at our Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 23rd. We hope to see you there!
Green Volunteer Appreciation: 
Thank you to the Vancouver Island Health Authority for deciding to continue funding food security initiatives. We're happy to say that CGC continues to be one of the Island's Food Security hubs. Stay tuned for more announcements on what work we will be doing in partnership with VIHA and the other hubs.
In no particular order, here is a list of the other amazing people we would like to acknowledge with a special thanks for their support. Please note that if we missed your name, you are still amazing!
All our volunteers for Seedy Saturday! The CVBD, Tom Devereaux, Kevin Williams, Denise Slade, Hank Obester, Caulen Elder, Heather Ferris, Henriette Ferris, Roger Foucher, Gail Taylor, El Centro Cafe, Aaron Bichard, Katie Harris and Patrick Devlin.
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