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In this issue:
 Register today for the Buy Local! Buy Fresh! Farm Map: The word is out: local food is delicious and nutritious, and consumers are looking to find the best our Valley has to offer! The 2012 Buy Local! Buy Fresh! local food map is currently in production phase, and we are ready to showcase your farm's information! The true outcome of this map has enabled local farms and other food producers to create a stronger connection with their customers and each other by promoting a vibrant local food culture. The end result is greater food security for all, and a more resilient community. Now, what could be better than that? Download our registration form by clicking here and submit your information to Cowichan Green Community to ensure your listing will be included in the 10,000 copies set to be printed and distributed throughout our region, reaching both residents and tourists alike. We look forward to hearing from you! Happy Farming!
30 Day GMO Free Challenge:Wrap Up!
CGC's Seed Literacy Team would like to thank everyone for their participation in the 30 Day Live GMO Free Challenge. With over 100 participants registered, this Challenge not only brought further awareness to the subject of GMOs in the Cowichan Valley, but generated significant dialogue around the importance of GM labeling in Canada. Congratulations to all of those who completed the Challenge and for their contributions to the Live GMO Free Blog. CGC would like to extend our appreciation to the supporters of this Challenge including the Community Farm Store, Shaw TV and Sandra Goth. Your enthusiasm and passion for promoting a healthy and sustainable Cowichan Valley is an asset to CGC and our community.
Ceres Edible Landscaping:
Dream Up Your Design! 
Colours, textures, tastes, and vistas… What does your ideal garden look like? Based on the principles of permaculture, our designs help you make your landscaping dreams into reality while also respecting and caring for the environment. Whether you want to improve the appearance of your yard, contribute to food security by growing your own food, or install a compost system that reduces waste to the landfill; our designs are unique, professional and beautiful. Have our on-site designer/horticulturist meet with you today for a free estimate. Please contact Kristi at 250-748-8506 to dream up your own!
Kinsmen Community Gardens: New year, new people, new ideas! 
“Ideas can be life-changing. Sometimes all you need to open the door is just one more good idea.” -J. Rohn Recently we started talking about making the Kinsmen Gardens a more interactive space for people in our community to learn about growing food. Based on last year's Earth Day workshop for potato towers, we came up with the idea to have a "community potato plot" where we could teach others the many different ways to grow potatoes. In order to make this idea come to fruition, we are asking our readers for one or two large barrels to be used for the "community potato plot". Growing potatoes vertically is a great way to optimize space with a phenomenal yield of food to share. If you have a barrel to donate, we would be happy to hear from you. For those of you interested in learning how to grow potatoes, please keep your eyes posted for workshops at the Kinsmen Gardens come Spring. If you are interested in having a plot at the Kinsmen Gardens this summer, please contact amanda [at] cowichangreencommunity [dot] org">amanda [at] cowichangreencommunity [dot] org
Special Notice:Missing Friend!
One of CGC's dear friends, Jason Greenwood, has recently lost his companion, INCA! She is a Husky, Malamute, Shepherd cross dog that looks like a wolf. She is an incredibly friendly dog with icy blue eyes, but she is not wearing any tags or a collar. Inca went missing from Riverbottom Road on January 4th, 2012. Please call 1-250-737-1800 if you have seen her, or know of her whereabouts. Please help us bring Inca back home to her loving family! 
Community Events:
Marimba Zim-Night!! Sat. February 18th- 6:30pm @ Cobble Hill Hall (3550 Watson Road). $10 admission or $25 for a family. Malaika Marimba is proud to present our first Ensemble Dance ! We are excited to be performing with Masimba Marimba as well as our special guest Kurai Nyamukapa. It will be a great night! All members of both bands have tickets as well as you may get them at Cobble Hill School or by calling 250 743 9949.This is an all ages, alcohol free event. Hope to see you there!
Masimba Marimba @ Vimy Hall – Seeds and Song March 3, 2012 (3968 Gibbins Rd Info: 715.1961)
•Swap or sell your best seeds and plants
•Garden/farm gear Swap and Sell
•Film Feature: Food Security, it’s in your hands
Bring on the Spring with music and song!
Masimba Marimba: 6:30 to 9:30 pm
SEEDY SATURDAY: 10 am to 1 pm
Seminars/Displays:
10 am - Wendy Montana: Start your seeds right
11 am – Christine Pollard: Bumper crop tips
Noon – Lyon Malt: Pruning for more fruit
Eugene Fleck: Mason Bees
Kids Activities,Coffee/Tea *Baking Donations Welcome! Admission and Concession by Donation * Dessert and Snack Donations also appreciated. Hope to see you there!
Soil Bioengineering & Restoration Workshop - Feb 25 & 26, 2012: The Cowichan Land Trust is pleased to present this 2 day course. Content will focus on soil bioengineering techniques and options involved in restoration and reclamation of damaged ecosystems using a combination of structural materials, vegetative cuttings and other specialized methods. Soil bioengineering is an applied science that uses live plant materials to perform an engineering function such as slope stabilization, soil erosion control, or seepage control. Lunch and refreshments will be provided on day one, but participants should bring a packed lunch on day two. The registration fee is $120 for Cowichan Land Trust members and $150 for non-members. The optional course manual is $30. For further questions or to register for the course, please contact Jen Morgen via phone: (250) 746-0227 or email: info [at] cowichanlandtrust [dot] ca
VIU’s Continuing Education Cowichan is offering the a few garden related courses, starting soon:
• Beekeeping In The Warm Land
Monday & Wednesday evening, Feb 27- March 21, 7.30-9.30pm
• Raising Local Sheep On A Small Acreage
Thursday March 15, 6.30-9.30pm
• Year Round Harvest
Saturday March 17, 9am – 4pm
Please contact the Continuing Studies at 250-746-3519, or toll free at 1-888-747-3519, for more details or to register. Please register at least 7 days prior to the start of any course.
Cooking Classes: Foxglove Community Gardens and Culinary School is excited to announce that Cowichan Valley's own Zac Zorisky, is the new Executive Chef of the culinary school. Born and raised in the valley, Chef Zac knows where the best organic farms are to be found as his motto is "Fresh and Local".
Sunday, February 26th 1:00 - 3:30 "Company's Coming". Appetizers: Brie wrapped in filo dough/ apple and ginger chutney. Main: Seared Pork tenderloin/ demi glace, rice and grape fruit salsa.
Dessert: "Year of the Dragon Crème Brule" tea crème Brule featuring artisan tea from Tea Farm.
Sunday, March 11th 12 - 2:30 "La Dolce Vita".
Appetizers: Caprese salad ~Bocconcie, fresh basil, truffle oil over slices of tomato.
Main:Fettucine al riggero~ Fettucine/ proscuitto, gorgonzola in a light cream sauce.
Dessert: Vanilla pana cotta with raspberry jam.
Sunday, March 25th 1:30 - 3:30
To be announced, but hopefully something French.
Cost per class is $35. per person and includes tasting lunch. Call (250) 246-4967 or email info [at] foxglovecommunitygardens [dot] org.">info [at] foxglovecommunitygardens [dot] org. to reserve your spot. Coffee and tea will be served or bring your favourite beverage.
For the Love of Farmers' Markets: March 2nd - 4th in Courtenay, BC @ the Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre. Featuring: Integrity at the Market
Stacy Miller, ED of the Farmers Market Coalition
SESSIONS INCLUDE:
• Protecting Farmers Market Integrity through a Common Definition
• Measuring Social & Economic Impact: A Toolkit for Farmers' Markets
• Income Enhancement Strategies at Farmers' Markets
REGISTER TODAY! $110 for BCAFM Members / $140 for Non-Members
Also Offering: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS- $70 members / $75 non-members including:
• MarketSafe – Friday, March 2nd
• Harmonizing the Employer Employee Relationship- Essential HR tips for Board Members, Farmers and Market Managers - Sunday, March 4th
• Market Manager Training - Sunday, March 4th
Please visit: Forstbauer Family Natural Food Farm website www.forstbauer.com for more information.
FREE Mason Bee talk on March 10th @ 10:30am at Bee Haven Farm located at 4820 Wilson Road, Duncan, B.C. There will be a power-point presentation with demonstrations. Cocoons will also be available for sale. This will be an indoor presentation, but we are limited for room (12-15 people). Participants must register by telephone. If there is a large demand, we would be happy to repeat the presentation on another day. Please call Steve or Gail @ 250-746-9916.
On April 22nd, 2012, join Curtis Stone of Green City Acres in Victoria for a one day workshop that will teach you how Curtis:
- never grew a tomato before
- built marketing and distribution connections
- farms with a bicycle
- does all of this on urban land and made $60,000 in his second season.
If you're a long time grower or just beginning at least one of Curtis's SPIN methods and his own tips and tricks will give you a skill to increase the health of your soil and your growing profits. Click here to find out more.
Michelle Rose Community Supported Fishery: Would you like to eat sustainably harvest local seafood and support the local food network! Join the second season of the Michelle Rose CSF, get the highest quality seafood at prices that are fair to both fishermen and members.
• Member shares are made up of Prawns, King shrimp, Sockeye, Coho and Pink salmon
• As a member you purchase a share in the up coming season’s catch.
• You support fishermen using low impact sustainable fishing methods.
• For more information go to michellerosecsf.com or
email mrfishing [at] telus [dot] net">mrfishing [at] telus [dot] net
Makaria Farm has launched a Food Security Club for Vancouver Island residents who are interested in receiving bulk amounts of easy-to-store organic produce (e.g. garlic, carrots, squash). Cowichan residents can also sign up for the 5th year of Makaria Farm's Vegetable Share (CSA) Program, and receive weekly bags of fresh-picked vegetables from June through October. Visit www.makariafarm.com for details.
Garden Spaces/ Greenhouses & Rental Suites:
Living space for active, mature person available on small, hand-tilled, permaculture farm in Yellow Point – Cedar area. The 5 acre farm on no-thru road has pastures, seasonal pond, woods and ~10,000 sq. ft. of garden space. This is a scent-free, chemical free environment - - conservation of water and energy, practice of yoga and meditation, and the 100 Meter Diet are a part of daily life. Living space is ~228 sq. feet and includes a kitchen with convection oven, hotplate all in lower level of farmhouse. Bathroom is close by, shared with owner living on upper level. If renter wishes to grow food, accommodations can be made. Use of workspace suitable for large and tall projects is negotiable. Non-smoking individual only! Rent is $450 per month, includes utilities and laundry use, furnished or unfurnished. References are required. There are sometimes disabled youth in the home; a criminal check is required. Email onthewing [at] islandnet [dot] com">onthewing [at] islandnet [dot] com
Employment Opportunities:
Please apply directly to the contact, not CGC. Thanks!
Market Gardener @ Hope Farm: working under the direction of the General Manager,this position would co-ordinate the day-to-day operations of the market garden facet of Hope Farm. Position begins April 1, 2012, for a 6-month period. Based on a 40-hour week, the starting hourly wage is $15/hour.
To apply, please send cover letter and resume to Michael Burdge, Manager of Hope Farm Healing Centre 3504 Drinkwater Rd, Duncan BC V9L 5Z2 Fax 250.748.4495 or email to: mike [at] hopefarm [dot] ca">mike [at] hopefarm [dot] ca The research advisory team for the digital harvest project is looking to hire a Community Coordinator. The successful candidate will be responsible for the coordination of the project, which will include: • Assisting with the recruitment of participants • Coordinating training workshops • Mobilizing and mentoring the Youth Facilitators • Organizing the DH workshops and retreats • Creating agendas for workshops and meetings... This is a part time position (20 hours a week/ $25.00 hr). The project is funded to December 30th 2013. Please contact Sarah Fletcher for more information. You can submit resumes and cover letters until February 20th, 2012, to: Sarah Fletcher Community Research Coordinator, CBRI Vancouver Island University sarah [dot] fletcher [at] viu [dot] ca">sarah [dot] fletcher [at] viu [dot] ca 250-818-0471
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Events: Seeds for Change: GMO's & The Right to Choose!
Saturday, February 18th
10am- 4pm @ the Hub
(2375 Koksilah Road)
 Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are on the menu of topics at Cowichan Green Community’s (CGC’s) upcoming 3rd annual Seeds for Change Conference. There is a lot of misinformation out there regarding what is, what isn't GMO, as well as the lack of transparency regarding GMO labelling. This conference seeks to address and highlight examples of how citizens and communities within Canada are working together to choose alternatives and advocate for change. Examples will be showcased through a series of speakers and a panel discussion, featuring Jon Steinman of Deconstructing Dinner, Jean Crowder, MP Nanaimo-Cowichan, Thierry Vrain, co-owner of Innisfree Farm in Courtenay, John Wilcox of Duck Creek Farm and more. Taking place on February 18th, 2012 from 10am to 4pm, this event will be hosted at the Hub in the Cowichan Station (2375 Koksilah Road, Cowichan Station, BC V9L 6M5). CGC will provide coffee, tea and light snacks. Doors will open at 9:30am. Farms Gate Catering will be on site serving up their fabulous lunch for $11.50, or we ask that conference attendees BYOL! We look forward to seeing you there! Entrance to this conference will be by donation. We are taking early registration as space is limited. For more details or to register for this event, please contact the Cowichan Green Community at 250-748-8506 or email info [at] cowichangreencommunity [dot] org">info [at] cowichangreencommunity [dot] org A Year in Preview: CGC's dates to mark in your 2012 calendar!
February 18th, 2012:
Seeds for Change Conference: GMOs
February 22nd, 2012: Donor Breakfast @ Duncan Christian Reformed Church
March 24th, 2012:
Seedy Saturday from
10am -3pm @ the Mercury Theatre on Brae Road
April 17th, 2012:
Volunteer Appreciation Tea in support of National Volunteer Week!
April 21st, 2012:
Earth Day Celebration @ Charles Hoey Park
April, 2012:
Fruit Save Orientation & Sign up!
June 8th & 9th, 2012:
Food Security Conference & 2012 Buy Local! Buy Fresh! Map Launch
June 21st, 2012:
Annual General Meeting w/ Guest speaker @ Duncan United Church. Time to renew your yearly memberships & vote for CGC’s 2013 Board of Directors!
June, 2012:
Farm to School Lunch & Farm Tour
July 1st, 2012:
Canada Day Celebration @ Charles Hoey Park
July 21st, 2012: Intercultural Celebration Day w/ City of Duncan
July- August, 2012
3rd Annual Series of Wild Food Walks
August 18th, 2012: Edible Garden Tours
August, 2012 (TBD):
Annual Harvest Festival w/ Providence Farm
August – September 2012: Preserve the Harvest Canning Workshops
Please Note: We will still be offering many other workshops and projects that will not listed until proposed funding is confirmed .
Tell our Government that you want!
Mandatory Labelling on Genetically Modified Foods
We all have the right to choose what we eat. Assert your right; tell our government you want foods containing genetically modified ingredients to be labelled. This petition is in support of Bill C-257.
Add your signature by coming in to our store front at 181 Station St. or print off a copy that you and your friends, family, neighbours and co-workers can sign.
Support CGC through the Peninsula CO-OP!
Would you like to support CGC, but aren’t sure how? An easy way to donate to CGC could be the next time you go to fill up with gas. If you stop at your local Co-op gas station, just tell them you want to donate your gas purchase points to Cowichan Green Community's account (#49620)! It will quickly add up for us, we can put the points to great use, and the Peninsula Co-op is a Vancouver Island based co-operative! Awesome!
Thank You's:
We would like to thank The Community Farm Store and the Cowichan Valley Meat Market for the generous donation of food towards our donor breakfast. This kind of local support is truly appreciated by everyone here at CGC!
We would also like to thank Diane for making us incredibly beautiful napkins for our Donor Breakfast. They are so well made, and we are excited to showcase them. Thank you so much!
Also, many, many thanks to Victor and Margrit from the Tea Farm for always treating the staff and friends of CGC with your organic teas. By far the best tea any of us have ever tasted! Thank you!
And last but not least, many thanks to Chris Lavigne for his help and guidance for our upcoming Seed Database. We will let you all know when it is up and running!
Please note, if we didn't mention your name, you are still amazing!
And of course, new volunteers are always welcome! Contact us at 250-748-8506 or info [at] cowichangreencommunity [dot] org if you would like to
volunteer with us.
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