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In this issue:
Buy Local! Buy Fresh!
Farm Map Launch: June 21.2011
This June marks the launch of Cowichan Green Community’s second edition of the Buy Local! Buy Fresh! Cowichan Food Map. For consumers searching for fresher, healthier and more sustainable groceries, the map continues to represent the most comprehensive directory available for local food in the Valley to date.
From Cedar all the way down to Shawnigan Lake, the 2011 Buy Local! Buy Fresh! Cowichan Food Map lists 80 producers selling everything from Dungeness crab and sunchokes, to value-added products like ancient-method balsamic vinegar and pickled beets. The map also directs people to interesting agri-tourism events, and unique value-added food products not found anywhere else. Many of last year’s farms are listed again, but the directory also includes several new producers, some of whom are farming commercially for their first season. Copies will be available at CGC's Annual General Meeting on June 21st, 2011. Stay tuned to start shopping the fresh, local way!
Ethos Career Management Group offers CGC 5 new interns !
Many thanks to Diane and Tina at Ethos Career Management Group who have blessed us with 5 new amazing interns: Elaine Nurse, Roy Spencer, Kirk Norsworthy, Peter Gray and Peter Gray Jr. This group of hard working people have been helping us plan our AGM, collect items for our silent auction, as well as help plan our Wild Food Walks, clean-up ALL of our community gardens, and work at local farms in the Valley. We are so grateful for all the ways they have been contributing to improve CGC and our community at large! If you see these folks in the gardens or the office, give em a high five. They deserve it!
Backyard Chickens by Kelly Hays
Last night I went to a great and positive meeting about backyard chickens. It was incredible to see this many people that are willing to come out on a Tuesday night (during a Canucks game no less) with little notice to discuss the pros and cons of having chickens in city limits. The meeting was facilitated by James van Hemert (director of Development Services) and he did a great job balancing a mostly positive crew of citizens in a great dialogue about chickens, the negative impacts and how to deal with them.
The meeting was held in the top floor of city hall, the retro building was stuffy and full of energy. I arrived a little late as I had to commute from Victoria, but I was happy to be apart of the conversation. From the meeting, I feel that people generally want to have chickens in their community, they are just worried about the exceptions to the rules. The word food security came up many times (it's great when a town talks about food security). For a summary of the town meeting, please click here: Kelly Hay's Blog.
Do you want to be more involved with CGC? We're looking for new Board Members!
CGC is looking for new, dedicated and passionate people to join our board. We will be holding elections at our upcoming AGM on Tuesday June 21st at 5pm at the Duncan United Church. Please contact: judy [at] cowichangreencommunity [dot] org"> judy [at] cowichangreencommunity [dot] org for a board member application form, or more information! We look forward to hearing from you!
Farm To School Update: 
Farm to School is wrapping up the end of the school year with weekly gatherings at the Warmland Greenhouse and Gardens. Every Thursday morning, a small but dedicated group of students from Quamichan Middle School has been coming to the garden to help with weeding, watering, and planting. This Thursday, we planted zucchini plants and pulled up oodles of horsetail. We're also busy watching bean seeds sprout in the kitchen gardens, observing the native plant garden starting to flower beautifully, and checking on tomatoes in the greenhouse as they grow longer and sturdier. Said student Gwendolyn this morning, "this is so much fun!", as she jumped up with both hands in the air!
Ceres Edible Landscapes:
Raised Beds!
 Many people find that the soil in their yard is not adequate, and it is true. There seems to be many variables…weeds, infertility, lack of top soil on site. Don’t give up! Consider the option of building a raised bed – one that holds soil where you can grow healthy food for your family! Food security is just around the bed.
Don’t have time to build your own? Ceres Edible Landscaping can build a bed that fits your needs. Call Kristi or Kevin today to book a free estimate @ 1.250.748.8506
P.S. The Cowichan Green Community and Ceres Edible Landscaping are still looking for a few pieces of equipment to assist us in our day to day operations for our landscaping team. We know that this is a big request, and we are willing to work with anything that becomes available to us. We are wondering if there is anyone in Duncan or surrounding areas that is willing to donate an old work truck/or trailer, or any items that could raise funds for us to purchase one. Please contact Kristi or Kevin @ 1.250.748.8506
Cold Frames and Reclaimed Windows Available!
Although we thought they were all gone, CGC is pleased to announce that we currently have a well-constructed cold frame available for purchase. Many thanks to Yans for building them with an eye for detail. If you would rather build your own, we are still offering salvaged windows, perfect for cold frame or greenhouse construction. These wood framed windows were removed from the Vancouver City Hall as part of their building retrofit, and have been donated to CGC to be used for fund-raising and food growing purposes. Windows are being stored in Sahtlam. To come have a look, or pick up some windows, please contact: john [at] cowichangreencommunity [dot] org">john [at] cowichangreencommunity [dot] org Suggested donation: $5 for small quantities Bulk options also available.
Kinsmen Community Gardens
Wish List: Perennials & Herbs for Community Garden Beds
Our 2nd Kinsmen Clean-Up Party was an absolute success, and many, many thanks to everyone who showed up to lend us a hand. On this day we planted 2 beds in the Mandala garden full of tomatoes, and then rhubarb plants, chives, and strawberries. The graffiti was removed, the beds were numbered and cleaned, compost was turned, a lot of weeds were picked, and new soil was added to where it was needed. Also, Roger Foucher's Wild Edible Garden was established near the back fence line. Stop by and lend him a hand if you
He could use some help and he is there almost everyday. If you have some time and want to learn about wild edibles, lend him a hand and go home with a wealthy amount of useful knowledge.
Currently, we have a Wish List for perennials and herbs for the round community bed in the Mandala Garden. Our vision is create a beautiful center piece that is esthetically appealing with edible herbs interspersed for the community to enjoy. Please contact amanda [at] cowichangreencommunity [dot] org">amanda [at] cowichangreencommunity [dot] org or phone 250.748.8506. Also, feel free to drop off any of these items you would like to contribute @ 181 Station Street.
A little extra:
According to the Farmers Almanac, June 3rd, 4th, 12th & 13th are great days for planting 'above ground' plants. June 21st and 22nd are also optimum days for planting 'below-ground' plants.
Sustainable Living Centre:
Plant Macronutrient: Nitrogen
As you may know, we now carry Reindeers Natural Plant Foods, but in order to appreciate their products, we wanted to share information about the 3 basic macronutrients that plants need to thrive. This week we will focus on Nitrogen (N) which we have available in the liquid seaweed, earth worm castings, fish meal and kelp meal.
- Nitrogen is a part of all living cells and is a necessary part of all proteins and metabolic processes involved in the synthesis and transfer of energy.
- Nitrogen is a part of chlorophyll, which is the green pigment of the plant that is responsible for photosynthesis.
- Nitrogen helps plants with rapid growth in in the initial stageseed and fruit production, as well as the quality of leaf aland forage crops.
- Nitrogen often comes from fertilizers that are rich in Nitrogen and from the air (legumes get (N) from the atmosphere, but water or rainfall contributes very little). :
Community Events:
Ecostravaganza @ Ecole Mill Bay School (3175 Cobble Hill Road in Mill Bay: Sat. June 4th from 10am-4pm FREE event! Solar powered, used book sale, plants, green vendors, eco-minded childrens activities, prizes and entertainment. For more info visit
http://www.ecostravaganza.ca/
Cooking Class: Foods of China: Sun. June 5th- 1:00 to 3:00pm @ Foxglove Farm. One of our favourite chefs, liping Li will be paring four or five dished from her native homeland for our lunch. Your tax deductible donation of $35 benefits a non-profit society dedicated to ending isolation and loneliness among seniors. Call (250) 246-4967 or email info [at] foxglovecommunitygardens [dot] org to reserve your table seat.
Victoria Native Friendship Centre Youth Council,
Vancouver Island & Coastal Communities Indigenous Food Network and CR-FAIR present: Our Food, Our Land and its Medicines - June 8th, 2011 @ Victoria Native Friendship Centre
231 Regina Avenue, Victoria, BC From 2:30-4:30 – Elise Presentation and Circle of Sharing (Roundtable) 4:30-6:00– Potluck and Indigenous Plant LIP BALM making RSVP –fiona [dot] devereaux [at] viha [dot] ca"> fiona [dot] devereaux [at] viha [dot] ca or call: 250-886-2122
Culturally Welcoming Volunteer Programs for Non-Profit Organizations: June 9-10, 2011: Free! The Culturally Welcoming Volunteer Program (CWVP) is aimed to assist non-profit organizations to design and manage volunteer programs to successfully recruit and retain diverse volunteers, including new immigrants. Your local volunteer centre and immigrant-serving agencies will play a central role in working with you on this program. For details Contact: Georg Stratemeyer or Anne-Marie Koeppen of Volunteer Cowichan. Phone: 250-748-2133 or email: vc [at] volunteercowichan [dot] bc [dot] ca">vc [at] volunteercowichan [dot] bc [dot] ca
How Mushrooms can Save the World w/ Paul Stametz. July 11/12th. Free Lunch. $175. Call (250) 246-4967 or email info [at] foxglovecommunitygardens [dot] org to register.
Maple Groove Farm now has a steady supply of free-range, GMO-free eggs available from organically raised Rhode Island x chickens. We recently added 16 new birds to our flock, and are regularly collecting enough eggs to feed our family and yours. At just $4/dozen these are significantly less expensive than similar, non-GMO free eggs from the supermarket. Contact Maple Groove Farm @ 250-597-3050
Two Tubing Benders Available: we bought from Johnny’s—the low tunnel one and the caterpillar one that we can make available to other farmers in the valley. No moving parts on them, and they are pretty simple to use. They can be used to make a 6’ high growing tunnel and a 4’ wide by about 2’high row cover for keeping remay/shade cloth/berry netting over plants. They use chain link tubing and electrical conduit, respectively.For info contact20mike [at] hopefarm [dot] ca"> mike [at] hopefarm [dot] ca
Permaculture Certificates from the leading minds on sustainability (e.g. seed saving, organic farming, permaculture design, greywater systems, food forestry, regenerative financial systems, food production, natural building, mushroom and mycelium production, business models and ecovillage design) + the highest hands-on to theory ratio of any residential permaculture course on the Canadian west coast + three weeks with the glorious backdrop of Salt Spring Island off the coast of British Columbia? Visit: http://www.permaculturebc.com/permaculture-design-certificate-british-columbia-salt-spring-island for more info!
ISES 2011: The Evolving Energy Ecosystem will be hosted by the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada June 9-11, 2011. This year's program will feature Dr. Rajendra Pachauri, Chair of the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change and 2007 Nobel Peace Prize Winner as well as a host of CEOs, leading academic intellectuals and government leaders. The International Student Energy Summit is a global, multi-disciplinary forum for students to discuss their role in the transition to a sustainable energy future.Register at www.studentenergy.org/registration.
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 or phone: 250- 931-5336
The Cowichan Bio-Diesel Co-op and Cowichan Energy Alternatives Society hosting 2011 Collective Biofuels Conference: August 5th-7th. This is the first time the CBC will be held outside the USA as the conference moves from its last location in Washington DC to Duncan BC! Featuring key note speaker: Lyle Estill, a founder of Piedmont Biofuels and author of Biodiesel Power and Small is Possible - Life in a Local Economy. His third book, Industrial Evolution; Community Solutions for a Low Carbon Economy, is coming out in May. His talk is "Biodiesel's New Leaf" - success stories and carnage on the road to community scale fuel production.
Early Bird Registration has been extended to April 30th, so take advantage of these low prices and register now! Cowichan Bio-Diesel Co-operative, #2 - 55 Station St., Duncan, BC. V9L 1M2, Tel: 250-748-2694 (COWI), www.smellbetter.org
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.
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
Garden Spaces/ Greenhouses & Rental Suites:
Sunny Rental Suite Available in Mill Bay: 2 bedroom basement suite, private entrance, ocean view from kitchen, all appliances included, newly renovated bathroom, wood burning fireplace, cable TV, large storage shed, private yard beside suite with shared garden in back/front yard. 2min walk to ocean, 1 min walk to Creek. Beautiful Suite! $825/month. Please call 250-743-2231 for viewings. Leave a message if no answer.
Job Opportunities: (Note: please do not send resumes or requests for employment to CGC. This section is strictly for job opportunities avail. in the Valley)
The Cowichan Land Trust has a position opening for an Environmental Stewardship Project Assistant. Canada Summer Jobs Placement – 35 hours/week, $14/hr, Work term – June 6, 2011 – August 27, 2011 Please submit a cover letter and resume by email, fax, or in person by Wednesday June 1, 2011 to: Kai Rietzel, Project Coordinator, Cowichan Land Trust, #6 - 55 Station Street, Duncan, BC V9L 1M2 Fax: (250) 746-9608 Email: info [at] cowichanlandtrust [dot] ca">info [at] cowichanlandtrust [dot] ca Nutritional Health Consultant Position upcoming at the Community Farm Store. Must be trained, certified, experienced and available full time. To join the farm store team you must also bring us a dynamic personality, a passion for organic food and a commitment to holistic living. If this is you (or someone you know) please call Nicolette at 250-597-1414.
Food Teller Positions upcoming at the Community Farm Store. We are looking for a FT (30+ hrs/week) organic food enthusiast to join our farm store team. Cashier and health food store experience helpful. Passion for holistic living, organic food and community building are mandatory. Happy, healthy, energetic team players need only apply. Must be available for weekend shifts. Call Nicolette @ 250-597-1414.
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Events:
Annual General Meeting 2011
Tuesday, June 21
5:00pm-7:30pm
@
Duncan United Church
Guest Speaker:
Spring Gillard
Come out to our 2011 AGM and be entertained by our guest speaker, Spring Gillard, who will be discussing: Feeding Ourselves. How Do We Fare? 12 Things You Can Do to Strengthen the Food System in your Neighborhood.
Spring is the author of, "Diary of a Compost Hotline Operator",and she is also a communications consultant and food systems enthusiast. Through her company, Garden Heart Productions, she plans events, organizes green tours, gives workshops and courses, and helps promote a variety of groups working on sustainability and food security issues. She is an associate and instructor at Simon Fraser University and is an active member of the Westside Food Security Collaborative.
This is also the time of the year to renew your yearly memberships and to also vote for next year's board members.
Refreshments and light snacks will be served. Doors open at 4:30pm and this event will finish up around 7:30pm. The Duncan United Church is located at 246 Ingram Street.
We hope to see you there!
For more info click here.
Yearly Memberships:
Members are the driving force behind everything we do here at Cowichan Green Community. Your support will: create a stronger voice for change in our community; help fund locally-focused programs that make our home a more sustainable place to eat, live, work and play; provide opportunities for community members like yourself to get involved.
Memberships also include: 10% off everything in the Sustainable Living Centre; access to our great selection of books in our Lending Library; discounts on CGC workshops and events; and the opportunity to vote at our AGM.
Register at 181 Station Street or online by clicking here.
Green Volunteer Appreciation: 
Many thanks to Sandra Mcpherson, Alan Philip and Justin Beatz who all made generous donations towards CGC's programs and initiatives. Now we can fix the graffiti on the Kinsmen Garden sign, and continue improving our community. We are so grateful for this unexpected support and we can't thank you guys enough.
In no particular order, here is a list of the 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!
Della from Dinters Nursery, Kathy Macaro, Sherri and her staff at the CVBD, Friedrichs Honey, The Tea Farm, Coffee News,the Cowichan Valley Newsleader, Area Director: Loren Duncan of the CVRD, Beverley McKeen, Angie Dalton for the generous amount of dahlia bulbs, and the Cowichan Recylists!
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