|
In this issue:
 This year's Earth Day was a huge success - not only was the sun shining, but the crowds were dancing to the wonderful music, and the vendors showed up in full force with great fun and green entertainment. And of course, our future green thinkers were busy planting seeds, painting their ideas and building eco-houses at the kids tents. It was a truly positive experience and there were many smiles spread throughout the crowd! This day would not have been a huge success without the help and contributions of the following people: Myers Norris Penny for the stage tent, Island Savings for the use of vendor tents, Red Balloon for their stage mat and kids games, Mike Gagnon and the Folk guild for the wonderful sound, Longevity John for his beautiful flags, DBIA for the Easter Earth Egg Hunt and prizes, Tom Deveraux for his potato towers, Cowichan Cycles for prizes, the City of Duncan, and our wonderful musicians: the Spirit Drummers, Glaucia, Beverley McKeen and Martyn Jones, and Bopoma. Thank you all so much! May this event remind us to celebrate Earth Day every day!
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!
Volunteer Tea Wrap-Up! 
On Tuesday, May 3rd, we celebrated our wonderful group of volunteers for all the ways they help us when we need them most. Many thanks to Victor and Margit from the Tea Farm for the generous donation of tea for our volunteers to drink and take home! It was delicious and everyone was so grateful. We also nibbled on tasty treats with local ingredients courtesy of Providence Farm, Fredriech’s Honey, and Foote’s Hazelnut Farm. Many thanks to Organic Fair Chocolate and the Tea Farm for donating items for the Appreciation Care Packages. Every volunteer went home with a tantalizing bar of OrganicFair chocolate and a wonderful tin of tea from the Tea Farm. If you haven't already tried their products, be sure to visit them or check out their websites! All of the people who contributed to this event are wonderful people who really care about the future of our planet and our community! Thank you all!
Ceres Edible Landscapes:
Home Show Winner: Diane Kolenosky!
 Last weekend was a great turnout at the 2011 Cowichan Valley Spring Home Expo. Thanks to Dinter Nursery for lending us plants for the weekend, and all those that came out and stopped by to talk with us. Our winner of the free permaculture consultation was Dianne Kolenosky. Congratulations Dianne!
Over the weekend, many people had great interest in our Effective Micro-Organisms (EM), which is a soil amender and organic fertilizer for both indoor and outdoor plants. If you are interested in ordering EM or the preconstructed Cold frames, we are still taking orders. Please call us to reserve yours now! Also, we are offering 15% off for our pruning services if you book before June 21st, 2011! Yahoo!
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 [at] cowichangreencommunity [dot] org">Kristi or kevin [at] cowichangreencommunity [dot] org">Kevin at 250.748.8506 with any questions, inquiries or leads.
Windows Available for Cold Frames
Cowichan Green Community is pleased to be able to offer 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 available.
Kinsmen Community Gardens:
Meeting of the Minds!
Communication is the key to run anything successfully and thus, we are calling a monthly, "Meeting of the Minds" for the Kinsmen Gardens on the 2nd Monday of every month. These meetings will start at 5:30pm and wrap up by 6:30pm. The first meeting will be Monday, June 13th, 2011. Here is a list of dates for the Kinsmen Gardener's to mark in the calendars:
Sat. May 28th: Kinsmen Spring Clean-Up Party: 10am-3pm
June 13th - 5:30pm-6:30pm
July 13th - 5:30pm-6:30pm
August 8th - 5:30pm-6:30pm
September 12th- 5:30pm-6:30pm
October 17th (Due to Holidays) - 5:30pm-6:30pm Wrap Up Party!
These meetings will be an opportunity for us all to get together and discuss and arrange anything that needs to be addressed in regards to the Kinsmen Gardens. Tea and treats will be served. Please R.S.V.P. if you are able to attend by calling Amanda at 250.748.8506. Thank you in advance! Also, garden plots are still available in the Kinsmen's round mandala garden, and there is one garden box that need a loving green thumb as well. Please contact Amanda at via email Amanda [at] cowichangreencommunity [dot] org">: Amanda [at] cowichangreencommunity [dot] org
Sustainable Living Centre:
Save the Bogs! Use Coco Peat!
 Did you know that peat moss, most commonly mixed with soil, is actually a very unsustainable product? Peat is extracted from bogs that are in the initial stages of forming coal deposits. When layers and layers of these bogs are removed, methane and carbon dioxide gases are released into the atmosphere. This is arguably a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and our history with this product has already had irreversible effects on the rare and specialized organisms found in these delicate habitats. It literally takes centuries for a peat bog to regenerate. A much more environmentally sound and economical alternative to peat moss is coco peat, which is one of the best natural water retaining products available. Coco Peat is a soil free potting mix that is sustainably produced from left over coconut husks. From starting seeds to potting plants, Coco Peat is an economical and efficient product because it is resistant to bacterial and fungal growth, and it can be reused up to three times. Coco Peat has the ability to store up to 300x its weight in water, and it releases nutrients into the soil for extended periods of time. It is recommended to use Coco Peat as you would peat moss, but this product can also be mixed with any kind of soil or compost to reduce watering and inhibit oversaturation of plant roots. Currently, CGC has 10 litre bags of compressed Coco Peat at $7 each; however, we can do bulk orders for larger 100 litre bags. For more info about peat bogs, check out: http://www.wetlands.org/ Also, the International Peat Society published, “Peatlands and Climate Change", which summarizes the currently available knowledge on the topic. Community Events:
Makaria Farm's 3rd Annual Organic Tomato Plant Sale
Sunday, May 22, 2011 from 10am-1pm (or whenever the plants are gone) at Makaria Farm, 4715 Bench Road, Duncan, BC
Featuring 29 varieties of tomatoes, including: heirlooms, container / bush and vine varieties, cherries, beefsteaks, Romas
A wide selection of vegetable seedlings will also be available.
Visit www.makariafarm.com for more info!
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.
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
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
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
Workshops hosted by The Victoria Community Kitchens Network in partnership with Fresh Choice Kitchens:
#1: Safe Canning Basics: Tues. May 17- 9:30am-3:30pm @
Fairfield Gonzales Community Association. Meet at the Portable at 1330 Fairfield Road, Victoria BC Cost: $45 (includes a Bernardin cookbook) (cheques payable to: Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society)
#2. "What does it take to facilitate a Community Kitchen? …It’s more than just cooking!" Wed. May 18, 2011 9:00am – 2:30pm (potluck lunch) @ Portable at Fairfield Gonzales Community Association (1330 Fairfield Road, Victoria)
Cost: $25 per person (cheques payable: Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society) For more info/ registration: Contact Diane Andiel: diane [dot] andiel [at] saanich [dot] ca">diane [dot] andiel [at] saanich [dot] ca or call 250-475-5412
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.
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.
Garden Spaces/ Greenhouses & Rental Suites:
Garden Space Available near Cobble Hill : Looking for experienced gardener who would like a very large garden space in exchange for vegetables/produce.Large greenhouse on site.Fully fenced space. Negotiable Terms. For more info contact Bradford at amusebistro [at] shaw [dot] ca
Garden/ Suite Space Available: Owner willing to share a large garden and farm space (available for growing food/ husbandry), with a possibility of continuing this arrangement in the future. Greenhouse and raised beds already established. Opportunity for clearing more land for grains, etc. Available Suite: 2 bedroom overlooks garden. Available July 1st or August 1st.Please contact cari [dot] burdett [at] shaw [dot] ca for more info.
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!
Summer rental July 17th - Sept 10th. Large 5 bedroom heritage home for rent. 5 min walk to Cowichan river for swimming and hiking. Close to garden, nature, animals. Has music room with piano. Ideal home for family moving to Valley, but need time to find the perfect place to grow roots. Contact cari [dot] burdett [at] shaw [dot] ca
For rent: Room for single person and suite for single, couple or parent(s) and a small child available May 1st. These rooms are on a small, community-run, mixed farm in North Cowichan. Would prefer people interested in being involved with the farming operation, and some knowledge of veggie gardening, orchards and/or working with animals. Reasonable rent. If interested, please contact Lynn at 250 597 3513.e.
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.
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 Lansdel
Room for rent: Shared accommodations in small house - share
with mature professional female. Gardening space, workshop, close to town, river walk, peaceful surroundings. Must be considerate and tidy. $425 inclusive. Contact: gaelagerty [at] gmail [dot] com
Gardening plot available in private backyard. Close to town. Contact Cowichan Green Community for more info.
|
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.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Many Hands Make for Light Work!
May 14th 9-3pm
May 28th 10-3pm
#1: Alexander Elementary School Community Garden: Work Party Round #2!!
Come join us on Saturday, May 14th anytime between 9 am and 3 pm to get your gardening on!
We will be sheet mulching, planting, and constructing a gazebo. Feel free to bring you own wheel barrows, shovels, and rakes. If you’re coming earlier in the day, it would really help us out if you could bring newspaper and cardboard. Join us in creating an edible neighbourhood!
This work party is located at: 2471 Beverly St. in Duncan
(beside the Alexander Elementary School Gym).
#2: Kinsmen Community Garden Spring Clean Up:
Come out and join us on Saturday, May 28th from 10 am to 3 pm to see what established community gardens are all about.
We need people to help get the Kinsmen Garden ready for Spring! The Kinsmen gardens are located on Alderlea Street. Tasks will include general maintenance, and reconstructing the mandala garden. There will be tools available there, but feel free to bring your own if you have them.
P.S. Remember to bring water, gardening gloves, and a lunch! For more info please call: 250-748-8506
Black Tie
Charity Drive
Wrap-Up:
On Sunday, May 1st, the Cowichan Valley Bottle Depot granted us an opportunity to be the Black Tie Charity of the Month. Many, many thanks to Sherri and her amazing team of recyclers. You are all such amazing people and we truly appreciate all of your support!
Green Volunteer Appreciation: 
Many thanks to our Earth Day Sponsors. This event could not generate so much positive attention and support if we didn't have this list of businesses and community based groups to thank:
Cowichan Intercultural Society, Cowichan Tribes, Cowichan Valley Regional District, DBIA, The Duncan Garage Showroom, City of Duncan, O.U.R. EcoVillage, The Island Savings Centre, 89.7 SunFM, Duncan Mall, Meyers Norris Penny, U Fix-it Bikeworks, Cowichan Cyles, The Cowichan Folk Guild, The Leader Pictorial, and The Red Balloon Toyshop!
We truly appreciate all of the support and we look forward to seeing you at our Earth Day Celebration!
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!
Patrick Dunn, Alan Cundall, Glaucia, Monica Twizzle, Helen Folkman, Alan Philip, Sarah Matheson, Bev Suderman, Evan Watler, Fernando Polanco, and the Cowichan Recylists!
.
|
Find us on Facebook 
Follow us on twitter 
This site is built on Drupal