FARM EVENTS
(See Calendar, below)
Our farm events are
created to connect children and grown-ups to the farm land through hands-on
activities, and to bring the community together around art and music, a pot-luck
and a bonfire. Each event has its own flow and dynamic based on Nature and
its seasonal qualities, the farm and its rhythms, and the CSA community itself.
During the celebrations, children and
grown-ups can run freely (we have a great hay bale stack and a swing set)
or be engaged in a number of guided activities such as: picking and eating
strawberries, planting seedlings, picking flowers, pressing apples for juice,
carving pumpkins (in the fall), petting the baby goats and visiting the chickens.
CSA members volunteer to supervise and organize some of these activities,
and often come up with new ideas. In
2001 we built a wood-fired bread oven, and ever since, baking of bread
and pizzas is 'a must' at all farm gatherings. One year we made hand-cranked
ice cream with freshly picked strawberries, and boy was it ever was a winner!
As part of our events, we like to give thanks to the Earth that nourishes
us. We encourage the children to go into the fields and then come back and display
what they have discovered and harvested. The grown-ups have a chance to share
food, recipes and camaraderie during our pot-luck. Being appreciative for the
land and its generosity is one way to give thanks.
Music always finds its place on the farm. When the bonfire is lit, drums,
flutes and guitars emerge and make magical music to accompany the fire's own
voice. Once a year, generally during the fall equinox celebration, a group of
local musicians transforms our fire circle into a dance floor (When was the
last time that you danced bare foot on the earth?).
The Banana Slug String Band, a local music group famous (especially among
families with children) for their ecologically inspired lyrics, also come
on a regular basis to share with us their uplifting beats. On occasion one
musician transforms himself into a redwood ("Look
Mom, its Plant Man!") to the delight of the crowd!
2009 Season Calendar
NEW!! FARM WORKSHOPS/LECTURES
this is an idea that is still forming...
Possible subjects to include Permaculture, Fermented Foods, Farming with
the Wild... stay tuned!
NEW!! COMMUNITY FARM
DAYS
Once a month, from May through October, 9am - 4pm, on these Saturdays:
<> May 30th
<> June 20th - conciding with our Solstice Celebration
<> August 1st
<> August 29th
<> September 26th
<> October 24th - coinciding with our Harvest Celebration
Participants are welcome to arrive Friday evening and camp out overnight
to Saturday on all Community Farm Days except on the Fridays before our
Solstice or Harvest Celebration. Please
leave your dogs at home, thanks! The intent of Community Farm
Days is to increase the opportunity for members and their families to experience
and enjoy a slice of "life
on the farm" at different times of the year – kind of like our old
Mini Camp, but for members of all ages! Each month will have a different activity
focus, and will be announced in advance in our newsletter.
RSVP of number of people attending and whether you'll be
arriving Friday night or Saturday is requested. Call 831.763.2448 x1 to leave
a message or email thomas@baymoon.com
NEW!! LIVE EARTH FARM DISCOVERY PROGRAM for
WEE ONES
3rd Tuesday of every month, 10:30am - Noon
Free for children 0-3 years; $5 to $10 per adult
Mothers, fathers, grandparents, caretakers of any kind... bring the babe
in your arms to experience the diversity of our beautiful organic farm here
in Watsonville. We will use our five senses to get to know the natural world
around us. The farm is home to over 50 different fruits and vegetables, chicks,
chickens, goats, piglets, and the many wild members of the Pajaro watershed.
For more information, contact Jessica at the Live Earth Farm Discovery Program
(831) 728-2032 or email her at lefeducation@baymoon.com.
APRICOT U-PICK DAYS
two Sundays: July 5th and July 12th
Bring your own bags. Check newsletter for details as dates get nearer.
SUMMER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION
Saturday June 20th
Children's games and activities, of couse!
Help bake (and eat!) pizzas and bread in our wood-fired oven.
Meet your fellow CSA members over a big wonderful pot-luck.
Kuzanga Marimba AND the Banana Slug String Band will play for us!
Keep an eye on our newsletter for
a more detailed schedule as the date gets nearer.
Please leave your dogs at home, thanks!
(click
here to see what 2003's celebration was like!)
(and here for a lovely
video of 2007's Solstice Celebration! Be sure to have your sound
turned on!!)
(click here for more information
about our Celebrations)
CHILDREN'S MINI-CAMP
***discontinued***
See "Community Farm Days", above.
FALL HARVEST CELEBRATION
Saturday October 24th
Much like
the summer celebration, with our traditional pot-luck, bonfire, and activities,
but geared for the changing of the season. Apple pressing and pumpkin carving.
The Banana Slug String Band usually makes an appearance (shoulda been there
the year they created the 'compost game'!). And you can pick up your halloween
pumpkin and take it home with you at the end of the evening! Watch our newsletter for
details as the time gets nearer. Please leave your dogs
at home, thanks!
(click
here to see what 2002's celebration was like!)
(and here for a lovely
video of 2007's Harvest Celebration! Be sure to have your sound turned
on!!)
(click here for more information
about our Celebrations)
