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!
2010 Season Calendar
FARM WORKSHOPS/LECTURES
this is an idea that is still forming...
Possible subjects to include Permaculture, Fermented Foods, Farming with
the Wild... stay tuned!
COMMUNITY
FARM DAYS
All on Saturdays unless otherwise noted. (If no link provided, details to come.)
March 20 - Sheep to Shawl
May 29 - Three sisters planting in the field! Help sow pumpkins, corn, and
beans
June 19 - Summer Solstice Celebration and Strawberry U-pick
July 3 - Apricot and Strawberry U-pick
July 12 thru 16 - Summer
Celebration Art on the Farm Day Camp!
Aug 28 - Totally tomatoes. From farm to fork, cooking with tomatoes and making
farm-fresh cheese. Also U-pick raspberry and tomato day!
Sept 25 - LEFDP Second Annual Fundraiser
Oct 23 - Harvest Celebration and Apple U-pick
HAPPY GIRL KITCHEN'S WORKSHOPS AT THE FARM
(all workshops are 10am - 3pm and include an organic lunch, plus take-home
batches of what is made that day!)
March 6 (Saturday) - Fermentation (sauerkraut, kimchee and kombucha)
April 10 (Saturday) - Cheese
and kefir
June 6 (Sunday) - Cherries and spring berries
July 10 (Saturday) - Apricots, strawberries and blackberries
September 12 (Sunday) - Heirloom tomatoes
October 2 (Saturday) - Pickles
Contact Jordan if you have any questions
jordan@happygirlkitchen.com
http://www.happygirlkitchen.com
UNDERSTANDING GLUTEN SENSITIVITY - LECTURE AND COOKING
CLASS
Saturday May 1st, 11am - 4pm, on the farm (in the farm barn kitchen)
Let’s demystify the subject of gluten sensitivity. This
condition afflicts many more people than commonly thought, with affects in
body systems beyond the G.I. tract. Undiagnosed gluten sensitivity is
the root cause of many cancers, autoimmune and neurological disorders, chronic
pain syndrome, psychiatric and other brain disorders. The lecture will
cover the different types of gluten sensitivity, its various manifestations,
testing options, and healing.
We will make and share a delicious, healthful gluten-free
meal, and learn how to make the transition to eating a gluten-free diet. Recipes,
resources lists, and meal plans will be provided.
This workshop will be lead by Karen Haralson, M.A., N.C and Rebecca Mastoris,
N.C., natural chef instructor at Bauman College.
Cost: $65
Contact: Karen at (831) 335-3245 or ktese@cruzio.com
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.
SUMMER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION
Saturday June 19th
Children's games and activities, of couse!
Help bake (and eat!) pizzas and bread in our wood-fired oven. Strawberry u-pick.
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)
APRICOT and STRAWBERRY U-PICK DAY
Saturday July 3rd
Bring your own bags. Check newsletter for
details as dates get nearer.
SECOND ANNUAL ON-FARM FUNDRAISER DINNER
FOR THE DISCOVERY PROGRAM
Saturday September 25th ~ don't miss it!!
Farm tour, feast, and silent auction!
(details to come)
FALL HARVEST CELEBRATION
Saturday October 23rd
Much like
the summer celebration, with our traditional pot-luck, bonfire, and activities,
but geared for the changing of the season. Apple pressing, pumpkin carving,
and a pie-making contest! 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)
