july2013 - s eptember2 01 3
InThis Issue Page 2 A Letter from Our Executive Director
Page 3 Exploring the Farm Explorer! Page 4 & 5 Notes from the Field
Page 6 Events & Programs Calendar at a Glance
Page 7 Donor List
Page 8 Twice as CRAFT-y Greener Partners is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
July 2013 - September 2013
GreenerPartners Fresh Perspectives News, programs and events from Greener Partners
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Connecting communities through food, farms, and education. Heather Leach, Education and Outreach Manager
or those of you who have been to Longview Center for Agriculture in the past month, you have probably noticed many new faces on the farm, especially of the porcine, ovine and caprine varieties. In addition to the chickens and rabbits already beloved by visitors to the farm, a spirited collection of pigs, sheep, and goats, now call Longview home. Together these special animals make up our Heritage Breed Program. As part of our growing on-farm education program, the animals highlight the important role of livestock in holistic farming systems, while providing the public an opportunity to interact with and learn about rare and endangered breeds. Just as in recent years communities have begun to embrace the need for diversity in our food crops by saving and sharing heirloom seed varieties, the Heritage Breed Program draws attention to why we should do the same for underutilized or threatened animal breeds as well. With a mere 14 animal species providing 90 percent of the human food supply, the Food and Agriculture Organization has projected that one in five farm animal breeds is at risk of going extinct in the near future. At Greener Partners, we feel we can model a healthier system by showing how to integrate heritage breeds into diversified small-scale farming in Pennsylvania. With the support of like-minded farmers and conservationists in the area, the Heritage Breed Program creates an opportunity to develop a network of heritage breeds to raise awareness about the need for their protection. You are encouraged to visit the Shetland sheep, San Clemente Island goats, Buttercup chickens, and Gloustershire Spot pigs to see how these animals are changing the Longview landscape for the better. Spending time with them will give you an insight into their unique personalities, their care and feeding, and the valuable contributions that they make to the farm system.
Above: Heather Leach with one of our newest additions to the Heritage Breed Program.
We feel that modeling best practices on the farm should be fun as well as educational. That is why, as you may have noticed, we are redesigning our education garden to encourage the public to stay and explore this ever-changing space. We will continue to grow fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers for public pick-your-own, as well as feature themed beds that tie into our educational programming. For example, we have planted a three sisters garden of corn, beans and squash using traditional Native American planting techniques, which will provide lessons and food for the American Roots summer camp from the 22nd to 26th of July. Similarly, a natural dye non-profit, Marfiki Arts, has partnered with Longview to host dye workshops this summer using plants grown in our garden beds. In the coming months, families will have the opportunity to learn a variety of composting techniques at our composting station overlook the pastures and woodlands on our heritage breed trail, or play in our willow sandbox. The education garden has been designed with you in mind, and we hope you visit it if you are seeking inspiration for growing your own produce organically, raising backyard chickens, or starting a compost pile. Above all we hope that you visit to connect—to your community, to the food you eat and to the farmers who grow it. If you have any questions about the education garden and heritage breed program, or would like to schedule an individual or group tour to visit Longview Center for Agriculture, please contact me at heather.leach@greenerpartners.org. www.greenerpartners.org
www.greenerpartners.org
Fresh Perspectives July 2013-September 2013
Fresh Perspectives . March 2012 - May 2012
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Greener Partners Board of Directors Jason Ingle, Founder and Executive Director
Michael Tierney, Esq, Chairman Christina Hug, Treasurer Eilise Rouse, Secretary Banny Ackerman Steven J. Bowen Elisabeth Carrillo Cooke Joanne Crozier Jay Devine Patrick Feury Paul Hummer Colleen Philbin Nancy Spears Michael Tierney Mark Ward
Greener Partners 260 Spring Road Malvern, PA 19355 Office 610.584.6580 Connect: facebook.com/ greenerpartners Visit: www.greenerpartners.org Stay in the loop— join our mailing list! Visit greenerpartners.org/ about/signup
Farm Hubs: Hillside Farm at Elwyn Delaware County 111 Elwyn Road Media, PA 19063 484.442.8381 The Longview Center for Agriculture Montgomery County 3215 Stump Hall Rd Collegeville, PA 19426 610.584.8202
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From our Executive Director
lthough this summer has felt like an atypical one, with more rainy than sunny days so far, the Longview Center for Agriculture is in full swing, undergoing many new and exciting changes. Our Pick-Your-Own Days, which allow people to pick organically-grown produce, have introduced many new faces to our fields. One recent visitor summarized this experience by saying, “It’s like having your own garden…but without all of the work!” With hands-on opportunities to pick fresh blueberries, strawberries, snap peas, basil, and other produce, Greener Partners hopes to bring a greater understanding of the farm-to-table process to families, and to connect people directly to where food comes from. This may seem obvious for some, but recent survey results of over 30,000 children ages 5-9 show that almost one-third of these primary school students believed cheese comes from plants. In addition, one-third believed that pasta comes from animals. As this disconnect between consumers and farms has grown over the years, the term “food literacy” has become an important topic of conversation. On the farm, we see our role being to engage children and families about the wonders of growing and eating farm-fresh food through inspirational and enlightening activities on our farms. With the Monsanto Protection Act, which prevents federal courts from halting the sale or planting of controversial genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or genetically engineered (GE) seeds, officially signed into law, the discussion of organic, locally grown food has become an even more prevalent topic. Knowing where your food comes from can increase your awareness of greater nutritional and health issues, as well as create a stronger connection to nature, and our planet. At Greener Partners, we constantly seek to build a connection to our food. This year we are busy creating a “discovery garden” at Longview with the objective of engaging children and families through experiential learning, including a 3 sisters garden, a pizza pie garden, and soon, our fairy garden. Our goal is to establish “little farmers and foodies”—children who see getting outside and getting dirty to explore our earth and experience the delightful flavors of healthy, fresh food. In addition, Longview has expanded its stewardship to animals, with the introduction of sheep, goats and pigs to compliment our resident rabbits and chickens. American farms used to be filled with a variety of animal breeds, which foster genetic diversity and protect the food system. However, as farming has changed over the last 50 years, homogenization of farm animals has become the norm. Industrial agriculture has turned away from genetic diversification in favor of animals with the highest and cheapest productivity. This shrinking diversity of livestock has caused many animals to become rare, and even extinct. The term “heritage breed” was coined as part of the effort to preserve and revive many of these farm breeds. At Longview, the Heritage Breed Program helps restore the relationship of farmers and animals working in harmony for the good of the land. With this in mind, Greener Partners introduced Shetland Sheep, Gloucester Spot and Hampshire Pigs, and San Clemente Island Goats to the Longview Center for Agriculture in June. And while some may get excited about rows and rows of beautiful greens and heirloom tomatoes, it’s the animals that add great character and liveliness to the landscape! Going into the Fall months, I am excited to watch our many flourishing programs grow, help foster relationships with the land, and continue to educate and engage the surrounding community. We wish you and your families a fun-filled summer. We hope to see you at the farm picking up your CSA share, engaging with our animals or harvesting from our plentiful pick-your-own opportunities!
Printed on recycled paper
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Jason Ingle
Fresh Perspectives July 2013-September 2013 www.greenerpartners.org www.greenerpartners.org . March Fresh Perspectives 2012-May 2012
Exploring the Farm Explorer™! Learn about the adventures the Farm Explorer™ has been on since its April launch! By: Jonathan Hamm & Rania Campbell-Cobb, Farm Explorer Educators
Follow the Farm Explorer™ Summer Events at Eakins Oval Philadelphia Museum of Art Philadelphia, PA Fridays in July & August
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reener Partners’ newest education program, the Farm Explorer™, is a 24-foot custom-built trailer, equipped with garden beds and a mobile kitchen. The Farm Explorer™ brings a piece of our farm to schools and communities all over the Philadelphia region. It is a handson teaching environment in which we explore the connections between health, agriculture, and the environment. Our programs connect people to the source of their food through farm-to-table experiences which include tending our crops as they live and grow, harvesting seasonal produce, and savoring healthy snacks. The Farm Explorer™ has been on the move since its launch on April 7th. Over 1,000 people have already engaged with our education programs in the Greater Philadelphia Area. The Farm Explorer™ made green smoothies with freshly harvested swiss chard and spinach at Farmer’s Road’s Drive Thru opening in Chadds Ford, the Broad Street Run in Philadelphia, a Philadelphia Union game in Chester, and the Devon Horse Show. In April, The Farm Explorer™ made its first school visit to Norristown High School. Over two days of programming, 150 students tasted freshly harvested collard greens sautéed in orange juice; got their hands dirty while learning about soil structure; and explored how the nutrients we receive from leafy greens are connected with photosynthesis as part of their health and science classes. To close out a year of Seed to Snack® sessions, the Farm Explorer™ visited Drexel Neumann Academy in Chester, PA. On a warm June day, first and second graders gathered around the 25-foot trailer parked next to the playground to harvest carrots, pick strawberries, taste sun tea, and make herbal bug spray they would later use at recess. In the 2013 school year, the Farm Explorer™ will be visiting an additional 15 schools as part of Independence Blue Cross Foundation’s Healthy Futures Initiative, a three year study that will track area 4th graders as they receive anti-obesity interventions related to fitness, healthy eating, and healthcare. In July and August, the Farm Explorer will be brimming with summer crops like cherry tomatoes cucumbers and soy beans. We will be bringing these living plants to seven ESF Summer Camps and a variety of community events where we will make sauces and hummus and learn about everything from soil microbes to the importance of alpha-linolenic acid in the human diet. Come visit us in July at The Eakins Oval in Philadelphia as part of Fairmount Parks and Recreation’s Pop-up Beach! Wiggle your toes in the sand as you taste fresh greens and herbs. Or schedule an event in your community! Contact Greener Partners’ Farm Explorer™ Educator, Jonathan Hamm at jonathan.hamm@greenerpartners.org or 617-7807694 to bring the Farm Explorer to your school, community event, organization, or business. See you down the road!
Chester SEEDS Chester, PA Opening Ceremony of Summer Events Eakins Oval, Philadelphia Museum of Art Wednesday July 11, 2013 Summer Events at Eakins Oval Eakins Oval, Philadelphia Museum of Art Fridays July 19, August 2, 9, and 16, 2013 Smith Playhouse Opening 3500 Reservoir Drive, East Fairmount Park Saturday, July 20, 2013 Francisville Farmer’s Market Fairmount Avenue & N. Uber St. Philadelphia Friday, August 2, 2013 and October 4, 2013 Marple Public Library 2599 Sproul Rd, Broomall PA August 12, 2013 See more at: http://greenerpartners.org/farmexplorer
Farm Explorer™ Partners
www.greenerpartners.org Fresh Perspectives July 2013-September 2013 www.greenerpartners.org Fresh Perspectives . March 2012 - May 2012
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Notes from the Field Meet our Longview, Montgomery County CRAFT
John Clay, the most recent member of the Longview Center for Agriculture, joined the apprentices in late spring. Having previously worked as a teacher in special education and as a professional cook in New York City, he brings a unique skill set to the farm. Having vested interests in both food and education, John can connect especially well with local, organic agriculture and the importance of being acquainted with the farm-totable process for youth and adults. With his apprenticeship, he partakes in seminars on horticultural science and city farming, attends Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA) conferences, and learns special skills through crop planting tutorials and workshops. Although his future goals in the farming “field” are uncertain, John emphasizes that he is thoroughly enjoying every moment of his apprenticeship and is excited to see where it takes him.
JOHN CLAY
DANIELLE RICHMOND Danielle’s interest in farming began as a child in rural Michigan where her family raised livestock and cultivated a small vegetable garden. In addition to learning about animal husbandry and farming through her parents, her grandmother taught her much about the importance of flowers and horticulture. After spending time in the food and hospitality industry, Danielle decided to become a farm apprentice. While at the Longview Center for Agriculture, Danielle studies the importance of crop rotation, cover cropping, and early cultivation; when to seed, plant, and harvest; organic methods of pest control; the proper use of implements and how to operate a manual transmission tractor. Even in the pouring rain or beating heat, Danielle loves working on the farm. Danielle’s hopes to use the knowledge and skills from her apprenticeship, along with her passion for farming, to operate her own farm in the future. Page Page 44
Fresh Perspectives July 2013-September 2013www.greenerpartners.org www.greenerpartners.org . March Fresh Perspectives 2012-May 2012
GABRIELLE LEBLANC Gabrielle LeBlanc began her apprenticeship after farming in California and Missouri. She is delighted to be living at Longview Center for Agriculture and working in the orchard and with soft fruits, like strawberries and blueberries. Whether it is pruning, mulching, pest prevention, working the soil, or reading up on the holistic remedies for fungal infections, she finds herself constantly learning and fostering a great appreciation for her surroundings and peers. She especially enjoys the company of her dog, Ayla, who often sleeps under the shade of the orchard trees or investigates nearby vole tunnels. Both Ayla and Gabi enjoy eating the fruit fresh from the field and are very excited to watch the crop grow from the tiny fruitlets of spring all the way to harvest time in the fall.
Larry Tse began his involvement with agriculture during his undergraduate studies at George Washington University, where he earned a degree in Environmental Studies in 2012. During his college career, Larry studied abroad and learned about un-mechanized farming techniques and soil heath maintenance. It was during this time he discovered his love with working with the earth, growing food for a community, and ultimately, trying to better the world as a land steward. In Washington DC, he served as market manager for several farmers’ markets, volunteered on several urban and rural farms, and even helped start a small farm-to-table pop-up restaurant. Post-graduation, he moved to New York City to work farm-to-table restaurant as a forager, where he visited farmers’ markets to look for high-quality local ingredients. From there Larry joined the farm apprentice program where he works closely with Rick Fonda in the biointensive sections in the farm. While learning how to grow densely and efficiently in small spaces, Larry often envisions how he will implement the techniques he learns on his own future farm.
LARRY TSE
JAMES PARK
www.tristatecraft.org
DENISE BRIDGE
James Park originally sparked his interest in agriculture through food.
Denise Bridge began her term as a CRAFT apprentice at the
He especially enjoys cooking and eating, which led him to growing
Longview Center for Agriculture and Education. Before she
vegetables to use in his kitchen. It was not until the end of James’ college career that he realized that, not only was farming a viable lifestyle in today’s modern society, but it was also a way for him to stay connected
found Longview, Denise completed her undergraduate degree in Horticulture at Temple University. Post-college she spent time volunteering and interning on both rural and urban farms in
to the land and to the world as a whole. He believes that food is the
Pennsylvania, but it wasn’t until she came to Longview that she truly
best vehicle for transmitting culture and ideas; how food is chosen,
began to understand sustainable and organic agriculture. At first,
prepared, and served speaks volumes about individuals and people in
the size of the farm overwhelmed Denise, but after a few weeks she
general. Along with the fresh air and sunshine, James most appreciates
began to more fully comprehend each aspect of the farm and how
that he has the opportunity to grow local food for the community. James
it functioned as a whole entity. As the apprentice in the education
very much believes the idea of terrior (translated from French to loosely
garden, Denise has the opportunity to talk to families about the
mean “a sense of place”) as a driving force behind growing nutritious, delicious, sustainable food to foster connections and a sense of culture behind the food a community eats.
flowers and vegetables which are available for pick-your-own. Denise feels especially excited to see people excited about harvesting produce themselves. www.greenerpartners.org www.greenerpartners.org
Fresh Perspectives .July 2013-September Fresh Perspectives March 2012 - May 20122013
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Events&Programs july2013 - september2013
Greener Partners Connecting communities through food, farms & education
CALENDAR AT A GLANCE
Saturday, July 6 • From Garden to Garment: Natural Dies From the Garden, Longview Thursday, July 11 • Tiny Tillers Story Time, Longview Saturday, July 13 • Barbeque with Big Dutt, Longview • Blueberry Pancakes and PYO, Longview • Yoga on the Farm with Kate Goodyear, Longview Sunday, July 14 • Tiny Test Kitchen, Longview Thursday, July 18 • Tiny Tillers Story Time, Longview Saturday, July 20 • Marisa McClellan’s Canning Workshop, Longview Thursday, July 25 • Tiny Tillers Story Time, Longview Saturday, July 27 • Detoxifying Foods, Longview • Series: Bakyard Tree Fruit Apple, Peach, and Pear, Longview Sunday, July 28 •Tiny Test Kitchen, Longview Wednesday, July 31 • Farm Sprouts, Longview, Ages 3-5 Thursday, August 1 • Tiny Tillers Story Time, Longview Saturday, August 3 • Environmental Fun on the Farm, Longview Thursday, August 8 • Tiny Tillers Story Time, Longview Saturday, August 10 • Yoga on the Farm with Kate Goodyear, Longview Sunday, August 11 • Tiny Test Kitchen, Longview Thursday, August 15 • Tiny Tillers Story Time, Longview Saturday, August 17 • “Garden Workshop Series”: Season Extension, Hillside Thursday, August 22 • Tiny Tillers Story Time, Longview Sunday, August 25 • Tiny Test Kitchen, Longview Wednesday, August 28 • Farm Sprouts, Longview, Ages 3-5 Thursday, August 29 • Tiny Tillers Story Time, Longview Thursday, September 5 • Tiny Tillers Story Time, Longview Thursday, September 12 • Tiny Tillers Story Time, Longview Saturday, September 14 • Yoga on the Farm with Kate Goodyear, Longview Thursday, September 19 • Tiny Tillers Story Time, Longview Saturday, September 21 • “Garden Workshop Series”: Winter Preparation, Hillside • Eating Seasonally with Sarah, Longview Saturday, September 28 • HILLSIDE HARVEST FESTIVAL, Hillside
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Fresh Perspectives July 2013-September 2013 www.greenerpartners.org www.greenerpartners.org . March Fresh Perspectives 2012-May 2012
Save the Date The 4th Annual Hillside Harvest Festival
Pie Bake Off, Hayrides, and Homestead Demonstrations! September 28, 2013 from 11am to 3pm (Rain Date: September 29, 2013) 111 Ewlyn Road, Media PA
PICK-YOUR-OWN NOW AT LONGVIEW Come enjoy pick your own blueberries, wild flowers, snap peas, and much more! 3215 Stump Hall Road Collegeville, PA 19426 610.584.8202 PYO is weather dependent. Please visit our website for more information!
Thank you to our Donors Greener Partners Gratefully Acknowledges the Following Special Gifts and Grants Gifts received April 1 - June 15, 2013
Independence Blue Cross Foundation: $75,000/yr for 3 years Farm Explorer™, Partner
Independence Blue Cross Foundation has generously donated $75,000 toward the Farm Explorer™, participating as the lead partner in our Farm Explorer™ program. The gift is a part of a multi-year commitment to the Farm Explorer™ for Independence Blue Cross Foundation’s groundbreaking initiative, Healthy Futures, which addresses three critical components of child wellness: nutrition, fitness and preventative health measures. Greener Partners Farm Explorer™ will teach children to ‘Eat Right,’ with our curriculum combining garden and nutrition education program.
Whole Foods Glen Mills 5% Day: $3,770
Whole Foods in Glen Mills 5% Day is a community giving day where 5% of all sales benefit a selected local non-profit. Greener Partners was the recipient of WF Glen Mills Spring 5% Day, and received $3,770 towards our work & mission in the community. Thanks to all who came out to shop in support of the event!
Iron Hill Brewery, Media, Give 20% Dine Out Event: $361.92
Iron Hill Brewery, Media hosted a Dine-Out, Give 20% event to benefit Greener Partners. This Dine-Out Event raised $361.92 towards the Community Food Project, our food access and food justice initiative benefiting low-income populations in Delaware County.
Farm Explorer™ Challenge Match: $19,875
Greener Partners gratefully received the following contributions towards our Farm Explorer™ Launch Event Challenge Match. A total of $9,875 was raised in gifts and pledges towards a $10,000 matching gift to the Farm Explorer™. Thank you to the following donors: Anonymous Jeanne Andronowitz Jennifer Bailer Steve Bowen Katie Charlson Elisabeth Carrillo Cooke Joanne Crozier Charles Davis Jay & Bridget Devine Middy Dorrance Alan Gregory Azeez Hayne Frank & Erin Herz Rich & Holly Hoffman
SEED Cultivators Leadership Circle
SEED Cultivators Leadership Circle is a select group of committed supporters whose unrestricted annual support sustains Greener Partners’ mission to inspire, teach and connect with thousands of individuals and families both on our farms and in the classroom, and make a tangible impact in the local food economy, our communities and our environment. Elisabeth & Peter Cooke Jason & Sarah Ingle John & Josephine Ingle Robert & Leanne McMennamin
Cristina & Blake Hug Robert Killen Mark & Sue Lankford Jessica Long Robert & Leanne McMennamin David Parsells Lon & Jeff Rosenblum Jane Sagendorph Mark Scheiner & Jonathan Hamm Nancy & James Spears Anthony Stevenson Michael & Margaret Tierney Molly & Christopher Todd Rich & Becky Wein
CSA Super Share Members
CSA Super Share Members are CSA Members who donate an additional $100 towards Greener Partners Farm Share Program (formerly CSS), our subsidized share program that provides CSA shares to low-income families. Susan Garrison Rich & Holly Hoffman Vincent & Danielle Jouenne Chenoa Osayande Lynne Powley Kristen Ross & Scott Zimmerman Lauren Rowe Colleen & Robert Speer Christopher Welc Alison Young
Greener Partners gratefully acknowledges all donations made on behalf of our non-profit mission of connecting communities through food, farms and education. A full honor roll list of donors will be published in the Greener Partners 2013 Annual Report. For additional information, please contact Director of Development, Joanne McGeoch, joanne.mcgeoch@greenerpartners.org, 610-584-6580. Thank you! www.greenerpartners.org 2013-September 2013 www.greenerpartners.org Fresh Fresh Perspectives Perspectives .July March 2012 - May 2012
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Greener Partners 260 Spring Road Malvern, PA 19355 Forwarding address and correction requested
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Twice As CRAFT-y
CRAFT Apprentice, Andrew Puglia, shares his experiences at Hillside Farm
t seems ages ago, but it was only last year that I started my apprenticeship at Hillside Farm. In this second season, I find myself making comparisons to the first. Between the weather, pest and disease pressure, soil conditions, and other challenges, I have quickly realized that no two seasons are alike. This very reasons makes me love farm life. Each day has its unique conditions, each task has infinite variability, and each season presents new opportunities for learning. There is never a dull moment. A farming year is one great journey. I am only now just beginning to grasp the rhythms of each season. The spring rains coincide with large plantings. As new wildlife begins to pop out of dens and fly from nests, our vegetables take off with hotter temperatures and longer days. Before long, harvest time sets in and the sprint is on. The work load piles high until we reach the fall when the weed pressure slows, plantings come to a halt, and crops grow a bit slower. Suddenly we are in the dead of winter again laboring on plans for the next season and awaiting the delivery of new seed packets like it was Christmas morning. Then, just as it feels we have finally taken a breath, the tractors are back in the field and we are off running again. I consider myself incredibly lucky that I get the chance to watch the sun rise and set, work in the rain, feel the heat of the sun, drive tractors, and get my hands dirty. Working with the earth has always been a part of who I am, and in this second year I feel closer to attaining the goal of starting my own farm business. This year, I am learning more about soil health, how to operate a tractor and its many implements, how to manage a farm crew, how to teach, plan for future seasons, balance a budget, make mistakes, and so much more. No matter my role or credentials, I will always be an apprentice; I will always be learning; and I will always be adapting to the ever-changing conditions of farming. When I sit down at the table with a bounty on my plate, I am forever grateful for all the hands that make each meal possible. As this journey continues, I hope to continue growing and learning for seasons to come. Page 88
. March Fresh Perspectives July 2013-September 2013www.greenerpartners.org www.greenerpartners.org Fresh Perspectives 2012-May 2012
Above: Andrew Puglia, Second-year CRAFT apprentice at Hillside Farm