Bounty Harvest season 2016 by RM Publishing

HARVEST SEASON 2016

LOCAL FOOD AND FARM GUIDE

Dining with a

PURPOSE FARM DIRECTORY ........................

CORN MAZES AND PUMPKIN PATCHES ........................

FALL & WINTER WORKSHOPS & EVENTS

Motherlove is now the proud operator of an organic farm and educational community center on the Front Range. The 120 acre farm provides local, sustainable, certified organic herbs for Motherloveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s products, as well as traditional organic grains and vegetables for our tables and otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Join us for classes on growing, harvesting and preparing herbs for use in personal care products, as well as herb identification for edible and medicinal plants. Learn the importance of organics in the food industry, biodiversity and other environmental issues, including water conservation.

Please contact mother@motherlove.com for additional information.

www.motherlove.com

ENJOY THE BOUNTY TABLE OF CONTENTS LET LOVE GROW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 CONNECTING CROPS TO CUISINE. . . . . . . . . . . . 6 HOW TO EAT LOCAL THIS WINTER. . . . . . . . . . 8 COLORADO FARM TO SCHOOL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 DID THE LOCAL FOOD MOVEMENT TRICKLE DOWN TO LOCAL FARMERS? . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 EARTHWORM MAZE FOR THE KIDS. . . . . . . . . 13 LOCAL PRODUCER LISTINGS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 FARM STANDS & FARMERS MARKETS. . . . . . 18 CORN MAZES & PUMPKIN PATCHES. . . . . . . . 18 CALENDAR OF EVENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 THE HEALTHY SIDE OF GERMS & HOW FOOD PLAYS A PART. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

WE CAN FEEL SUMMER stretching out like a snake on the hot driveway. Like tomatoes burning red on the overburdened bushes. Like flowers going to seed and winter squashes growing fat on the vine. We revel in these last long dog days of summer while looking forward to the drawing in and slowing down of autumn and winter. There’s a crispness in the air in the morning and low slanting light that brings a fleeting feeling that is a change of season and the harvest. We continue to be amazed and grateful for the bounty of foods grown, raised and made in Northern Colorado. In this issue, we share with you some tips (oft repeated, but always good reminders) about preserving the harvest and continuing to eat local goods through the winter. Because no matter how we choose to eat local in the winter, it’s an important season to nurture relationships – with food and with each other. This is what Fortified Collaborations is all about – building and nurturing relationships that strengthen our community. We’ve done a lot of this with our Farm Dinner series; learn more on page 4. The Farm to School movement also nurtures these relationships for our children, and is growing strong in Colorado, as you’ll read in Jennifer Visitacion’s article. It’s always great to get out to the farm with the family and have some fun at one of our many local pumpkin patches and you’ll find a complete listing of the best ones in our region. We continue to add more listings to our producer directory, market pages and Connecting Crops to Cuisine pages, so you can be sure to find the best of the harvest. And we’ve included a complete listing of Fall & Winter workshops and events to add to your calendars. With so many great things happening to support our local food economy, let this Harvest season be a bounty of nourishment for your belly and your soul. To the Soil,

Kristina and Malia Fortified Collaborations info@fortifiedcollaborations.com

Bounty Local Food and Farm Guide 2016 is a special publication of Fortified Collaborations and Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. Publisher: Kristina Cash; Editors: Kristina Cash; Malia Ruchti; Creative Director: Emily Zaynard Copyright 2016 Fortified Collaborations, Fort Collins, CO. All rights reserved. Reproduction without express written permission is prohibited.

LET LOVE GROW

Farm dinners connect community

BY HAYLEY OSWALD

Fortified Collaborations Staff Writer

SITTING WITH 140 NEIGHBORS at one long table draped in white linens. Gazing up at twinkly lights, fading sunlight and then stars. Breathing in farm fresh air while gazing at wide-open and lush green spaces. Delighting each sense through an artistically crafted course paired with a finely brewed local beer. Relishing the liberating indulgence of the evening while supporting a community vision. These experiences are all that make up a Fortified farm dinner. With ten dinners served over the last two years, it’s becoming clear how these special evenings serve to strengthen the community.

CONVENE

The power of Fortified farm dinners stands in the bringing together of community members, small business owners, non-profit organizations, chefs, farmers and brewers. The convening of these various groups begins with the planning of a dinner, each of which is done in partnership with a different non-profit. The convening continues with the inclusion of a local restaurant, brewery and farmers,

who work together to craft a unique, seasonal, local menu. The presentation of this fine meal is a dramatic and delicious way to convene 200 individuals, from volunteers to dinner guests, and demonstrates the belief that often the easiest way to strengthen a community is to simply bring people together to share a good meal. Fortified farm dinners provide a unique and powerful way to make a positive impact in the budgets of non-profits, farmers and local businesses. Farm dinners in 2015 and 2016 will have raised an estimated $20,000 for The Growing Project, The Kitchen Community, Friends of Happy Heart Farm, Wolverine Letterpress & Publick House and Poudre Valley Community Farms. They have also paid over $5,000 to local farmers for produce and provided exposure for all the collaborators to nearly 1,000 individuals at the dinners.

CONNECT

Attending a Fortified farm dinner provides deeper connections - to the food, the land, our local businesses and each

other. While enjoying special dishes created for the occasion, guests also learn about the food and the farm it came from. Each chef sources the ingredients locally, with most of the produce coming from the hosting farm, making every dinner the most authentic farm to fork experience one can get. Add a frothy layer in the careful pairing of local beers and see how the connecting of people with their meal on such an intimate level makes a strong impact in how we think about food, drink and the people and businesses who provide it. It becomes much easier to see how closely we’re all tied when you’re sharing a meal with the owner of the restaurant whose chef made it, with the brewer who matched the beers, with a farmer who grew the tomatoes and a Board member of the non-profit who will benefit from the occasion. This experience can only lead to inspired collaborations across the community.

COLLABORATE

True to its name, a Fortified Collaborations farm dinner is noted by its collab-

PHOTOS BY SONJA SALZBURG, WWW.SONJAKPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

orations. Each dinner’s menu is developed by a local chef, who works together with local farmers to ensure the menu includes as many products grown or raised close to home as possible. The chef also works with a local brewery to pair each course with a crafted beer. The outcome of these collaborations is an unforgettable culinary experience as well as a fortified community. The opportunity to strengthen relationships between local businesses benefits not only those businesses, but the patrons who love their products. And the opportunity to strengthen relationships between local businesses and non-profits also benefits both parties, with community leaders discovering new and meaningful ways to give back and support this place we love. At first glance, a Fortified farm dinner appears to be an enjoyable evening in a beautiful location with delicious,

fresh food. But dig deeper to see all that goes into these agricultural celebrations and it’s apparent that they offer a tremendous positive impact to the community. Whether on a personal or community level, Fortified farm dinners offer a heartfelt way to convene, connect and collaborate. As Founder and Chief Connector Kristina Cash puts it, “Our farm dinners are experiential community building that demonstrate our mission to strengthen community through purposeful collaborations and partnerships that create authentic connection and fortify our local economy and the living systems that sustain us.” Join us for an evening on the farm at one of our upcoming Farm Dinners, and see what all these incredible evenings have to offer you, chances are you’ll leave loving food and your community like never before.

Eating locally doesn’t have to stop when you leave your kitchen. Here’s a hand-picked listing of area restaurants, coffee shops and food trucks that include locally grown and produced food in their menus. Ace Gillett’s

239 S College Ave, Fort Collins www.acegilletts.com Underground, sophisticated bar offering eclectic small plates & mains, cocktails & live jazz music.

Austin’s American Grill

100 W Mountain Ave, Fort Collins www.austinsamericangrill.com Hearty American dishes with Southwestern touches served in casual quarters with a sidewalk cafe.

Bean Cycle Roasters

144 N College Ave, Fort Collins www.beancycleroasters.com Family owned business in Old Town Fort Collins in a shared space with Wolverine Farm Publishing.

Café Ardour

255 Linden St, Fort Collins www.cafeardour.com Fair trade organic coffee beans roasted locally, pastries and snacks.

Café Vino

1200 S College Ave, Fort Collins www.cafevino.com Wine bar serving tapas, cocktails & craft beers in cozy digs.

Chimney Park

406 Main St, Windsor www.chimneypark.com Fine dining with menu that reflects seasonality and local items. Door 222

222 E 4th St, Loveland www.door222.com Adventurous tapas plus wine, beer & cocktails are served in a modern-meets-industrial space.

Enzio’s

126 W Mountain Ave, Fort Collins www.enzios.com Hub for fresh pasta, thin-crust pies & gluten-free fare in familyfriendly digs with sidewalk seats.

FCB Modern Tavern

1020 E Lincoln Ave, Fort Collins www.fortcollinsbrewery.com/ tavern Modern microbrewery with free tours, samples & food pairings plus a pub next door. Fish Restaurant

150 W Oak St, Fort Collins www.fishmkt.com Cozy, mellow spot for sustainable seafood dishes, plus gluten-free options & an on-site fish market.

FoCo Café

225 Maple St, Fort Collins www.fococafe.org Non-profit, pay-what-you-can pricing that makes healthy, nutritious, meals accessible to all. Jay’s Bistro

135 W Oak St, Fort Collins www.jaysbistro.net Swanky, special-occasion American eatery filled with art, serving up seasonal fare & live jazz. Jax Fish House

123 N College Ave, Fort Collins www.jaxfishhouse.com/fort-collins Upscale chain serving gourmet seafood dishes & creative cocktails in a relaxed, stylish setting.

FOOD TRUCKS [who source locally] Dam Good Tacos www.damgoodtacos.com Fresh www.facebook.com/fresh La Piadina http://la-piadina-foodtruck.weebly.com/ The Goodness www.thegoodnesstruck.com Silver Seed www.thesilverseed.com Sustainable Spoon www.sustainablespoonfoodtruck.com The Tramp About www.facebook.com/TheTrampAbout Waffle Lab www.thewafflelab.com

Mugs Coffee Lounge

306 W Laurel St & 261 S College Ave, Fort Collins www.mugscoffeelounge.com Community through coffee: fair trade, organic, homegrown, local coffee and food in hip community inspired atmosphere.

Restaurant 415

415 S Mason St, Fort Collins www.thefourfifteen.com Updated American classics featuring locally sourced ingredients plus vegan & gluten-free menus.

Rio Grande Mexican

143 W Mountain Ave. Fort Collins www.riograndemexican.com Locally owned and featuring what many say is the best patio in Old Town with many locally and regionally sourced ingredients.

Rise

2601 S Lemay Ave, Fort Collins www.riseabreakfastplace.com Wholesome foods prepared from scratch in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Snooze

144 W Mountain Ave, Fort Collins www.snoozeeatery.com/ locations/foco/ An eclectic and energetic atmosphere and comfortable and friendly service. Spoons

6 locations in Fort Collins www.espoons.com The best soup restaurant in the world.

Tasty Harmony

160 W Oak St, Fort Collins www.tastyharmony.com Inventive veggie & vegan fare with a laid-back vibe.

The Crooked Cup

147 W Oak St, Fort Collins www.thecrookedcup.com Locally roasted coffee, full bakery and breakfast.

The Farmhouse at Jessup Farm

1957 Jessup Dr, Fort Collins www.farmhousefc.com Casual farmhouse eatery and backyard farm delivering heightened seasonal Colorado fare.

The Kitchen

100 N College Ave, Fort Collins www.thekitchen.com Garden-to-table American meals in an eco-friendly urban space.

The Moothouse

2626 S College Ave, Fort Collins www.themoothouse.com Modern takes on English pub fare served with local craft beers in cozy quarters with fireplaces.

The Waffle Lab

130 W Olive St. Fort Collins www.thewafflelab.com Owners of foodtruck with the same name. Espresso and coffee bar and house cocktails including Mimosas and Bloody Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Welsh Rabbit Bistro

200 Walnut St, Fort Collins www.thewelshrabbit.com/bistro Warm, inviting space with Old World charm presenting the cheese bistro experience. Wolverine Farm Publick House

316 Willow St. Fort Collins www.wolverinefarm.org/ letterpressandpublickhouse

HOW TO EAT LOCAL THIS WINTER BY MALIA RUCHTI

Fortified Collaborations Staff Writer

IT’S SATISFYING TO BUILD personal connections with the people who grow and make our food. There’s no reason these relationships should die back with the falling leaves and shortening days. Continue the connections throughout the year, while filling your winter belly with locally-made and grown goodness. Eating local during the winter can be a great way of remembering the warmer months while savoring the preserved harvest. And thanks to season-extension growing practices, more and more farmers are offering winter CSA subscriptions and year-long farm markets. In addition, winter farmers’ markets can pad the larder with locally made baked goods, jams, pickles, herbs, greens, grains, beans and more. Animal products and beverages can always be found year-round. Start your commitment to buying local food in the winter by marking your calendar with the dates of the two winter farmers’ markets in the region: the Winter Market in Old Town Fort Collins and the Greeley Winter Market. See our Market Directory for dates and times. These markets are

a fun way to incorporate a little local into your winter eating. You might also sign up for a winter CSA share from Grant Farms, Monroe Organic or Native Hill. A CSA share is one of the most affordable ways to ensure a regular supply of locally-grown produce. Some farms also offer eggs, meat and other animal products. Please see our Farm Directory for more details. On your regular trips to a favorite grocery store, it’s still possible to find locally made foods. From winter squash to salsas, from Albertson’s to Whole Foods, almost every grocery store has at least a few products grown or made in Colorado. Look for the purple “Colorado Proud” logo to identify products grown or made in Colorado. Many stores also have their own unique signage to identify local products. A few shops make buy-

ing local food easy because it’s all they stock. The Boar & The Bull in Loveland offers fine local meats year-round, the Farmer’s Market Pantry in Greeley sells local foods and the Barn Market at Berry Patch Farms in Brighton sells preserved produce and some fresh produce year-round. And what of the bounty of fresh produce in summer and early autumn? With a little extra work the cold, dark days of winter can be relieved with bursts of sunshiney tomatoes, silky greens, bumbly roots and more. When your CSA share is too much to eat before it spoils, your garden is overrun with zucchinis and the farmers’ markets are bursting with the harvest, take a few hours here and there to preserve some of

the bounty. Cold storage, freezing, drying and canning are all excellent ways to tuck away some of that summer sweetness for the cold days ahead. For all of these preservation methods, remember that the less an item is handled, the better it will keep, as there’s less chance of bruising or other damage. Cold storage is the simplest method, if you have the proper location for it. A basement, crawl space or root cellar can be used to store produce requiring cold & moist conditions. Root vegetables, cabbage and cauliflower can all be kept this way. Harvested items require oxygen to stay fresh, so proper ventilation is important for any cold storage. Straw, hay, wood shavings or even newspaper can be used to protect produce in cold storage. Be sure that any natural fibers are free of pests and that your produce cannot be found by hungry rodents. The home refrigerator is another obvious cold storage location. It generally provides cold & dry conditions good for cucumbers, eggplant and lettuce, though not for long periods of time. Drying or dehydrating is another easy option. When moisture is removed from a food, microorganisms can’t grow so the item will keep for a long time. You can dry almost anything in a low oven or a food dehydrator. Pre-treat with an ascorbic acid or blanch to keep color and quality while destroying any microorganisms to ensure longer shelf life. Freezing is also an easy way to pre-

serve your produce (or meat or grains or baked goods). Be sure to use airtight containers to prevent freezer burn. Most vegetables will benefit from blanching before freezing to keep color, flavor and nutrients. Canning takes a bit more effort but can be fun and provide delicious condiments and other enhanced products. There are two types of canning: boiling water or pressure. Both methods heat the foods to a temperature that destroys microorganisms, inactivates enzymes and creates an air-tight space to prevent spoilage. High acid foods should be canned using the boiling water method, while pressure canning is for low-acid foods. Always use a tested recipe to ensure food safety. For resources, recipes, fact sheets, food preservation workshop schedule and answers to your food preservation questions, call CSU Larimer County Extension at 498-6000, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. For information online visit www.larimer.org/ext. The National Center for Home Food Preservation provides detailed instructions for how to store, freeze, dry and can dozens of kinds of produce, www.nchfp.uga.edu. Thanks to Edie McSherry, Extension Agent at Larimer County Extension Office for her tips and information in this article.

COLORADO FARM TO SCHOOL Partnerships growing a healthy future! JENNIFER TUCKER VISITACION

FARM TO SCHOOL PROGRAMS ARE GROWING across the state of Colorado, working to increase healthy, locally grown produce and products in district meal programs and supporting the integration of agriculture, garden, and nutrition education into curriculum. Farm to School is being tackled by individual schools, whole districts, community organizations, and statewide and national agencies and service providers. In 2010, the Colorado Farm to School Task Force was created through Senate Bill 10-81 and reauthorized in 2013 by the assembly to continue indefinitely with the following goals in mind: • Increasing awareness of partnership opportunities for both schools and producers. • Supporting the creation and dissemination of marketing tools and resources. • Assessing policy and regulatory opportunities and barriers for farm to school. • Fostering the development of infrastructure to support local food production.

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• Providing technical assistance to schools and producers to build the capacity of farm-to-school initiatives. The current Task Force is made up of a diverse group of stakeholders representing state agencies, community organizations, school districts, higher education, and policy makers dedicated to supporting these efforts. In Northern Colorado, there are many champions of Farm to School who are working to build the capacity of school districts to more effectively and efficiently procure local products, to support farm and food safety measures to ensure adequate training and support in the production, processing and distribution, and who are integrating Farm to School education in the classroom. Among the partners are The Kitchen Community, which has placed five learning gardens in the Poudre school district; the Northern Colorado Local Food Cluster, which has been instrumental in rallying community involvement around local food issues; and LoCo Food Distribution, which delivers locally grown and locally processed foods along the

Front Range. If you are interested in starting a Farm to School program in your district or region, or if you would like to share stories, successes and challenges from an existing program, the Colorado Farm to School Task Force would love to hear from you! Please check out the website at www. ColoradoFarmtoSchool.org for contact information and resources to support your Farm to School efforts, including information on food safety, procurement, marketing, and links to curriculum resources. Jennifer Tucker Visitacion is the Chair of the Colorado Farm to School Task Force, and the Executive Director of Guidestone Colorado PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE GROWING PROJECT

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DID THE LOCAL FOOD MOVEMENT TRICKLE DOWN TO LOCAL FARMERS? BY DAWN THILMANY, COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY Abridged by Fortified Collaborations’ Staff

Take an active role in framing the future of local food: RECENT WORK AT COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY has found promising financial news among farms that participate in local marketing strategies. According to data from the Agricultural Resource Management Survey from the USDA Economic Research Service, the most profitable farms at all sizes tended to be the ones that participated in direct and intermediated markets -including farms in local markets through a food hub or in collaboration with other producers, and used “lean management” strategies, which may help offset some scale inefficiencies among small and mid-size farms by keeping fixed costs and overhead low. In a recent paper in the British Food Journal, authors concluded that to enhance the viability of local farms and related food value chains three things are key: 1. Market development, including targeted investments in the infrastructure, product innovation and branding required in a competitive food-retailing environment. 2. Market access, to allow local producers to gain a foothold in traditional food retail spaces where the

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majority of Americans still shop for food, a role that food hubs may facilitate. 3. Consumer and institutional buyer education. Local food systems may play a role in enhancing farm viability among producers who otherwise may struggle to compete or retain the flavor, culture and personal touch they feel quality food production requires. However, the high growth this sector experienced over the past 10-20 years is slowing, and perhaps it is in this adolescence that a new direction for local food market development must emerge. Researchers continue to focus on projects that create strategic alliances among farmers, processors, distributors and retailers to reach consumers who care about the impacts of their food purchases. Beyond analysis of financial performance, a more encompassing framework to create rural wealth could also assess the impacts on community assets including individual, social, intellectual, natural, built, political, financial, and cultural capital. Creating a more profitable and sustainable framework will require

sk your retailers, restaurants A and other food businesses if and how local sourcing is part of their business model. Participate in community conversations about how food fits into economic development, land planning, health promotion and entrepreneurship programming. Look for complementarities (rather than differences) between traditional and emerging local food market development.

input and feedback from farmers, food community leaders, government agencies, academics, extension professionals and nonprofits. Just as craft brews became more mainstream as a beverage choice, the availability of locally branded items is likely to grow as more consumers demand them. More producers will target local outlets and some of the large key players may help to provide the market access growing local food businesses need. Keep an eye out for local food products wherever you shop, to support this market access. Complete article available at http://blog. ucsusa.org/science-blogger/did-thelocal-food-movement-trickle-down-tolocal-farmers

SOLVE THE MAZE TO Help our earthworm friend burrow to a warm bed Before winter.

Did you Know? Some earthworms spend the Entire winter coiled Deep in their burrows underground. Similar to bears in hibernation, Some worms perform estivation to survive the cold winter months.

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Local PRODUCER LISTINGS

Find a local farm near you

FARM OFFERINGS KEY:

FISH

MUTTON

BEEF

DAIRY

PORK

POULTRY

EGGS

FLOWERS & HERBS

HONEY

PRODUCE

MUSHROOMS

2 R’s Farm

Bayberry Fresh (Year-round CSA)

Blue Sky Farm

Buena Vida

19361 Hwy. 61 Platteville 970-737-2689

bayberryherbs@gmail.com 719-580-3236 tomatoes, greens & herbs

Windsor www.blueskyfarmcolorado.com 970-222-7147 Angus beef

8204 S County Rd 3, Fort Collins www.buenavidafarm.com 970-305-2182

Amy & Ellen’s Grass Fed Beef 181 Lazy D Ranch Rd. Bellvue www.barncatservices.com 970-881-2147 Grass fed (whole, halves, quarters) Anders Farm 8443 Hwy. 85, Fort Lupton www.facebook.com/Anders-Farm 303-857-2158 Bartels Farm 3424 E. Douglas Rd. Fort Collins www.thebartelsfarm.com

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Bee Squared Apiaries

Blush Flowers on Vine (CSA)

1617 White Water Ct. Berthoud www.bethsbees.com 970-213-3099 Beeswax, soap, candles, tours

1428 West Vine Drive www.blushflowersonvine.com 970-217-8505

Blue Barrel Farm (CSA)

Bracewell Produce

40907 County Rd 15, Fort Collins www.bluebarrelfarm.com 970-484-5836

30951 County Rd. 27, Greeley www.bracewellproduce.com 970-225-2949

C&R Farms Palisade www.candrfarms.com peaches Carrie’s Clucks (CSA) 37477 County Rd. 21, Windsor www.carriesclucks.com tours Clarks Honey Farm 711 39th St. Evans www.clarkshoneyfarm.com 970-506-9111

Colorado Honey Co.

Fair Eliza’s Flowers (CSA)

Ginger’s Farm(CSA)

Hazel Dell Mushrooms

Fort Collins www.beeyondthehive.com

5389 N. Hwy 1 Fort Collins www.fairelizasflowers.com 970-214-8983

12037 County Rd. 74, Eaton Gingersfarm15@yahoo.com 970-631-3631

3925 Carpenter Rd. Fort Collins www.hazeldellmushrooms.com

Foco F.R.E.S.H. Farm (CSA)

Good Grin Farm

2225 W. Vine Dr. Fort Collins www.focofresh.com 970-692-3900 Egg Shares

2925 W. Mulberry St; Fort Collins www.goodgrinfarm.com 720-206-7917

Colorado Wise Acres Farm 8695 CR 29 ½, Fort Lupton www.coloradowiseacresfarm.com ColoState CSA (CSA) Fort Collins www.facebook.com/ColoStatecsa.3

Fossil Creek Farms (CSA)

Copoco’s Honey (Colorado Pollination Company)

7100 Silver Mist Ln. Fort Collins www.fossilcreekfarmsllc.com 970-980-4096

2020 N. College Ave. Fort Collins www.copocoshoney.com Honey and bee-keeping products, bee removal

Friendly Critters Farm

Craig Angus Ranch 6018 N. CR 19, Fort Collins www.craigangusranch.com grassfed beef Croft Family Farm (CSA) 29060 County Rd. 388, Kersey www.croftfamilyfarm.com D&H Farms (CSA) Ault www.dhfarms2000.com 970-396-1182 Donoma Farms (CSA)

3915 N. County Rd. 19, Fort Collins www.friendlycrittersfarm.com 407-766-6049 goat & rabbit

Grant Farms (CSA) 12155 N. CR. 15, Wellington www.grantfarms.com 970-568-7654 Grassmere Farm (CSA) 10228 CR 80, Fort Collins www.grassmerefarm.com Green Dog Farm (CSA)

Front Range Apiaries

1807 W Vine St. Fort Collins www.greendogfarmcsa.com

4130 Hayes Ave. Wellington 970-568-3533

Happy Heart Farm (CSA)

Gaia’s Farm and Gardens (CSA)

2820 W. Elizabeth St. Fort Collins www.happyheartfarmcsa.com 970-482-3448 Coffee, bread

4328 W. County Rd. 54G, LaPorte www.gaiascsa.com bread Garden Sweet (CSA) 719 W. Willox Ln. Fort Collins www.gardensweet.com

Harvest Farm (CSA) 4240 E. CR 66, Wellington www.harvestfarm.net

h-Beef Platteville www.h-beef.com 970-381-1429 Heritage Lavender, LLC 4809 Foothills Dr. Berthoud www.heritagelavender.com 303-514-6504 culinary lavender & handmade lavender products High Altitude Organics (CSA) 25572 Weld CR 32, La Salle www.highaltitudeorganics.com also goat Highchair Farms 914 Cottonwood Dr. Fort Collins www.highchairfarms.com farm fresh baby food purees, granola, bread Jodar Farms (CSA) 5100 E. CR 48, Fort Collins www.jodarfarms.com Jordan’s Flowers 900 N. Taft Hill Rd. Fort Collins www.jordansflowers.com wholesale

10018 Weld CR 110, Carr www.donomafarms.com Pastured-no soy/gmo, lamb, yak Double Dig Farm (CSA) 8851 Hwy. 34, Loveland www.Doubledigfarm.net 413-427-8458 Tours, children’s activities Ela Family Farms Hotchkiss www.elafamilyfarms.com tree fruit Ewe Bet Ranch 1850 E. Hwy. 60 Loveland www. ewebetranch.com Sales by appointment only

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Hoffman Farms, LLC

Lindenmeier Farm(CSA)

Miller Farms (CSA)

33177 Pikes Peak Dr. Greeley www.hopsandpeppers.com 970-978-6765 Hops

1409 Lindenmeier Rd. Fort Collins www.lindenmeierfarm.com

13912 County Rd. 19 Platteville www.millerfarms.net

Living Water Ranch

Monroe Organic Farm (CSA)

1551 W. CR 80 C, Livermore www.livingwater ranchcolorado.com grassfed & finished beef & lamb

25525 Weld County Rd. 48, Kersey www.monroefarm.com

Kiowa Valley Organics Roggen www.kiowavalleyorganics.com organic beef Lakeridge Farms(CSA) 1041 N. Taft Hill Rd. Fort Collins www.lakeridgefarms.org 970-692-1454 LaVida Greens (CSA) 125 N. Sherwood St. Fort Collins www.lavidagreens.com Lazy Bee Ranch 2503 County Rd. 47 Hudson www.lazybeeranch.com Leffler Family Farm & Local Motion CSA, (CSA)

703 Aspen Grove Way, Severance www.facebook.com/ libertyhomegrownproduce

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Lukens Farm

BEEF

9378 County Rd. 78, Fort Collins 303-579-2668 Masonville Orchards 4545 Cobb Lake Dr. Fort Collins www.masonvilleorchard.com 970-231-6399 apples & pears Mazzotti Farms

Native Hill Farm (CSA)

PORK

1309 Westridge Dr. Loveland 593-2800 honey, wax, pollen, royal jelly Quatrix Aquaponics

Ole Dern Farm (CSA)

3430 W. CR 54 G, Laporte www.quatrix.us 970-310-0884

2719 W. CR 54 G, Fort Collins 970-481-1449

Raindrop Retreat (CSA)

Old Fence Farm (CSA)

6410 Placer Ct. Bellvue www.raindropretreat.com

104 North CR 23, Berthoud www.theoldfencefarm.com

Raisin Roots Farm (CSA)

On the Vine at Richmond Farms (CSA) 3611 Richmond Dr. Fort Collins www.onthevineat richmondfarms.com

1333 Road 50, Yoder WY www.meadowmaidfoods.com 307-534-2289 beef shares

DAIRY

Papa Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Local Honey

503 S. County Rd. 1, Johnstown www.motherlove.com

2100 CR 54G Ft. Collins www.nativehillfarm.com

Meadowmaid Foods (CSA)

Liberty Home Grown Produce

MUTTON

101 Bothun Rd. Berthoud www.longshadowfarm.com

2628 Weld CR 49, Hudson www.mazzottifarms.com

37414 CR 29 Eaton www.lefflerfarms.com 970-689-2355

FISH

Long Shadow Farm (CSA)

Motherlove Organic Farm

POULTRY

901 S. County Rd. 31, Berthoud www.raisinrootsfarm.com 443-863-0677 Raspberry Hill Farm 13350 N CR 15, Wellington www.raspberryhill.farm 970-568-7424

EGGS

FLOWERS & HERBS

HONEY

PRODUCE

MUSHROOMS

Sunrise Ranch (CSA) 100 Sunrise Ranch Rd. Loveland www.sunriseranch.org Conference & retreat center, organic & holistic Sunspot Urban Farm (CSA)

Red Dirt Farms 609 E CR 70, Wellington 970-817-3679 Red Dog Expressions 1901 Serramonte Dr. Fort Collins www.reddogexpressions. wordpress.com Rock Ridge Ranch

1004 and 1008 Sunset Ave. Fort Collins 970-556-5942 www.Sunspoturbanfarm. squarespace.com Sylvan Dale Ranch 2939 N. CR 31 D, Loveland www.sylvandale.com 970-667-3915 The Growing Project at Hope Farms

8851 W. US Hwy 34, Loveland www.rockridgebeef.com

1601 N. Shields, Fort Collins www.thegrowingproject.org 970-587-3827

Rock Soup Ranch

Tigges Farm

2420 E. CR 68, Wellington www.rocksoupranch.com

12404 Weld CR 64 ½, Greeley www.tiggesfarm.com

Sauer Family Beef

Top Notch All Natural Meats

6681 County Rd. 50, Johnstown www.sauerfamilybeef.com

43498 Weld CR 35 Pierce www.topnotchmeats.com 970-834-1449

Scarecrow Gardens 2235 N. 47th Ave.Greeley www.scarecrowgardens.com Sláinte Farm (CSA)

Von Trotha-Firestien Farm at Bracewell 30951 County Road 27, Greeley www.bracewellfarm.com Westbridge Farms

64892 W. CR 56, Laporte www.handfulofherbs.com/ community-partners

1225 Blue Spruce Dr. Fort Collins www.westbridgefarms.com

Sunny Daze

WiseAcres Greenhouse

901 S. County Rd. 5, Fort Collins www.SunnydazeGardens.com

3545 W. O St. Greeley www.facebook.com/ WiseAcres-Greenhouse

Sunray Natural (CSA) 5656 N. Hwy 1, Fort Collins www.sunraynatural.farm Collie puppies

Wooly Goat Farms(CSA) 117 S Taft Hill Rd. Fort Collins www.woolygoatfarm.com 970-599-4756 Are we missing a farm? Contact us at:

info@fortifiedcollaborations.com

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FARMSTANDS

ON THE VINE AT RICHMOND FARMS

ANDERS FARM

3611 Richmond Dr. Fort Collins, Look for road signs

BARTELS FARM

1821 W. Eisenhower Blvd. Loveland, MaySept. M-Sat 9-6, Sun 10-5

8443 Hwy 85, Fort Lupton, M-Sat 8-6, Sun 8-5 3424 E. Douglas Rd. Fort Collins

SCOFIELD FRUITS

SUNNY DAZE

901 S County Rd 5 Fort Collins, Through Oct. Tues & Thurs 4-8

BRACEWELL PRODUCE

30951 County Road 27, Greeley

SUNRISE RANCH

CROFT’S GREELEY FARM STAND

4110 Centerplace Dr. Greeley, June-Sept. Tues-Sat 10-4 FOCO F.R.E.S.H. FARM

2225 W. Vine Dr. Fort Collins, May 15-Oct. 15 daily 7-7 GARDEN SWEET

Farm Stand & Pick-Your-Own, 719 W. Willox St. Fort Collins, May-Oct. T-F 10-6, S&S 10-3

100 Sunrise Ranch Rd. Loveland TIGGES FARM 12404 WCR 64 ½, Greeley, Aug.-Oct. hours vary POPE FARMS PRODUCE & GARDEN CENTER

6501 W 28th Ave. Greeley, April-Dec. M-Sat 9-6 Sun 10-4 Jan.-Mar. Fri & Sat 9-6

GOOD GRIN FARM

FARMERS MARKETS

HAPPY HEART FARM

Fickel Park in downtown Berthoud June 25 - September 24 Saturdays 9 - 1 www.berthoudlocal.org/farmers-market

2925 W Mulberry St. Fort Collins, JuneSept. Fri 4-7pm, Sat 10-1 2820 W. Elizabeth St. Fort Collins HAZEL DELL MUSHROOMS

3925 E County Rd 32 (Carpenter Rd) Fort Collins, M-F 8:30-4:30 JAKE’S FARM

3620 E. Eisenhower Blvd. Loveland, M-F & Sun11-9, Sat 10-9 JODAR FARMS

5100 E County Rd 48, Fort Collins, Sundays 11-1 NATIVE HILL FARM

2100 County Road 54G, Fort Collins, May-Nov. daily 8-6 NATIVE HILL AT BEAVER’S MARKET 1100 W. Mountain Ave. Fort Collins, Wednesdays 4-7

BERTHOUD LOCAL FARMERS MARKET

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DRAKE ROAD FARMERS MARKET

802 W Drake Rd., Fort Collins April 16 - September 24, Saturdays 10 - 1 www.drakeroadfarmersmarket.com ERIE FARMERS MARKET

Briggs Street in Downtown May 19 – September 22, Thursdays 5 - 8 www.realfarmersmarketco.com/eriefarmers-market ESTES VALLEY FARMERS MARKET

Bond Park on E. Elkhorn Ave. June 2 - early October Thursdays, 8 - 1 www.facebook.com/ EstesValleyFarmersMarket GREELEY FARMERS MARKET AT THE DEPOT

902 7th Ave. May 21 - October 29, Saturdays 7:30 – 12; July 6 - September 28, Wednesdays 3 - 6 www.greeleygov.com/fm GREELEY WINTER FARMERS’ MARKET

CAMC FORT COLLINS FARMERS MARKET

Zoe’s, 715 10th St. November-April, 1st & 3rd Saturdays www.facebook.com/ greeleyfarmersmarket

CAMC LOVELAND FARMERS MARKET

200 W Oak St. May 14 - October 2, Saturdays 8 - 12 www.larimercountyfarmersmarket.org

Harmony & Lemay in front of Ace Hardware May 6 - October 28, Sundays 11 – 3; June 13 - October 31, Wednesdays 11 - 3 www.fortcollinsfm.com HWY 287 in front of Hobby Lobby (3133 N. Garfield) May 1 - October 30, Tuesdays 11 - 3 www.fortcollinsfm.com CITY OF LOVELAND FARMERS MARKET AT FAIRGROUNDS PARK

700 S Railroad Ave. June 26 - September 25, Sundays 9 - 1:30 www.facebook.com/ CityofLovelandFarmersMarket

CORN MAZES & PUMPKIN PATCHES Anderson Farms 6728 County Rd. 3 1/4 Erie www.andersonfarms.com Bartels Farm 3424 E. Douglas Rd. Fort Collins www.thebartelsfarm.com Fritzler Corn Maze 20861 County Rd. 33 La Salle www.fritzlermaze.com Harvest Farm 4240 E. County Rd. 66 Wellington www.harvestfarm.net Miller Farm 13912 County Rd. 19 Platteville www.millerfarms.net Northern Colorado Corn Maze 2318 S. County Rd. 5 Fort Collins www.nococornmaze.com

DOWNTOWN MEAD FARMERS MARKET

Mead Town Park June 26 - September 25, Sundays 10 – 1 www.townofmead.org/parksandrec/ page/downtown-mead-farmersmarket

Something From the Farm 8020 S. Timberline Rd. Fort Collins www.somethingfromthefarm.com Tigges Farm 12404 WCR 64½, Greeley 80631 www.tiggesfarm.com Rock Creek Farm Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze 2005 South 112th Street Broomfield www.rockcreekfarm.com Osborn Farm 1230 S. Boise Ave. Loveland www.osborn.farm/#pumpkins Rocky Mountain Pumpkin Patch 9059 Ute Hwy, Longmont www.rockymtnpumpkinranch.com May Farms 64001 US Highway 36, Byers www.mayfarms.com

LARIMER COUNTY FARMERS MARKET

WELLINGTON FARMERS MARKET Centennial Park June 20 - October 20, Thursdays 4 - 8 www.wellingtoncofarmersmarket.org

Crazed Corn Field Maze Colorado Pumpkin Patch 104th Ave. and Riverdale Rd. Thornton CrazedCornFieldMaze.com Hill’s Harvest 3225 E 124th Ave, Thornton www.hillsharvest.com Cottonwood Farm 1535 N 75th St, Boulder www.cottonwoodfarms.com Munson Farms Valmont Rd, Boulder www.munsonfarms.com Ollin Farms 8627 N. 95th St., Longmont www.ollinfarms.com Johnstown Straw Maze 3418 SE 25 Frontage Rd. Johnstown www.strawmaze.com/johnstown

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2016-2017

CALENDAR of

SEPTEMBER 15

Bike-In Food Trucks on the Farm 5-8pm - Hope Farms - Free entry - Tomato Themed! A bike-in, family-friendly evening of amazing food trucks, beer, live music and community building at The Growing Project Educational Garden. Food trucks include: Common Link, Austin’s Tacos, Revolution Pops. Live bluegrass and Odell beer available for donation only. www.thegrowingproject.org/events.html

SEPTEMBER 17

Little Wolverines Story Hour 10-11am - Wolverine Farm Bookstore - Free Join us for an hour of stories and activities for kids of all ages. Our volunteers read two picture books and pair them up with a related craft or activity. Each story hour has a different theme! Recurring event taking place the first and third Saturdays of each month.

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EVENTS

FORToberfest 11am-10pm - Old Town Square - Free Celebrate Fort Collins’ last outdoor music festival of 2016 in Old Town Square! FORToberfest is a Fort Collins-style Fall festival, featuring 10+ hours of live music on the Old Town Square Stage and specialty tastings of local, seasonal craft beers. www.downtownfortcollins.com/?/events/ fortoberfest

SEPTEMBER 17-18

The Fall Holistic Fair and Food Drive 10am-5pm - The Ranch, Larimer County Fairgrounds - $6 on day, $8 weekend, discount with canned food donation - Discover aspects of yourself through astrology, tarot, palmistry, clairvoyant readings, aura portraits, psychic development classes and other intuitive arts. Experience healing modalities from massage and reflexology to energy balancing and biofeedback, just to name a few. Sample healthy “green drinks”,

vitamin supplements and nutritional products. Try locally made natural skin care products. Shop our creative vendors and artisans. Find crystals and gemstones, New Age art, music. Free lectures. www.holistic-fairs.com/fall-fair/fall-fairinformation/

SEPTEMBER 18

Classic Fairy Gardening 1:30-3pm - Fort Collins Nursery - $35 - A hands on 90-minute class where you will choose from common miniature plants including foliage and succulent varieties combined with a selection of mini garden accessories and materials to create your ideal tiny wonderland. Ideal for parents/ children, or grandparents/grandchildren; one child per registered adult. Register online at: www.fortcollinsnursery.com/fcnevents/fairygardening-classes/

SEPTEMBER 24

OCTOBER 16

Pioneer Living Day 10am-3pm - Bee Family Centennial Farm Museum - Free - Come see what life was like 100 years ago with a wide variety of live demonstrations including milking, blacksmith, bread and butter making, among many, many more. Bring a sac lunch; lemonade and ice cream with a small donation. www.beefamilyfarm.com/events.html

Spooky Fairy Gardening 11am-12:30pm - Fort Collins Nursery - $35 - Add some fright for your fairies! A hands on 90-minute class where you will craft a spooky fairy garden from a great selection of Halloween-themed accessories and common miniature plants including foliage and succulent varieties. Register online at: www.fortcollinsnursery.com/fcnevents/ fairy-gardening-classes/

SEPTEMBER 25

OCTOBER 22

Jax Harvest Moon Salmon Bake 5-9pm - Poudre Valley Community Farms - $85 - Celebrate the end of the Pacific Northwest salmon season and the start of Poudre Valley Community Farms at this unique dinner. Jax Chef Ricky Myers will prepare a 5 course meal featuring whole salmon cooked over an open fire, with beer pairings by Odell and select wines. Live music and a bonfire will complete the evening. Ticket sales benefit Poudre Valley Community Farms. www.fortifiedcollaborations.com/tickets/ harvest-moon-salmon-bake

Holler!ween XIV 7pm-2am - Groves Dairyland - $35 online, $40 at the door - This is a gathering of The Holler! and Michael’s musical community, a call to the wild, a pause for a much needed ecstatic celebration with our friends and family. In it’s 14th year, hosted by Michael Kirkpatrick and the Sustainable Living Association. Ticket includes camping and your first beer. Check the website for shuttle information, tips, directions, to purchase tickets, and more: www.sustainablelivingassociation.org/ event/hollerween-xii/

Front Range Rally at Loveland Farmer’s Market 9am-1:30pm - Fairgrounds Park - Free - A mini front range rally with great craft beer and delicious food while experiencing all the market has to offer. All proceeds benefit Food Bank for Larimer County. This session features Big Beaver Brewing Co, Climb Hard Cider Co, The Road Grill, and The Waffle Lab. www.foodbanklarimer.org/event/front-range-rallyloveland-farmers-market-4/

OCTOBER 22-23

OCTOBER 1-2

Oktoberfest 11am-3pm - Bath Garden Center - Free - Family friendly Oktoberfest featuring a $1 all you can drink root beer garden with sodas from Coopersmith’s, kids crafts, and brats. www.bathgardencenter.com/event/oktoberfest/

OCTOBER 2

Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off & Fall Jamboree 10am-3pm - Fort Collins Nursery - Free - Enter your largest pumpkin into this officially sanctioned contest site for the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth, which is sure to bring a whole new level of competition and some truly staggering entries! The jamboree will include a cornucopia of fall activities including pumpkin bowling, hot dogs, live music, and a beer tent among many more. For contest rules and regulations, registration, and a list of activities, visit: www.fortcollinsnursery.com/event/2016giant-pumpkin-weigh-off/

OCTOBER 15

Bounty and Brews 5-9pm - Bath Garden Center - $85 - Save the date for this annual tradition! A 6-course dinner crafted with local foods by some of Fort Collins’ finest chefs and beers paired from local breweries. Abundant silent auction and live music round out this special evening. All proceeds benefit The Growing Project. www.fortifiedcollaborations.com/tickets/bounty-brews

Howl-O-Ween Trick-or-Treat 3-7pm - Centennial Village Museum - $1 for children; $2 for adults - Try your hand at Halloween carnival games and participate in the costume contest while wearing your spookiest or silliest costumes. www.greeleymuseums.com/ event/howl-o-ween-trick-treat

OCTOBER 26-28

Treatsylvania Friday & Saturday 6-8pm; Sunday 1-3pm - The Farm at Lee Martinez Park - $5 per child, free for adults - Take your little ones on a safe trick-ortreat at The Farm. Stroll through the Trick-or-Treat Street, knock on the doors and receive candy. Tickets on sale October 3 and are available to purchase in advance (recommended) at The Farm, Northside Aztlan Center, or EPIC. Contact: The Farm, 970-221-6665

OCTOBER 29

Halloween Party 12-2pm - Bath Garden Center - Free - Enter into costume contests for children and pets, pick your own pumpkin with carving demonstrations, free crafts and snacks, and other spooky activities. www.bathgardencenter.com/event/halloweenparty-2/ Halloween Enchanted Garden 10am-2pm - Gardens at Spring Creek - $5 per child - Planned especially for children ages 2-8, this event is one of the only candy-free Halloween celebrations in Fort Collins. Take part in a day of amusement for your children. Wear a costume and be ready for some magical (never frightening!) fun. www.fcgov.com/gardens/programsspecial-events/ special-events/halloween-enchanted-garden

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WEEKENDS OCTOBER 1-30

Harvest Farm Fall Festival Fri/Sat 10-8 Sun 12-6 - Harvest Farm - Adults $15 Kids $13 - Celebrate fall with an array of attractions including corn mazes, petting zoo, pumpkin junction, and more. www.harvestfarm.net/fall-festival

NOVEMBER 5

NOVEMBER 12

Winter Farmer’s Market 9am-1pm - Opera Galleria - Who says you can’t enjoy farm fresh food and local artisans through the winter? Gather on special Saturdays to enjoy and shop for local foods and products. www.nocofoodcluster.com/winter-market/ Mad Farmer Dinner 5-9pm - Wolverine Publik House - Save the date for this intimate dining experience at Wolverine Publick House! Proceeds will benefit Wolverine Farm Letterpress & Publick House. www.fortifiedcollaborations.com/tickets/madfarmer-dinner Holiday Open House 11am-4pm - Bath Garden Center - Free - Enjoy the holiday season with themed decorated trees, secret recipe cider, Stonewall kitchen tastings, a $50 gift card drawing, and festive treats. www.bathgardencenter.com/event/holidayopen-house/

NOVEMBER 19

Holiday Open House 10am-3pm - Fort Collins Nursery - Free - Enjoy holiday music and treats as you shop for the perfect live or fresh-cut tree, unique decorations, ornaments and more. Santa will be available for tykes with toy lists throughout the event (bring your camera for photos). Staff will assist with customizing holiday wreaths and gifts. www.fortcollinsnursery.com/event/holiday-openhouse-2016/

NOVEMBER 20

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NOVEMBER 26

Holiday Heritage Open House 10am-4pm - Greeley History Museum - Free Celebrate the holidays with children’s crafts, great exhibits, photos with Cowboy Santa, and lots of holiday cheer! www.greeleymuseums.com/event/ holidayheritageopenhouse

DECEMBER 3

Homesteader’s Holiday 10am-4pm - Centennial Village Museum - $4 for adults, $2 for seniors and youth, free for children with a canned food donation - Visitors can enjoy candle dipping, creating their own ornaments, among other activities. Food concessions are available with proceeds benefiting the Friends of the Greeley Museums. www.greeleymuseums. com/event/homesteaders-holiday/

DECEMBER 4-JANUARY 4

Garden of Lights 5-9pm - Gardens at Spring Creek - $2 recommended donation - See your favorite perennial flower beds, huge sculptural flowers, a brilliant blue LED pond, John Deere tractor, cornfields, and farmer, and a Primordial Forest with dinosaurs—all created entirely from holiday lights! During the weekends, visit with Santa, listen to holiday music, make seasonal crafts, and enjoy warm drinks. Seasonal and holiday plants available for purchase beginning November 27. www.fcgov.com/gardens/programsspecialevents/special-events/garden-of-lights

DECEMBER 10

DECEMBER 11

Holiday Fairy Gardening 11am-12:30pm - Fort Collins Nursery - $35 Enjoy this hands on 90-minute class where you will choose from a variety of holiday themed accessories to bring some cheer to your mini garden this winter. With just a few houseplants, a gingerbread house, and a little imagination, you can have your very own miniature winter wonderland! Register online at: www.fortcollinsnursery.com/fcnevents/ fairy-gardening-classes/

DECEMBER 17

JANUARY 14

JANUARY 28

FEBRUARY 25

FEBRUARY 11

MARCH 11

Winter Farmer’s Market 9am-3pm - Opera Galleria - Who says you can’t enjoy farm fresh food and local artisans through the winter? Gather on special Saturdays to enjoy and shop for local foods and products. www.nocofoodcluster.com/ winter-market/ Winter Farmer’s Market 9am-3pm - Opera Galleria - Who says you can’t enjoy farm fresh food and local artisans through the winter? Gather on special Saturdays to enjoy and shop for local foods and products. www.nocofoodcluster.com/ winter-market/

MARCH 25

APRIL 8

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THE HEALTHY SIDE OF GERMS AND HOW FOOD PLAYS A PART BY DR. LLOYD BLACKLER

“J

ohnny, no!” shrieked his mom as her toddler plucked a chunk of food off the floor. She raced toward him, eyes full of terror, then sighed in relief, catching him just before the contaminated food entered his mouth. In this country, and around the developed world, people have formed an extreme fear of germs. We’ll do anything to keep from becoming the next victim of gastroenteritis or other infectious diseases. But is this level of concern a good thing? Is it natural? After all, when we examine prehistoric and even current-day hunter-gatherer populations, these civilizations are almost completely free from the chronic inflammatory conditions that plague Americans and inhabitants of most developed countries. So maybe it’s time for us to reexamine our relationship with germs.

What Is the Microbiome? What if I told you that the health of your mind and body is largely determined by the microbes, or germs, that live in and on you? The human microbiota consists of the 10–100 trillion microbial cells harbored by each and every one of us. These microbes are symbiotic, meaning they live in harmony with our bodies. We need them, and they need us. The term microbiome describes the entire genetic makeup of the microbiota. Now here’s the really crazy part of our relationship with these germs. Only one percent of the DNA in your body is yours. The remaining 99 percent belongs to the trillions of microbial cells living within you! Considering the vast number of microbes that live inside of us, it’s no won-

24 |

der they have such a profound impact on our health and behavior. Yet it’s easy to sabotage the healthy role of these microbes if we’re not cognizant of what we’re feeding our bodies. You Are What You Eat (Or What You Feed Your Microbiome) While research in this field is relatively new (the term “microbiome” was only coined 15 years ago by Joshua Lederberg ), it’s clear that gut health is the first place to start if we want a balanced microbiome. And since what we eat strongly affects our guts, we can kickstart our way to a healthy microbiome by avoiding processed foods and loading up on high-antioxidant nutrition from natural sources—including local CSAs and farms—to introduce beneficial microbes into our bodies. Turns out the old saying still holds weight, with a slight twist. When it comes to maintaining a balanced gut and good health, you are what you feed your microbiome. In the next issue of Bounty, join me on the path to a healthy gut and microbiome—and find foods that will help you along the way.

CITATIONS: 1. Ursell, Luke K., Metcalf, Jessica L., et al. “Defining the Human Microbiome.” National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3426293/. 2. Ibid.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dr. Lloyd Blackler is a physician at Associates in Family Medicine. He is currently accepting new patients at the Timberline and South (Oakridge) offices in Fort Collins.

Fortified Farm Dinners

FIFTH ANNUAL

OCTOBER 15 5-10 pm

All Local Live Music

6 COURSES BREWERIES AND

Community-style Dining Abundant Silent Auction

CHEFS

FREE SHUTTLES to and from Dinner

laboration ol dc ie if rt fo : it is v s et ck ti For

s.com

At Bath Garden Center and Nursery 2000 E Prospect Rd. Fort Collins

Tickets $85

Event will Benefit:

| 25

Creating a Healthy Community through a Resilient, Sustainable Local Food System THE MISSION OF THE NORTHERN COLORADO FOOD CLUSTER IS TO CREATE A HEALTHY COMMUNITY THROUGH A RESILIENT, LOCAL FOOD SYSTEM AND TO SUPPORT AND PROMOTE LOCAL FOOD PRODUCTION, DISTRIBUTION, AND CONSUMPTION.

This mission is achieved by:

• Connecting community groups and individuals working on food projects in Northern Colorado to increase collective capacity and reduce redundancy.

• Guiding the community in developing unique food strategies that create opportunities for new and innovative business roles and practices. • Increasing healthy food access by connecting residents directly with affordable, fresh, local products.

www.nocofoodcluster.com

26 |

LOCAL FOOD AND FARM GUIDE celebrates the local farms, producers and markets that are part of an increasingly vibrant and resilient regional food hub. ADVERTISE IN BOUNTY LOCAL FOOD AND FARM GUIDE!

The Guide includes:

• A comprehensive listing of local farms, ranches, food producers, farmers markets and farm stands • Coverage of current topics on our regional food system • A calendar of upcoming events around local food

20,000 FREE Copies Distributed in Northern Colorado For information, contact Kristina Cash 970-217-8786 • kristina@fortifiedcollaborations.com

| 27

Fortified Farm Dinners 28 |

5 Annual Harvest Moon Salmon Bake Bounty & Brews Beer Dinner Sunday, September 25 th

5-9pm Poudre Valley Community Farms Pilot Farm

TO BENEFIT POUDRE VALLEY COMMUNITY FARMS

Saturday, October 15 5-10pm Bath Garden Center & Nursery TO BENEFIT THE GROWING PROJECT

Mad Farmer Dinner

Saturday, November 12 6-9pm Wolverine Farm Letterpress & Publick House TO BENEFIT WOLVERINE FARM

For tickets and more information, visit: FortifiedCollaborations.com