Bounty | SPRING 2021

Growing Season 2021

LOCAL FOOD AND FARM GUIDE

The dance of the pollinators page 4

INSIDE:

YOUR GUIDE TO FARM STANDS AND FARMERS’ MARKETS

All Natural makes all the difference.

WE OFFER

Everything you eat starts with how it is raised and how it gets to you. Know what you and your family are eating.

• Black Angus cattle selected for high marbling genetics, locally farm-raised in large pastures in a low stress environment • NEVER EVER given antibiotics, hormones, or steroids or fed animal by-products • Available by quarter, half, or whole, cut and packaged just the way you want it • Dry-aged 21 days for tender, moist, consistently great flavor.

www.blueskyfarmcolorado.com (970) 222-7147 • Rbluesky8@msn.com • Windsor, CO Please request a cutting instruction sheet to place your order.

LET US SHARE WHOLESOME, NUTRITIOUS, AND SAFE NATURAL BEEF WITH A TASTE YOU CAN TRUST.

Farm membership $50. Join Now! COME SHOP AT THE ON-SITE FARM STORE Farm fresh produce including vegetables, fruit, eggs, and other farm goods available.

OPEN BEGINNING MAY 17 HOURS: Tues/Thurs 2-5pm

and Sat 9am-Noon

SEASON: May 15-October 15

HOURS:

FARM & GARDEN EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Mon-Fri 8am-11am & 2pm-5pm Sat 9am – noon

SIGN UP FOR YOUR GOAT MILK CSA MEET FARM ANIMALS goats, miniature horses, chickens

FARM & COMMUNITY GARDEN

Non-profit 501(c)3 community farm • CultivateHopeCo.org 2|

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o e f c n t h a e d s p r o o l e t l a i n Th Lisa Boesen

How to support the critters who bring life to our gardens

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elons, cucumbers, strawberries, and squash. Apples, peaches, pears, and peas.

What do these fruits and vegetables have in common? All these plants, along with many more, are pollinated by some of the smallest of animal species (one of the backbones of nature)—the humble bee. As we work on our gardens this spring, and enjoy Colorado farmers markets gifts of goodness, we are brought into the careful, sweet dance between local pollinators and our food.

Many people think of pollinators as the honeybee, but pollinators include many groups of insects and mammals as well as other creatures that make up the majority of food pollination. Birds, bats, butterflies, moths, flies, beetles, wasps (yes, it’s true), even small mammals like

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mice and shrew make up the extraordinary world of pollinators. So, next time you see a beautiful, black and yellow Western Swallowtail on a coneflower, a gold-green sweat bee on a sunflower, or a hummingbird on your pink penstemon, give them a thankful nod.

FUN FACTS Honeybees are not native to the United States. Honeybees, as we know them today, are the offshoot of generations of European bees brought to America during the settlement years.

We love the cute furry honeybee, but native bees are the work horses of garden

pollination. There are over 4,000 native bee species in the United States, from tiny Perdita minima (as the name implies) to large bumble bees and carpenter bees. As much press as the honeybee receives, native bees are the champion pollinators of local gardens and many small farms, pollinating over 80 percent or more of our flowering plant food supply.

Most all native bees build nests to store pollen and nectar, and form cells of wax in which to lay eggs. Depending on the species, some nests may be underground or in sand, while other nests may be in an empty log or standing dead trees. In Colorado, as we enjoy our open

Start your own pollinator-friendly garden

Below are some great resources to learn about pollinators, gardening with native plants, building habitats, and helping spread the buzz!

• 2 Million Blossoms • Audubon Habitat Hero Program • High Plains Environmental Learning Center • People and Pollinators Action Network • Northern Colorado Beekeepers Association • Pollinator.org • Colorado Native Plant Society • United States Forestry Service Pollinator Program

spaces and natural areas, the leaf trash, dead trees, and other decaying crunchy nature pieces may be nurseries and habitat for our native bees, bats, and more.

Backyard beekeepers are managing hives with tens of thousands of honeybees, whereas native bee nests are smaller and solitary, thus requiring less need to protect their domicile. As many native bees do not have stingers and have less “home front” to defend, they are generally more docile in nature and less apt to sting. In private gardens, they are a wonder to behold—from tiny, tiny green bees that may appear to be flies to the rusty-striped bumble bee.

There are over 200 butterfly species in Colorado. Although butterflies are attracted to flowers, (think milkweed), other natural sources, like food waste, can attract butterflies. Per the United States Forestry Service Pollinator Partnership, they are attracted to some unsavory

general, flow season starts in late April and moves through the summer into September with a time frame called a “summer dearth” where there is not much flowering happening.

Some pollinators, particularly bees, harvest pollen, nectar, and a substance called resin found in coniferous trees and sticky plants. Colorado hikers may even observe native bees in the pine forests, such as on top of Krueger Rock in the Larimer County Hermit Open Space.

What are they enjoying? Pine tree resin to forage resin a.k.a. propolis. Bees use resin or propolis to seal their hives against predators, moisture, and diseases.

DECLINING POPULATION Many issues are contributing to the decline of the overall pollinator population, but four things are key contributors for the loss. These include habitat loss from urban development and agriculture; foraging loss due to lack

Where to buy the Nectar of the Gods (Honey!)

Local honey is the best and fortunately, there are many opportunities to buy from neighboring backyard beekeepers to more commercial operations! Below are a few commercial businesses in Northern Colorado: • Front Range Sustainable Apiaries—www.frontrangesustainableapiaries.com • Copocos Honey—copocoshoney.com • Papa Joe’s Local Honey— www.facebook.com/PapaJoesLocalHoney • Bee Squared Honey—bethsbees.com • NoCoVirtualMarket—nocovirtualfarmersmarket.com • Red Dog Expressions Lavender Honey—reddogexpressions.wordpress.com

foodstuffs, including rotten food.

Consider displaying overripe bananas or other fruit to attract butterflies.

Just like humans and other animals, pollinators require water and other macronutrients. Creating and placing a damp salt link in your yard for butterflies, (and bees) is helpful in providing macronutrients to both species. To create damp salt lick, mix 1/8 tsp of sea salt with 3 cups of water. Mix well and use to fill a bird bath or a shallow bowl.

All bees are incredible foragers and may travel upwards of two miles to find the best pollen and nectar to take back to their nests or hives. The foraging or “flow” season varies in Colorado. In

area. It doesn’t need to be a big area. Some people or businesses may even choose to habitat garden pots or raised beds. Start small and transform some of your grass, bit by bit, into a diverse habitat for birds and several types of pollinators.

Plant for diversity—birds and pollinators. Even a small yard or a patio with pots, can be pollinator-friendly.

Chose annuals and perennials that are native to your area and provide a “flow” of blooming times from spring to early fall. For example, in Colorado, crocuses are the first to bloom in April, then peonies in May/June, lavender in June/ July, sunflowers for August, and asters for late September until mid-October.

And of course, avoid chemicals, particularly, neonicotinoids.

Incorporate or fully plant native species if possible. Native pollinators and birds thrive on native plants. In the side bar is a list of resources that may help you with your planning. Start small and enjoy the process!

Build “housing” – natural or otherwise. Native bee box kits are available for purchase, but there are many natural options around as well. Consider drilling holes in a dead log or bundling hollowed-out sticks to attract and create cozy homes for native bees.

The bonus? You can enjoy your new pollinator habitat as much as your new-found pollinator friends.

of pollinator plants and popularity of lawns; chemical usage including insecticides and herbicides; and reproduction (availability of pollinator housing).

WHAT CAN YOU DO? THINK FOOD, HOME, AND SAFETY. First things first. Homeowners large and small, businesses, and renters, can help by improving foraging, increasing pollinator habitat, and decreasing chemical usage.

Think multi-purpose. A diverse habitat serves the entire pollinator group of pollinators, birds, helps with water conservation, and more.

Reduce the lawn footprint. Transition part of your yard into a natural habitat

Lisa Boesen is an author, home chef, and backyard beekeeper. When not podcasting inspiration or creating cooking videos, she is noshing about the agricultural goodness in Northern Colorado. Her next book, FoodELEVATED, will be available on Amazon and local distribution in May. GROWING SEASON 2021

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2021 NoCo Farmers Markets Berthoud Local Farmers Market Fickel Park in downtown Berthoud Saturdays, 9am–noon, June 19–Sept. 25 http://berthoudlocal.org Erie Farmers Market Briggs Street between Wells and Moffatt, Erie Thursdays, 5–8pm, May 13–Sept. 9 www.realfarmersmarketco.com Estes Valley Farmers Market Visitor Center, 500 Big Thompson Ave., EP Thursdays, 8am–1pm, June–Sept. www.facebook.com/EstesValleyFarmersMarket Farmers Market at Fairgrounds Park 700 S. Railroad Ave., Loveland Sundays, 9am–1pm, June 6–Sept. 22 www.cityofloveland.org/farmersmarket

Fort Collins Farmers Market 1001 E. Harmony Rd. in front of Ace Hardware (rain or shine) Sundays, 10am–2pm, May 2–Nov. 13 Wednesdays, 10am–2pm, June 16–Sept. www.fortcollinsfarmersmarket.org Fort Collins Farmers Market on Drake 802 W. Drake Rd., FC (weather permitting) Saturdays, 9am–1pm, June 19–Sept. www.fortcollinsfarmersmarket.org/drake

Bartels Farm 3424 E. Douglas Rd., Fort Collins www.thebartelsfarm.com www.facebook.com/The-BartelsPumpkin-Patch-137755902661

Virtual Farmers Market Order online Sundays, 8am–Wednesdays, 6pm Delivery Saturdays Noon–4pm or Pick up Saturdays Noon–2pm www.nocovirtualfarmersmarket.com

Larimer County Farmers Market 200 S. Oak St., Fort Collins Saturdays, 9am–1pm, May 22–Oct. 30 www.larimercountyfarmersmarket.org

Windsor Farmers Market Boardwalk Park, 110 5th St., Windsor Saturdays, 9am–1pm, June 12–Sept. 11 www.windsorgov.com/FarmersMarket

Something about being on a farm just feels good. The pace feels relaxed and your interactions, maybe, more genuine. So swing by a farm stand soon and pick up some deliciousness while you’re at it.

Green Dog Farm Off CR54G next to Overland Foods, Laporte www.greendogfarmcsa.com Happy Heart Farm 2820 W. Elizabeth St., Fort Collins www.happyheartfarmcsa.com

Desiderata Ranch 4617 CR 2, Berthoud http://desiderataranch.org

Hazel Dell Mushrooms 3925 E. CR 32 (Carpenter Rd.) Fort Collins www.hazeldellmushrooms.com

Garden Sweet 719 W. Willox Ln., Fort Collins www.gardensweet.com

Heritage Lavender 4809 Foothills Dr., Berthoud www.heritagelavender.com

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Timnath Sunday Market 4138 Main St., Timnath Second Sundays, 9am–1pm, May–Oct www.coloradofeedandgrain.com/sundaymarket

Greeley Summer Farmers Market Union Pacific Depot, 902 7th Ave., GR Saturdays, 8am–Noon, Mid-May–Oct. www.greeleygov.com/fm

FARM STANDS Anders Farm 8443 US Hwy. 8, Fort Lupton www.facebook.com/RAndersFarm

Loveland West Farmers Market at Jax 2665 W Eisenhower Blvd, Loveland Tuesdays, 9am–1pm, May 4–Oct.26 www.facebook.com/Loveland-West-FarmersMarket-at-Jax-183999268919957

Hoffman Farms, LLC 3545 W. 0 St., Greeley www.hoffmanproduce.com

On the Vine at Richmond Farms 3611 Richmond Dr., Fort Collins www.onthevineatrichmondfarms.com

Jodar Farms/Fort Collins Vine Farm Order online/pick up Fort Collins or Wellington www.jodarfarms.com

Papa Joe’s Honey 4855 W. Eisenhower Blvd., Loveland www.facebook.com/ PapaJoesLocalHoney

Long Shadow Farm Order online/pick up Berthoud www.longshadowfarm.com

Sunny Daze 901 S. CR 5, Fort Collins www.sunnydazegardens.com

Ollin Farms Order online/pickup: 8627 N. 95th St., Longmont www.ollinfarms.com

Tigges Farm 12404 CR 64½, Greeley www.tiggesfarm.com

HOMES/JOBS NEEDED FOR

Working Cats • Shop Cats • Warehouse Cats • Barn Cats • OUTBUILDING Cats • Brewery Cats

SavingAnimalsToday.org /workingcats

TNR (Trap/Neuter/Return) Do you have a feral cat colony on your property?

Let us help! Contact our Community Cat Program at: (970) 233-5133.

RiDE on 2021 Ride is now out!

Visit your local bike shop to pick up your FREE copy.

ride-magazine.com

To advertise in RiDE, call Greg or Scott.

Support business that supports bicycling.

In Fort Collins call Greg Hoffman 970-689-6832 greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com

All others call Scott Titterington 970-980-9183 scott.rmpublishing@gmail.com

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