Harvest Festival Fun

I spent a delightful afternoon exploring the Food Forest at the College of the Redwoods during the Harvest Festival this past Saturday. The sun was shining, a breeze was blowing, music was playing (shout out to Tsunami Swing!) and there were healthy plants all over the place. It looked to me like everyone was smiling.

I was able to interview a few of the many wonderful people who make this complex of trees, fruits, flowers and vegetables grow successfully. It is amazing how much the whole area has improved in the 10 years since it was first created out of basically a bare lot with terrible soil.

The project involves so many people, almost all volunteers, who plant and tend and harvest throughout the year. Students from College of the Redwoods, the Del Norte HS, master gardeners and tribal members all co-operate to create beauty and nourishment. There are classes in farming, cooking, and propagating, among others.

The Food Forest (A sustainable, organic, multi-layered garden which mimics ecosystems and patterns found in nature) is open dawn to dusk and the bounty is available to all, pick your fruits and veggies on site, or sign up for a harvest box, which can actually be delivered if you like! Harvest boxes are also open to people who have SNAP/EBT. Some of our favorite growers participate. Alexandre Dairy, Elkhorn Herbals and Blueberry Hill Farm. There is also a booth at the Farmer’s Market where you can learn more about all the projects and opportunities.

It is truly wonderful what can happen when we all work together to help our community and families. It makes us all happier and healthier.

Watch this space for more information on succession planting!

“To be interested in food but not food production is clearly absurd”

- Wendell Berry