The City of Calgary offers a free composting workshop:
Learn how your lawn, garden and city can benefit from your kitchen
scraps while discovering all the do's and don'ts of successful
composting. Join a Master Composter volunteer from Clean Calgary
Association for suggestions and resources on getting started, what to
do and equipment required.
Saturday, May 30, 2009, 10:30 a.m. - noon
at Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
Sunday, June 28, 2009, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
at Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
More info here!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Toronto passes green roof by-law
Yesterday, Toronto’s city council passed a “By-law to Require and Govern the Construction of Green Roofs in Toronto”. I wonder what it would take to get Calgary to follow suit?
Mayor's Letter
A couple days ago, I asked people to send a letter to the Mayor, requesting that he make a point of meeting the the CFPC.
Scott and Vi have both let me know that they have sent letters, and I know that Paul has sent a few. I'd like to reiterate the importance of this issue, and ask again that letters be sent. Please feel free to personalize the email I sent and to email it to themayor@calgary.ca
You can read it here.
Scott and Vi have both let me know that they have sent letters, and I know that Paul has sent a few. I'd like to reiterate the importance of this issue, and ask again that letters be sent. Please feel free to personalize the email I sent and to email it to themayor@calgary.ca
You can read it here.
Updates!
From the Cornucopia garden:
"Hello fellow Cornucopians!
There is still more planting to do in the garden.
We will be in the garden the following times this weekend:
Saturday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Sunday 9 a.m. - noon, followed by a potluck (Please bring something to
share, enough for about 10 people, although there may be more than
that.)
Please also mark your calendars for a Cornucopia meeting on June 6th -
more information to come on this very very soon.
We are looking forward to seeing you in the garden!
Sincerely,
Your friends at the Cornucopia community garden
"Hello fellow Cornucopians!
There is still more planting to do in the garden.
We will be in the garden the following times this weekend:
Saturday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Sunday 9 a.m. - noon, followed by a potluck (Please bring something to
share, enough for about 10 people, although there may be more than
that.)
Please also mark your calendars for a Cornucopia meeting on June 6th -
more information to come on this very very soon.
We are looking forward to seeing you in the garden!
Sincerely,
Your friends at the Cornucopia community garden
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Abandoned flyer boxes into planters
Posterchild in Toronto has been converting abandoned flyer/newspaper street boxes into planters. A neat addition to the guerrilla gardening arsenal.
Via Craftzine, via @trasie.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Workshop!
Growing Food for the First Time Part 2: Raising Fruit and Herbs in Calgary
Wednesday June 3, 2009
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Scarboro Community Hall
1727 - 14 Avenue SW
Parking is free, transit is nearby and there is wheelchair access.
Join master gardener and organic market gardener, Elaine Rude, to learn
how to grow organic herbs and fruit in Calgary.
Elaine has extensive experience with hardy varieties of fruit trees, berry
bushes, herbs, native plants, water-wise food gardening and high-yield
intensive planting methods.
This workshop is designed for community gardeners new to growing
fruit and herbs and covers garden preparation, soil amending, getting the
most from your garden and individual fruit and herb varieties that thrive
in Calgary.
A suggested donation of $5 is requested for this educational workshop.
Light refreshments will be provided.
RSVP by Monday June 1, 2009 to communitygardens@calhort.org or
403-287-3469 ext 227.
In the event that you are not able to attend, please cancel your
reservation to accommodate gardeners on the waiting list.
This workshop is made possible by the Community Garden Resource Network (a
project supported by The Calgary Horticultural Society, The Calgary
Foundation and Evergreen).
Wednesday June 3, 2009
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Scarboro Community Hall
1727 - 14 Avenue SW
Parking is free, transit is nearby and there is wheelchair access.
Join master gardener and organic market gardener, Elaine Rude, to learn
how to grow organic herbs and fruit in Calgary.
Elaine has extensive experience with hardy varieties of fruit trees, berry
bushes, herbs, native plants, water-wise food gardening and high-yield
intensive planting methods.
This workshop is designed for community gardeners new to growing
fruit and herbs and covers garden preparation, soil amending, getting the
most from your garden and individual fruit and herb varieties that thrive
in Calgary.
A suggested donation of $5 is requested for this educational workshop.
Light refreshments will be provided.
RSVP by Monday June 1, 2009 to communitygardens@calhort.org or
403-287-3469 ext 227.
In the event that you are not able to attend, please cancel your
reservation to accommodate gardeners on the waiting list.
This workshop is made possible by the Community Garden Resource Network (a
project supported by The Calgary Horticultural Society, The Calgary
Foundation and Evergreen).
A letter to the Mayor's office
Hi guys-
I just got an email via the google group. It sounds like Mayor Bronconnier has not been able to meet with the CFPC yet, which is unfortunate. The role the CFPC has to play in developing food security in Calgary is vital - and can only be achieved in collaboration with city hall.
I've sent an email to the Mayor's office, urging him to meet with the CFPC. I would appreciate very much if everyone here could take the time to do the same. The email address is themayor[at]calgary.ca I know that you all have busy schedules, but I also believe strongly that the 15 minute time investment is very worthwhile. Here is the message I sent- you are absolutely welcome to simply enclose it in your email with a few words of support, if that is what best fits your schedule.
I would like to emphasize the importance of working with city hall on these issues- I know that there are sometimes differences of opinion, but the best way to find middle ground is to work together and talk it over.
Dear Mayor Bronconnier,
I would first like to congratulate you. It most satisfying to see the City of Calgary taking its first steps to ensure greater food security on behalf of its citizens. Calgary, having been a "have" province for many years now, is in a unique position to set an example as a City that is not afraid of change. There is great economic and societal benefit to taking advantage of the "green" movement, and using it to strengthen our community.
It recently came to my attention that you have been unable to meet with the Calgary Food Policy Council, a volunteer group which represents the growing interest in Calgary for a stronger foundation of food security. In the past year, the interest in urban agriculture and local food systems has grown. You must be aware of the activity- as the City of Calgary recently approved four new community gardens. We all saw this as an encouraging sign that your office has taken an interest in the longevity of our communities and the stability of our food supply.
I would like to add my voice to what is sure to be a chorus as this movement continues to grow. Food security is important to the people of Calgary. The mayors of Toronto and Vancouver meet with their Food Policy Councils on a regular basis, because the development of a plan for greater health, wellness and security is integral to their roles. It would be most reassuring to see that you feel the same way.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration. I hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
Rachel Simpson
Student, and concerned citizen
I have not been especially involved in the work of the CFPC, but I do think that their organization is important, and I support the work they do. Once again, you can send your email to themayor[at]calgary.ca,
Cheers,
Rachel
I just got an email via the google group. It sounds like Mayor Bronconnier has not been able to meet with the CFPC yet, which is unfortunate. The role the CFPC has to play in developing food security in Calgary is vital - and can only be achieved in collaboration with city hall.
I've sent an email to the Mayor's office, urging him to meet with the CFPC. I would appreciate very much if everyone here could take the time to do the same. The email address is themayor[at]calgary.ca I know that you all have busy schedules, but I also believe strongly that the 15 minute time investment is very worthwhile. Here is the message I sent- you are absolutely welcome to simply enclose it in your email with a few words of support, if that is what best fits your schedule.
I would like to emphasize the importance of working with city hall on these issues- I know that there are sometimes differences of opinion, but the best way to find middle ground is to work together and talk it over.
Dear Mayor Bronconnier,
I would first like to congratulate you. It most satisfying to see the City of Calgary taking its first steps to ensure greater food security on behalf of its citizens. Calgary, having been a "have" province for many years now, is in a unique position to set an example as a City that is not afraid of change. There is great economic and societal benefit to taking advantage of the "green" movement, and using it to strengthen our community.
It recently came to my attention that you have been unable to meet with the Calgary Food Policy Council, a volunteer group which represents the growing interest in Calgary for a stronger foundation of food security. In the past year, the interest in urban agriculture and local food systems has grown. You must be aware of the activity- as the City of Calgary recently approved four new community gardens. We all saw this as an encouraging sign that your office has taken an interest in the longevity of our communities and the stability of our food supply.
I would like to add my voice to what is sure to be a chorus as this movement continues to grow. Food security is important to the people of Calgary. The mayors of Toronto and Vancouver meet with their Food Policy Councils on a regular basis, because the development of a plan for greater health, wellness and security is integral to their roles. It would be most reassuring to see that you feel the same way.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration. I hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
Rachel Simpson
Student, and concerned citizen
I have not been especially involved in the work of the CFPC, but I do think that their organization is important, and I support the work they do. Once again, you can send your email to themayor[at]calgary.ca,
Cheers,
Rachel
Thursday, May 14, 2009
City of Calgary on healthier yards
The City of Calgary has posted a public service announcement today: Plans for your yard this weekend? Consider developing your own healthy yard.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Corporatization of the Calgary Farmers Market???
The at the root blog has a post titled “the calgary farmers market goes corporate”. Very troubling.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Greening the Desert
Given the potential for loss of the Bow River due to the accelerated melting of the primary glacier that feeds it, and given the aridness of our land area, being able to address growing in desert territory may eventually become relevant locally.
Regardless, the process for transforming desert to garden shown in this video is fascinating:
Regardless, the process for transforming desert to garden shown in this video is fascinating:
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Cedarbrae Community Gardens
This weekend, we'll also be going out to help out at Cedarbrae community gardens.
http://www.new.facebook.com/event.php?eid=97195904739
I hear speak of free food...
http://www.new.facebook.com/event.php?eid=97195904739
I hear speak of free food...
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Cornucopia Updates!
From Jacqueline:
Our season has begun at Cornucopia. We are allowing anyone in Calgary to come Grow Your Own Food at 2297 17th Street SE (behind Colonel Walker School). More information can be found at www.calgarygardenpath.ca, or they can contact me personally.
Right now we have times set up for everyone to be in the garden together growing food. These are Saturdays and Sundays 9:30am-3:00pm. No previous experience is necessary, this is a 1/2 acre of land ready for planting by those interested in growing their own food. We focus on communal sharing of food, ideas, education, resources and land. Communal projects require people to take their own initiative in adding ideas, work and organization. This coming weekend will be the time to start planting and many hands make light work. I will be there this weekend if anyone has questions, but all that is needed is to show up!
Those of us already involved would love to see new faces and new ideas. Leadership is shared, like the food, we need people to show that working together does work!
Monday, May 4, 2009
National Geographic Green Effect Competition
National Geographic is holding a competition for the greenest idea for someone's city. The winner, who submits and idea for greening their city, will win 20000 dollars to do it! Very exciting stuff. Any ideas?
Brentwood community garden!
Those lovely folkins in Brentwood are starting a community garden! If you live in Brentwood and would like to come to their first meeting, send an email with your name, your phone number, your email address and your home address to commgardens-14-announce@meetup.com.
Vegetable gardening workshop
I just received this updates from the Calgary Community Gardens Meetup Group. Thanks cody!
What: Growing Food for the First Time: An Introduction to Organic Vegetable Gardening
When: Monday May 11, 2009 - 6 pm to 9 pm
Price: CAD5.00 per person (suggested donation)
Join master gardener and organic market gardener, Elaine Rude, to learn how to grow vegetables successfully in Calgary. Elaine has extensive experience with hardy varieties of vegetables, native plants, water-wise food gardening and high-yield intensive vegetable planting methods.
This workshop is designed for community gardeners new to growing vegetables and covers garden preparation, soil amending, getting the most from your garden and individual vegetable varieties that thrive in Calgary.
A suggested donation of $5 is requested for this educational workshop. Light refreshments will be provided.
RSVP by Thursday May 7, 2009 to communitygardens@calhort.org or 403-287-3469 ext 227.
Unfortunately, this venue is not wheelchair accessible.
More info.
What: Growing Food for the First Time: An Introduction to Organic Vegetable Gardening
When: Monday May 11, 2009 - 6 pm to 9 pm
Price: CAD5.00 per person (suggested donation)
Join master gardener and organic market gardener, Elaine Rude, to learn how to grow vegetables successfully in Calgary. Elaine has extensive experience with hardy varieties of vegetables, native plants, water-wise food gardening and high-yield intensive vegetable planting methods.
This workshop is designed for community gardeners new to growing vegetables and covers garden preparation, soil amending, getting the most from your garden and individual vegetable varieties that thrive in Calgary.
A suggested donation of $5 is requested for this educational workshop. Light refreshments will be provided.
RSVP by Thursday May 7, 2009 to communitygardens@calhort.org or 403-287-3469 ext 227.
Unfortunately, this venue is not wheelchair accessible.
More info.
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