|
23 February 2011
Bay View Greenwaste provides fertile ground for San Francisco’s urban agriculture revolution
Just a few years ago, they were abandoned freeways, dilapidated back yards, and institutional dumping grounds. But today, thanks to San Francisco's urban agriculture renaissance, many of these pockets of underutilized land are being transformed. And one local company -- Bay View Greenwaste -- is playing a key role, by transforming waste into mulch, and giving it away.
The city's largest agricultural experiment to date may be the Hayes Valley Farm, which is growing on the former site of a freeway ramp. The ramp was demolished, but the lot sat empty for years as development funding wilted in the recession. Then, in January of 2010, a dedicated group of farmers and permaculturalists began to convert the property into usable farmland.
With a border of mature trees and areas of direct sun, the location was well-suited for gardening. But the soil needed work. It was polluted, choked with weeds, and lacking in nutrients.
Read the rest of Matt's article at Grist Magazine
Photo by Matt Baume
Originally published on February 22, 2011 at grist.org
|
17 February 2011
The SolarPump Charging Station is a self-contained island of free solar power available for the public to charge any electronic device (electric bicycles to cellphones and laptops, etc.) using a standard 110v AC plug. The bus stop-sized station inspires conversation about energy consumption, solar power and growing adoption of electric mobility.
Recharge at the SolarPump when you visit Hayes Valley Farm
|
14 February 2011
During Friday's class on Permaculture Strategies at Hayes Valley Farm, we were lucky to be joined by farm volunteer Andrea Cohan and her friends, who were about to launch a new free farm stand in the Bay View.
We embarked on a harvest walk that was equal parts site tour and workshop. As we discussed the history of the site, we also covered some techniques for proper harvesting and pruning.
Permaculture Strategies - Join us on Fridays at 1pm.
|
13 February 2011
Red-breasted Sapsucker
Sphyrapicus ruber
ORDER: PICIFORMES | FAMILY: PICIDAE
The Red-breasted Sapsucker was seen visiting Hayes Valley Farm on Feb 7, 2011 during the Urban Tracking and Nature Awareness workshop. This is an unusual bird to see in such an urban setting and it's sighting speaks well for the biodiversity that the farm is creating in the heart of San Francisco. Woodpeckers are a keystone species that themselves help add to the biodiversity of a place - woodpeckers consistently make new holes in trees, leaving behind the old holes as habitat to be used by others birds and animals.
Patterns in Nature: Urban Tracking & Nature Awareness - Monday mornings at 10:30am.
|
12 February 2011
Food has the magical ability to transport us to beloved memories.
Macaroni and cheese recalls childhood memories in so many of us. Chocolate will bring back a first date in college. And crab cake sandwiches may just remind you of that special beach holiday you had with what’s-his-name.
Whether you need to heal your body or boost your spirits, the right comfort foods can do it all.
What does a chapter 14 strategies discussion look like? I found out at the 
Subscribe to RSS Feed
Over a thousand volunteers, neighbors, and community members have helped coordinate the farm efforts.