Announcements from the Upstate Locavores!

0 views

Skip to first unread message

Upstate Locavores

unread,

Feb 22, 2009, 7:12:24 PM2/22/09

to cam...@clemson.edu

Dear Upstate Locavores,

It has been a while since we've been in touch. We hope you are having a good winter.

Several of you have asked how you can begin to make a difference in our community as it relates to local food systems. Others have asked how they can become more involved with the Upstate Locavores. In answer to these and other queries, we'd like to take this opportunity to announce some exciting events for the Upstate Locavores!

(1) First Annual Garden Fest: Building Communities, Growing Vegetables: Would you like to provide people who are facing tough economic times with a chance to start gardening and grow their own food? The Upstate Locavores is one of several community groups working on Earth Day 2009 events. We would like to inform you of one such event: "Garden Fest: Building Community, Growing Vegetables" will be held at the SC Botanical Garden on Saturday, April 18 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Simple, interactive displays will teach people how to grow vegetables. Experts will be on hand to answer questions. It is free and everyone (even experienced gardens who would like an update) are encouraged to attend.

We need volunteers to distribute flyers and to help out on the day of the Festival. And, if you can help in any way with publicity, do let us know! Please e-mail Ellie Taylor (elp...@bellsouth.net) or Catherine Mobley (cam...@clemson.edu) if you can help.

(2) Earth Box Project: This project aims to empower local citizens to grow their own food. In early April, the project will provide gardening kits to people identified by Littlejohn Community Center and Clemson Community Cares (CCC). An EarthBox is a container garden on wheels that comes complete with soil and fertilizer along with plants. It can be re-planted with seasonal crops year around, and the same soil can be used over again for five growing seasons.

We are seeking donations and volunteers for this project. Money is being raised to purchase 24 EarthBoxes. A donation of $60 will provide one EarthBox with plants. We are also seeking experienced gardeners to volunteer as mentors to help recipients with planting the EarthBox this spring, re-planting in the fall, and answering questions throughout the year. If you are interested in sponsoring an EarthBox or being a mentor, please e-mail Ellie Taylor (elp...@bellsouth.net) or Catherine Mobley (cam...@clemson.edu).

We have flyers for of these events and will need help with publicity. If you can help, please let us know! And if you are willing to talk with other organizations, individuals, churches, or any small group of committed people (at work, school, club, etc) to sponsor an EarthBox, please inform us.

(3) Upstate Locavores Potluck: Our third Upstate Locavores Potluck is planned for Thursday, May 21, from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Please bring a friend as we celebrate the spring bounty, reflect on our current projects, and plan for the future!

We look forward to hearing from you soon and seeing you at the Garden Fest in April and the the Upstate Locavores potluck in May!

Ellie Taylor and Catherine Mobley