Archive for the ‘Community’ Category

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Frances Moore Lappé on the Food Movement

Sunday, September 25th, 2011

by Catherine Haug, September 25, 2011

Does the name Frances Moore Lappé sound familiar to you? If you came of age in the ’60s or ’70s, it should be a familiar name because she is the author of Diet for a Small Planet, published in 1971. Like most Americans, prior to this book, I was seduced by the possibility of sustaining life by science. I looked forward to the day when all we would have to do to keep our bodies humming, is take a daily nutritional pill. No consideration was given to the environmental and health costs of such a plan.

And then came her book. Wow!

Now she has written a powerful essay on the growing local food movement to counter the food-through-science culture epitomized by Monsanto. The following is from her essay, The Food Movement: Its Power and Possibilities, published in 9/14/11 issue of The Nation. (more…)

Posted in Agriculture, Ecology, Food-Nutrition-Health, Shop Local | Comments Closed

Taming Stormwater with Trees

Friday, September 23rd, 2011

by Catherine Haug, September 23, 2011

Bigfork is currently under construction to build a new stormwater system. The project started last year from the top of Grand Drive near the school, to downtown at the intersection with Electric Ave. This year, the system is extended south along Electric Ave to River Street. In future years, it will continue south to the old bridge.

This system involves a series of plastic or fiberglass filtration systems, piping, and manholes under the surface of the streets, to keep toxic substances from entering the Swan River and Bigfork Bay. But did you know there is a better, more natural way to accomplish the same end, and at the same time provide an even more beautiful city landscape? (more…)

Posted in Community, Ecology, Home & Ranch, Landscaping | 1 Comment »

Progress Report: Local Food Production/Handling Coop in NW Montana

Thursday, September 15th, 2011

by Catherine Haug, September 15, 2011

Last month I published a short post about a new food coop project based out of Ronan, called Get Well Montana (Local Food Production/Handling Coop in NW Montana). More than 30 people attended an introductory meeting to assess interest in the project. Valuable discussion and ideas percolated through the group, including discussion of how best to reach people throughout NW Montana.

Read more about this project and the introductory meeting on the Valley Journal website: Local food coop gathers steering committee.  From the article:

“Our local economy is failing,” Moore said. “Money is being sent overseas for most of our consumable products while our local people don’t have jobs.” By growing and consuming 15 percent of our own food, it would keep $225 million annually in Montana, and $66 million in western Montana alone, according to Moore.

Posted in Community, Food-Nutrition-Health | Comments Closed

Eating Local/Organic: Buy in Bulk

Tuesday, September 6th, 2011

by Catherine Haug, Sept 5, 2011

I happened upon an interesting blog while researching the lacto-fermentation of fruits. The author, Jess Lundie, lives in Olympia WA (after living a much faster-paced life in Washington DC), and has discovered that when living on a shoestring budget, the way to afford high-quality local and/or Organic foods is to buy in bulk.

Check out her post: Buying in Bulk;

And her blog: OpenlyBalanced.com

We are lucky to have a lot of local sources of fresh produce in the Flathead, including our own famous Flathead Cherries. Did you know that most of these orchards also grow other fruits including apples, peaches, plums, raspberries, grapes and blueberries? And some also sell veggies from their own gardens.

This year we lost our local CSA (Swallow Crest Farms), as Julian decided to pursue a different business model for his farm. However, rumor has it that he will be returning to the CSA model in 2012. If/when this is confirmed, I’ll write a post about it.

Meanwhile, to find other sources of locally grown/raised foods, check out the Farmhands website & map.

Posted in Community, Food-Nutrition-Health, Shop Local | Comments Closed

Alice Waters: Join the Local Food Revolution

Sunday, September 4th, 2011

by Catherine Haug, August 30, 2011

Thanks to Sally J. for the Alice Waters video link.

For those who have been reading my posts for a while, this will not be news for you, as buying & eating local has been my project for much of my adult life. But perhaps this will inspire you to join the local food revolution as well. Alice Waters (Edible Schoolyard, Slow Foods, Chez Panisse) has been championing this movement now for decades; she calls it a “Delicious Revolution.”

Watch her 4-minute video: Edible Education. She talks about how the Edible Schoolyard (founded 1995) provides hands-on experience and knowledge for the kids, and excites them about sustainability and enjoying the outdoors. She believes that this kind of program should be in every school, beginning with kindergarden. “Bring kids back to their senses, if you will.” Why not here in Bigfork?

Here is more advice from Alice, for both parents and educators (see page 2 of the Edible Education article): (more…)

Posted in Community, Food-Nutrition-Health, Gardening | Comments Closed

Mountain Biking: User conflicts on the rise

Friday, August 26th, 2011

by Catherine Haug, Aug 25, 2011

Have you been hiking in our gorgeous wild areas, only to be rudely interrupted by mountain bikers crossing your path as they careen madly downhill? If so, you’re not alone. Such incidents are on the rise. Headwaters Montana wants your help to do something about this problem.

from Headwaters Montana Newsletter, August 16, 2011 (more…)

Posted in Community, Ecology | Comments Closed

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