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Friday, October 30, 2015

October School Garden Newsletter

Greetings Michigan school gardeners,

Below is October’s edition of the school garden newsletter. There are TONS of garden grants open right now. We know it is busy at school during this time of year, but think ahead to how wonderful it will be to have a grant to use on for your garden program this spring. Good luck with your applications, and hope that you enjoy the newsletter!

Four easy steps to put your school garden to bed

By Kaitlin Koch Wojciak

 

There is no more denying it – fall has arrived, and winter is on its heels. The leaves are giving up on staying attached to the trees, and in some areas of the state they have already fallen. While some of us may be sad that we will soon be breaking out our warmest clothes and waving farewell to pleasantly temperate days, there are still many things to do outside to prepare for our winter season. One of these tasks is putting the garden to bed.

 

Just like our homes, apartments and places of work, we need to prepare our gardens for the potentially harsh weather ahead. For school gardeners, this is a wonderful opportunity to engage your students in a seasonal education experience.

 

Putting your garden to bed has direct benefits to the health of the garden ecosystem. This process will amp up your soil health, increase organic matter, prevent erosion, and reduce the risk of insect and fungal pests.

 

Follow these steps to prepare your garden for the winter and lay the foundation for a healthy, productive system in the spring:

·         Remove all annual plants, with the potential exception of root crops or crops that you are using season extension to grow. If plants still have unripe fruit, harvest them and store them inside until they ripen. This mainly applies to tomatoes. The annual plants can be added to your compost pile to cycle their nutrients back into the soil, unless they are diseased. In that case, dispose of them. Removing annuals will also decrease the possibility for insect pests to overwinter.

 

·         If you planted crops that are intended to be stored in the soil, such as carrots, beets or parsnips, ensure that you mulch them generously with straw to keep the soil at a more consistent temperature. You can harvest these crops for a few months into the winter. Some farmers plant enough root crops to harvest all winter!

 

·         Now is a great time to add organic material to your garden. In Michigan, leaves are one of the easiest options to use. Leaves will break down more easily over the winter if you shred them first, but it is not necessary. You can also use straw or compost as alternate options. Work some of whatever material you choose into the soil and ensure that you cover your soil with leaves or straw. Having a layer of material on the garden will help to prevent soil erosion over the winter.

 

·         If you have herbaceous (non-woody) perennials in your garden, cut them back to one or two inches above the ground. To reduce risk of a disease spreading, do not compost these plant materials at home.  You can send them to your municipal yard waste management service, if available in your community

 

These tips are adapted from Oregon State University Extension, Purdue Extension, and Colorado State University Extension’s guidelines for putting the garden to bed. Refer to any and all of these resources for more in depth information.

 

Michigan State University Extension supports the development and sustainability of school garden projects throughout the state and expanded learning opportunities for Michigan’s youth.

 

The Blossoming Health and Academic Benefits of School Gardens

 

This article highlights one school garden program in Dallas, and recently released research on the impacts of garden programs generally on test scores, attitudes towards vegetables and fruits and increased consumption of healthy foods.

From CNN.com

 

School Garden Grant Information

 

It is the season for garden grants! Please see below for some newly opened opportunities.

We would always love to hear about your garden grant stories, awards or applications! Please feel welcome to write us with them so we can highlight your experience in the newsletter.

 

American Honda Foundation

Due dates quarterly, next one is November 1

Schools, nonprofits classified as 501(c) (3) s and private or public schools (elementary and secondary) are eligible.

Award range: $20,000 - $75,000 for one year

Apply online at this link

 

Grants for Gardens through Annie’s

Currently open

Due December 4th, 2015

Only K - 12 schools are eligible to apply.

Programs that focus on connecting kids to real food will be chosen for funding. Awards can be used to purchase gardening tools, seeds or other needed supplies.

30 awards of $2,500 will be granted. Additional awards of $5,000 will be granted to 3 schools that have already received the initial grant.

Apply online at this link.

 

Fuel Up to Play 60

Due on November 4, 2015 (Quickly approaching!)

Schools that are enrolled in the Fuel up to Play 60 program are eligible to apply.

Award range: up to $4,000

Apply online at this link

 

The Herb Society of America

Due date: December 31

Formal or informal educators who are using innovative projects to enhance herbal education in school systems, communities or in any public forum.

Award: One or two $5,000 grants

More information and online application available at this link

 

The Home Depot Foundation

Community Impact Grants currently open

Schools and 501(c) (3) organizations are eligible.

Awards are up to $5,000

Apply online at this link

The Home Depot also has opportunities to match donations from local stores with nonprofits. Follow this link for more information on how to request a match.

 

Project Produce Fruit and Veggie Grants for Schools

Open: February 1, 2015

Due date: None, distributed on a rolling basis

Any district or independent school participating in the National School Lunch Program is eligible. Must be submitted by district food service director.

These grants are $2,500 and can assist with offering educational activities in the lunchroom, encouraging students to try new veggies and fruits.

Read more and apply online at this link.

 

Sow it Forward Garden Grants

2016 Grant currently open

Due date: January 8, 2016

Nonprofit organizations, schools, 501(c) (3) organizations, food banks, community gardens (and more!) are eligible.

Projects are to focus on food garden projects that benefit their community.

Awards are full or partial. Full grants are $300-400 in cash and remainder in seeds and garden supplies. Partial grants are $300 cash and $25 one year subscription to Kitchen Gardeners International garden planner.

Apply online at this link.

 

Youth Garden Grant through Kids Gardening

2016 Grant currently open

Due date: December 1, 2015

Nonprofits, schools, and youth educational garden projects that work with at least 15 youth between the ages of 3-18 are eligible to apply.

Winners are selected based on demonstrated program impact and sustainability.

The 20 awards include a package of garden supplies, materials and resources valued at $500.

Apply online at this link.

 

Whole Kids Foundation

2016 Grant currently open

Due date: October 31, 2015 at 5pm CST

K-12 schools or non-profits that work in partnership with a K-12 school to support new or existing edible gardens on school grounds are eligible to apply.

Awards are $2,000

Apply online at this link

 

Happy fall + Halloween weekend. Thanks for reading!

 

 

Kaitlin Koch Wojciak

Michigan State University Extension Educator

Community Food Systems

21885 Dunham, Suite 12

Clinton Township, MI 48036

Work: 586-469-6088

Cell: 313-695-7746

 

Take the MSU Extension and AgBioResearch Survey to Sharpen Our Focus

 

Monday, October 26, 2015

Upcoming Webinar - Funding Farm to School

Hi folks -

Normally I’d wait until the Friday News to send this sort of thing out, but this one’s coming up before then and I think would be a great resource for many of you!  See below for details on this great webinar on how to fund your Farm to School program.  I know funding is a concern for many of you, especially in the transition phase, so this is a really awesome opportunity!  The Webinar is at 4:00 PM eastern time on Wednesday.

Happy Monday!

Abby Harper
Farm to School Specialist
Center for Regional Food Systems | Michigan State University
480 Wilson Rd | Rm 309 Natural Resources Building East Lansing, MI 48824
(p) 517.432.4525 (c) 857.600.6921

 


 

Funding Farm to School: How to Grow your Program

Free Webinar

Wednesday Oct 28, 2015 

1:00 PM Pacific

 

Learn about funding alternatives for your farm to school program. Join the National Farm to School Network staff, along with Barnraiser crowdfunding expert (and former school gardener) Marie Sayles, as they explore funding alternatives including grants, donations, fundraising events and crowdfunding. AND share stories from the front line of school gardens and other farm to school programs. Register here: http://bit.ly/1OXkfYS

 

http://bit.ly/1OXkfYS

 

Marie Sayles
VP Community

415.425.3519
Twitter  |   Facebook  |  Website

Image removed by sender.

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Friday, October 23, 2015

MI Farm to School News

Hello Ganders!

Sorry to have missed you last week!  All the more exciting for this one.  I hope you all had a spectacular Michigan Apple Crunch day yesterday and ate some healthy, crisp, and delicious apples!  We had a fun time at CRFS crunching and have a fabulously lovely video documenting that magical bite.  Given my two week absence from the news, there’s a lot in this one, including news from all over Michigan about crunches happening everywhere!  And I mean everywhere – we had schools from north to south and east to west participating (in both peninsulas!).  Pretty sure they heard our crunch in Canada as well, but that’s just speculation. Now it’s time to keep that enthusiasm and momentum going and keep Farm to School activities happening all year long!  If you have any pictures from the crunch you would like shared (or local stories that I didn’t catch below!), please feel free to send them to me!

Michigan Apple Crunch in the News
Any pieces I didn’t see?  Send em my way!


Now onto the other news:

News
  • MSU Extension: How do I talk to farmers about their food safety practices?
    • A great piece on strategies for food service directors in understanding the food safety practices of farmers
  • MSU Extension: http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/celebrate_the_michigan_harvest_in_october
    • A great resource on Food Day, Farm to School Month, the Apple Crunch, and other opportunities to celebrate local food in your school in October
  • MSU Extension: Farm to school continues to flourish
    • Farm to school expands in NW Michigan
  • MSU Extension: FoodCorps Michigan: Cultivating healthy kids through healthy school diets
    • Heard of FoodCorps but not sure what it is? Find out what it is, where members are serving in Michigan, and it’s broader goals
  • The Daily Meal: Farm-to-School programs minimize food waste and maximize health
    • More coverage of results from the recent Farm to School Census, showing that kids ate healthier lunches and threw away less food when schools incorporated locally source produce.  Some schools also experienced greater support from parents and lower food costs
  • Schawangunk Journal: Making applesauce for an entire district
    • A school in NY celebrated Farm to School Month by processing 1,800 pounds of local apples into 100 gallons of applesauce (also highlights a school that has taken a few years to gain traction – it happens!  Stick with it!)
    • Also this great quote: “Farm to School gives them a direct connection to where their food comes from and why local farming is important…more importantly it inspire them to think about the role they can play in creating a local, sustainable food supply.”
  • NFSN: School Food Justice
    • NFSN has had a lot of great articles this month in honor of National Farm to School Month (I encourage you to browse them all!), but I liked one this week especially.  This article focuses on the vast impacts possible through farm to school programs, and the cycle that creates mutual benefits across sectors.
    • This one focuses on the side effects of farm to school – improved school performance!
  • The Dialy Courier: School Children give Thumbs Up in Taste Tests
    • A fun video showing kids preferences in local food
Resources:
  • Webinar recording: Farm to School 101 – National Farm to School Network
    • Intro to Farm to School, for those of you brand new or who need a refresher!
That’s all I got for this week.  Happy continued crunching!

Abby Harper
Farm to School Specialist
Center for Regional Food Systems | Michigan State University
480 Wilson Rd | Rm 309 Natural Resources Building East Lansing, MI 48824
(p) 517.432.4525 (c) 857.600.6921


Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Re: job posting for ISLAND Farmer Residency Program

Good Morning,


If you don't mind I will share with my networks as well. I have a few candidates meeting your request. Khadija



Joyful Treats Community Development Corp.

P.O. Box 970767 * Ypsilanti, MI 48197 * 734-657-9830  *  www.joyfultreats.org



From: Larry Dyer <larry@ARTMEETSEARTH.ORG>
Sent: Tuesday, October 20, 2015 9:11 AM
To: MIFARMTOSCHOOL@LIST.MSU.EDU
Subject: Fwd: job posting for ISLAND Farmer Residency Program
 



-------- Forwarded Message --------
Subject: job posting for ISLAND Farmer Residency Program
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 2015 14:53:36 -0400
From: Monica McGowan <mmcgowan@ihmsisters.org>
To: 'larry@artmeetsearth.org' <larry@artmeetsearth.org>


Good afternoon Larry,

 

I was given your name from Sharon McNeil, who is our Ecology Director at IHM Sisters in Monroe Michigan.  She is retiring in November and we are looking for a part-time/seasonal Community Garden Coordinator.  Would you know if there is anywhere that I could post this opening to let some of your members know about this position?

 

I would be very grateful.  Thank you in advance.

 

Monica

 

Monica A. McGowan, SPHR

Director,  Human Resources

IHM Sisters · Monroe, Michigan

Deep Faith. Courageous Spirit. Action for Justice

 

direct: (734) 240.9746

fax: (734) 240.9793

ihmsisters.org

 

 



Urged by the love of God to respond to the most serious needs of our time, we pursue justice, peace and sustainable ways of life.

For information about the IHM Sisters, visit http://www.ihmsisters.org

Electronic Mail is not secure, may not be read every day, and should not be used for urgent or sensitive issues.


Re: job posting for ISLAND Farmer Residency Program

Good Morning,


If you don't mind I will share with my networks as well. I have a few candidates meeting your request. Khadija



Joyful Treats Community Development Corp.

P.O. Box 970767 * Ypsilanti, MI 48197 * 734-657-9830  *  www.joyfultreats.org



From: Larry Dyer <larry@ARTMEETSEARTH.ORG>
Sent: Tuesday, October 20, 2015 9:11 AM
To: MIFARMTOSCHOOL@LIST.MSU.EDU
Subject: Fwd: job posting for ISLAND Farmer Residency Program
 



-------- Forwarded Message --------
Subject: job posting for ISLAND Farmer Residency Program
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 2015 14:53:36 -0400
From: Monica McGowan <mmcgowan@ihmsisters.org>
To: 'larry@artmeetsearth.org' <larry@artmeetsearth.org>


Good afternoon Larry,

 

I was given your name from Sharon McNeil, who is our Ecology Director at IHM Sisters in Monroe Michigan.  She is retiring in November and we are looking for a part-time/seasonal Community Garden Coordinator.  Would you know if there is anywhere that I could post this opening to let some of your members know about this position?

 

I would be very grateful.  Thank you in advance.

 

Monica

 

Monica A. McGowan, SPHR

Director,  Human Resources

IHM Sisters · Monroe, Michigan

Deep Faith. Courageous Spirit. Action for Justice

 

direct: (734) 240.9746

fax: (734) 240.9793

ihmsisters.org

 

 



Urged by the love of God to respond to the most serious needs of our time, we pursue justice, peace and sustainable ways of life.

For information about the IHM Sisters, visit http://www.ihmsisters.org

Electronic Mail is not secure, may not be read every day, and should not be used for urgent or sensitive issues.


Fwd: job posting for ISLAND Farmer Residency Program




-------- Forwarded Message --------
Subject: job posting for ISLAND Farmer Residency Program
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 2015 14:53:36 -0400
From: Monica McGowan <mmcgowan@ihmsisters.org>
To: 'larry@artmeetsearth.org' <larry@artmeetsearth.org>


Good afternoon Larry,

 

I was given your name from Sharon McNeil, who is our Ecology Director at IHM Sisters in Monroe Michigan.  She is retiring in November and we are looking for a part-time/seasonal Community Garden Coordinator.  Would you know if there is anywhere that I could post this opening to let some of your members know about this position?

 

I would be very grateful.  Thank you in advance.

 

Monica

 

Monica A. McGowan, SPHR

Director,  Human Resources

IHM Sisters · Monroe, Michigan

Deep Faith. Courageous Spirit. Action for Justice

 

direct: (734) 240.9746

fax: (734) 240.9793

ihmsisters.org

 

 



Urged by the love of God to respond to the most serious needs of our time, we pursue justice, peace and sustainable ways of life.

For information about the IHM Sisters, visit http://www.ihmsisters.org

Electronic Mail is not secure, may not be read every day, and should not be used for urgent or sensitive issues.


Wednesday, October 14, 2015

ISLAND Farmer Residency Program application deadline, Oct 15th

The ISLAND Farmer Residency Program is searching for smart, talented journeyman farmers to participate in a farm incubator project in Northwest Lower Michigan.   ISLAND's Farmer Residency Program provides land and a supportive environment to get started.


The program site is located at the heart of a developing "food region" near markets in Traverse City, Petoskey and the Leelanau Peninsula. 

Resident farmers are provided with three years' access to land, equipment and a network of technical and business advice. This is not an internship opportunity—it is a chance for experienced but landless farmers to manage their own business on the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy's Maple Bay Farm, just south of Elk Rapids, Michigan.

Applications for the 2016 growing season are due on October 15, 2015. Applications will be accepted each fall to bring new residents to the farm.

For more information, or to apply to the program, go the  ISLAND Farmer Residency Program website, or contact me at larry@artmeetsearth.org.

Thanks, 

Larry Dyer