Something Special

Something special is happening in Holyoke, Massachusetts. A 25 acre parcel of farm and woodlands situated alongside the Connecticut River will become the newest reservation in the Pioneer Valley under the stewardship of The Trustees of Reservations.

The Sisters of Providence, a religious community with deep roots in the city of Holyoke, donated the land in June of this year and tomorrow marks the official dedication. A portion of the property is farmed by Nuestras Raices (Our Roots) a vibrant urban garden that helps immigrant communities grow harvest and provide fresh ethnic crops while training and supporting immigrant farmers.

At my house, Farmer Paul has a golf tourney on Saturday having pretty much hung up his hoe for this season. We're cleaning out the garden in readiness for its well earned winter's nap. But this weekend you'll find me and my JP at the 16th annual Festival de la Cosecha (Harvest Festival) taking place on September 26th from noon to 6 PM. Live music, traditional Caribbean foods and plenty of activities for the children are highlights of the afternoon. The event is open to the public. Check out the Nuestras Raices website at http://www.nuestras-raices.org/ for more info.

And I promise to report back with at least one great recipe!


Comments

  1. Best Wishes, MarieSeptember 23, 2009 at 10:05 AM

    good things happening. and people helping themselves and learning. it is a wonderful project.

    fyi - there is the corn they are trying to keep from being contaminated by the engineered variety. you can order it from a place that harvests it in the hills of oaxaca. red and blue corn. www.schoolsforchiapas.com

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