Farming conference set for Nov. 20
LYNNWOOD — Farmers and farm advocates are invited to Snohomish County’s Focus on Farming conference when special guests from around the country will talk about “breaking new ground” in farming practices, food and fuel trends.
The keynote speaker, University of Washington professor David Montgomery is author of “Dirt: The Erosion of Civilizations,” and recent winner of a 2008 MacArthur Fellowship.
“He’ll talk about why our soil just might be our most valuable resource,” said Laura McLeod, noting that National Geographic recently did a big feature on worldwide soil health.
Bob Gore will share some of the finding of a study on the Future of Farming done by Washington State Department of Agriculture — the information includes availability and cost of local food for Washington residents. Both speakers will offer information that is relevant to anyone who cares about healthy, local food.
“Both speakers are exceptionally well informed about their subjects, able to communicate in lay-person terms, and are genuinely interesting to interview,” McLeod said.
“I recently heard David speak at a recent Groundswell Northwest event and his widespread appeal was evident,” she added. The conference is not only open to farmers, but to anyone interested in access to locally-grown food.
The conference also features 24 different workshop sessions, ranging from the benefits of grassfed beef and integrated pest management to an update about the Snohomish County canola dryer which is expected to fuel Snohomish County fleet vehicles.
For more information see the Web site at www.focusonfarming.org.
A lasting gift: pavers for welcome center at Camp Killoqua
LAKE GOODWIN — People who care about the community’s youth and understand that Camp Killoqua is a Crown Jewel of Snohomish County may like to consider purchasing a paver for their loved ones this holiday season, a lasting gift that will be installed at the camp’s welcome center.Those making a donation by mid November will be in the first group of pavers being ordered. They will also help Camp Fire meet the Top-Off Murdock Challenge issued by the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust.
The community-paver phase of the Camp Fire Delivers Capital Campaign provides an opportunity to offer a public tribute to family members, business names, important people and life events, or pass on words of wisdom, to the thousands of youth who come to Camp Killoqua each year. Camp Fire will supply gift cards. The pavers will be displayed in Legacy Square at the new Welcome Center where all those who come to Camp Killoqua gather. Donations range from $100 to $5,000 and pavers come in six sizes from 3 x 6 inches to 24 x 24 inches.
For information on making a donation to help Camp Fire meet the challenge and expand services to our community’s youth call 425-258-Kids (5437) or find a donation form at www.CampFireUSASnohomish.org/Capital.htm.
