September is Eat Local Month in Washington, and while we often think about eating local when it comes to shopping at farmers' markets or dining at locally-owned restaurants, we want to recognize those working to make fresh, local food accessible to everyone in our community.
At the recent annual meeting for Slow Food Greater Olympia, it was inspiring to spend time with the advocates, chefs, farmers, brewers, bakers, and backyard gardeners who are all contributing to a culture of delicious local food.
It's no accident that we have so many farmers and ranchers producing a bounty of fresh, locally grown food here in our area. Organizations like the Community Farm Land Trust are dedicated to supporting local farmers and preserving farmland forever.
If you think there's a lot of hard work involved in growing and raising food, you're not wrong. But it can take even more time and money to get that food from the field to someone's table.
Support local youth in agriculture by coming to the Market Sale this Saturday, or donate online to help 4-H and FFA kids who have worked all year to raise and train their animals for exhibit and sale at the the Thurston County Fair.
Come see us this weekend at our favorite event of the year - Tenino's Oregon Trail Days. We'll be at the new Oregon Trail Experience located at the Tenino Depot Museum this year. Look for our prairie schooner and stop by to say hi.
Whether you're just getting started out with conservation grazing, you're looking to improve what you're already doing, or you just want to learn more, check out these resources for more information.
On Wednesday, June 12 we're offering an opportunity to get out on the back forested section of Colvin Ranch on an evening pasture walk with experts from NRCS, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Like many moms and women everywhere, the Thurston County Cattlewomen often work tirelessly and quietly behind the scenes to make the community better.
When we have cattle in the meadows, we take steps to protect the creek banks and the water quality. One major project that was done nearly 20 years ago with the Thurston Conservation District was the Riparian Planting Project, which planted 1,900 trees along 5,250 feet of Scatter Creek at the ranch.
When people think of conservation, they don't often think of cattle. But livestock play an important role in how we preserve and enhance the diverse environments we have at Colvin Ranch.
On May 19, come join us for a behind-the-scenes look at our historic ranch. We'll be offering ranch tours, prairie walks, and burgers, of course!
