As I write this we are having the autumn rainy weather we should be having this time of year. It is normal and needed. Just digging in my garden a few days ago to plant garlic I found dry soil only a few inches down so am glad to see this slow, steady rain. That said, I do hope everyone had a chance to get out and enjoy the spectacular fall weather we had in mid October. What a glorious color show nature put on in the day and hopefully just as many of you were able to enjoy the nighttime color show in our beloved Northern Lights! It was magnificent!
It looks like we will be moving into the 35/25 degree temperature range here pretty soon and that means ice on the roads, in the horse trough, and any where else water is likely to go. I know we lean on preparedness kind of hard here at the CO-OP, but we have seen too much “not ready-ness” for our liking. If you need help getting ready for winter with anything from barn lighting, to antifreeze, turn out blankets, heated pet bowls and auto/house safety items or anything else just stop in to the CO-OP and we can help with all of those things. If we can’t help we generally know who can.
In this issue of the CO-OP Round Up you will find a couple of pages of classes being offered by both Boundary and Bonner County Extension Offices. These outreach programs were thin on the ground just a few years ago but have seen a recent increase due in part by a robust desire by the public to learn. We are very glad to be a part of promoting these classes. The cost to attend is reasonable and as it turns out, these classes are a great way to meet like minded people, particularly if you are new to the area.
You will also find quite a bit of content around health care and our old friend exercise which tends to be our friend because of our other frequent acquaintance, stress. Fortunately we live in one of the most beautiful and accessible areas on the planet to go for walks, hikes, biking and more, all just moments from our doorstep. And don’t forget the Pine Street Sledding Hill! Whoo Hoo! Even if you just go and watch it is pure joy for the soul.
On Sunday December 8, 2024 the CO-OP will once again host Santa and Mrs. Clause for a visit with anyone and everyone. We will have cider and cookies, as always, gift bags for the kids and hopefully treats for the pets, which must be on a leash. Photos will be taken and sent out digitally free of charge. This event is in the CO-OP Annex building just south of the main store. Just follow the signs.
We will be posting more information on our web site moving forward so look there for the latest blogs, vlogs, holiday closure dates and more.
It is still raining. Soon this lovely rainfall will turn to snow. It is a good thing. Winter gives us a break, and we need one. As this year comes to an end we at the CO-OP wish you and yours a happy Thanksgiving, very Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year.
Please note that these figures represent prices paid by competitive domestic facilities in the Inland Northwest, based on average-sized logs and standard log lengths— typically 16’6” and 33’. MBF stands for Thousand Board Feet. Be aware that higher prices may reflect rates only in select locations within the Inland Northwest. Additionally, pole values can vary significantly depending on length. Market information is current as of November 4, 2024.
As shown by the prices above, log values in the Inland Northwest have remained largely unchanged and continue to languish in the low range. High sawmill log inventories have prompted some mills to limit log flows and reduce prices for certain species. However, recent increases in lumber prices offer a glimmer of hope, and there is optimism that if interest rates continue to fall this trend will continue.
- Mike Wolcott, ACF, Certified Forester
This information is provided by Inland Forest Management, Inc., a forestry consulting company. For additional information, they can be contacted at 208-263-9420, ifm@fwforestry.com or www.inlandforest.com.
August 2024 November 2024
CO-OP Gas & Supply Company has been your locally owned and operated propane company since 2000. Our outstanding customer service and attention to reasonable pricing has set us apart from all other propane companies in the area.
If you are looking for a new propane company to supply all your propane needs at home, the office, or on the farm, now is the time to give us a call.
CO-OP Gas & Supply Company provides propane service to all of Bonner and Boundary Counties.
Please make sure trees and shrubs around your propane tank are trimmed back. Mark the location of the tank for easy access.
The access road to your tank MUST BE PLOWED and free of obstacles
When placing your tank remember: The tank MUST BE ACCESSIBLE so,
Tanks may not be placed under a deck
Tanks protection may have three ( 3) sides and a roof or four (4) sides and NO ROOF .
When should you call to get on the fill schedule? Call at 30%.
Thank you so much for your cooperation!
Bits and Pieces
FALL/WINTER 2024/25 Extension
Classes All classes will be held at the Boundary County Extension Office, unless otherwise noted. Pre-registration required. Contact the Boundary County Extension Office to register: 208-267-3235.
Holiday Food Hacks!, FREE Thursday, November 7, 11am-Noon Online via Zoom
Learn the tips and tricks of planning holiday dishes so you’ll be ready to go when the holidays arrive. Register at www.bit.ly/holidayfood24
Pressure Canning Basics, $10 Thursday, November 14, 1-4pm
Learn how to safely make and preserve low-acid foods at home such as vegetables, meats, dried beans, and mixed foods. This hands-on class will also teach participants the basics of pressure canning and proper care for your canner. Each participant will make their own jar of product which they can pick up the day after the class. Class size is limited to 12 people.
Selecting Seeds for Your North Idaho Garden, $5 Wednesday, November 20, 1-3pm
It’s time to start planning your garden for next spring. The seed catalogs start arriving in January giving you lots of ideas, but how do you select seeds that will thrive here in North Idaho? Boundary County Advanced Master Gardeners will share tips to help you understand how to choose the best varieties for your garden, as well as how to organize and store the seeds
Wreath Making Workshop, $15 Tuesday, December 3, 1-3pm Paradise Valley Grange, 3661 Kootenai Trail Road
Learn how to make a fresh wreath while learning about the native evergreen species that grow in our region. Class size is limited. Bring your own pruners, wire cutters, scissors and any wreath embellishments you would like to use.
Safe Gifts from the Kitchen, FREE Thursday, December 5, 11amNoon Online Via Zoom
Come learn fun and easy ways that you can prepare safe gifts from your kitchen this year. This program will include recommendations on what are NOT some safe options to give away. Register at https://bit.ly/safegift24
Gifts in a Jar, $15 Wednesday, December 11, 3:30-5PM
In this class you will learn many different ways to create a unique gift in a jar. You’ll go home with some of your Christmas gifts already made, and recipes for creating more at home Class size is limited to 10 people.
QPR Suicide Prevention Class, FREE Tuesday, December 17, 2-3pm
We invite you to attend the next QPR suicide prevention gatekeeper training course offered by Amy Robertson, U of I Extension. To join the in-person training please register by emailing amrobertson@uidaho.edu or calling the Boundary County Extension office at 208-267-3235. The need for suicide prevention efforts is increasing given the challenges of the last few months. Make a difference and help prevent suicide by becoming a trained suicide prevention gatekeeper. For more information on QPR, visit qprinstitute.come.
Basic Dehydration, $10
Wednesday, January 8, 1pm-2:30pm In this class we will be sampling different dehydrated foods and making fruit leather. You will learn specific techniques for using your home oven or dehydrator to dry fruits, vegetables, herbs and meats. Your family will love these healthy snacks.
Guiding Good Choices, FREE Wednesdays, January 22-February 19, 5:30-7:30pm
Guiding Good Choices is a 5-week program that provides parents of children in grades 4 through 8 (9 to 14 years old) with the knowledge and skills needed to guide their children through early adolescence. Parents who participate in this program learn valuable skills they can apply with their children to help prevent teen substance use and risky behaviors.
Homeopathy for Plants, $5 Thursday, January 30, 2-3:30pm
Unlock the secrets of using non-toxic homeopathic remedies to create thriving plants and soil in your garden. This class introduces the principles of homeopathy and discusses how to
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use homeopathic remedies in the garden to repel pests, and to enhance plant health and resilience. Join us to cultivate your knowledge and transform your garden into a flourishing sanctuary!
Growing Soil Sprouts Indoors, $10 Thursday, February 6, 1-3pm
Join our hands-on class to learn how to grow nutrient-packed soil sprouts at home. We’ll guide you through selecting seeds, understanding growing methods like microgreens vs. sprouts, and harvesting your crop. Perfect for beginners, this class makes indoor gardening simple and successful.
Check our website for current classes and our newsletter: https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/county/boundary
“Christmas Through the Ages”
December 8, 2024 Presented by
The Bonners Ferry Community Orchestra
Looking for a family-friendly traditional Christmas event? The Bonners Ferry Community Orchestra will be performing a free holiday concert at 3PM on Sunday, December 8th, at Bonners Ferry High School’s Becker Auditorium.
The concert is titled “Christmas through the Ages” and will feature the development of Christmas music, from ancient times to the present. To do this, the orchestra will be joined by a number of vocalists, and you yourself can participate!
The concert begins with an ancient song performed a cappella by a group of singers from Holy Myrrhbearers Orthodox Church in Bonners Ferry. The orchestra’s brass section will perform an arrangement of Virga Jesse (translated “branch of Jesse” or “rod of Jesse”), which was originally sung in the 8th century. This section of the program also includes other carols with very old roots, including some which are still popular today – such as O Come, O Come Emmanuel and Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming. A children’s choir, with singers ages 7 through 17, will join the orchestra on a couple of these.
Next, the program highlights music’s Classical Period with a singalong of several excerpts from Handel’s Messiah, one of the most famous Christmas pieces of all time: And the Glory of the Lord; For Unto Us a Child is Born; and, of course, the Hallelujah Chorus. Audience members will be invited to join in as singers on the stage lead them in these exuberant songs. This is truly an experience not to be missed! Anyone who has the vocal music is encouraged to bring it with them to the concert, and the orchestra will also have extra copies of the music for those who need it.
Rounding out the program are other familiar tunes such as O Holy Night; Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer; Mary, Did You Know? (with Tatiana Dewberry as vocal soloist); and medleys of more contemporary songs and pieces from Broadway musicals.
The Bonners Ferry Community
Orchestra is directed by Glenda Novinger and includes almost 50 musicians of all levels of experience. The players range from teenagers to retirees. They travel to rehearsal each week from throughout Boundary and Bonner counties, as well Troy and Libby, Montana. For more information, see: bonnersferryorchestra.org. If you play an instrument and would like to join the orchestra, please contact Glenda at (208) 597-1118.
We hope you will join us. See you at the show!
“If
Hundreds Show Up for Thank a Farmer Event
By Sean Ellis Idaho Farm Bureau Federation
JEROME – Hundreds of community members attended a Thank a Farmer event Oct. 12 that was held to show appreciation to Jerome County’s vast agricultural industry.
The free event, hosted by Jerome County Farm Bureau, was meant to provide the community an opportunity to let the county’s farmers and ranchers know that they are appreciated, according to JCFB President Amy Mitchell.
“We wanted to thank our farmers and ranchers for all they do to provide food for us, and to let our community know that we care about agriculture,” she said.
The Thank a Farmer event was held in conjunction with Valley Wide Country Store’s Harvest Days event. Attendees were given free hamburgers, hot dogs, mixed sodas and funnel cakes.
Mountain View Equipment provided a large tractor that was displayed at the event and FFA members showed attendees how to make butter.
“Virtually everything that happens in this community is tied to agriculture,” said Idaho Farm Bureau Federation field manager Zach Lanier, who works directly with farmers and ranchers in the Magic Valley region. “This event was a great way to show agricultural producers that the community appreciates them.”
Jerome is one of Idaho’s mega farm counties.
According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, there were 448 farmers and ranchers in Jerome County during the 2022 census year. The county ranked No. 4 in Idaho in terms of farm revenue in 2022, with a total of $944 million in farm-gate receipts.
According to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, there are 180,000 acres of land in farming in Jerome County.
According to the ag census, 40,000 acres of hay, 25,000 acres of corn, 22,000 acres of barley and 17,500 acres of sugar beets were grown in the county in 2022.
In addition, there were 269,000 cattle and calves in the county in 2022 and Jerome County is a major player in the state in both the beef cattle and milk industries.
The county is also home to numerous processing facilities that add value to crops and livestock.
“Everything we do in this community involves agriculture,” Mitchell said.
Idaho the Top Barley State Again
by Sean Ellis Idaho farm Bureau Federation
POCATELLO – Idaho’s barley crop declined in volume by 8 percent this year compared with last year, but the state still led the nation in total barley production, by a significant margin.
Last year, Idaho farmers produced the state’s second largest barley crop ever, at 60.5 million bushels. USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service estimates Idaho’s barley crop this year at 55.6 million bushels.
While the 2024 barley crop is smaller than 2023, it looks good, said Rupert farmer Mike Wilkins.
He said a tough, cold spring posed a challenge for all crops, including barley.
“But then it turned hot and things took off,” he added.
After the challenging spring, “We had ideal weather,” he added. “It was just a real pleasant growing season.”
While Idaho’s barley production declined in 2024, the state’s percentage of the nation’s total barley production actually went up, significantly.
According to NASS, Idaho farmers produced 39 percent of the nation’s barley supply this year, up from 33 percent last year.
Idaho barley yields, including both irrigated and dryland acres, averaged 109 bushels per acre, down from the record 112 last year.
Montana produced 36 million bushels of barley this year, placing them as the nation’s No. 2 barley
state, and North Dakota came in at No. 3 with 21 million bushels.
Montana had more harvested barley acres than Idaho –710,000 compared with 510,000 – but Montana farmers averaged 51 bushels an acre compared with Idaho’s 109.
North Dakota farmers harvested 285,000 acres of barley and averaged 74 bushels per acre.
Total U.S. barley production in 2024 is estimated at 144 million bushels, down 23 percent from last year. U.S. barley acres averaged 77 bushels per acre.
Montana’s barley production declined by 28 percent this year and North Dakota’s production was down 49 percent.
Idaho has led the nation in barley production every year since 2016.
Idaho has a much higher percentage of irrigated barley acres, which is what separates the Gem State from other major barley-growing states, Wilkins said.
Idaho’s climate is ideal for growing barley, but irrigation is the big difference-maker, he said.
“The No. 1 thing is, we’re irrigated,” Wilkins said. “That’s why we have consistent yields and quality.”
“Throughout the Snake River plain, we have a good supply of water that other places don’t,” said Soda Springs barley farmer Scott Brown, who has served as president of the National Barley Growers Association.
“We definitely have the climate,” he said. “It takes warm days and cool nights to grow barley and Idaho is blessed with those kinds of weather conditions.”
Over the past 10 years, Idaho has averaged 54.7 million bushels of barley with an average yield of 106 bushels per acre. The state has also averaged growing 35 percent of the nation’s total barley supply during that period.
Idaho’s record barley production was 62 million bushels in 2016.
About 70 percent of the barley produced in Idaho is malt barley, which is a critical part of the beer-brewing process. The rest is used for human food or animal feed.
Although Idaho had another nice barley crop this year, the prices that farmers are receiving for their barley have come down off of record highs.
“We’d like to have better prices, but they are what they are,” Wilkins said.
Some production costs, such as fuel and fertilizer, have come down a little but prices are dropping much faster, Brown said.
“Fuel and fertilizer and all your inputs haven’t come down as much as the price,’ he said.
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Honor® Show Full Range
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Minerals / Supplements
Our Environment
The CO-OP Country Round Up November / December 2024 Volume 25 Issue 1
Weed of the Month: Black Medic
By Chase Youngdahl—Director, Bonner County Noxious Weeds
I’ve featured a few different turf weeds over the years in the November issue due to the late treatment window. One that I have encountered consistent questions about while on landowner site visits, is Black Medic (Medicago lupulina). Most assume that it’s a variety of clover; not a bad guess being that the leaf structure resembles that of a traditional clover, but Black Medic is part of a different genre of legumes. Medicago is from the Greek word for ‘alfalfa’. It’s a short-lived perennial with low, trailing growth habits. The leaves are compound, with three, finely serrated leaflets per cluster. The flowers are small, about an eighth of an inch in diameter, and bright yellow. Being that legumes are in the pea family, the seeds are developed in pods. The pods are tiny—barely noticeable—and contain only a single seed. Black Medic was likely introduced to North America via Europe/Asia as a crop seed impurity, and is documented as having been here for about 200 years—almost as long as Joe Biden has been in politics. :-) Even though it’s not actually native, Black Medic is considered naturalized in this part of the world, much like the Dandelion. The issues it causes are not usually that consequential—as such, it’s not listed as a noxious weed in Idaho, nor in any of the western states. As far as my cursory research tells me, Florida is the only US state where it is listed as a noxious weed (the fauna & flora is in a world of its own down there). It can technically be poisonous to livestock if they consume it late in the growing season since seeds in the pea family are alkaloid fixers, but based on real world situations, they could never consume enough in a short enough period of time to experience anything other than some bloating (at worst). In most contexts, Black Medic fits the fundamental definition of a simple weed; a plant out of place. As opposed to an aggressive, invasive weed that quickly takes over, or a noxious weed that has a codified designation for control due to causing some form of verifiable harm.
Generally speaking, turf and landscapes are the primary sites where Black Medic exhibits the ‘plant out of place’ tendencies. Most turf labeled herbicides have Black Medic listed as a controlled weed, so there are several viable options. Trimec®, TripletSF®, Foundation® and Desperado® are a few combination products that perform well, not only on Black Medic, but also on a wide variety of other nuisance turf weeds. All of these contain broadleaf specific chemistries formulated to take out the broadleaf weeds while being easy on the improved turf grasses. Improved turf (managed lawns) can be treated up until either snow covered or until the ground is frozen solid. Cultural control certainly comes into play when engaged in a management plan for weeds in turf—which involves keeping the desirable crop as healthy as possible in order to outcompete future non-desirables. A fall herbicide application can, and in most cases should, be carried out in conjunction with a fertilizer treatment. There are several fertilizer blends that work just fine, but an option that’s low in nitrogen and strong in the other elements is my preferred choice due to pe-
This Land Is Your Land
The historic Pine Street Sled Hill has long served as a vibrant gathering spot for families, providing an affordable and accessible way for children and their parents to enjoy the outdoors during the winter months. With no special skills required, the sled hill invites everyone to experience the simple joy of sledding, making it a perfect winter pastime for locals of all ages.
In October, Kaniksu Land Trust announced that the nonprofit organization had officially purchased the 48-acre parcel on which the iconic hill sits. By means of angel donors, the land was secured in 2022, giving KLT time to raise $2.1 million to purchase the land and make public safety improvements.
Last August, the Trust announced that the community had successfully come together to save the beloved sled hill. The fundraising goal had been met by means of donations and grants. However, the funds from a $600,000 grant from the U.S. Forest Service’s Community Forest Program took some time to process. Within two days of the receipt of those grant funds, the transaction was recorded, officially conserving the land forever.
As KLT works toward implementing the Master Plan for the property, it will be open to sledding, skiing, fat biking, and snowshoeing this winter with some restrictions on parking. For more information, visit kaniksu.org/the-sled-hill or contact KLT at (208)263-9471 or info@ kaniksu.org.
rennial grasses not utilizing nitrogen this time of year. You can use a balanced a blend if that’s what you have on hand, it won’t necessarily hurt—just potentially feed undesirable annuals with the nitrogen component. As an augmented measure for turf maintenance, mid-late fall is a good time to apply fungicides as a preventative practice. Snow mold is an issue that I have faced coming out of winter, and it can cause some frustratingly ugly dead spots throughout your lawn. PillarG® and HeadwayG® are quality fungicides labeled for a number of turf diseases. They are dry granular formulations, so applications can be made with basic fertilizer spreaders.
Don’t forget to winterize your sprayers. Clean the tank(s) with either an actual tank cleaning compound, or a baking soda solution. Finish it off by running a little bit of RV antifreeze through the system, even if your storage is climate controlled. Antifreeze contains lubricating properties that help extend the life of sprayer pumps and system components that sit idle for several months.
One of the accompanying photos is a crisp close-up of Black Medic, while the other one demonstrates it in the context of turf.
Country Life 11
The CO-OP Country Round Up November / December 2024 Volume 25 Issue 1
Picking Rocks
by Joseph Smith
The story you are about to read is true, the names have not been changed to protect the innocent because there are no innocent parties still living.
My first paying job as a teenager back in the 1970‘s was picking rocks for our neighbor, Ray Delay, who operated a dairy farm located in the Careywood, Idaho area. Ray was a wiry little man of Italian descent with an infectious smile and seemingly boundless energy, he also had a stubborn streak in him that prevented him from ever giving up on a task once he had started it, as I was about to learn. Ray had a large hayfield of alfalfa that had frozen out the previous winter when the temperature had dropped to 20 below zero with no snow cover, so he had plowed it under and was preparing the ground for a new crop to be planted. Since school had let out for the summer, he hired several of us local kids to pick rocks out of the field for the princely sum of $1.00 per hour.
He had my older sister, Rita, drive the tractor, I figured partly because he thought the boys worked better when they had a pretty girl to show off to, and partly because girls tend to not be as abusive to equipment as do boys. Anyway, Rita putt-putted the tractor along slowly, looking pretty as always, while we boys tossed rocks into the loader bucket, then when it was full she drove over to a big pile of rocks in the middle of the field and emptied the bucket onto the ever-growing rockpile. If you have ever had the pleasure of walking in a freshly plowed field you will have some appreciation of how difficult and tiring this can be, trudging along in the soft soil, bending over thousands of times and picking up rocks that seemed to multiply rather than diminish in number, then tossing them in the loader bucket, all day long. By the second day our crew had diminished somewhat, but the Vig boys, Larry and David, and also Larry Beebe stuck with it to the finish. Picking rocks will definitely separate the wimps from the stalwarts, but by the end of the week none of the boys seemed to care whether they impressed the pretty girls or not.
With that task completed, Ray put me on his John Deere tractor to commence discing and harrowing the field and told me he was tired of farming around that rockpile so he was going to move it. He borrowed Glen Stillman’s old International dump truck and then used the loader tractor to load what must have been 50+ years of rock pickings onto that truck and hauled umpteen loads away. I watched all of this as I was going around and around the field on the tractor, always staying out of his way as he came and went with the truck; this took several days.
At that time the Careywood church of God was holding meetings at the old Careywood School House which bordered right on Ray’s hayfield; I knew my friend and classmate, Carolyn Hoffman, went there, and when they had their Wednesday evening service I made a point to run the tractor right by there several times to get a closer look. I don’t know if she saw me but I am certain they all saw the dust cloud I stirred up. Reckon boys will be boys, eh? But I digress. When Ray finally got those rocks hauled away there was one rock sticking out of the ground about a foot high and a couple of feet around. He didn’t want to leave it so he started to dig it out with the loader bucket on the tractor. The more he dug, the bigger the rock appeared. Ray had a nice little John Deere 1010C crawler with a dozer blade so he hauled it out to the field and kept digging. The deeper he dug the more determined he got, so he just kept on digging. By the time he got that boulder exposed the hole was over six feet deep and thirty feet around. The rock was about twelve feet long, six feet high and about the same width. I believe it was what the geologists call an “Erratic” which is an out-of-place boulder left behind in the glacial till from an ice age or somesuch.
Ray’s little 1010C crawler would barely wiggle that rock, much less get it out of the hole he had dug. Another neighbor, Ken Page, had an old D6 Caterpillar working about a mile to the north of us, so Ray hired him to walk that Cat over and see if he could get that rock out of that big hole. They wound up using the winch on Ray’s crawler to pull the boulder while Ken pushed from down in the hole with the D6; even then it was quite a struggle.
When they finally got the rock out of the hole Ken was then able to roll it toward the edge of the field with the D6. The rock was sort of square so it didn’t roll smoothly, he had to flop it over to the next side by pushing while raising the blade, then drop the blade and repeat the process. One time the boulder didn’t quite flop all the way over and it slammed back into the blade of the Cat so hard it bent the blade and stalled the engine. Of course, being an old Cat it had a pony motor
for starting the main diesel engine, so it took a while to get it running again.
Ken finally got the rock to the edge of the field where it drops off pretty steep down toward Highway 95 just about where the Careywood Fire Station sits now. Ray thought that just one more push would get it off the field far enough to suit him, so Ken gave it another shove and that rock started rolling down the hill aimed right at the highway. I was standing right beside Ray as watched that big boulder picking up speed as it went FLOP! FLOP FLOP! toward the traffic passing by, totally oblivious to what was going on just above them. I don’t believe Ray was ever a very religious man but I wonder if he did a little praying then because that boulder stopped about fifty feet short of the highway. He then had Ken go down there with the D6 and dig a hole to bury it, but he only got about 2/3‘s of it buried so the remainder stood there as a reminder for many years. Ray eventually donated that parcel of land to have the Fire Station built there and that boulder had to be dynamited to make room for the new Fire Station.
Years after this incident I returned home from the Marines and was dating Carolyn so I took her to see The Rock; she pretended to be impressed, and I figured that any girl who could do that was a keeper so I married her.
Joseph W. Smith April 28, 2023
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12
The Gardener’s Corner
The CO-OP Country Round Up November / December 2024 Volume 25 Issue 1
Bonner County Gardeners Plan
Membership Course 2025
byAnn Warwick
The Bonner County Gardeners Association is a volunteer organization dedicated to educating the public on all aspects of gardening. Members volunteer to help out in school gardens, offer Home Horticulture classes in spring and fall, present a popular annual garden tour, host two plant sales per year, and participate in community beautification efforts. The group, 100 members at last count, have all gained expertise from completing a Master Gardener course or the BCGA Membership course, which shares several U of I professors with the U of I MG course for some classes.
The Membership course takes place beginning near the first of February, and meets two mornings a week for about two months. What a great way to spend those dark winter days attending classes on all aspects of gardening, from the soil, basic botany, plant problems and plant propagation, and what grows here and how to grow it in our many micro climates. You’ll meet other gardeners, some experienced, some just starting out, but the enthusiasm is always high. The course costs $150 and includes all materials. Class size is limited, so sign up early. For more information, visit our web site at bcgardeners.org and look for membership course. A bonus to completing the course is a one year membership in BCGA, which offers volunteer opportunities described above, friendship with fellow garden enthusiasts, life-long learning to improve one’s skills, and social events such as potlucks in members’ landscapes.
Seasonal Reflections
November brings an end to outdoor gardening activities as attention turns toward cold season pursuits. The garlic and spring blooming bulbs are planted, crops are all harvested and stored, and the ornamental gardens have succumbed to the coming winter by dropping colorful leaves and retreating to their roots. Now is the time for the gardener to reflect on the triumphs and less optimal garden results. One always thinks that memory will serve, but spring looks different than fall and time has deleted many details by then. Choose a gloomy day and a cozy indoor environment, then get out a paper and pen and write down what pleased you and what did not and why. Make a list of things to do next year to improve the garden. Buy a calendar with big squares and record the high and low temperatures daily and note the basic weather. Write the date you plant various food crops or ornamentals, and keep track of when they germinate, and track the growth progress. I like to keep a journal of planting dates, harvesting dates and how much of each vegetable, fruit or berry the area yields. I devote a page to expenses for the year, and one to special observations. Your own priorities will dictate what information you record. Now, get another piece of paper and sketch out the garden, noting where various plants were placed. In the case of perennial ornamentals, a map is helpful so one does not accidentally disturb a plant that somehow got forgotten. Make a sketch showing the names of the plants and the location. In the case of vegetables, sketch where they were planted this year. Now, get another piece of paper and draw the vegetable beds to plan the spring sowing. Maintain these records over the years so you can consult what was planted previously. This small effort will reap huge rewards going forward, as it helps one decide the most optimal placement of crops for pest control, rotation of plant families, and other conditions such as soil
variations, sun/shade location, and deciding how much of each vegetable to plant. It may look like winter outside the window, but as we focus on gardening, we are mentally transported to a warmer season and promise of the best garden ever!
Horsemanship: More than Theoretical Learning & Task Accomplishment
By Samantha Harvey
I often encounter equine enthusiasts who have “gotten in over their heads,” after trying something they read or saw on social media, inspired to replicate a similar scenario with their horse. In many aspects, technology can offer learning opportunities that may not be locally accessible… at the same time, folks may create unwanted equine scenarios because they “did not know what they did not know,” as they attempt to imitate or randomly try something new with their horses.
of pieces to start filling in the smaller areas of the puzzle- just as you would with learning basic skills and refining communication with your horse. As the individual pieces are connected, they will slowly contribute to the “whole” picture.
Despite reading and processing new concepts, most people have limited hands-on time with their horses. Many online training methods are dumbed down to offer convenient learning in neatly packaged “horse training” approaches. The focus is on selling the illusion of quick accomplishment, rather than honestly educating the public to have a genuine understanding of equine behavior. This creates unrealistic time frames and no perspective of what is required of the human in the hands-on “journey” of horse skill development. Combined with the “hurry up and get it done” mentality prevalent in the equine world, there is an ever-increasing number of fearful, traumatized, dangerous, unreasonable horses and hurt humans. There are no shortcuts in developing quality horsemanship- despite previous training the horse has had. Each person creates a new relationship with the individual horse.
Rarely is it popular to slow down and honestly consider how one’s experience, skills, energy, and emotions influence every interaction and the horse’s behavior. Mechanical expectations of getting the “same” equine response every time, disregard that the animal adapts to his current influences. If the handler or rider is distracted, lacks experience, or is unclear in their communication, they can miss the subtlety of the equine’s feedback. The human’s emotions, causing judgmental and or critical responses, limit one’s ability to recognize “holes” in the horse’s understanding as insight into why he is responding as he is, versus judging it as random “bad” behavior.
Taking time to address any “holes” is crucial to helping the horse be successful without increasing his fear. Mental presence is a must during hands-on horse time, as is prioritizing experimenting in communication, refined in various scenarios, as these experiences and other factors contribute to developing and honing the skills needed to help the horse accomplish new tasks or scenarios while building his try
The following are common problems with the way many online sources offer information:
1. Focus is on the outcome rather than teaching quality fundamental basics to the human and horse before presenting the task.
2. A rigid step 1, 2, and 3 teaching format, without considering the person or horse’s current skill set.
3. Approaches that only focus on teaching mechanical cues with no acknowledgment of considering or adapting to the equine’s real-time feedback, behavior, and communication.
4. Concepts that preach repetition without focusing on the human developing and maintaining self-discipline in their focus, aids, and adaptability so that they can offer specific, intentional, quality communication.
5. Interactions that show examples of the professional using aggression and fear as a motivator to get compliance from the horse (it may seem like an obvious no- but most highly popularized training programs use nice words attempting to mask traumatizing training methods.)
6. Anything that guarantees quick-fix answers, fast mastery, or immediate outcomes will have varying negative consequences depending on the individual horse. It is not if, but when, the shortcut solutions will show unwanted long-term consequences.
If the person teaching fails to honestly educate and address the multiple aspects and considerations in learning how to learn- which includes educating the human and horse- there is hurry and fixation on achieving a task or result, irrelevant of what the horse is experiencing. Without understanding fundamental basics, most interactions create random, inconsistent communication, unintentionally teaching the horse to associate fear with new experiences while increasing his anticipation.
I sometimes describe working with horses as similar to putting a puzzle together. Clear boundaries must be established to work within (spatially and physically in the horse’s case- or the outer edges in the puzzle’s case.) Then there has to be an intentional organization
There will be trial and error when fitting the puzzle pieces together. This is similar to the “search” in how humans can experiment with communication offered to the horse. If every time a puzzle piece did not fit, the human quit (which they often do with their horse,) the puzzle would probably never get completed. Many horses are “left” in the middle of unclear interactions, creating “holes” in their education.
Typically, one cannot take a puzzle piece and randomly place it in the correct spot; that approach may work once or twice, but the success rate would drastically diminish if this mindset is used in trying to complete the puzzle. The same goes for horses; randomly doing something one day may temporarily appear to “work,” but the more chaotic, unclear, or sporadic the communication is, the greater the horse’s distrust and defensiveness will be in future interactions, leading to avoidant behaviors.
A person’s value system directly influences how their horse learnseither using fear and containment- or by encouraging thinking and developing his adaptability. Have you heard about the horse who is “great” except he has “one little issue…?” What is the definition of a great horse? Is it focusing on physical achievement without acknowledging if there is an increasing state of mental anxiety, emotional chaos, and bodily tension despite the equine’s compliance? What if part of developing a “great horse” included engaging the horse’s curiosity, building his confidence, and creating willingness?
Offering Alternative Horsemanship with Samantha Harvey, for 23 years Sam has been based from May through October at The Equestrian Center, LLC, located just 12 miles north of Sandpoint, ID. For over 26 years she has offered lessons, training, guest lectured, demos and clinics nationally. She works with students and horse of all levels and disciplines. For more information please visit www.learnhorses.com 208-265-2644
Your Health
Exercise? You Gotta be Kidding
Exploring Motivation for and Practicality of Exercise
Gabrielle Duebendorfer, NMD
This morning I did my yoga class via zoom in my cozy wood heated home. Depending on what pose I found myself in I was watching snowflakes melting on the sky window or delighting in the sight of my porch flowers that I had brought in for over-wintering. I thoroughly enjoyed my body being worked out under the guidance of an experienced yoga teacher within the beauty of my home. We all have been told that regular exercise is essential to well-being and health. Dr. Datis Kharrazian (1) gives a very nice summary of benefits before he delves into applications for chronic conditions. And yet making it happen is an entirely different matter. For that, good motivation, proper planning, and a strong intention is necessary. A young patient of mine, an avid marathon runner, recently was crushed when told that he needed to stop running due to an inherited heart condition. As we explored different options, he realized that backpacking would do the same thing for him, both with enjoyment, stress reduction, and motivation for consistent training.
It is this exploration of what really gives you joy and what you reap afterwards, rather than exercise being a chore, that leads to the right motivation and action. Yoga has always been a form of relaxing, stretching, strengthening and meditative form of exercise that I have enjoyed. It provides me with a time out to simply be present and tune into what my body needs while at the same time nurturing it. Having yogic philosophy reminders woven into the practice alerts me to the fact that I am way more than my body and mind.
Muscle strengthening/resistance exercise is not only important for increased strength, stability, and stamina but also weight loss. For that purpose, it should be undertaken at least 2-3 times a week for 20 – 60 minutes on non-consecutive days to allow for muscle recovery (2). If yoga is not your thing, establishing a weight training program, doing resistance training, following an individualized PT program, or looking for your favorite online work (6) out might be a better choice. I remember one of my sons excitedly telling me “Look Mom, I have a six pack!” after having weight trained for a while - testosterone is a great help! I myself, at my higher age, was delighted to discover the beginnings of a mid-rib above my more substantial belly after having committed to more regular yoga flow and dance classes. Feeling stronger and more flexible I have had way less aches and pains, making life a lot easier.
For aerobic exercise I love either jogging or cross-country skiing on trails behind my house. For me, moving amongst the trees, in the fresh air, amidst all the color changes and bird songs, and different temperatures is pure joy. I prefer to run by myself because I can pace myself according to what my body says, and I am open and receptive to my environment and my dog so that my mind can settle more into a sense of belonging. I get my best writing inspirations during those times.
On the other hand, Wild Core dancing at Embody Studio, which includes expertly choreographed sequences that challenge new brain pathways and explores free dance has provided an entirely different motivation for aerobic exercise, because I simply enjoy dancing without abandon. New friendships and the pure fun to meet together with like-minded people can also be a draw! Aerobic exercise is best done 4-5 times a week for a minimum of 30-40 minutes for maximum health effect, e.g., reduced cancer occurrence, recurrence, survival and improved cancer treatment outcome (2,3) - though several shorter sessions per day may be more appropriate for the less conditioned. Being very clear about what health benefit you are after can be very motivating!
Having said all that, it is really important to evaluate your current state of resiliency, strength and immune system status and increase intensity and frequency of exercise gradually. From my experience with longCOVID patients I want to emphasize how crucial it is to not overdo exercise if you are suffering from post-exertional malaise (PEM) – a worsening of physical, cognitive or emotional symptoms 24-48 hours after any kind of exertion. (4). Recent research has shown that muscle fibers, energy production, and breathing patterns are quite dysfunctional and that too
much exercise at any one time will actually cause more physical damage. (5) While the authors recommend to avoid exercise in that case, there is evidence (6) that a structured and gradual exercise regime (starting with just a few minutes every day) greatly helps in recovery, especially if coupled with diaphragmatic and paced breathing while monitoring recovery via Heart Rate Variability (HRV) (7). The latter is very important as it improves demonstrated hyperventilation, resulting symptoms, relaxation response, and recovery resiliency, and makes you feel plain good (8).
We now know that PEM is caused by an overabundance of fast twitch (FT) anaerobic muscle fibers, which are quickly exhausted and cause fatigue and pain by producing lactic acid (5). They can be converted to slow twitch (ST) muscles (9, 10) by daily low-to-moderate aerobic exercise, especially if interspersed with high intensity interval training (HITT), which could be done by gradually introducing 5-90 seconds of running in a walking regime (11)
In conclusion, motivation can be driven by choosing a joyful, rewarding activity with or without company and by understanding what particular benefit is desirable. Proper planning includes regular and frequent practice that ensures full recovery by the next day. And good intention arises out of taking time to evaluate what is important for your health and well-being and making it a priority. Having been on a home sabbatical I can personally attest how important some time out is for this exploration to be productive. This is not selfish or a luxury, as self-care like this will benefit everyone around you. May you be blessed with the joy of exercise this season of holidays – and perhaps a longer break.
The CO-OP Country Round Up November / December 2024 Volume 25 Issue 1
Bonner County Extension Upcoming
ClassesTo register or for more information, call 208-263-8511
Selkirk-Pend Oreille Food Summit – The Business of Local Food
November 8, 2024, 8:30 am to 4pm
UI – Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center$ 35 fee
The Selkirk-Pend Oreille Food Summit is a one-day event focused on growing connections between farmers, ranchers, and foragers and residents, restaurants, and retailers. Listen to 5-minute “Ignite!” presentations highlighting the amazing work being done in the region, enjoy a locally catered lunch, engage in skill building workshops, experience an organic heirloom apple and apple cider tasting, and take advantage of an abundance of opportunities for networking.
Nurturing Native – Native Bees, November 12, 2024, 1pm-4 pm
UI-Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center $10 fee
Who’s Who of Native Bees and How to Raise Them—Kara Carlton, UI Extension, Kootenai County Master Gardeners, will present on the native bees we see in our gardens and how to raise them.
Bumble Bee Conservation & the Xerces Society—Learn about bumble bee conservation and how to conserve bumble bees in your own garden.
Nurturing Native – Landscaping for Your Native Ecosystem
November 14, 2024, 1pm-4 pm
UI-Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center $10 fee
Fire Smart Landscaping—Sara Mahdavi, University of Idaho, will present via Zoom on fire wise landscaping as well as water smart landscaping for north Idaho gardens.
Native Soils—Jennifer Jensen, UI Extension, will present on how to better understand your property’s native soil.
Nurturing Native – Nurturing Native Plants
November 19, 2024, 1pm-4 pm
UI-Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center $10 fee
Selecting and Propagating Native Plants—Bob Wilson, Cedar Mountain Perennials, will discuss selecting the best native plants for your garden. He will also present on propagating native plants.
Nurturing Native – Nurturing Native Plants November 21, 2024, 1pm-4 pm UI-Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center $10 fee
Design Principles for Native Gardens —Iris Mayes, UI Extension, will present design principles you can use to create and aesthetically pleasing and functional garden. This will also include a hands-on design activity.
Native Plants for Winter Wreaths—Jennifer Jensen will demonstrate how to create winter wreaths from native plants.
Identifying Idaho’s Trees
November 23, 2024, 9am to 12pm
UI – Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center $10 fee
Because we have such a varied range of latitudes, altitudes, soils, and precipitation patterns, Idaho has a wider variety of native trees than most other Rocky Mountain states. The first step in caring for these trees, whether they be in a landscape or in a forest, is to correctly identify the species. Chris Schnepf, UI Extension will teach this three-hour class on identifying local trees.
Turning Idaho’s Trees into Wreaths November 23, 2024, 1pm to 3pmUI – Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center $10 fee Idaho’s native conifers provide the perfect material for creating evergreen wreaths. Jennifer Jensen, UI Extension Educator, will discuss several methods of making wreaths. She will demonstrate how to create a wreath using a box wreath frame and then assist you in making your own wreath using native evergreen boughs. Supplies provided include a 12-inch wreath frame, wire, and a selection of native evergreen boughs and pinecones.
Pest Management Education Training December 4, 2024, 8:30am UI – Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center $5 fee
Join pest management experts to learn more about controlling rodent pests, weed management, landscape pests and more. Three or more pesticide recertification credits anticipated.
Idaho Master Gardener Training Program
January 28 – March 27, 2025, Tuesday and Thursday mornings, 9am to 12pm UI-Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center $125 fee Are you interested in learning more about gardening while helping other gardeners in the community? The Idaho Master Gardener Program serves as an educational program and volunteer organization. Applications are now being accepted.
Log Home Restoration and Maintenance
Candy Cane Trivia:The average candy cane is 5 inches tall. While most candy canes are not sugar or calorie-free, they do not have any fat or cholesterol.Striped red and white candy canes were first introduced in 1900. The first machine to make candy canes was invented in 1921 by Brasher O. There you go. Google.com
There’s Gold In Them Thar Hills
by Helen Newton Bonner County Historical Museum
Once I settle on a topic for the Coop Roundup, I am always surprised by the volume of information available. The Internet provides data that covers historical and current information from around the globe, albeit some of that information is sometimes inaccurate. The local East Bonner County Library digital library offers all local newspapers back through 1892 to provide the local perspective. It’s available to anyone at no charge! Try it. You’ll like it.
Those old newspapers become a warren of rabbit holes. One item will lead me in a different direction. Then that item leads to yet another and before I know it, I’ve been looking at the screen for way too long. But the journey is always fascinating. Often I’m uncertain of a topic but a quick trip to the old newspapers always turns something up. This time a series of articles from 1892 about building a road to Priest Lake for the mines operating there caught my eye.
Skip and I and our two daughters lived in the U. S. Forest Service guard station on Luby Bay for a few months in 1966. That log cabin built by the CCC’s is now the Priest Lake museum. Priest Lake is truly a gem among Idaho’s lakes.
In the 1840s Jesuit priest Pierre-Jean DeSmet began working with the Kalispel tribe along the nearby Pend Oreille River. He named the lake Roothaan for one of his superiors in Rome. In 1865 Captain John Mullan was building a road through the area after the discovery of silver in the mountains and renamed it Kaniksu. Eventually it was named Priest Lake.
“Thar’s gold in them thar hills!” Any ideas where this originated? If you happen to know, it can’t be by accident. You have to have done some “mining” in the history books. In the history of northern Idaho and many states surrounding us, it was predominantly silver in them thar hills. And it was seemingly everywhere. The mother lode was, of course, in Shoshone County or, as it has come to be known with good reason, the Silver Valley.
At one time there were 4,644 recorded mines in Bonner County according to the USGS! Many of them were near the shorelines of our lakes and rivers. Currently 345 remain active.
The March 23, 1892 local paper edition reported that “the people of Priest River, thoroughly alive to the importance of being connected to the Priest Lake by a wagon road, have taken the matter into their own hands. Not waiting for the county to build a road for them they have taken up a subscription and have already received 150 days work. The work will commence immediately and it is estimated the 35 miles of road can be completed in 30 day.” By April 9th, it was reported that the first ten miles had been completed.
Some big names in the mining industry visited Priest Lake and other mines in Bonner County looking for that really big one. A float had been discovered at Priest Lake. In mining lingo a “float” is pieces of rock that have been broken off and moved from their original location by natural forces such as frost or glacial action. One of the nationally known mining kings spent months at Priest Lake trying to find its origin. It was said to promise to bring millions – and that was millions in 1892. It’s still waiting to be found if anyone would care to try to locate it.
Now, back to the initial question: Who coined the phrase “Thar’s gold in them thar hills”? The answer came as quite a surprise to me! The first significant gold rush in this country was in 1799 in North Carolina when a 17-pound “glittering stone” was discovered in a farmer’s field. The vein extended into Georgia. Thousands of miners descended on Georgia and tensions quickly grew between the southern states and the five civilized Native American nations: Cherokee, Muscogee, Seminole, Chickasaw and Choctaw. Although not authored by him, President Andrew Jackson authorized the forced migration of these Native Americans along what was later known as the Trail of Tears.
When the gold rush in Georgia was believed to be over, many miners headed west to join the 1849 California Gold Rush. Matthew Stephenson was a minder and geologist in Georgia. As people began to leave Georgia for the California Gold Rush, Stephenson thought differently and in the town square proclaimed to over 200 men, “Why go to California? In that ridge lies more gold than man ever dreamt of. There’s millions in it.” This excerpt was retold to Mark Twain by the miners who moved to California from Georgia and may have inspired his character Mulberry Sellers from his 1892 novel The American Claimant. Sellers was famous for his line “”There’s gold in them thar hills; there’s millions in it.”
And by everything I have read, there is still gold (and silver and zinc and many more metals useful in today’s industries) “in them thar hills.”
Editor’s Note: If you have enjoyed the articles submitted by Helen over these many years, consider a visit to Bonner County History Museum for even more facinating Bonner County History!
18 Outdoor Living
Better Living Through Stress
Management
by Suzanne Tabert
What causes us to become sick? While there are many factors, let’s consider the following: technology, sleep patterns, stress/anxiety, life’s transitions, diet and exercise, and chronic dehydration.
Stress and anxiety due to life’s transitions and/or work- related problems can bring on a lack of sleep. The diet might change during these times to stress eating or what I call the trauma diet - not eating, or turning to highly processed comfort foods. The lack of proper nutrition stresses the immune system. Utilizing technology after dark can upset the circadian rhythm, which leads to improper sleep patterns. Too little sleep can bring on more stress, which can lead to unhealthy diet practices, and the circle keeps going. The immune system can put up with quite a lot, however, there comes a time when it throws up its arms and says, “Enough!”
Technology
Electromagnetic forces – EMFs – bombard us day and night from wiring, smartphones, computers, cell towers, etc. EMFs disrupt sleep patterns and can cause neurological and behavioral changes, chronic fatigue, and more. Consider the following bio hacks to limit your exposure: Unplug your router when not using it or put it on a timer, Utilize your phone’s airplane mode when not in use, use the speaker vs. holding the phone up to your head. Take technology breaks often during the day and limit nighttime usage. Get real sun exposure at sunrise and sunset to strengthen immunity.
Sleep
Sleep is essential for an immune system to work optimally. Staring at devices in the evening upset the circadian rhythm. Setting devices on night mode will reduce blue light exposure and enhance the ability to get better sleep. Proper sleep allows the body to metabolize, relax, and repair.
Stress/Anxiety
Stress can come in many forms. Financial issues, the addictive nature and pressure of social media, and life transitions such as birth, death, moving, job status changes, marriage, and divorce are only a few examples. While there is a difference between good and bad stress, the body reacts to both equally. When we’re talking about stress management, personalized is the way to go. Transition can be scary, stressful and rife with uncertainty and struggle. Take heart in knowing that for every season, there is change. There is no spring without winter. Liminal zones do not last. Look for the grace, mercy, and beauty that is offered at this time. Try to go with the flow and see where it takes you. Contrary to what might be found on social media sites, fully experiencing what life has to offer without documenting one’s every move and meal creates greater peace and contentment. Be good to yourself. It’s true that one cannot be good for anyone else if they are not taking time for self-care. Take time out to do what you love. Set a timer for 8 minutes and write down what makes you happy. Pick one thing every day and make time to do these things. Before retiring each night, list 5 things for which you are grateful. Focusing on gratitude literally changes pathways in the brain. Good feeds good. Notice the changes in your outlook, stress level, and immune function.
Diet and Exercise
Eat well and use your body. The macro and micro nutrients in healthy food counterbalance the inflammatory process in the body, and fuel not only the immune system, but every cell in the body. Well fueled body systems are then able to function to the best of their ability. The lymphatic system is in close contact with the circulatory system for easy exchange of lymphatic fluids. While the heart pumps blood, oxygen, and antibodies throughout the body, the lymphatic system has no pump. Exercise and deep breathing aid movement and lymphatic drainage. Take time several times a
day to focus on deeply inhaling and slower exhaling. Focusing on breathing is a boon to the immune system as our breath helps to manage stress, calm the rise of panic, move our lymph, and deliver much needed oxygen to our mitochondria for creating energy.
Hydration
The body must have sufficient good quality water for the removal of waste products and metabolites from the body. Drink half your body weight in ounces of water every day. If you are 140 pounds, drink 70 ounces of water a day. That’s just under 6 twelve-ounce glasses. Drink more if you engage in strenuous activity. Yes, you will urinate often. Urinating is the body’s way of getting rid of metabolites and toxins from cells, allowing the immune system to have an easier time functioning properly. For those who don’t “like the taste of water,” try lemonade made with organic lemons, spring water, and herbal honeys (not refined sugars or sugar alcohols) as an example. Getting the medicine to the people in a way that they’ll take it is a good motto to live by.
Herbal Support for Optimum Immune Health
DANDELION, Taraxacum officinale - 70% of immune activity occurs in the small intestine. The inulin in dandelion root is a prebiotic that feeds the flora of the gut. Happy healthy gut flora equals a happy healthy immune system. Dandelions also contain many immune-strengthening antioxidants and the minerals calcium, magnesium, and iron.
DEVIL’S CLUB, Oplopanax horridus - The ginsenosides in devil’s club stimulate the immune system, leading to an increased resistance to bacterial and viral infections and affords the body a more rapid recovery from illness.
ROSE HIPS – Rosa spp. - Rose hips are packed with Vitamin C complex and are rich in other bioflavonoids. Bioflavonoids can increase bodily health by supporting strong immune function.
Be well my friends, and as always I leave you Wild About Plants! To delve deeper into herbs, I offer an online Herbal Monthly Materia Medica subscription. www.cedarmountainherbs.com
