Alberni Valley News, May 29, 2024

Grower s Guide 2024

A GUIDE TO FOOD PRODUCERS AND FARM MARKETS IN THE

ALBERNI VALLEY

Photo: Alberni Valley Food Security Society

Food

Connects

Growing food, tending plants, harvesting crops, and eating together are powerful means of connection in schools. Food connects students to their bodies through nourishment, to their minds through hands-on learning, to their land through engaging in environmental stewardship and to their hearts through building community.

There are many inspiring examples of school gardens, land-based learning, and school meal programs in the Alberni Valley.

There are multiple school gardens in the Alberni Valley where teachers weave

curriculum into gardening, and students engage in rich hands-on learning. Children get to enjoy fresh produce and witness the journey it takes to reach their plates. They gain insights into the natural progression of plant growth, starting from seeds, sprouts, flowers, to fruits, and comprehend how elements like rain and drought affect plant life. By tending to the garden, children directly observe the relationship between nature, their food sources, and the wildlife attracted to and sustained by the school garden ecosystem.

This spring, at the District ProDay – 22

teachers spent the day bringing energy and work-power into three school gardens, sharing inspiration and knowledge! This full-day workshop offered a hands-on interactive component working in the gardens, and a space for networking and knowledge sharing.

On the land, students are connecting to Indigenous foods, harvesting techniques and cultural cooking practices. Some teachers adventure on weekly forest walks with their students, identifying edible and medicinal plants, and exploring ecosystems that have been stewarded by and sustained Indigenous cultures. One school has built a traditional salmon pit cook within a school garden and enjoys sharing traditionally cooked salmon.

In the kitchen, the Breakfast Club program dishes up not only breakfast and snacks to students, but also serves up a culture of care, compassion and community. With mini fridges in class-

literacy, nor sufficient nourishing food at home. To help support food literacy at schools in the Alberni Clayoquot region, a working group has formed of community partners, teachers and school district representatives, coordinated by Farm to School BC.

One of the projects of the working group is a monthly listserv newsletter highlighting programs in the region and sharing upcoming opportunities. If you are interested in learning more about the working group or signing up for our monthly newsletter, please contact centralislandregion@farmtoschoolbc.ca. We look forward to growing and supporting the Alberni Valley school garden community.

to School BC is a program administered by the Public Health Association of BC & is supported by the Province of British Columbia & the Provincial Health Services Authority

Indoor Sow

GarlicFest A Growing Tradition

By Kirsty Allen from Old Orchard Farm

Garlic is a plant with a storied history. While garlic has its detractors, garlic is a plant loved by many and has the power to change everything… playing a role in vampiric lore, folk healing, comedic tropes, pest management and culinary delights. It triggers olfactory memories from childhood, of special dinners, buttery prawns, and garlicky pastas served with loaves of crusty garlic bread.

I grew up in a family of gardeners, but I think I’m the first generation to grow my own garlic. The first time I planted garlic it went directly into the flower bed as a companion plant for some special roses my mother had taken from cuttings from my grandmother’s garden. Thus began my fall down the garlic rabbit hole and eventually led to my growing up to 10 different varieties of garlic, up to 2500 bulbs per year. That was almost

30 years ago, and that “Old Rose” garlic patch is still there, perennialized beside those precious roses.

Despite my love for garlic, I have yet to make it to a garlic festival, as they tend to happen in the summer months, when it’s hard to get away from the farm. Last year I mentioned my wish to start a garlic festival here in Port Alberni at the Spirit Square Farmer’s Market, and the idea was met with a lot of enthusiasm.

I am thrilled to share that the inaugural Equinox Garlic Festival, will be held Saturday, September 21st at the Spirit Square Farmers’ Market at the Harbour Quay in Port Alberni.

The festival will feature opportunities to purchase garlic for consumption or planting, garlic exhibitions, competitions, demonstrations, and engaging activities for children. Garlic enthusiasts and growers are encouraged to mark their calendars, participate in various contest categories, and apply to showcase their garden produce, homemade garlic-themed products, crafts, and baked goods. There will also be ample volunteer positions available.

Whether you are a devoted garlic aficionado or simply curious about garlic, the Equinox Garlic Festival promises to be an immersive experience for all ages, celebrating the sights, scents, and flavors of garlic. I am excited to attend this new annual event and look forward to seeing you all there.

Farms and Food Producers

1 AVALON BLUEBERRY FARM

Cathy Burkosky

8286 Faber Road

250-724-6821

www.avalonfarm.ca

Find us on Avalon Farm produces Certified Organic Blueberries, as well as hay, garlic, and assorted vegetables. We are near Sproat Lake, on Faber Road. Fresh blueberries can be pre-ordered or bought at the farm-gate during July and August. Feel free to call for more information or join our email list to pre-order your berries, as we often sell out quickly!

2 ALBERNI GROWERS’ COLLECTIVE

Find us on

The Alberni Growers’ Collective is a group of four small-scale farms who share a common vision of using sustainable & regenerative practices. Find us Saturdays at the Spirit Square Farmers’ Market. Our delicious products include vegetables and herbs, eggs, honey, maple syrup, fruits, foraged wild mushrooms as well as seedlings, flowers, plants, processed goods, & meats. Grow local, eat local!

3 BLACKBERRY HILL, FERGUSON ROAD FARM STAND

Joanne Jordans 6821 Ferguson Road

403-618-4542

blackberryhill@shaw.ca

Find us on Blackberry Hill is a small farm and homestead whose seasonal offerings can be found at the farmgate stand or by contacting to preorder. The Ferguson Road Farm Stand has plants, eggs, preserves and baking, flowers, vegetables and fruits, herbs, spices and wooden crafts.

4 BOB’S PLACE

Bob Haynes 6269 Smith Road 250-724-1116 or cell: 250-720-5884

At Bob’s place we grow everything as naturally and humanely as possible. Chicken, lamb and pork when in season. By appointment only.

Farms and Food Producers

5 COLEMAN MEADOWS FARM

The Dyson Family

6670 Coleman Road

250-724-0876

awpb@island.net

Find us on Coleman Meadows Farm is a 170-acre farm and home to Canada’s most West Coast Water Buffalo and Cow dairies. The Dyson family welcomes you to our friendly herd of grass-fed water buffalo and Jerseys just off the Pacific Rim Hwy. Our farm market is open year-round on Saturdays from 10-2 with a selection of water buffalo products including: cheeses, yogurt, Gelato and a full assortment of meats.

6 COLLINS FARM/ ARROWVALE CAMPGROUND

Collins Family 5955 Hector Road 250-723-7948

www.arrowvale.ca

Find us on Farm gate sales are Saturdays 10-2 or by appointment. The farm is located on 68 riverside acres, which has been home to the Collins farm since 1980. We host special events throughout the year including a pumpkin patch every October, hosting school tours and other special events. We have Belted Galloway Cattle and Canadian horses. Maple syrup is made on the farm along with a selection of beef, veggies and preserves.

7 COX’S LAKE BLUEBERRY FARM

Mark Murray 285 Franklin River Road 250-720-7494

www.coxslakeblueberryfarm.com

Find us on Cox Lake Farm is a seasonal blueberry farm operating everyday through mid-July to late September. The hours of operation are from 9am-5pm. We offer two varieties of delicious blueberries and offer a u-pick option as well. You can also find us Saturday mornings during the summer months at the Spirit Square Farmers’ Market.

8 EDEN TREE FARM AND GARDENING

Heather Shobe

6220 Karen Place.

250-724-2175

www.edentreefarm.ca

Find us on

Eden Tree is a teeny-tiny, permaculture-inspired farm in its 14th year of operation. Sales are by appointment at the farm gate, or through the Alberni Growers’ Collective table at the Spirit Square Farmers’ Market. Farm products include chicken, honey and honey comb, maple syrup, rabbit, nursery plants, vegetables, fruits and berries. Inquire about garden coaching, professional consulting and design services, and presentations.

9 HALF-ACRE GARDEN

Anna & Evan 5955 Hector Road

250-720-7648

halfacregardeners@gmail.com

Find us on and @halfacregardeners

Half-Acre Garden follows regenerative agriculture principles and techniques. This reduces soil disturbance, integrates livestock and maximizes crop diversity. Our fresh fruit & vegetables, flowers, herbs and hand-made products (soaps, salves & herbal tea) are available for purchase at the Arrowvale campground office, at the Spirit Square Farmers’ Market, and featured at local restaurants - Grass Roots and Wildflower Cafe.

10 NO RYMER REASON FARM

Ken and Sarah Rymer

no.rymer.reason.farm@gmail.com

Find us on

Nestled at the foot of the Beaufort range, we have a market garden and laying hens. Our primary produce is a lettuce mix, complimented by other produce. Our farm offerings are rounded out with meat birds, day old chicks, baked goods, and our addictive gluten free granola. You can find us year-round at the Spirit Square Farmers’ Market, & the seasonal markets at the Cabin at Shannon Farms.

Farms and Food Producers

11 OAK TREE FARM

Teresa O’Neil

8405 Meshers Road

By appointment only 250-723-6333

Find us on

Oak Tree Farm is located in the Beaufort region of the Alberni Valley. We grow and distill lavender on the farm; offering essential oils, dried lavender buds, fresh bunches in season and various lavender products. We also have a flock of laying hens and seasonal produce. Find us every Saturday morning, 9-12, at the Spirit Square Farmers’ Market.

12 RAGES FARM

7685 Mackenzie Road

250-723-2359

orders@ragesfarm.ca

13 ROAM MARKET GARDEN

Joanne Priestland roammarketgarden@gmail.com

Find us on

Roam is a Market Garden providing a yearly veggie box program to the community and a developing microgreen club. We offer presales for garlic as we love to grow garlic and aim to have many value added garlic products and high quality seed garlic. Email for more information on all our offerings.

14 SHELTER FARM

Alex Taylor- Farm Manager 725 Franklin River Road 250-720-5478

www.portalbernishelter.com

Find us on

Rages Farm will be open again for farm sales after 40 years! We sustainably produce Cucumbers (long english and minis) Red Peppers and Beefsteak Tomatoes all season. Hanging flower baskets are available while they last and strawberries. Come find us at the Spirit Square Farmers’ Market or venture out to the farm site throughout the week 9-3(ish). For more information or to place an order email or call.

Shelter Farm is Market Garden situated on a 172acre ALR zoned property in the Alberni Valley. Operating as a Social Enterprise for The Port Alberni Shelter Society, we grow 70 different varieties of fruit, herbs and vegetables year round. We are home to Port Alberni's first Therapeutic Recovery Community and host a Peer Employment Program through partnership with INEO Employment Services. Our produce can be purchased at Farmers Markets, Farm Stands, through our CSA weekly veggie box program, at Double R Meats or online at www.portalbernishelter.com/shop

15 SIMPLES

Tim Towle

2836 2nd Ave.

250-723-8061 (after noon) simples@shaw.ca

Simples sells herbs, native and heritage plants and fruits. Simples creates vinegars and vinaigrettes and bakes delicious breads. We also have various art items –New this year are Tim’s handmade canes! We are a very small urban farm and can be found Saturday mornings 9am-noon at the Spirit Square Farmers’ Market at the foot of Argyle Street.

16 SPROAT LAKE FARM

Lyle & Eboni Johnson 9649 Lakeshore Rd 250-616-6946

sproatlakefarm@gmail.com

Find us on Sproat Lake farm is a new developing 23-acre farm on Lakeshore Rd. We are currently raising rabbits, quail, heritage pigs and chickens. The land is being used for a small hazelnut orchard, market garden, greenhouse, newly planted vineyard, and pastures. We have a roadside farm stand Saturdays and Sundays throughout the Summer and early fall. You can also find us at the Spirit Square Saturday morning market.

17 SPROAT STARTS

Anna Lewis 7500 Hector Road 250-735-0520

Walk down the veggie path with Anna who encourages everyone to grow what they can, where they can and all year long! Preorder all your plant starts and get them in the ground at the appropriate time. Specializing in tomatoes and peppers starts but also promoting year-round gardening, Sproat Starts has a plethora of veggie starts for your garden needs.

SPIRITSQUARE

Farms & Markets in the Alberni Valley

Cox Lake Farm

Eden Tree Farm and Gardening

Farms and Food Producers

176-acre farm nestled along the base of the Beaufort Range. We raise grass fed Black Angus Beef and a Suffolk sheep flock. All animals are pasture grazed and winter feed is grown on the farm. Whole sides and cuts available by request. Call for availability.

Farmers' Markets

A ALL THE RAGE WITH NO BIG DILL SEASONAL MONTHLY MARKET

May-Sept. Selected Thursdays 5pm-8pm.

See Calendar of events

7685 McKenzie Rd

Market Manager: Amanda Price

250-918-9585

marketswithnobigdill@outlook.com

Held once per month on the second to last Thursday night from May to September. Pop-Up style Farmers’ Market featuring a variety of seasonal local fruits and vegetables, plants, preserves, baking, crafts, artisans and much more. Drop ins welcome. We encourage shoppers to bring cash as payment, as cell service for electronic payment methods can’t always be relied on.

B COLEMAN MEADOWS FARM MARKET

Saturdays,10:00 AM to 2:00 PM,year round

6670 Coleman Road

250-724-0876

awpb@island.net

Find us on

Our farm market offers a great selection of water buffalo products including: cheeses, yogurt, Gelato and a full assortment of water buffalo meats. Come and meet the girls and stroll through the gardens.

C FRIDAY NIGHT MARKET

Fridays, 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Seasonal Market running from May-Sept. Every Friday 4pm to 8pm Location to be determined. Market Managers: Sylvain Rollin & Jessica Lentini

250-735-6532 & 250-266-2204

www.wescofoods.ca

Find us on

The Friday Night Market features members participating in local craft, art, food, drinks, farming, gardening, foraging, gleaning, music, dancing & more. It is a festive market showcasing food, art & crafts made/grown in the Alberni Valley & its surrounding communities. We welcome local vendors to join as a seasonal membership or drop-ins.

D NAESGAARD'S FARM & MARKET

Daily, 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM 5681 River Road

250-723-3622

Find us on

Naesgaard's offers a great selection of fruits and vegetables picked fresh from our fields and from local suppliers. The garden centre has a compelling selection of flowers, vegetable starts and herbs while the storefront has other offerings as well.

Farmers' Markets

E PORT ALBERNI FARMERS’ MARKET

(AKA Cherry Creek Farmers’ Market)

Saturdays, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, year-round (inside and out)

6211 Cherry Creek Road

Market Manager: Gwen Lowe

250-723-8351

Find us on

Year-round Farmers' Market featuring local farmers and fare. Seasonal produce, plants, grass fed beef, pork & poultry, as well as baking, crafts & culinary vendors. Both year-round vendors & drop-ins welcome.

F SPIRIT SQUARE FARMERS’ MARKET

Saturdays, 9:00 AM to noon, year round

Harbour Quay, 5440 Argyle Street

Market Manager: Teresa O’Neil

250-723-6333

ssquarefarmersmarket@gmail.com

Find us on

The Spirit Square Farmers’ Market is situated at the foot of Argyle Street in the picturesque Harbour Quay. Local farmers offer a wide selection of seasonally available fruits & vegetables, farm fresh eggs, meat and honey. You will also find delicious preserves and baked goods as well local artisans showcasing their unique talents. 100% locally grown, made, baked or foraged! Enjoy the live music, during the summer months, while doing your shopping!

G SHANNON FARMS MARKET

Seasonal markets and specialty events. See Calendar of events

Hosted at The Cabin, 8865 Beaver Creek Rd, Port Alberni

Phone: 250-720-5867 (Tanya) www.shannonfarms.ca

Find us on @ thecabinatshannonfarms

Find us on @shannonfarmscabin  Enjoy on-farm seasonal markets, where Alberni Valley producers, farmers, creators and artisans offer locally grown, produced, processed, and created goods. We encourage shoppers to bring cash as payment, as cell service for electronic payment methods can’t always be relied on in our area. Weather permitting, the Summer Market is aimed to be a larger market, as one of the fields can serve as additional parking. Otherwise, we strongly recommend carpooling to our shoppers, as parking is limited.

Bigleaf Maple

Sugaring

Bigleaf maple syrup is a beautiful, dark, flavourful syrup made from tapping bigleaf maple trees, which are found on Vancouver Island, and south coast of BC into Washington and Oregon.

The process of making bigleaf maple syrup is the same as any maple sugaring - the tree is tapped, and sap is collected and processed until you have created syrup!

Sugar maples are the main maple tree tapped back east, to create the majority of maple syrup available in grocery stores. The main differences between sugar maples and bigleaf maples for syrup are: seasons, sap sugar content, and flavour.

Generally, the best sap flow occurs when you have freezing temperatures at night (around -5 C), and above freezing during the day. Negative pressures are created inside the tree when it is freezing, causing an upward sap flow, and the thawing temperatures cause the sap to flow down again. In the Alberni Valley, our sugaring season is primarily late December to late February.

The sugar content of bigleaf maple sap is less than sugar maple sap, which means that more bigleaf sap is required to make syrup, which also means more resources (heat source and time). In order to make one litre of syrup from a sugar maple, approximately 30-40 litres of sap is required; for bigleaf maple syrup, approximately 60 litres of sap is required. Sap is obtained by tapping the tree, and collecting the sap into buckets (or larger scale, lines into large collection tanks). The sap is processed by boiling it down to reduce the water, until you have

syrup (the scale used to measure the sugar content is brix, and once you reach 67 brix, you have made syrup!)

Maple syrup from sugar maples has that maple syrup taste we all know and love. Bigleaf maple syrup is generally quite dark, and has a distinct, wonderfully robust flavour.

Locally, Arrowvale Farm, Shannon Farms (under the label Beaufort Barns), and Kleekhoot Gold produce bigleaf maple syrup for sale, on a small to medium scale. Watch the farmers markets in the spring though, as some other farms produce it on a micro scale!

You can learn to make your own bigleaf maple syrup by taking a workshop, learning from local producers, or reading the many resources online.

Alberni

Gleaning Project Valley

‘Gleaning’ is a term originally used to describe the act of collecting leftover crops from a farmer’s field after it had been harvested. The Alberni Valley Food Security Society (AVFSS) facilitates the local Gleaning Project which has been operating since 2012. This program decreases food waste and increases food security through the distribution of a delicious and nutritious local food source. The Gleaning Project has collected up to 11,000 pounds of harvest per year! How does it work? The Gleaning Project acts as a conduit, connecting tree owners who have unwanted or excess fruit with volunteer pickers who want to harvest and enjoy local fruit. Harvested fruit is then distributed as follows: 1/3 to the pick host, 1/3 to the pickers, and 1/3 to local food security program. Any fruit found on

the ground ends up going to local farmers with animals that appreciate the fruit!

Alberni Valley is fortunate to be abundant in local fruit and typically has access to apples, pears, figs, plums, cherries, hazelnuts, and a variety of berries. Volunteers can choose the picks they would like to attend and pick leads will meet you at the location with all of the necessary equipment. There is a membership fee of $20 for individuals and $30 for households which helps to cover the cost of insurance, equipment, orientation, and other program expenses.

The Gleaning Project provides an opportunity to have fruit picked that could otherwise attract wildlife. Alberni Valley WildSafe BC fully endorses this program and applauds how it decreases negative wildlife interactions.

AVFSS is actively looking for host properties and volunteers to join the pro-

gram. This year there is no mandatory fee for hosts but donations are always appreciated.

The Alberni Valley Gleaning Project fosters community and friendships by bringing people together for a common cause. All parties’ benefit: the property owners who have excess fruit, the volunteer pickers who would like to harvest and the recipients of donated food offerings.

AVFSS is a food focused action group that works to strengthen food security in the community. Additional AVFSS programs include Dry Creek Community Garden and Grow Local initiatives. AVFSS offers workshops on pruning and fruit tree maintenance and launched a PruneAlong program this past winter. Programming depends on donations, grant funding and many hours of volunteer work. Visit the website www.avfood.ca or check out their Facebook page @AVFoodSociety

To join The Gleaning Project or receive newsletters to

WANTED: THE F END SH Four

English ivy (Hedera helix)

scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius)

japanese knotwEEd (Reynoutria japonica)

Tree strangulation Natural stands in Port Alberni Pull, bag, and dispose of in landfill. DO NOT DUMP!

Invading disturbed soils

Roadside ditches, logged areas, hydro rights-of-way

For more information, please visit www.bcinvasives.ca/resources/publications wanted for: found in: to control:

Cut at base when in bloom and take to landfill.

Damaging hardscape & foundations Yards, gardens, natural areas where dumped Almost impossible to control without herbicide. Never cut and dump!

PURPLE LOOSESTRIFE (Lythrum salicaria)

Overtaking riparian areas Waterways, creeks and wetlands Pull, bag, and dispose of in landfill.

‘Grow’ Don’t Let Invasive Plants on You!

dening seems to be one long story of removing unwanted plants from your desired crop…or trying to. But now these invasive species also pose a threat to our natural areas and riparian habitats, squeezing out native species and replacing them with highly competitive monocultures. When fighting invasive plants, keep in mind these three rules:

1. KNOW YOUR ENEMY Every plant grows a certain way and has its own weaknesses. Those that reproduce by seed may be eradicated through pulling and then establishing a competitive new plant population. However, invaders that spread through creeping roots often cannot be pulled completely by hand and other means must be used to get a handle on them. Research your weeds, know how they grow and how you can get ahead of them.

2. KNOW YOUR LIMITATIONS Large infestations of hard to handle weeds can be overwhelming for a single person on their own. Map the extent of the patch, start from the edges and work your way in to the centre, ensuring you are removing all outlying weeds on the way. Any stragglers you leave behind will start new infestations behind you, so you’ll have to keep checking where you’ve picked in subsequent years.

1. KNOTWEED Devastating to ecosystems and hardscape alike, the four species on the BC Weed Control Act are escaped ornamentals that grow at an unprecedented pace.

2. SCOTCH BROOM One of the worst offenders on disturbed land such as cutlines and road rights-of-way; the best time to cut broom is in full bloom each spring.

3. ENGLISH IVY The most common invasive plant throughout greenspaces in Port Alberni, this weed gets its start from dumping of yard waste onto public land. Please be respectful of our natural ecosystems and dispose of invasive weeds properly. DON’T DUMP!

4. PURPLE LOOSESTRIFE This riparian invader loves to take up residence along waterways, creeks, and streams. Don’t let its beautiful purple flowers fool you…once estab lished it’s very difficult to eradicate so be on guard!

For more information on these species and how to control them, please visit www.bcinvasives.com/ resources/publications

3. COMMIT! Large scale weed eradication is not a quick nor easy proposition. You will be checking and rechecking the same sites for years to come, as root pieces or seeds continue to sprout and start the problem all over again. Never think that proper invasive plant control is a one-time deal…it can take over a decade to eradicate a pervasive weed problem entirely, and ongoing inspections are by wildlife or human activities. Here are some of the worst offenders in the Alberni Valley; be on the lookout for these plants and don’t let them get a foothold!

Calendar of Events

JUNE

Saturday, 15th

Beaver Creek Community Club: Homesteading Market. 11am-3pm

Thursday, 20th

Rages: Farm Market. 5-8pm

JULY

Friday, 12th

Alberni District Fall Fair Market. 4pm-8pm

Sunday, 14th

Alberni Farmers’ Institute: Summer Potluck at Beaver Creek Hall. 5:30-10pm

Thursday, 18th

Rages: Farm Market. 5-8pm

Friday & Saturday, 26th & 27th

The Cabins: Gather & Graze Outdoor Dinner Event

AUGUST

Saturday, 10th

The Cabins: Heifers & Hors D’oeuvres - Outdoor Appetizer Event

Tuesday, 20th

The Cabins: Summer Market. 5-8pm

Thursday, 22nd

Rages: Farm Market. 5-8pm

SEPTEMBER

Thurs-Sun, 5th-8th Fall Fair.

Sunday, 15th Family Farm Day.

Thursday, 19th

Rages: Farm Market. 5-8pm

Saturday, 21st

Spirit Square Farmers’ Market: Garlic Festival.

Sunday, 22nd

Alberni Farmers’ Institute: Harvest Potluck at Beaver Creek Hall. 5:30-10pm

OCTOBER

Arrowvale Farm: Pumpkin Patch is open every weekend throughout October

Sunday, 6th The Cabins: Harvest Market. 10am-2pm

Sunday, 20th Dry Creek Community Garden: Pumpkinfest. 1-3pm

NOVEMBER

Thursday, 14th

Alberni Farmers’ Institute: AGM at Beaver Creek Hall. 5:30-10pm

Saturday, 16th

Alberni Valley Food Security Society: Fall Harvest Dinner/AGM/ Squaredance

Beginning after Wed., 20th

Alberni Valley Food Security Society: Fall Harvest Dinner/AGM/ Squaredance. TBD

Arrowvale Farm: Wreath Making Parties. Phone to inquire

DECEMBER

Sunday, 1st

The Cabins: Christmas Market. 10am-2pm

Saturday & Sunday, 14th & 15th

Alberni District Fall Fair Christmas Market

FEBRUARY

Sunday, 2nd

The Cabins: Sugaring Workshop. Time TBD

Saturday 8th Seedy Saturday at Echo Center. 10am-2pm

MARCH

Sunday, 2nd The Cabins: Maple & More Market. 10am-1pm

Saturday 22nd Alberni District Fall Fair Spring Market.

APRIL

Good Friday, April 18th Arrowvale Farm’s annual Easter Bunny Hunt.

Saturday 26th

Annual Seedling Sale at Spirit Square Farmers’ Market. 9am-noon

MAY

Saturdays

3rd & 10th

The Cabins: Christmas Wreath Making Workshops (specific dates TBD)

Arrowvale Farm: Wreath Making Parties. Phone to inquire

Annual Seedling Sale at Spirit Square Farmers’ Market 9am-noon

Sunday, 4th The Cabins: Spring Market. 10am-1pm

•Aerator

•PostHoleAuger

•Blower-Handheld-Gas

•Blower-Backpack-Gas

•Brushcutter-Line-Gas

•Brushcutter-Blade-Gas

•LawnEdger-Gas

•Billy-GoatBrush-SelfProp

•Billy-GoatHighWeedMower

•Hedgetrimmer-Electric

•Hedgetrimmer-Gas

•Lawnmower-Push-CommercialMower

•Powerake-Dethatcher-Gas

•Pruner-Telescoping

•Pruner-Telescoping-Gas

•LandscapeRake

•LawnrollerPushorTow

•SodCutter

•Spreader-Broadcast

•Stumpgrinder

•Tiller-Honda/Husqvarna

•Trencher18”

•TrackWheelbarrow

•PostPounder

•Wheelbarrow

•Auger

•Tiller

•RockPicker

•Forks

•16”ElectricChainsaw

•16”-20”GasChainsaw

•28”-36”GasChainsaw

•TelescopingGasPruner

Grow Local Buy Local

Plant a garden, tree, bush, or flower and start food production however you can!

Join the Alberni Valley Food Security Society, Tofino Community Food Initiative, or the Alberni Farmers’ Institute

Learn ecologically responsible and ethical permaculture, foraging, or fishing skills

Visit a farmers’ market or farm gate stand listed in this Guide

Purchase local produce, meat, and seafood whenever you are able to Support your local food retailers and food box programs

Share Your Ideas and Energy

Volunteer with the Fall Fair, a fruit gleaning project, a school garden, or with 4-H

Join the Dry Creek Community Garden Exchange knowledge (and produce) with friends and neighbours

For more information on any of the information listed above, contact us at sustainability@acrd.bc.ca .