Open House is a Great Success

     An estimate 75 people came to 47th street yesterday to learn about sustainable living techniques!  The turnout showed how hungry people are for a lifestyle that connects us to the earth beneath our feet and to local community.  I had mentioned yesterday that in Bard and I’s dream of a sustainable farm, we imagined acres of rolling hills.  Yet, if we take a realistic look at our culture’s future, urban sustainability is much more probable and can be practiced by more people.  It is less expensive than the country farm, less isolating, and does not require great fuel to get to and from.  We can manage a compact farm and still walk to the bus stop, the corner store, or a park.  When we can no longer afford to ship food into our cities, our cities must blossom with its own fruit, vegetables, protien, and medicines, one yard at a time. 

 

CP holding a honeycomb bar

Casey Paul speaking to group

Scott Pittman and his Permaculture Design Class

End of a great day

     A special thanks to our many contributors.  Casey Paul volunteered his whole afternoon to bee-keeping talk.  He brought sample honey from his own hives, and salves and lip balm he made from the wax.  Working calmly, without gloves or sleeves, he made bee-keeping look relaxing.  Scott Pitman brought his current Permaculture Design class to join us which lead to a more structured and effective presentation than we had prepared for.  The enthusiasm and knowlege from the class made for engaging conversation.  Paul Blake and Andre Rodriguez from the Obama Campaign for Change dedicated there Sunday to the open house to register and educate voters.  Just the little bit of time I have dedicated to Obama’s campaign, I have learned a lot about organizing and creating a movement of people.  The message behind Paul and Andre’s work, hope through citizen empowerment and change through investing in new ideas, closely reflects the message of Mother Nature Gardens.  Alexandra Gjurassic, Mother Nature Gardens’ artist of choice, brought her beautiful family and captured the event on camera (photos to come).