September/October Educational Programs at Boulder Knoll
Saturday Sept 24th 10am -12pm – Exploring Mycology: Fungi, Mycelia, Oh My!
Grab a notebook and join Zaac Chavis during this unique opportunity to study and learn about the many fungal forms that exist throughout the land. Zaac, an organizer with the CT-Westchester Mycological Associatoin, will guide us in collecting specimens, identifying edible and poisonous forms and more! All Ages. Long pants and closed shoes recommended.
BIKE TO THE FARM! – In solidarity with the Moving Planet event in New Haven, there will be an organized ride to Boulder Knoll Community Farm in Cheshire for participants planning on attending the farm’s morning workshop Exploring Mycology. We’ll ride the 14 miles to the farm on pure muscle power via the rail trail and Tuttle Ave. Estimated ride time is 1h 30 min.
Groups will meet at 8 am on the New Haven Green around the fountain or at 8:45 am in the empty parking lot to the right of TJ Maxx in the Hamden Plaza. Please try and be prompt. We look forward to riding with you! Even if you don’t ride with us, ride from your home! Directions to the farm can be found here: http://www.boulderknollfarm.com/farm/direction
Sunday Sept 25th 2-4pm – How Wild is Your Yard? Creating Wildlife Certified Backyards – Join us as we explore how to create welcoming spaces for wildlife of all forms to take refuge in our yards. We’ll take a walk around Cheshire resident Bob Gidding’s wildlife certified property, notice existing wildlife and wildlife habitats, and a look at native biodiversity. Take home information provided. Come with a curious mind and long pants. All ages.
News from the Educator
Correction on Meadowlark Spotting
The young yellow bird thought to have been a baby meadowlark that was mentioned in the last newsletter was in fact a Common Yellowthroat. Thank you to bird expert Bob Giddings for making the distinction! However, sighting of what was thought to be an adult eastern meadowlark has yet to be proven otherwise!
Bookshelf to Spare?
The education station in the hoop house is need of a new bookshelf. If anyone has an old bookshelf they would like to lend or donate the farm please contact Julia at educator@friendsofboulderknoll.com.
Get Ready for Autumn Olives!
The autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellate) bushes behind the hoop house are bursting with berries. Though tart at the moment, the berries will loose this quality and sweeten beautifully following the first frost. Stay tuned for a fun impromptu autumn olive gathering to follow the season’s first frost in early-mid October.
News from the Farmer
Farm Celebration for CSA members and farm friends
The details
Join us for a potluck farm celebration on Sunday, October 2nd from 4 to 7 pm. Festive food, including cheese from Caseus Fromagerie and Bistro, and a silent auction will be set up in Bob Giddings’ barn, next door to the farm. We’re planning for live music and/or a dance on the second floor. Sound like fun? Put it on your calendar, plan a yummy dish, and bring an empty stomach. We’ll also be officially selecting our new Friends of Boulder Knoll board for next year. It’s our last fundraiser for the season; we’re suggesting a donation of $20/adult and $5 for kids over 5 yo. All who are part of our farm community in any way are welcome regardless of ability to make a donation! RSVP online at www.friendsofboulderknoll.com/farmreunion.
Silent auction items!
We would like to focus on the many talents and interests of our members. We are now accepting donations of any good or services that you as a member are involved in. Do you make jewelry, take beautiful pictures or have another talent you would be willing to share? Please contact Fellis Jordan at 203-272-4633 or jordans28@cox.net to donate an item or service.
Musicians or dance callers sought!
Are you or is someone you know a musician? Can you call a contra dance? We want to have an hour of two of music and/or dance at our celebration. Contact me if you’d like to help add to the festivities in this way.
Update on the garden
Hoo-boy – We’re sorry to say that the tomatoes are done, succumbed to the effects of the deluge that fell over the past month. Peppers and eggplants are sad. Fortunately most of the potatoes, sweet potatoes, parsnips, carrots, beets are still fine if we can keep the deer from hopping the fence. What a crazy season.
See you at the farm!!
Julia and Brenda