Seacoast Eat Local

With the Exeter Farmers’ Market set to open in a week, the proposal to move it to another location came to a favorable resolution — thanks to the many who came out and spoke on the Farmers’ Market’s behalf, and showed that there are indeed people who care! From Seacoast Online:

Exeter selectmen vote to keep parkway open to farmers market

 

A major victory for the Exeter Farmers Market will provide another twist for travelers this summer.

 

The Board of Selectmen voted Monday night in favor of keeping the farmers market in Swasey Parkway.

 

Under the board’s plan, the current traffic pattern where Swasey Parkway is a northbound one-way road and Water Street a southbound one-way road will remain in effect.

 

However, every Thursday from May 5 until October, Swasey Parkway will be closed down from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., to accommodate the market.

 

On those days, northbound traffic will be advised to take Portsmouth Avenue and Epping Road. The Department of Public Works will be taking care of signage for this latest detour.

 

Going into Monday night’s meeting, it appeared to be a foregone conclusion the farmers market would have to relocate because of the new traffic pattern that went into effect to protect the deteriorating Norris Brook culverts under Water Street and Swasey Parkway.

 

However, after almost two hours of spirited back-and-forth among selectmen and about 30 business owners and farmers market supporters, no one could agree on the three possible relocation sites. Read more…

UNH professor John Carroll was a recent guest on NHPR to discuss his book, The Real Dirt, and how New England can become more food self-sufficient. The Real Dirt will also be the focus of a two-part book discussion group hosted by Rye Library, with Professor Carroll joining the second session. Both evenings are free and open to the public — plan to come to one or both!

“The Real Dirt” Local Food Book Discussion

A two-part book discussion

Rye Public Library, Rye, NH

Wednesdays, May 11th & 18th, 6:30 to 7:30 pm

Meet the Author John Carroll on Wednesday, May 18th

Do you want to get your hands in the real dirt of bringing back locally grown food?

 

UNH Professor of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation John Carroll has written three books on sustainable farming in New England. He is the recognized expert in the field and has visited countless local farms and gardens during his extensive research. Come discuss his most recent book, The Real Dirt: Toward Food Sufficiency and Farm Sustainability in New England, which is most relevant to local growing, in the first of a two part discussion on May 11, 6:30-7:30 PM at Rye Public Library.

 

Then come back to the Library on Wed. May 18th, 6:30-7:30 PM when John Carroll will join the second group session to answer questions and continue the discussion! This is a great chance to dig deep in the rich soil of the current renaissance in New England agriculture.

 

Sign up for this two session discussion in the Library and receive a summary of Carroll’s first two books. The discussion book: The Real Dirt ($15) will be available for sale at the library when the sign up roster is finalized.

 

Sponsored by the Rye Historical Society, the Rye Energy Committee, and the Rye Public Library.

For further information contact Alex Herlihy, Rye Historical Society, alexherlihy@comcast.net, (603) 997-6742.

The NOFA-NH Herbal Network has announced their 2011 spring schedule of herb and mushroom workshops taking place statewide. The 17 workshops include ones on “Seaweed As Food & Medicine” and “Art of Goat Milk Soap Making”, and a special series on mushrooms with program partner Wichland Woods in Nelson, NH:

The NOFA-NH Herbal Network is Proud to Bring You 2011 Statewide Herb & Mushroom Workshops

In-Depth Learning · Open to the Public · Advanced & Beginner Levels

Special Discounts for NOFA-NH Members

Take One or Take Them All!

Growing Mushrooms in the Forest: Log & Stump Inoculation with David Wichland

Sunday, May 15, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, $45.

Mycological Landscaping: Growing Mushrooms in the Garden & Straw

Inoculation with David Wichland

Sunday, June 12, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, $45.

Wild Mushroom Foray & Medicinal Mushroom Tea Party with David Wichland

Sunday, August 28, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, $45.

Mushroom workshops held at Wichland Woods in Nelson, NH ~ Program Partner

Don’t Forget Your NOFA-NH Member Discounts!

10% off for Basic & Individual Levels

20% off for Family/Farm Level

25% off for Biz/Org, Supporting & Sustaining

Discounts off of listed workshop price; not applicable to materials fees.

If you are unsure of your membership level, contact the NOFA-NH office at 603-224-5022.

See website for full listing of workshops. Registration, details, and directions: www.nofanh.org/herbworkshops. Register NOW – Class sizes are limited!

Questions? Email nhhn@nofanh.org.