|
|
October 2016
"Autumn is the mellower season, and what we lose in flowers we more than gain in fruits."
-Samuel Butler
|
|
FRESH.
Bloomin' PGC: Food Equity Forum & Urban Farm Initiative Kick-Off Event!
 Join the Prince George's County Food Equity Council and its partners for the 3rd Annual Food Equity Forum and the kick-off event for Prince George's County's Urban Farm Initiative. The first half of the program will introduce visionary speakers and projects to highlight the role of urban farming in the local food system and economy. A reception in the Field of Greens Community Garden at UMD Extension's Center for Educational Partnership will follow.
During the second half of the program, Soil Conservation District Office, University of Maryland Extension, and non-profit partners will provide an overview of the process and support available to start an urban farm in Prince George's County, Maryland. Come for the first or second half of the program, or both! Visit the registration link for details.
Farmers Market Nutrition Program Checks Must Be Spent by November 30th!
Bowie Patch Highlights Where to Get a Pumpkin in Prince George's County
Fall has arrived and so have the pumpkins!
Click here for details.
Support Maryland Agriculture &
Enjoy Maryland Wines!
2016 Maryland Wine Gala
Enjoy sampling wines from eight Maryland wineries while soaking up the atmosphere of the
College Park Aviation Museum and the world's oldest continuously operating airport! Savor hors d'oeuvres as you contemplate your new favorite wines to take home while listening to live music!
Saturday, October 8, 2016
3 - 7 pm at College Park Aviation Museum
1985 Corporal Frank Scott Drive
College Park, MD 20740
Parking at the adjacent College Park Airport.
Handicapped parking available in museum parking lot - directly in front of museum.
Tickets:
$40 in advance
$50 at the door
Sponsored by the Greenbelt Rotary Club, Fields of First Foundation and the College Park Aviation Museum
Craving candy or soda? They could be harder to find in Md. vending machines.
It could get a bit harder for people in Prince George's County to buy chips, cookies or soda in county facilities, if a bill to limit those choices and stock vending machines with healthier options is embraced by the County Council.
Vice Chair Dannielle M. Glaros (D-Riverdale Park) introduced the bill Tuesday, saying she wanted to address the negative health impacts of sugary and fatty foods in a county with high rates of diabetes, obesity and other chronic diseases.
The legislation would require that 50 percent of packaged food and beverages in machines located on county, municipal and park property meet federal health standards. For future vending contracts, 65 percent of items sold would have to be healthy.
Read more...
Clagett Farm is the First Farm Enrolled in MDA's Agricultural Certainty Program!
 A Prince George's County farm owned and operated by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation is the first farm in the state to be certified by the Maryland Department of Agriculture under the Agricultural Certainty Program. Read more...
Don't forget that many farmers markets in the county are still open! Visit www.pgcountyfarmfun.com for more information!
Find the full list of county farmers markets here.
|
|
Burgers and Brews for the Bay showcases Chesapeake Bay Foundation's farm-to-table food
The slow, deliberate engine buzz of a tractor could be heard pulling a wooden wagon loaded with passengers of all ages down the dirt roads of the sprawling 285-acre of Chesapeake Bay Foundation's Clagett Farm in Upper Marlboro Sept. 25.
The roving tour was part of serene - yet festive - landscape as more than 200 concerned people attended a Burgers and Brews for the Bay event.
"
The purpose of the event is to not only introduce people to the idea that pasture-raised animals are delicious, but that also they're good for the Chesapeake Bay and they're good for farmers," Michael Heller, Claggett Farm manager, said. "Farmers make more profit when they're raising their animals on grass. Grass is very good way to protect the land. Whereas, if I have to grow corn, plow the land, fertilize the land, spray herbicides, harvest it, haul it to the cows and the cows stay in the barn - what good is that?"
Read more...
-Bobby Jones, Andrews Gazette
Fall Fun at Calvert Brewing Company
Every 1st Thursday is Open Mic night
Every 2nd Thursday is Game Night the game room is open from 5-8:30pm
Every 3rd Thursday is Thirsty Mutt Thursday - bring you dog and enjoy a pint 10% of sales goes to the featured Animal Shelter first one is Bowie Claws
Every 4th Thursday is Paint & Pint Night
Special Events as Follows:
10/6-
First Open Mic Night!!
6-9 PM at the Tap Room 15850 Commerce Ct. Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
10/7-
Tour with the Brewer
5:30-6:30 PM at the Tap Room and Production Brewery 15850 Commerce Ct. Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
10/8-
Public Tour
5-6 PM at the Tap Room and Production Brewery 15850 Commerce Ct. Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
10/15- Ocktoberfest: Ron is preparing brats and german sides. We will have the Beer Olympics with prizes starting at
2pm
. Live music at
4pm
10/22-
Public Tour
5-6 PM at the Tap Room and Production Brewery 15850 Commerce Ct. Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 -
Halloween Party and Costume Contest,5-9pm!
Every Friday night-
Classic Car Cruise-In
5-9 PM. Bring your own classic car or just come look!
Every Saturday- food truck from
12-9 PM, Live music
4-8 PM
For more information, visit their
website.
Prince George's County Planning Department is Still Accepting Comments Regarding the Resource Conservation Plan
Please be advised that written testimony will be accepted up to October 12, 2016 for inclusion in the public hearing record. E-mails or faxes will not be considered unless followed by an original mailed to the Clerk of the Council. Written comments and testimony may be submitted to:
Office of the Clerk of the County Council
County Administration Building, Room 2198
14741 Governor Oden Bowie Drive
Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20772
ECO City Farms Is Looking for Fall CSA Subscribers
ECO City Farms Fall/Winter Season CSA: The small share will be offered only during the fall season, which will go 9 weeks from
October 13 to December 15
. The large share will continue until
March 3
for a full 17 weeks, not counting holidays.
We grow sustainably using organic, chemical free methods at our two urban farms in Edmonston and Bladensburg, Md.
We are unusual in that we farm during the winter - using passive solar hoophouses, which provide cold weather tolerant greens and vegetables all winter long.
We also purchase a small amount of produce from small sustainable farmers in the area to supplement the CSA.
For more information, visit our website.
Farm Fest Extravaganza!
Kicking Off Fall with the Romano's
Open for tastings every:
Friday,
1-6pm
Saturday,
12-6pm 
Special Events:
Saturday, Oct 8th
Paint Night
Doors open at 6
Painting 6:30 - 9:30
Registration required.
Saturday, Oct 8th
BoonDoggie Farm, Bryantown, MD
Vintage Flea & Farmers Market
8am - 3pm
Saturday & Sunday, Oct 15th & 16th
Autumn Festival
Mount Airy Mansion
Sat: 10am - 5pm
Sun: 10am - 5pm
Saturday & Sunday, Oct 22nd & 23rd
Corktober Fest
The Montgomery County Agriculture Fair
Sat: 11am - 6pm
Sun: 11am - 5pm
Sunday, Oct 30
Halloween Fest at RVW!
1pm - 5pm
Food for purchase provided by L'il Mack's
Groove Span Band 1pm - 4pm
For more information, visit their
website
and Facebook
page.
National Colonial Farm presents "Bring on the Dark: Energy Conservation Past to Present"
Free; exhibit opening day event for all
Saturday, October 22
11 am - 3 pm
In colonial times, families woke and slept according to the natural light. Today we've overridden nature's rhythm with technological advances, but at what environmental cost? On October 22,
enjoy this free event with activities that highlight the past, present, and future of energy conservation while breathing in the crisp fall air at the National Colonial Farm.
- Dip candles and listen to fireside tales with costumed interpreters on the farm
- Give the watt-o-meter a crank to spot energy hogging appliances
- Learn how to do an energy audit of your home with PEPCO engineers
- Discover how energy is made from plants and waste
- Create and launch your own air-powered rocket
- Perfect for Girl Scout Juniors working towards Get Moving Journey, Playing the Past Badge; Brownies start your Household Elf Badge!
Bring on the Dark: Energy Conservation Past to Present is a Green History interpretive exhibit open Saturdays and Sundays on the National Colonial Farm from beginning October 22 through December 11.
Visit the calendar on the Prince George's County 'Fresh. Local. Fun.' website for information about more local farm and food events!
|
|
FUN.
Getting Schoold in Sustainable Farming: Terp Farm Featured in EdibleDC
While most teachers stock up on pens and loose-leaf binders for the new school year, Allison Lilly Tjaden, assistant director for new initiatives at the University of Maryland's dining services, is stocking up on farm equipment - things like shovels, rakes and field hoes.
This fall she's preparing to welcome a new class of University of Maryland undergraduates and teach them the benefits of sustainable farming. And, she's doing it on a three acre, student-run farm in Upper Marlboro.
Read more... (
Click here for the Digital Editions version).
- by Tim Ebner, EdibleDC
Sign-up for the Fall 4-H Science Adventures Program!
 Still some spots left! Register today!
Come have an adventure in science with us starting Saturday, October 22, 2016 on the University of Maryland College Park campus.
Please share with 4-H families and friends! Spaces are limited and are filled in the order in which registration form and payment is received, so don't delay!
For more information and to register, visit our
website.
Roundtable Aims to Spark Farming Revolution
More than 40 renowned scientists and researchers from the agricultural business community recently joined state and local officials at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center to participate in the inaugural
Maryland Agricultural Business Roundtable.
The goal of the Sept. 9 roundtable, created by BARC Director Ellen Harris, is to educate the agricultural science community about the entrepreneurial side of their research and connect scientists with the business community to bring their research to the masses, officials said. Read more...
- The Washington Informer
Crop Mob: High Tunnel Construction
Love & Carrots is Looking for a New Headquarters in Prince George's County
Love & Carrots is a local Urban Farming and Gardening small business
. Founded in 2011, they design, install, and maintain organically grown urban farms, community gardens, vegetable gardens and native landscapes. Through their on-location garden coaching programs, they teach families, communities, businesses, and organizations how to produce their own food successfully.
Love & Carrots is seeking a new headquarters location and
hope to partner with a community garden or organization that could benefit from their broad expertise. If you have land to lease, contact Meredith Sheperd at
[email protected]
.
Small House & Farm Property Available
For rent: Little house and small farm property 2 bedroom, one bath with 2 story garage/barn. Visit our listing on
MD FarmLINK.
Looking for Urban Farmland in Prince George's?
Prince George's County Council recently passed legislation to
expand urban farming to more zones and to provide tax credits to land owners using their property for urban agriculture. Given the increasing interest in urban farming coupled with the opportunities the new legislation provide, demand for urban farmland in the County is anticipated to increase.
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission is assessing demand for land for urban agriculture purposes. The below survey will help compile detailed information on urban farmland demand in Prince George's County. Based on the findings, opportunities to address expressed needs will be explored. Therefore, it is critical to answer each question and provide as much information as possible.
Job Opening: Community Kitchen Program Manager
Crossroads Community Food Network
("Crossroads"), a food access nonprofit based in Takoma Park, MD, is seeking a full-time Community Kitchen Program Manager to manage the organization's new 1,100-square-foot shared-use
community kitchen and associated programming
. Focusing on the needs of low-income, small-scale food entrepreneurs, the kitchen will help build equity in our local food system. The ideal candidate will be bilingual English/Spanish, with excellent communication skills, and past experience with food entrepreneurship. This position is funded in part under a 3-year USDA Community Food Project (CFP) grant.
Thank you so much for your interest in urban farming in Prince George's County and for filling out this survey.
|
|
| |
|
PA Bowen Farmstead
Mount Airy Mansion Autumn Festival
October 15 -16, 10am-5pm
P.A. Bowen will join Romano's Winery & Vineyard at this year's
Mount Airy Mansion Autumn Festival! In addition, they are
offering public tours every
Saturday
at
11 a.m.
, and now is a great time - the fall weather is perfect for a walking tour, and the groups are small.
|
Farm for the Holidays Guide
Southern MD Ag Development Commission
October 14 Deadline
The festive full color guide helps consumers find Southern Maryland farm products and events during the holiday season and through the winter months. Categories include, Christmas Trees & Trimmings, Winter Produce, Wine & Beer, Meats & Poultry, Seafood, Dairy, Firewood, Holiday Agritoursim and Farm-made Gifts (honey, baked goods, jams, pickles, etc.).
Southern Maryland farms, aquaculture and other farm-based businesses that offer Southern Maryland produced and/or harvested products, or feature farm-hosted events during the holidays are encouraged to apply. Stores, restaurants, wineries, breweries and other retail venues that feature Southern Maryland farm products are also invited to submit an application. There is no fee to be listed.
|
Tea with the Dearly Departed
Montpelier Mansion
October 15, 5pm
Back by popular demand, our Halloween themed tea features ghoulish décor, delicious tea fare, and if you're so inclined, wonderfully scary costumes! Starting at 7:30pm will be another event, called Tales from the Dearly Departed Talk and Tour, with s
toryteller Jane Dorfman sharing seasonally frightening stories, folk tales and legends for Halloween.
Tea goers who stay for this second program will get a discounted price on the "talk and tour."
Reservations and advance payment required.
Visit the website for more information.
M-NCPPC will also sponsor a Cemetary Tour at Marietta Mansion on October 22.
Join them for a guided van tour as you learn about cemetery art and explore local area cemeteries with our cemetery historian. Landscapes, tombstones, and decorative ornamentals will be discussed. Click here for additional information.
|
Food Day
Bowie State University
October 24, 9-4:30
Bowie State University College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Natural Sciences in Collaboration with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and BSU Dining Services will host this year's Food Day!
- Monday, October 24, 2016
- 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Bowie State University, Student Center Ballroom
14000 Jericho Park Road, Bowie, MD 20715
Food Day is a nationwide celebration and a movement for healthy, affordable and sustainable food. This year's symposium is titled "Community Programs to Support Food Security and Reduce Food Waste."
Program Highlights
- Guest Speakers, presentations from students, faculty and research scientists, community groups, Panel and Break out discussions
- Student Posters and food related Exhibits
- Food System Experts presenting new and innovative approaches to food recovery
- Strategies used to recover wasted food with the purpose of closing the meal gap
- Healthy cooking demonstrations aired live on television
For more information, visit their
website.
|
SAVE THE DATE!
Small Farm Conference
University of MD Eastern Shore
November 11-12
Former U.S. Congressman Wayne T. Gilchrest is keynote speaker for the 13th annual Small Farm Conference at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore on Friday and Saturday, November 11 and 12.
An event that is popular on the Lower Eastern Shore and beyond, the two-day conference promises up-to-the-minute, practical information for ag related ventures among farmers, landowners, entrepreneurs, aspiring business owners and supporters of agriculture.
|
The 2016 Crop Hop cycling tour, co-hosted by St. May's County Division of Tourism, is set for Saturday, October 22nd in
St. Mary's County!
As always, early registration comes with a local lunch, snacks and a commemorative t-shirt. We'll have routes and farms listed by late spring, and registration will be open soon. Watch our
Facebook page and
website for updates and announcements.
|
SAVE THE DATE!
Prince George's County Farm Bureau
Annual Meeting
Baden Firehouse
Join the Prince George's County Farm Bureau for its annual membership meeting. All are welcome to attend.
Learn about the latest policy initiatives affecting farms across the state, particularly in Prince George's County. Also hear updates from the Farm Bureau President, Agriculture Marketing Specialist and the Prince George's County Public Schools Academy of Environmental Studies Program which connects high school youth with career development opportunities in agriculture and environmental sciences.
Date:
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Time:
7:00 pm meeting (
6:30 pm lite meal)
Baden Vlunteer Fire Department Hall - 16608 Brandywine Road, Brandywine, MD 20613
Request your scholarship application today!
PGCFB will be awarding one $2,000, Fred Walzel Agricultural Scholarship (agricultural majors only) and two additional $1,000 scholarships (agricultural majors or non-agricultural majors). Application deadline is January 20, 2017. Awardees will be announced in the winter of 2017.
|
SAVE THE DATE!
Food for Profit Training
November 15
Extension's Food for Profit workshop takes you step by step through the information necessary to start and run a small food product business. Although appropriate for any food business owners who want to develop their venture proactively, the workshop is especially directed to individuals who will be making and packing their products for resale (through grocery stores, open-air markets, or restaurants).
Food for Profit is a very practical session, providing information that you will be able to use immediately to ensure that your business starts out and grows in a way that matches your vision and goals.
Click here for registration information! Registration closes on November 2nd so act fast!
|
SAVE THE DATE!
Image of Agriculture Symposium
The Many Faces of Agriculture
November 19
Agriculture is the largest commercial industry in Maryland, supporting more than 350,000 jobs that go way beyond the farm. Join LEAD Maryland Class IX for the third biennial Image of Agriculture Symposium where we explore: The Many Faces of Maryland Agriculture.
Four Conference Tracks:
Track 1: Agricultural Challenges in the 21st Century
Track 2: Traditional & Progressive Agriculture - Is one better?
Track 3: What is agriculture?
Track 4: Opportunities in Agriculture
For more information and tickets, visit their
website.
|
MDA's Produce Seasonality Charts
|
 Contact Us!
Do you have an interesting idea or event that you would like to share in the newsletter or even an interest in contributing an article?
Have you enjoyed a tasty, locally-made dish or treat in Prince George's County?
Did you have a phenomenal experience at one of our County's farm destinations or farmers markets?
If you answered yes to any of these, we'd love to hear from you! Send us an email or call us at 301.868.8780.
Warmly,
Looking to start a farmers market or farm? Visit our Ag Marketing
page for resources.
|
|
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The Prince George's County Farms & Food Newsletter and pgcountyfarmfun.com are both published by the Agriculture Marketing Consultant of the University of Maryland, Prince George's County. University of Maryland Extension is a statewide educational organization funded by federal, state, and local governments. Our mission is to support Maryland's agricultural industry; protect its valuable natural resources; enhance the well-being of families and individuals, both young and old; and foster the development of strong, stable communities. University of Maryland Extension programs are open to all citizens without regard to race, color, gender, disability, religion, age, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, or national origin.
|
|
|
| |
|
