The Land Trust Alliance has a nice article about 15 ranches protected by the Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust (CCALT) and several partner organizations. Over the past decade, 15 ranchland conservation easements have protected more than 11,000 acres. “This ranch means a great deal to our family and we are committed to raising our kids [...]
Using conservation subdivisions, communities across Pennsylvania are preserving their special open spaces, greenways and natural resources at the same time they achieve their development objectives. How? Conservation through local zoning and subdivision ordinances; an approach called Growing Greener: Conservation by Design, otherwise known as “conservation subdivisions“. If you want to ensure that new development creates [...]
Mark and Rebecca Ewing have ensured protection of their land, the sixth-oldest family farm in Indiana, with a conservation easement with Sycamore Land Trust, according to the article on the Land Trust Alliance website. The 500-acre Mont Clair Farm has been actively farmed by the Ewing family for seven generations—since roughly 1802. “When our great, [...]
Fresh local produce! What could taste better? The 2009 Taste the Local Difference guide is a complete list of farms, wineries, and other businesses that offer fresh, locally grown food products in northwest Lower Michigan. Taste the Local Difference promotes local farm foods, helps schools serve them, links new farmers to land and other resources, and [...]
In Food, Inc., filmmaker Robert Kenner lifts the veil on our nation’s food industry, exposing the highly mechanized underbelly that’s been hidden from the American consumer with the consent of our government’s regulatory agencies, USDA and FDA. Our nation’s food supply is now controlled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of [...]
Developers are creating subdivisions around organic farms to attract buyers according to the article Organic Farms as Subdivision Amenities in the New York Times. According to the article, these subdivisions have been treating farms as an amenity. LandChoices’ member Ed McMahon is quoted in the article: “Open space improves the return for a developer,” Mr. [...]
I attended our local community forum, “Sharing Sustainable Solutions”, last night in Milford, Michigan. Jennifer K., the organizer and presenter, did a wonderful job. Do you know where all your “stuff” comes from? Jennifer introduced and played The Story of Stuff, a 20-minute fast-paced look at our production and consumption. It ties into how we waste [...]
What should we have for dinner? The Omnivore’s Dilemma is a book about food. Where our food comes from and what happens to it along the way. And what it says may shock you! It brings up many strong reasons to get back to eating food that is truly healthy. I’m only half way through this [...]
Farmer’s markets are an important way to support local farms and agriculture in your community. They are a fun, educational outing for the family. I’ve found them to be a great way to meet new people. Supporting your local farmer’s markets helps farmers make the money they need to stay in the business of farming. You [...]
