My Experience Community solar just had its first birthday in Oregon. While the program was years long in the rulemaking, it has been slow to roll out, and COVID then threw a wrench in the works. The first PV projects are now steadily moving forward and will go into the ground and catch solar photons next year. Oregon is one of a handful of states which currently have policies that support community solar. Some states (in green below) have programs in the works or about to launch, while others (in blue) have live, active community solar programs you can sign up for now. Advocates see community solar as an important…
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The Greenest Ending
ADAPTED FROM HERLAND FOREST WEBSITE On May 1, 2020, Washington State became the first state in the US. to allow natural organic reduction (NOR) as an alternative to cremation services and traditional burials. This law defines “natural organic reduction” as “the contained, accelerated conversion of human remains to the soil.” Think composting. Walt Patrick, steward of the Herland Forest Natural Burial Cemetery in Wahkiacus, Washington holds the state’s first NOR facility operator’s license and on December 20, 2020, he and his staff performed their first NOR investment. The term investment refers to the process of placing someone’s remains into a natural organic reduction vessel encased in the organic matter and…
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Invest in the Future:
When is the Best Time to Plant a Tree? As I sit in my recliner, looking out at our yard through rain-streaked windows, I am overcome with pride and a wonderful sense of accomplishment at what I see. What was an abandoned field 18 years ago, today has raised beds for vegetables, four different types of berry bushes, plus a wide variety of other flowers and plants that are colorful and beneficial to wildlife. But it’s the trees that we have planted over the last 18 years that amaze me the most. They are an eclectic group of paulownia, ash, apple, plum, fig, locust, cedar, maple, and mimosa trees, all…
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Magicians in the Air:
Hummingbirds and How You Can Support Them Who of us have not marveled at the tiny hummingbirds who inhabit, or at least visit, our gardens? Weighing less than a nickel, they can travel at 33 miles per hour, beat their wings from 720 to 5400 times a minute when hovering, and eat their weight (or more) in food every day. John James Audubon recorded human feeding of hummingbirds in his book “Birds of America 1840-1844” and by 1950, commercial bird feeders were available. Thousands of feeders are sold each year worldwide. But, are we really doing them any favors by placing sugar water in safe, cool areas? It is true that they can digest…
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Why You Should Consider Keeping a Garden Planner & Journal
Whether you have a container garden on your patio or a 4000 sq. foot garden like me keeping a garden planner and journal is one of the best investments you can make. At least, that’s what all the experts say. I have a confession: I have failed miserably at this important task. I have tried all kinds of planners: purchased and self-made, simple and complex, paper, and digital. But usually around June, I have abandoned my efforts to keep records. In the dark days of winter, I lament my absence of notes, relying on my mid-life brain to recall things that quite frankly, it can’t. But this year is different:…
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How to Compost in Your Apartment
While tossing orange peels and coffee grounds in the garbage might seem inconsequential, sending food waste to landfills has a real impact on climate change. When trapped without air, decomposing food in landfills produces methane: a greenhouse gas that’s at least 80 times more powerful than carbon dioxide in the short term. As much as we try to cut down on food waste in our kitchens, there will always be leftover banana peels, apple cores and other things that can’t be used – much of which can be diverted from landfills by composting. Composting recycles organic material and allows for the natural processes that decompose food, yard waste and other organics to create a nutrient-rich, natural fertilizer. Compost piles heat up…
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Northwest VEG Scavenger Hunt
Don’t miss the Rock n’ Revelry on August 14th Tis the season for an outdoor scavenger hunt! On Saturday, August 14th, traverse your favorite part of Portland in search of 50+ painted rocks. When you find a treasure, flip over the rock to scan the QR code and learn from what local shop or restaurant you’ve won a small goodie. Ranging from a free appetizer to a $5 gift card to fun bumper stickers, all prizes are from your favorite veg-friendly places around town. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to join in the fun. This event is sponsored by Northwest VEG, and we would love your help jazzing up our…
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Noble Grove Farms Expands
Golden Roots Bokashi has partnered with a local builder and engineer to expand operations in the Gorge! As a result, They’ve moved into new farm space. They will be producing additional earth-friendly products aimed at healing the soil and empowering growers- from backyard enthusiasts to career orchardists, farmers, and ranchers. With refreshed branding, they’ll be providing the same Bokashi, Soil Amendments (and more!), under the new name of Noble Grove Farms, LLC. Available at www.azurestandard.com
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Conscious Living Principles at Living Wisdom School
The Portland Living Wisdom School is a non-profit school serving preschool & kindergarten/1stgrade. LWS offers a heart-centered holistic education focused on a balanced curriculum that prepares them to be creative, solution-oriented, and self-aware. The school is based on Education for Life, an educational philosophy that balances mind and heart, body and spirit. The roots of the system lie in the philosophy of Paramhansa Yogananda, author of Autobiography of a Yogi. LWS emphasizes universal principles that bring happiness, such as kindness, generosity, courage, and optimism while supporting a learning environment where students thrive. At Living Wisdom School, students experience Joy in learning Academic excellence without stress Small classes Individualized approach Self-understanding …
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Nichols Garden Nursery has Moved
After seventy years, Nichols Garden Nursery has moved from Millersburg on the outskirts of Albany to Philomath, Oregon, on Highway 20/34 across from the Philomath Museum. While Nichols Garden Nursery is primarily a mail-order garden seed company, visitors are always welcome. In addition to the physical relocation, Nichols’ online store has been updated for a better customer experience. The improved website should run faster and smoother. This family business is now in its third generation. New Address 1136 Main St. Philomath, OR 97370 New Mail Address PO Box 1299 Philomath, OR 97370 For more info: nicholsgardennursery.com
