field of sunflowers 
Montgomery Countryside Alliance
News from the Agricultural Reserve
July 2010 
In This Issue
Public Hearing July 22 - Barnesville Oaks
Farm Tour
Growing more farmers!
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Montgomery County Farm TourJuly 24-25
photo by Hilary Schwab
Greetings!

Our region is finally getting some much needed rain and just in the nick of time!  Area farm markets are brimming with mouth watering local peaches, berries, corn, cukes, squash and more!  Come out to the Reserve and see what's growing. Explore the abundance the Reserve has to offer.
 
Please take a moment to read our featured item about the upcoming public hearing addressing, the incongruous suburban style development proposed for the Reserve's largest remaining farm, over 800 acres, known as "Barnesville Oaks" located on rural Peachtree and White Grounds Roads.  Thanks to the many folks who have already written in. Your voices were strong and well received. Summer vacation schedules make getting people out to hearings tough - if there is any way you can come, please try.
 
Also Important:  MCA is in the midst of our membership drive.  Quite simply:  We can't do all we do without your help.  Please take a moment and join today!  Take a tour of our website to see more about what keeps us so busy!
 
Caroline Taylor and Kristina Bostick
MCA Staff
 
 
Image courtesy of Audubon Naturalist Society
 
Barnesville Oaks: Public Hearing- July 22, 7pm at Park and Planning in Silver Spring.
Suburban style development is not farming and does not promote the conservation of natural resources!

 Agenda and testimony sign up 
 
This link will also give you access to staff report,summary of public comments and address of hearing place.
 
See also MCA page with text from original action alert.
 

 MCA and Sugarloaf Citizen's Association have retained a law firm to represent the Reserve and local community in this matter. Please consider a targeted donation to the legal fund. Make a note: "Barnesville Oaks legal fund."

 
Local Farming and Local Food: 
  The Reason behind the Reserve! 
 MCA is working hard to ensure that more farmers have the tools they need to get started on the ground in Montgomery County...and succeed.  Read  about the plan, a public/private partnership,  to start an "incubator farm" aimed at growing the next generation of local farmers!


 
Special thanks to Whole Foods for their
continued support of our mission to keep
Montgomery growing!
 
Eating is an agricultural act.
           ~Wendell Berry