Happenings in June at the Wallkill Valley Land Trust

At the May 16th On The Land Program, a group of twenty-one turtle seekers arrived at the home of Anne and Ray Smith to venture forth in search of these beautiful creatures. Last year we had this event two weeks later when Anne had seen a number of turtles but this year she had seen none to date so she and biologist Joe Bridges were prepared to talk about birds, flowers, the aqueduct.... However, this intrepid group fanned out and within about an hour five turtles were found in the Smith's field. This was one more than had been discovered at this event in 2008.

The excited turtle finders were Lewis Adelmann, Chuck Grey, Carine Elen, Mark Gibian and Bob Ottens. Lewis had been here last year, and so had his turtle! Our one repeat find was found in 2008 on April 27 and May 1, in approximately the same place. Anne and Joe are trying
to monitor the population to learn what the extent of this range might be and what the turtles' movements are within it. Anne has been observing the turtles since 2004.

It is very helpful to have 21 pairs of eyes help look through the vegetation, which is beginning to grow high. We look forward to having this as an annual event!

For information for upcoming On The Land Programs THIS SATURDAY June 13, August 8, September 12, & October 3, please go to our website: www.wallkillvalleylt.org .

Hudson Valley SEED Library Grows

The Seed Library now has over 400 members supporting their commitment to provide open-pollinated, locally adapted seeds for New York. Despite the efforts of GMO corporations and big and, small farms like theirs are thriving in the Hudson Valley and in many other parts of the country.

Doug and Ken of Seedy Farm would like to thank everyone who is growing Hudson Valley Seed Library seeds in their gardens this year. Connecting with farmers in the community and growing a garden is making a big difference. There are many great resources to help folks eat and grow local in our region. HVSL's talks and workshops are on hold during the farming season and will start up with hands-on seed saving workshops in late August. If you want to know when workshops are scheduled, please sign up for their email list through the website, www.seedlibrary.org. In the meantime, if you are looking for seed-saving tips or want to know what's happening on Seedy Farm please follow their blog, "Garden Notes for Seedy Folks."

"Sow local!" Ken and Doug

Lee Reich's Latest Book

New Paltz garden writer and consultant, Lee Reich, PhD, states in his recently published book, Landscaping with Fruit (Storey, 2009), you can "have your cake and eat it too. When it comes to planting your yard, at least." Lee's book guides readers through the steps necessary to choose, plant, and grow trees, shrubs, and vines that provide luscious fruits while gracing the home landscape with their beauty. Sections on design, considerations in planting, and sample plans set the stage, followed by an encyclopedic section describing the growing, flavor, and beauty of the best plants for, as he calls it, "luscious landscaping."

"Sustainable," "eating locally," and "organically grown" are more than just buzzwords with this book. What could be more local than a fruit picked from your backyard? Reich emphasizes selecting fruits and varieties with minimal pest problems in the regions where they might be planted (all detailed in the encyclopedia section), so luscious landscape fruits can be organically grown and contribute to a more sustainable way of eating.

Flavor is, of course, another draw of luscious landscaping. Rather than fruits that ship well, look pretty, or appeal to consumers from coast to coast, and ship well, the home landscape can be planted with the best-tasting varieties and then picked at their peak of flavor perfection.

Reich, who has graduate degrees in horticulture and soil science, previously worked in fruit research for both Cornell University and the U.S.D.A. Landscaping with Fruit is sure to be a resource for enjoying both our home landscapes and great-tasting, healthful fruits.

Lee Reich, PhD
http://www.leereich.com/
http://leereich.blogspot.com/

Books by Lee Reich:
A Northeast Gardener's Year
The Pruning Book
Weedless Gardening
Uncommon Fruits for Every Garden
Landscaping with Fruit

Kids Camp at Phillies Bridge Farm

charlie and chicken at phillies bridge camp

{Charlie making friends with farm residents}

Fun and learning come alive at Phillies Bridge Farm! This camp provides a stimulating, healthy and beautiful environment where children become connected to the soil, plants, animals and the cycles of nature that produce our food. The program will integrate hands-on farming and food activities, cooperative games, music, storytelling, farm arts & crafts, and a day of forest and stream activities on our nature trail. The week culminates with campers working together to create their very own farmer's market for their families to enjoy, complete with farm produce for sale, refreshments and entertainment. Sample activities include:

Meet the farm animals, feed them some treats, collect some fresh eggs, and make a craft from our sheep's wool.
Go on a "Tasting Tour" of the fields & make a snack featuring fresh vegetables & herbs.
Discover the fascinating world of insects by going on a bug hunt and playing games to learn about their life cycles.
Pick flowers and use them to make paper or a natural dye for wool.
Discover the secret life of soil and build a compost pile.
Take part in a "Weeding Contest" -- can you dig up the weed with the longest root?
Cook berry cobbler in a solar oven & top it off with your own home-made ice cream.
Visit the bee hives (from a safe distance), taste some fresh honey, and learn about the interesting life of bees.
Take a hike on our Nature Trail to explore the woods, streams and wetlands of the Farm.

Farm Camp runs for three weeks, Monday-Thursday, 9am-2pm, each week.

Week 1: July 27-30 Week 2: August 3-6 Week 3: August 10-13

Per week registration fee: $180 Phillies Bridge & Unison members / $200 non-members.

To register, contact Unison Arts 255-1559

For more info, contact Martha Cheo 256-9316

Phillies Bridge Farm Project is a non-profit organization promoting ecologically sound and community oriented local agriculture. They grow organic vegetables for a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program in which people purchase a "share" in the farm and receive a portion of the weekly harvests throughout the season. People enjoy eating fresh, local, organic produce, and like being connected to the land and people that grow their food. The 65 acre farm in Gardiner also includes an historic barnyard, farm animals, pastures,
a children's garden, greenhouses, views of the Shawangunk Ridge, and a nature trail through forest and wetland habitats.

"The Land Trust is Conservation with balance. It encourages proper development. The Land Trust movement does not try to save the world all at once. We just nibble at it one parcel at a time."
David Rossetter, Board Vice President, WVLT

Dear friends of the Wallkill Valley Land Trust:

I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your donation to our current annual appeal. As we all know, it has been challenging for non-profit organizations to stay afloat this year. It is your support that allows the Wallkill Valley Land Trust to continue to advocate for all living things, and for the beauty that surrounds us every single day!

Thank you. It is true that 'every dollar counts'.

Warmest wishes,
Amy Poux
Development Director

Now it is more convenient than ever to donate to Wallkill Valley Land Trust! Just go to www.wallkillvalleylt.org and use our 'Click and Pledge' program, or you can send contributions to: P.O. Box 208, New Paltz, NY 12561

Thank you for your support and interest. The preservation of our rural surroundings depend on it!