Happy Groundhog Day and World Wetlands Day!

February 2nd is most commonly known as being Groundhog Day. After six weeks of winter, it gives me hope that longer days and warmer weather or on their way. This morning, in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, in uncommon form, Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow, predicting an early Spring. Traditionally, Phil predicts six more weeks of winter, more often than not, however, in 2020, as in 2019 the Groundhog's proclamation, as read by his handler, is for an early Spring. Of course, with our changing climate, this may be the new normal. As for here in New Hampshire, it seems that we are still waiting for winter to arrive. As I look outside, I am staring at mostly bare ground with temperatures in the mid-thirties. The long range forecast is for above freezing temperatures during the day and longer nights. This probably means an early start to the Maple Sugar season, something that may make consumers happy, but the long-term implications of warmer weather in the Northeast is not good for the maple syrup industry as it depends on freezing temperatures at night.

Although Groundhog Day is a nice milestone to recognize, many people may not know that February 2nd also marks the anniversary day that the United Nations Convention on  Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat was adopted on the shores of the Caspian Sea. The convention acknowledged the following:

Recognizing the interdependence of man and his environment;

Considering the fundamental ecological functions of wetlands as regulators of water régimes and as habitats supporting a characteristic flora and fauna, especially waterfowl;

Being convinced that wetlands constitute a resource of great economic, cultural, scientific and recreational value, the loss of which would be irreparable;

Desiring to stem the progressive encroachment on and loss of wetlands now and in the future;

Recognizing that waterfowl in their seasonal migrations may transcend frontiers and so should be regarded as an international resource;

Being confident that the conservation of wetlands and their flora and fauna can be ensured by combining far-sighted national policies with co-ordinated international action; 

Understanding that the Convention's mission is "the conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local and national actions and international cooperation, as a contribution towards achieving sustainable development throughout the world" 171 parties have signed on to date. As a result of this commitment, 2,386 properties across the world have been designated as Wetlands of International Importance, including 39 in the United States. 

Wetlands provide habitat for a multitude of birds such as this Great Blue Heron

 Because of the global significance of wetlands and in recognition of the Convention, February 2nd is celebrated as World Wetlands Day. Although in winter, you may not even notice the wetlands in your neighborhood, in a few short weeks they will be teaming with life, from insects and plants, to amphibians and birds. As we hear more and more about the extinction of species world-wide, it is important to be aware of the role that wetlands play in providing wildlife habitat. Fittingly this year's World Wetland's Day theme is Wetlands and Biodiversity.  

Spicy Coconut-Corn Crack

Spicy Coconut-Corn Crack

The cold weather means it is time to switch gears in the kitchen. Fresh salads and grilled items are replaced with slow cooking, savory soups, stews and casseroles. This recipe is adapted from the Wicked Healthy vegan cookbook by Chad and Derek Sarno and David Joachim.

Ingredients

 

4 medium potatoes, scrubbed and diced

8 cloves garlic

1 large white onion diced

2 cups vegetable stock

2 bags frozen corn

1 14oz can coconut milk

1 Tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes

1 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon ground pepper

1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

1 bay leaf

1 sprig fresh mint leaves chopped

1 Thai chili pepper chopped

1. Boil potatoes with garlic until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and set aside. Remove and save garlic.

2. Saute onion in a little bit of oil, then add broth, reserved garlic, 1 bag corn, coconut milk, crushed red pepper, salt, black pepper, bay leaf and ginger. Bring to a simmer and cook about 8 minutes to blend flavors.

3. Remove from heat and cool for about 20 minutes. Remove bay leaf, then blend roughly with immersion blender. It should be chunky. Return to stove, stir in potatoes, bay leaf, remaining corn, fresh mint and chili pepper. Simmer and serve. You may garnish with additional mint and chili peppers. 

Addressing Climate Change Through Carbon Offsets

The period between Thanksgiving and New Year's is one of the busiest for transportation and travel. Whether it be driving a car to stores, ordering gifts on-line or flying across the country, or perhaps further, to visit relatives, these all contribute to climate change. According to the U.S. EPA, transportation accounts for approximately 29 percent of the overall greenhouse gas emissions from the United States. One way of mitigating this impact is to contribute to programs that work to reduce emissions, this is called purchasing carbon offsets.

A stopover in Iceland helped us acquire a better understanding of global climate issues with melting glaciers

This past year we attended a niece's graduation and two weddings which all required airline travel, including one to Europe. Although the best thing for the environment may be to avoid airline travel all together, maintaining family connections and social bounds is important as well. When flying cannot be avoided, you can feel a little better if you make a donation to offset the emissions for that travel. Some airlines provide this option at the time of purchase of your ticket. This is the easiest way as it avoids having to do your own carbon emissions calculation. However, if your airline did not provide this option or if you would like to purchase off-sets after the fact, the United Nations, International Civil Agency Organization, provides a simple calculator that estimates the carbon footprint per passenger for an individual flight. Once you do the calculation, you then select a program or particular project which will reduce carbon emission, and make a donation at least equivalent to the amount of your impact. If you do not have a project in mind, here is a list of three reputable websites to begin your research.  Examples of projects are those that capture methane, install solar panels, deliver clean cook-stoves, and plant trees to address deforestation.

Green-e.org

Gold Standard.org

Cool Effect.org

Purchasing carbon offsets for travel is just one way to reduce the overall carbon emissions world-wide.  Remember that you don't need to wait to fly to invest in reforestation and renewable energy projects. By reducing our own carbon footprint and donating to organizations that are implementing on the ground solutions to reduce carbon emissions our individual actions can make a difference.

Taking Time Out to Explore Fungi

December is busy with holiday preparations, but I was able to take some time away from shopping and baking to attend two events related to fungi. The first was a presentation giving by Rick Van de Pol, an environmental consultant and mycologist, at the NH Technical Institute as part of their Wings of Knowledge program. Dr. Van de Pol provided a brief overview of his experience studying mushrooms in New Hampshire, where he has identified over 1700 species. His talk focused on the benefits of mushrooms and the enjoyment of exploring the fungal kingdom.

The number of mushroom species across the globe is unknown since most have yet to be identified, but some estimate that it could be close to four million! When you see a mushroom on the ground, you are looking at the fruiting body of the fungi that grows beneath the soil. And, what we see above ground is just a small part of the vast network of growth below the surface, which can sometimes stretch for miles. Although some fungi are parasitic, think powdery mildew on your tomato plants, the majority of fungi are beneficial. Saprotrophic fungi serve an essential purpose by decomposing organic matter and creating soil which provides the lifeblood for living matter on earth. Mycorrhizae fungi benefit the environment by forming a symbiotic relationship with plants around it. These fungi help transfer nutrients and water from the soil to plants in exchange for carbohydrates. This is why it is important to avoid disturbing garden soil as much as possible as it disrupts this relationship.    

It was fortuitous that another opportunity to learn about mushrooms was playing at our local independent  Red River Theatres where they were showing the documentary Fantastic Fungi. If you enjoy beautiful time-lapsed photography and want to delve deeper into understanding the potential beneficial uses of fungi for people, then I recommend watching this movie. 




Although outside the ground is now covered with snow, you can still discover the many bracket fungi growing on trees, such as this polypore.

So, when you finish baking that last batch of cookies and putting the last gift under the tree, take a break to take a walk in the woods and contemplate the wonder of God's gift to us in the miraculous world of fungi.

Onion Lentil Soup

Onion Lentil Soup

Filled with both antioxidants and protein, this soup is great for boosting your immune system as we enter into the cold and flu season.

Ingredients
1 Tablespoon unsalted butter 
1 Medium sweet onion peeled and sliced
2 teaspoons sugar
2 cloves garlic peeled and minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried sage
1 cup dried brown lentils
1/8 cup tamari or soy sauce
4 cups water or broth
1 cup beer
1 bay leaf
Crusty bread and Swiss cheese for topping (optional)

In dutch oven or soup pot, melt butter and add onion, sugar and salt. Cook over medium low heat, stirring frequently so the onions don't burn. Cook about until brown and caramelized, about 20-30 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minutes. Add lentils, sage and tamari/soy sauce, stirring for one minute. Add water/broth, beer and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer until lentils are soft 30 - 40 minutes. If desired, pour into oven safe bowls, add swiss cheese and bread and broil until cheese is melted. 

Fall Preparations

Gladiolas dug up for winter storage

We have been blessed the past several weekends with cool dry weather which has been perfect for doing yard work and preparing the garden beds for the upcoming winter. As you can see from the photo above, the maple and birch leaves have been falling. We typically do a combination of running the lawn mower over the leaves so they will break down in place, and sweeping the areas where the leaves become too thick and might smother the grass in the Spring. There is always plenty for the compost bin.

This past weekend I dug up the gladiolas. I don't particularly like flowers that require extra care, but I have become found of my glads. The gorgeous blooms they provide in late summer are worth the work, which actually is quite minimal. After digging them up, I snip the roots and cut the stems and then dry them completely before storing in the basement. I use a small bushel basket and cover the bulbs loosely with newspaper. With these simple steps, I have been rewarded with many years of flowers from a single bulb. 

Gladiola bulbs that will be stored over the winter

Another chore that is not just for Fall, is to cut down as much bittersweet as possible. Ideally this should be done before any berries have formed. Although it sometimes seems like a losing battle, it is more of a constant battle. By continually removing the vines, they don't have a chance to take over, but an organic approach is not a once and done solution. It requires constant pulling, which can be discouraging.

Oriental Bittersweet underneath a Blue Spruce

I am primarily concerned with the vines damaging trees, so I try to regularly cut vines that are climbing up and around the tree trunks and branches.

Although most of the flowers are done blooming, these Cosmos,  are hanging in there and are providing some late season nectar for this bumble bee (on the white flower.)

We have only had a couple light frosts, so the grass and many plants are still green. It is unusual, though to see lavender blooming this late in the season.

Lavender Blooms

Also unusual to see is the new growth on an Anise Hyssop plant. It reminds me more of Spring than Fall.

Anise Hyssop

In addition to putting the garden to bed, I also recently planted a small area with arugula and radishes which has been very enjoyable in dinner salads. I love extending the season as long as possible and this year the end is not clearly in sight.

Fresh Fall Radishes

Roasted Eggplant with Broccoli and Chickpea Rotini

This is a quick and easy mid-week meal, which is good any time of the year. In the early summer, you could substitute the broccoli for zucchini. 

Ingredients: 
1 eggplant, sliced about 3/4 inch thick and cut into 2 inch cubes
Olive oil 
Salt
2 cups chopped broccoli
1 medium tomato diced
2 cloves garlic chopped
1- 8-10 oz box chickpea Rotini
1 teaspoon dried oregano
4 ounces feta cheese cubed or crumbled
1 teaspoon dried red peppers

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Spray bottom of cookie sheet with olive oil and spread out eggplant pieces. Sprinkle with salt. Brush each piece with olive oil. Roast eggplant in oven until soft, turning every 15 minutes and spreading with additional olive oil as needed.

Cook Rotini according to package directions. When rotini is done, drain, reserving a cup of liquid. In same pot add cooked eggplant and remaining ingredients, except for the feta cheese. Stir in 1 Tablespoon olive oil and pasta liquid. Simmer about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, sprinkle with cheese and serve.