A Day at the Northeast Organic Farmers Association NH 2017 Winter Conference

Saturday was the NOFA-NH's 15th Annual Winter Conference. It was a great mid-winter day long retreat. The annual event caters to anyone who is interested in organic food or just living life sustainably in a way to helps protect our environment. Attendees include large and small farmers, back yard gardeners, educators, policy advocates and businesses. 

With over 40 workshops and presentations, it was difficult to narrow my selection down to only four, but here is what I picked:

Fundamentals of Organic Lawn Care 
Britt Phillips, owner of Complete Land Organics, which as its name implies, offers completely organic lawn care services. She provided tips on maintaining a healthy lawn organically. We have been doing this for years at our home, but it was good to learn about current best practices and to reinforce what we are already doing. Although it will be several months, before we need to get out the lawn mower, it is good to plan ahead with the following schedule:

• April to May 15 - Clean-up by hand fallen branches and other debris that has collected on the lawn over the winter.  If necessary, lightly rack thatch and dead grass trying not to disturb the soil too much. Once the lawn has dried out completely, cut the grass to 2 - 2 1/2 inches. While the grass is still short, fertilize with an organic fertilizer. If a soil test determines that you need to raise the pH of your soil, you can also apply lime at this time. 
• May 15 - May 30 - Overseed patchy or bare areas. You can rack the seed lightly into the soil, mix it with compost and then apply, or rent an overseed machine which will slice the lawn while dropping seeds into the rows. For Northeast lawns, Britt recommends a Tri-Rye or Perennial Rye/Kentucky Blue or Fescue blend. It is important to keep the soil moist until the seed has germinated, then water regularly until the grass is established.
• June and July - Keep grass mowed no lower than 3 1/2 inches. 
• August - After August 15, if your lawn is compacted, it can be aerated, then over-seeded at this time. A fall application of fertilizer can also be applied.
• September - This is the time to apply Hb nematodes if you have a grub problem. Lime again, if needed.
• October - Early November - Final mowing to 2 1/2 inches.
• November 15 - April 15 - Take a rest, knowing that your grass is doing the same and will awaken again in the spring in tune with the warmer weather and awakening of the microorganisms in the soil. 

Principles of Biological Systems & Implications
Dan Kittredge, farmer and founder of the Bionutrient Food Association,  discussed how to bring out the best in the plants that we grow. Through understanding the biological systems of the soil and what makes plants thrive, we can actually increase a plant's natural defense mechanism against pests, improve their flavor and increase their nutritional value. By ensuring that plants are receiving the five basic elements to survive - air, water, carbon, minerals and soil life, growers can improve their crop yield, while helping the planet by taking care of the soil which increases its capacity to retain water as well as store carbon (CO2) from the atmosphere.

Books and related products and services were available at the "Green Market Fair"

Nanoparticles in Food
Darryl Benjamin, author and educator presented basic information, and the lack thereof, on nanotechnology and its presence in the food system. I won't go into details here, but the manipulation of materials at the molecular (nano) level has penetrated our food system. It is being used in food packaging, as a preservative, thickener, anti-caking and coloring agent, to name a few of its applications. Due to limited oversight and regulations, it is almost impossible to know if nano-particles are in the food that we are buying. This could be a problem, since a substance at the nano level behaves differently than it does at a larger scale. This has some scientists and advocacy groups concerned since nano-particles are easily absorbed in the body and the long-term impacts on humans is unknown. The CDC National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health website writes about nanotechnology, "Studies have indicated that low solubility nanoparticles are more toxic than larger particles on a mass for mass basis. There are strong indications that particle surface area and surface chemistry are responsible for observed responses in cell cultures and animals. Studies suggests that some nanoparticles can move from the respiratory system to other organs. Research is continuing to understand how these unique properties may lead to specific health effects." In the meantime, if you are buying USDA labeled organic products you can rest assured because "no engineered nanomaterial will be allowed for use in organic production and handling unless the substance has been: 1) petitioned for use; 2) reviewed and recommended by the NOSB; and 3) added to the National List through notice and comment rulemaking." (March 24, 2015, USDA Policy Memorandum 15-2)

For the last workshop, I opted to attend Seasonal Plant-Based Foods for a Healthy Life. Chef and yoga instructor Christine Fletcher prepared four delicious vegan recipes which we all got to share. These included a smoothie, two salads and sushi. All were amazingly easy to make and I look forward to trying them at home.

The end of the day was capped with a presentation by Joel Salatin, a world-renowned author and farmer. His family's farm operated as Polyface, Inc. provides locally produced meat and products for over 6000 people and businesses in Virginia. It was featured in the bestseller The Omnivore's Dilemma and is the focus of the documentary Polyfaces. At the end of the day, I left feeling rejuvenated and encouraged by the hundreds of people in attendance that were there to increase their knowledge on how to live and farm/garden in a manner that will improve our earth today and long into the future. 

Roasted Eggplant and Butternut Squash

Ingredients:
1 Medium Butternut Squash
1 Medium Eggplant
1/2 onion chopped 
1 clove garlic chopped
2 scallions chopped
Olive oil
1 fresh tomato chopped
1 small can diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 teaspoon crushed coriander 
salt and pepper
Parmesan cheese
1 box couscous cooked.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Peel squash. Cut and remove seeds and slice thinly. Partially peel eggplant, then cube. On cookie sheet, brush both sides of eggplant and squash generously and place in preheated oven. Roast for 15 minutes, then flip vegetables, brush with oil again and roast for 30 minutes at 400 degrees, turning once. While roasting, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in skillet and add onion, garlic, scallions and spices and saute 8 - 10 minutes. Then add tomatoes and simmer until squash and eggplant are done. Serve over couscous and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Importance of Connecting with Nature Instead of Your Smart Phone

The Beauty of a Winter Morning

 During the cold winter days and long winter nights it becomes easier to occupy more time in front of a screen, be it a computer, phone or the television. Resist this temptation. From physical eye strain to impacts on learning and mental health, the detrimental effects of the digital age are becoming more and more apparent. These articles linked above are just examples from an ever increasing collection of studies on this topic.

Although you may not be able to limit the amount of time spent before a screen while at work, there are a few things that one can do to alleviate potential adverse impacts. One, stay mobile. Try switching to a standup desk for all or part of the day. Remember though, that standing in one place can take it's toll on the body as well. The better alternative would be having the option of alternating between sitting and standing throughout the day. The key is to keep moving. Two, take frequent breaks. This doesn't mean breaking your employer's rules which may only allow one break every two hours, but it can mean to stretch, blink and do mini-exercises while sitting or standing. Third, get outside. Ideally when you do take a break go outside. Exposure to the the elements of nature - sun, wind, and sound, regardless of the weather, can be rejuvenating. So whether your are taking a walk, or just relaxing on a bench, you will will come back to the office feeling more relaxed and ready to tackle the next task. Getting fresh air becomes even more important if you work or live in an almost airtight building since dust and pollutants can accumulate at higher levels.  In fact, as I write this, it is 30 degrees outside and I have both the front and back door open to do a quick air exchange. Within a few minutes the air smells cleaner and I'm a bit more alert, even if I do have to go and grab a sweater!

An article last year in Time magazine discussed the benefits of getting outside during the winter  including improved mood and physical fitness. Although conditions during a blustery, mid-winter day may be less enticing than a sunny 75 degree  day in June, the benefits can be greater. This is because of winter's shorter daylight hours where our bodies are already being deprived of sunlight and the necessary absorption of vitamin D.

So, next time you get ready to check your social media while being indoors for several hours, grab your coat and mittens instead! If you are looking for tips to motivate you to step away from your computer, check out this link from EcoWatch on Four Steps for doing a digital detox.

4 Steps for a Successful Digital Detox https://t.co/3mMCv37B8I

— WendyW (@NGNaturally) January 15, 2017

Split Pea and Potato Soup

It's January and it's cold. A perfect time to make this vegetarian split pea soup. It contains potassium, magnesium, iron, vitamin K and approximately seven grams of protein.

Ingredients:
1/2 leek rinsed well and sliced
1 carrot diced
1 celery diced
4 button mushrooms sliced
Oil for sauteing
1 large unpeeled potato diced
1 cup dried split peas
1/2 cup brown or wild rice
5 cups water or broth
salt, pepper, paprika to taste

Heat oil over medium heat. Saute leek, carrot, celery and mushrooms 5 minutes.
Add potato and bay leaf and cook for another 5 minutes. Add split peas, rice and water or broth and simmer covered for 30 to 60 minutes. Add seasonings and cook for another 10 minutes, until peas are soft. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Don't Overlook Black Birds

I am the first to admit that when I am bird-watching, I am the more excited to spot a very colorful bird over one that is more drab, even if it is rare. And, when I watch the bird feeder I am more intrigued by the cardinals, finches and blue jays, than the sparrows. However, a couple weeks ago during a snowstorm, it was the blackbirds that drew my attention.

They were among the few birds that were bold enough to brave the cold. And, since they were larger than any of the other birds, they really stood out against the snow. I had recently watched a video (below) of a raven at a bird feeder so I wondered if these birds were crows or ravens.



Again, on New Year's day, these large black birds returned to the back yard searching for food underneath the snow. After doing some research on the differences between crows and ravens I determined that these were Common Crows. Although a large crow can be about the size of a small raven, ravens are generally larger (21 to 27 inches). At rest, a raven's feathers on its chest will appear shaggy, where a crow's are smooth. The birds we saw had feather's that were definitely smooth. In behavior, a crow will appear more nervous, flicking their tale. This was the case with these birds, and it was difficult to get a close look at them since they were very aware of movement in the house. When I attempted to get closer to the window, they took flight into the trees. The birds did not make any noise, but another distinguishing feature between crows and ravens is their call. Outside it's easy to recognize a crow's "caw, caw". A raven, on the other hand, makes a longer "cronking" noise. Ravens can also make a wider variety of vocalization, as you can hear in the video above.

Although many people consider crows and ravens pests that destroy gardens and should be destroyed, both birds are quite intelligent. A few interesting facts I learned from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology website about crows: 1) Crows typically mate for life. With a life span of 17 - 21 years, this means that a crow pair may be together from 13 to 16 years. Quite a feat, even in human terms!  2) Crows congregate in large groups, or roosts at night. Some roosts have been known to contain over a million birds. 3) Crows can learn to recognize and respond to specific individuals. Dr. Kevin J. McGowan, who has studied crows for years, claims that the crow families in the neighborhood where he frequests recognize and follow him for treats as well as recognize and chase him when he comes to band birds in their nests. 4) In spite of popular lore and the fact that my nineteen seventies Audubon Society's Field Guide to North American Birds states that they "often carry off and hide bright objects," the only items that wild crows will collect and store is food. But, since they are inquisitive birds,  crows kept as pets, may in fact pick up and play with objects, including those that are shiny.  5) Sadly, crows are hunted in almost every state, generally without bag limits.

American Crow

Another black bird that visited the feeder during the same snow storm was smaller, about robin size. At a distance it looked all black, but upon closer examination with the binoculars, it was actually covered in white spots and had brownish highlights on its wings. I was amazed by how unique its markings were and realized that I would have dismissed it as just another "black bird" had I not taken a closer look.  I did not know what is was, but after answering a few short questions on the Merlin Bird ID I was surprised to learn that it was a European Starling in winter plumage.

European Starling

Having grown up in a suburb of Detroit, starlings were everywhere. However, we have lived in rural New Hampshire most of my adult life and typically do not see starlings in our yard. Perhaps he, and his friends, were just passing through and decided to top and fuel up on some seed and suet. In any event, I am glad and not bothered by the fact that the crows and starlings have decided that our yard is an inviting place to visit in the winter.

February 20, 2017 Update: I went cross country skiing at Waterville Valley over the weekend and was pleased that I could recognize the distinct croaking of a raven in the woods as a result of researching for this post.