Earlier this month, after days of rain, the sun broke through the clouds just in time to shine down on our chapter's volunteer outing at the Hayes Valley Farm. Once a freeway on-ramp, Hayes Valley Farm is currently a 2.2 acre non-profit urban permaculture demonstration site. With a small startup grant from the City and fiscal sponsorship from the San Francisco Parks Trust, the farm first opened their gates on Jaunary 24, 2010- and the farm is still going strong.
We were amazed to learn that the farm is entirely, and successfully, volunteer run. Plant beds have been laid out strategically to make the most of the natural water flow after rain, most of the materials are either donated or sourced from waste streams, there's a colorful pastel patch of beehives, and any food grown is either gifted to volunteers or left outside the farm for community members to help themselves from. It was astonishing to learn how little money the farm needs to reach their goals, which they're clearly doing: raising awareness around sustainability and urban agriculture, offering educational opportunities, reviving a vacant lot, providing green job training, beautifying the neighborhood, and having fun. After our tour, we got down and dirty as we helped plant mini-flats of seedlings.
After the farm closed up for the day, we headed down the street to join other local EPIP-ers at Pause Wine Bar, a sustainably sourced new wine bar on Market. Kevin Schuder,the head chef, came out to share some details about the food and history of Pause while we sipped our wine. The bartender was so knowledgeable about the wine that a few of us just let him choose our drinks- and we were glad we did. It was such a treat to be able to mingle with folks while tasting such amazing wine! The entire day was a blast and several chapter members mentioned wishing they could have been able to volunteer. Stay tuned-- there may be more events like this in the future!
Earlier this month, after days of rain, the sun broke through the clouds just in time to shine down on our chapter's volunteer outing at the Hayes Valley Farm. Once a freeway on-ramp, Hayes Valley Farm is currently a 2.2 acre non-profit urban permaculture demonstration site. With a small startup grant from the City and fiscal sponsorship from the San Francisco Parks Trust, the farm first opened their gates on Jaunary 24, 2010- and the farm is still going strong. 
We were amazed to learn that the farm is entirely, and successfully, volunteer run. Plant beds have been laid out strategically to make the most of the natural water flow after rain, most of the materials are either donated or sourced from waste streams, there's a colorful pastel patch of beehives, and any food grown is either gifted to volunteers or left outside the farm for community members to help themselves from. It was astonishing to learn how little money the farm needs to reach their goals, which they're clearly doing: raising awareness around sustainability and urban agriculture, offering educational opportunities, reviving a vacant lot, providing green job training, beautifying the neighborhood, and having fun. After our tour, we got down and dirty as we helped plant mini-flats of seedlings. 
After the farm closed up for the day, we headed down the street to join other local EPIP-ers at Pause Wine Bar, a sustainably sourced new wine bar on Market. Kevin Schuder,the head chef, came out to share some details about the food and history of Pause while we sipped our wine. The bartender was so knowledgeable about the wine that a few of us just let him choose our drinks- and we were glad we did. It was such a treat to be able to mingle with folks while tasting such amazing wine! The entire day was a blast and several chapter members mentioned wishing they could have been able to volunteer. Stay tuned-- there may be more events like this in the future! 
Kudos to the steering committee members responsible for organizing this creative and insightful convening at Hayes Valley Farm, especially Nicole Puller who really took a lead role. I truly enjoyed the site visit and volunteerism components. It is a great compliment to the other types of gatherings and trainings that make EPIP such a valuable resource to all of us! Of course the social and networking elements of the happy hour at Pause were very pleasant and equally as rewarding; it is always a great opportunity to connect, converse and learn. Cheers, until next time!
ReplyDeleteBecause of the success of this volunteer event at Hayes Valley Farm, we hope to do more of these types of events for our EPIP members. Thanks to all who came out to get their hands dirty (literally) and to try some tasty wine at Pause Wine bar. Major kudos to the organizers, Nicole Puller and Lauren Tulp! - Thuy Nguyen
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