Last week Sierra Harvest kicked off our potluck summer series with a beautiful gathering at Fowler Family Farm! Our local farm potlucks are a great way to meet our small-scale farmers, tour their fields, and connect with other community members who value local food.
Last Thursday, Brad and Alana Fowler invited us to tour their family operated, environmentally-minded, multi-species farm, where they raise pigs, goats, turkeys, chicken, cattle and more. They explained some of the principles they use to maximize grazing opportunities for their animals, such as frequent rotation of animals onto new pasture, and taking advantage of invasive plants that make good fodder. The children who attended enjoyed seeing baby pigs, goats and bunnies, and were delighted to eat fresh mulberries off the tree and feast on local cherries brought by another Nevada County farmer.
“As a mom, the potlucks are a great way for me and my daughter to meet other families in an easy and relaxed social setting ” comments Mielle Chenier Cowan Rose. After our first potluck this year, her daughter Clara explains that she “likes the mulberries, the baby animals, playing with all the kids and seeing all the bees. And I liked all the food because it was really good.” Along side the families, also present at last week’s potluck were experienced and aspiring farmers, backyard gardeners who are looking for some tips and inspiration for what they can do at home, and local food aficionados who bring out their finest recipes with seasonal food.
“I love how these potlucks bring together like-minded people to celebrate our local farmers and learn more about how to grow sustainable food” says Rachel Berry, Sierra Harvest Engagement Manager, “and I’m looking forward to a new season of potlucks this year!”
Join Sierra Harvest this summer for our farm potluck series, on first and third Thursdays, from 6-8pm. Bring a potluck dish to share and your own plates/forks/water bottle. Everyone is welcome!
Special thank to our star volunteer Cathy Williford, who helps set up the potlucks all summer long!
Upcoming potlucks include:
June 4th: Mountain Bounty Farm, hosted by John Tecklin and Angie Tomey, at 11438 Birchville Rd, on the San Juan Ridge
June 18th: Sweet Roots Farm, hosted by Deena Miller and Robbie Martin, 14805 Auburn Rd, Grass Valley