Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Green String Fest *Update*

String Fest is only a few days away! Are you ready? We're gearing up over here at the farm: bales of straw flying around the barn, reconstructing the oven, big pots of stock bubbling on the stoves. Oh, and we have some exciting news to share!

We've added two more great bands -- Indian Valley Line and Goldfinch -- who'll be playing acoustic sets throughout the day.

Adding to the fantastic guest speaker line up will be Mark Pasternak of Devil's Gulch Ranch.

Organizations spreading the word on their good work will be the Sonoma Open Space District, Petaluma heroes Daily Acts, Marin Organic, Marin Agricultural Land Trust, goat cheese by Hanna Hart of Toluma Farms, & sustainable farmworker housing architect James Monday.

Don't forget to dress warm -- there'll be fires and heaters and of course the unbounded warmth of good people, dancing and enjoying themselves! Can't wait to see you all!

Thursday, November 12, 2009

November Newsletter

Yikes, the newsletter's late this month! Sorry, we've had some internet/computer difficulties recently. The month's almost halfway over, but I hope you enjoy the newsletter anyways!

Read the full newsletter

In this issue:

In the Store

The store's filled with the very last of our summer goodies and the beginning of winter specialties. It's a great time to eat local! read more

Farm News

First, a very exciting announcement: our fall interns are putting on a special event this month, and you're all invited! String Fest will take place on Saturday, November 21, and will feature speakers on sustainable agriculture... read more

Local Handmade Gifts

As a Green String Farm customer, you probably already know how important it is to buy local. We hope that by eating our food, you've also learned how rewarding it can be... read more

Recipe: Glazed Beets

Beets' naturally high sugar content makes for a deliciously rich glaze when you reduce their cooking liquid. Serve this dish with couscous or brown rice (see below) for a satisfying autumn meal... read more

Recipe: Leeky Pilaf

Plain brown rice can taste a bit too much like health food for some of us, but with just a little butter and added flavor it's transformed. Leeks' mild creaminess pairs nicely with the rice's nutty flavor... read more

Recipe: Poached Quince

Quince, the pear look-alike, raises more questions in the farm store than anything else we sell this time of year. The fruit is too hard and bitter to be enjoyed raw, but takes on fantastic flavor when cooked. If you're not feeling ambitious enough to make the traditional Spanish quince paste, membrillo, try poaching instead... read more

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

GREEN STRING FEST!!!


When: November 21st, 3-10pm
Where: Green String Farm. 3571 Old Adobe Rd. Petaluma, CA 94954
Cost: $10, kids get in free. Barter accepted, no one will be refused.

String Fest is a celebration of the growth of local sustainable agriculture, cuisine and music. Hosted by interns at Petaluma's Green String Farm, the festival will feature local organizations, food purveyors, lectures by several of the Bay Area's most recognized agricultural and sustainability leaders as well as sets of live rock and Americana music by up and coming Bay Area musicians! Join us at the Green String Farm for an evening of education and fun!

Green String Fest Lineup

3pm - Network/ Meet and Greet! This is your chance to meet and talk with local organizations and local food vendors from Marin and Sonoma counties who are creating change in our local communities. Find out who is supplying healthy food for you, your family and friends and how you can support them. Some featured organizations include Slow Food Movement, Petaluma Bounty, Malibu Compost and more!

4pm - Farm Tours Join us for a half hour tour around Green String Farm, interns leading the tour will teach you about natural process farming and a sustainable way of life. Interested in the intern program? A separate half hour tour will be given of the Green String Institute.

5pm - Lecture Series Hear from Bob Cannard (Green String Farm/ Cannard Farms), Aaron Lucich ("We Are What We Eat" movie), and Ross Rubin (Sonoma County Bee Keeper)

8pm - Live Music! Rock out to the sounds of North Bay's group Faith in Phantoms and the Green String Farm Band. End your evening with great tunes and a whole lotta dancing!

Much More... Delicious food from Green String Farm served throughout the day, hot drinks, & kids activities.

See You At the Farm!


Thursday, October 29, 2009

Daily Acts’ Ripple the World Fundraising Breakfast

Erin Axlerod, a former Green String intern, asked me to post an announcement for this event she's putting on with Daily Acts. It sounds like it'll be a lot of fun! Be sure to let Erin know if you'd like to attend!

RSVP:
Join hundreds of inspiring green leaders and citizens at

Daily Acts’ Ripple the World Fundraising Breakfast (Free, Organic)

Thursday, November 5th 8AM - 9:30AM
Petaluma, California

The season's fast approaching....to RIPPLE THE WORLD! Daily Acts has converted thousands of square feet of public lawns to food production sites. We are partnering with Petaluma Bounty, Rebuilding Together Petaluma, and Petaluma Water Resources & Conservation on October 24th to transform 7,000 square feet of City Hall Lawn! We conduct sustainability tours and workshops to make people aware of the ecological crises we face, while inspiring them to act! Please join us to celebrate our work and raise the vital money which sustains this organization!

RSVP to Erin Axelrod (previous green string intern) by emailing erin@dailyacts.org or calling 707.789.9664

Friday, October 23, 2009

Hi there, Winter!

Anyone else notice how suddenly the hills turned from brown to green in the last few days? It means winter's on its way, and I can't wait.

On the farm, summer's the season of huge harvests, production gluts, and lots of hard work. During the warmer months, everyone at Green String works around the clock, and the rewards -- tomatoes, berries, eggplant, and all those seasonal delights -- are well worth the effort. But as the days get shorter, colder, and rainier, things begin to slow down. Zucchinis give way to pumpkins and delicata squash, and long days in the field give way to long evenings in the kitchen. (Well, less long days in the field. The crew, interns, and other staff around here are the hardest workers I've ever known, no matter the season!)

We still have plenty of bright, sunny fall days left before winter's truly here. We're spending our time winterizing chicken houses, getting the winter crops planted, and the interns are learning how to chop wood for their stove. Those calm, cozy nights by the fire aren't too far off now.

Friday, October 2, 2009

October Newsletter

In this issue:
  • In the store
  • Farm News
  • Canning Revival
  • Recipes:
    • Blistered PadrĂ³ns
    • Fresh Tomato Soup
    • Roasted Eggplant

Read it online
Download the PDF

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Soil tour

Alright, I know we've already announced the farm tour this weekend, but I'm so excited about it that I've got to push it a little more.

On Saturday, two of our fantastic interns are leading a walk & talk around the farm. Matt and Federico are planning a great little lesson on soil health that should interest experts and novices alike. Ever wondered what's the big deal about compost, humus, minerals, and cover crops? The interns will walk you through it, figuratively and literally, and explain the Green String methods of soil improvement.

If you'd like to come get your hands dirty, meet Matt and Federico at the farm store at noon on Saturday. Make sure you wear good walking shoes! If you've got a moment, drop us a line at jenny@greenstringfarm.com so we know how many people to expect.