PLANT SWAP!

Garden Seedlings & Perennials

Thursday, May 24, 6:30 - 8 pm
Ives Park Gazebo, Potsdam, NY
The Local Living Venture offers this opportunity just before Memorial Day to swap out some of those extra seedlings (you know, how you grew or bought a whole six-pack of cucumber when you only wanted two or three plants, right?!) in exchange for a whole new variety of tomato you never
heard of, or some beautiful flowers! You can also share those beautiful perennials that are taking over your landscape! Fun, casual -- a great way to boost your garden diversity!
Bring a snack to share if you like, your gardening tales and questions, and any other gardening items you'd like to share or swap! Check the Suggested Guidelines that will be posted at
www.SustainableLivingProject.net
(go to the Workshops & Events page) If you would like to volunteer please call (315) 347-4223 or email SustLivingProject@gmail.com!

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It'd be fun to go to this if folks want to get a carpool from the barn going.

Anyone?

Zoning Issues- PLEASE READ

Consider the littleGrasse landscape. The gardens, the animals, the occasional traffic.  Is this compatible amidst a residential zone? Can our zoning rules allow for community-minded agriculture within the areas intended for, 'orderly residential development'?

Well, you may not be surprised to hear our perspective.  To us it's not only compatible but an ideal neighbor; providing healthy food, open space, and diverse activities throughout the season. 

As it stands, in an R-1 zone any land within 250' from the center line of the road is restricted, and does not allow for agricultural use (among other things). Currently 2 miles of Outer Miner Street Road starting at the bridge, is one of just a couple areas outside the Village zoned R1.  Last season these rules defined our choices in terms of the placement of both the chickens (in the lower gardens) and the pigs (off the road, on the edge of the woods).  In order to make better use of our open front fields and integrate the chickens into the upper gardens, we approached the code enforcement officer prior to last season (in 2011), and were led to believe that they were working on an amendment to the zoning in R1 areas that would positively affect us and others currently zoned R1. We were told to hold off until this season, and then apply for a "special use" permit. This application process would allow us to make our case and the Town would schedule a public comment meeting before voting on the matter. 

As it turns out, when we approached them via application this spring regarding the livestock they claimed that not only were the animals not allowed, but neither were the vegetables, as per zoning.

In the mean time we discovered that the town has a plan in the works to expand their R1 zones into other roads, which would affect 168 parcels. This new zoning would also expand the 250 from center line of road to 500 ft. This move to limit town land use and directly impede food production in our Community flies in the face of reason and the national trend toward saving viable agricultural land and its production.
We've talked with many of our neighbors, and heard almost unanimous support.  We've been in ongoing discussions with the town, and are trying to work out a solution. While this process has been daunting, we remain hopeful for change: whether it be through a special use permit or an exemption.  A longer road may involve a lawyer. We shall see. This is a developing and detail-heavy political situation. Trust that we are trying to give as much info possible without overwhelming you. As new and critical information becomes available we'll pass it along.
Feel free to ask questions regarding this bump in the road.

We have not been fined or told to stop.
For now, we'll keep on keepin' on.
P.S. There is a Town Board Meeting on Monday the 14th at 4pm in the Municipal building at 60 Main Street, Canton.  They will likely not discuss our situation directly.  The agenda will include discussion about current zoning and rezoning proposals.  We'll be there along with many others. Public is welcome, yourself included.
Politics, Politics, Politics!

canton canoe weekend

sarah and bob in second leg of relay

Well, team littleGrasse went out and had a blast on the river Sunday afternoon.  How awesome to have a weekend full of events celebrating being on the water. And it's right next door.  We entered the recreational relay, which is 3 miles split into 1.5mi, 1mi, and 1/2 mile legs. Spectators can see all the action from the beach at Taylor Park. The sun was blazing and a slight wind was present. We didn't beat some of those fiery co-eds, but we did place first in the 'mixed adults,' category!  It's an excellent event, and we'd happily field another team or two next year.  Any takers?

patrick and leah-post paddle hydration

the victors! from slu's outing club

griffin bringing home the plaque

SUN, SOUL, SOIL

king of the hay bale

Be honest, do you all leave the garden morning and take a big ol' nap?!

SO MUCH STIMULUS.

Enjoyed seeing everyone amidst a glorious sun, and much children chatter.

Speaking of, with all the stuff left today a 'lost and found,' box was born.

Mostly kids stuff: transformer like toy, lil' red coat and purple bag, as well as an adult's blue long sleeve shirt.

The prepared brassica beds look great, and if the forecast is right, we'll put in the plants late Monday afternoon.
After a great start, the fencing was completed during the afternoon shift.

Anyone who wants to plant broccoli and family, come anytime 4-7p.

delish salad at potluck lunch

peace, flip and bob

May garden Morning

May already?!

We'll be in the upper gardens starting at 9:30a.

Prepping beds and planting early brassicas (broccoli, cabb, etc...)

Maybe fencing and mulching as well.

It's looking to be cloudy and in the '60's.

For the potluck we'll bring a quinoa dish and spring pickles.

Wholeshare pickup for those who ordered this time around.

ALSO: it's Rushton Canoe races at Taylor Park, at lunch we can walk down to see the action if folks are interested.  

Barb Heller and her local hotdog stand (Leiner Weiners) will be there! 

we've heard hooting while working in the front field