Focus on Arts and Ecology

Purpose of the articles posted in the blog is to share knowledge and occurring events for ecology and biodiversity conservation and protection whereas biology will be human’s security. Remember, these are meant to be conversation starters, not mere broadcasts :) so I kindly request and would vastly prefer that you share your comments and thoughts on the blog-version of this Focus on Arts and Ecology (all its past + present + future).

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March 2018 News and Events

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The Climate is Changing and so is the OAEC Nursery!

When we produced our first Plant Sale as an experiment in 1995, we had no idea that we would strike such a resonant chord of interest with the local community for the organically grown vegetable seedlings and unusual perennials propagated from plants in our gardens.   Our Mother Garden was already one of the oldest California certified organic (CCOF) operations in the state, had been introducing specialty crops to Bay Area markets and restaurants for years, and was widely recognized for its pioneering role in the revitalization of the art of seed saving, long before the term ‘heirloom’ had become a household word.  Over the years, we have been thrilled to witness the increasing literacy of gardeners around the importance of diversity to a healthy organic garden and to see organic heirloom veggie starts readily available at plant sales and nurseries throughout the bay area.

Today, with the unpredictability of climate change and the resultant challenges that follow: drought, uncertain food security, soil depletion, and threats to biodiversity, we are re-committing to the mission of offering plants that we believe will be of value in the face of all these changes. In terms of our inventory, we will feature an ever-widening diversity of unique perennial plants while paring down our selection of annuals to our most spectacular "signature" varieties that you can't find anywhere else.  Click here to read more about how perennial agriculture can be a water-saving, soil-building, climate wise solution: Why do we love perennials?>

In the interest of long term sustainability of our business, we are also moving away from doing large plant sale "events" in the spring, and instead will be open 3 days per week all season long.  In Spring of 2018, we will be OPEN April 6th through October 28th, Fri-Sat-Sun from 10pm-5pm and will continue to offer tours of the site and gardens every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month.

We will be releasing new varieties every week, so stop by throughout the season to check out our latest offerings!
See our plant list of Spring perennials >
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And while our business model is changing slightly, we can assure you that we will continue to offer beautiful, vibrant, high-quality plants that have been loved and cared for from the day that they germinate.  With your continued support and patronage, the OAEC Nursery will continue to lead on the cutting edge of climate-wise, biodiverse, organic gardening in the North Bay area for years to come.

“Friends of the Nursery” Preview Sale
April 1st  10am-5pm
Supporters who donate $50 or more annually get 20% off throughout the season and first pick at the best plants at this event.  Mingle with OAEC staff, take a tour, and get plenty of inspiration and support as you plan your spring garden. You can become a member of the Friends of the Nursery program at the door.

The nursery will open for the season to the general public starting on Friday April 6th.
Become a Friend of the Nursery>
 
 
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"Dirt to Dish"  - Watch Brock Dolman's Interview of Alice Waters

At a recent talk entitled "Dirt to Dish" at the Culinary Institute of America, OAEC's Brock Dolman interviewed chef and school garden champion Alice Waters and farmer friend Bob Cannard.  Much of the evening is focused on School Gardens and her new big idea in Farm-to-Cafeteria curriculum.   
 
 
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School Garden
Teacher Trainings

residential intensives at OAEC

June 25-29
June 18-22

Hurry! 2018 courses are filling up fast! 

24 years running with 300+ schools and counting, our flagship School Garden Teacher Training continues to sell out year after year.  Whether your school garden is just getting started or you are years into the process, this 5-day immersion at OAEC will give you the inspiration you need to bring your "learnscape" to life!  Discounts available for teams of teachers.
Register Now >
 
 
Join us for dinner! 
"Food is an expression of our relationship to place. Truly vibrant food is proof that the more closely we can understand and emulate nature, the more abundant our lives become."

Our friends at Healdsburg SHED have invited us to participate in their monthly Taste of Place supper series - a dining experience that takes inspiration from the terroir and story of featured local farms and producers.  Through interviews, conversations and sensory experiences, these dinners explore the history, traditions, and tastes of our region. 

Click on the link for a peek at the menu...
This beautiful meal will celebrate our work in biodiversity preservation and ecological agriculture at the Occidental Arts and Ecology Center. Guests will taste and hear stories about the dozens of ingredients in OAEC’s signature salad, be introduced to the award-winning cookbook, and hear from the community of activists (Doug Gosling, Olivia Rathbone, Adam Wolpert and Brock Dolman) who continue to redefine what sustainability and true kinship with place looks and tastes like!

While this is not a fundraising event (there will be no "ask") all proceeds from the event are being generously donated to OAEC by SHED.  Join us for an evening of great food, wine and conversation. 
 
Make Reservations >
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Occidental Arts & Ecology Center  •  15290 Coleman Valley Rd., Occidental, CA 95465  •  (707) 874-1557  • oaec@oaec.org  •  www.oaec.org  

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