An email arrived in the ol' inbox a few weeks ago, with an invitation to attend a workshop to be held the last Thursday in May. Space would be limited, so register early. What prompted me to register right away were the topics -- and if I was "interested in ecology, biodiversity and birds, you wouldn't want to miss this workshop." (Yup, I am interested!) In addition to an early morning bird walk with a regional expert, we'd have the opportunity to see birds up close using a mist net (before releasing the birds unharmed). Other experts would be present to address issues dear to our hearts.
"Reconnecting Food Systems with Ecosystems"
Alan Haight and Jo McProud -- our hosts at Riverhill Farm.
The farm was created in 2001, and stewarded by Alan and Jo for many years, but in 2017 they decided that it was time to move on to other pursuits. Antonio Garza and Daylin Wade have taken up the reins as operators of Riverhill Farm. As the community enthusiastically supported the farm, Alan and Jo in turn have supported the community in many ways. Riverhill's space at Nevada City's weekly farmer's market is always the busiest. They are friends to all, and give back much. I'm not going to go into detail, but if you met them, you'd say, "Yes ... good people."
Many farmers are off to a later start this year due to wet soil conditions, but the two hoop houses enabled Riverhill to plant safely without worrying about frost, snow or drowning! (kidding about drowning ... I think)
Organic and healthy-looking cabbages.
The group is setting forth on the early-bird jaunt, with Sacramento-based birder and naturalist Cliff Hawley. He knew his stuff all right, and we were treated to his expertise in locating birds and nests that we may have otherwise missed, like the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher in its lichen-covered nest. May have? Definitely would have! The farm occupies a vital niche between and among habitats -- oak woodland and chaparral, pine forest and grassland, seasonal creeks and north slope Yuba River environs -- making it a vibrant landscape full of life. I enjoyed hearing the Quail call while we were on our Walk-about.
They have quite a few bee boxes to provide pollinators for their crops. But Riverhill Farm isn't just about vegetables and fruit. Anyone who has been to the farm can appreciate the beauty of the place. There's a feeling of peace mixed with purpose here, a respect for the land and its bounty to be shared with everyone, be they two- or four-legged, beast, bird or insect. Not sure about gophers, though! At their elevation (2,600'), Blue Oaks grow wonderfully (inset). Such an attractive tree.
That means that not only do you see lettuces and tomatoes, strawberries and cabbages, you will see a preponderance of beautiful flowers -- great clusters of lavender, huge rosebushes and beebalms, golden poppies and apple blossoms. And lots of flying guys.
Daniel Karp, PhD, UC Davis, gave us a real birder's demonstration, capturing birds in his mist nests on site for close viewing. He discussed the insights gained from this technique for understanding avian pest control of insects in crops, and in general. He has a House Finch in his left hand, showing how it can be measured six ways to China, as well as banded. He was so interesting.
Ready to release the Black-headed Grosbeak.
As the group traipsed about on an explore of the farm, we learned much about native plants and their uses in the landscape, especially with regard to water catchment, supporting beneficial birds and insects, and erosion. All without pesticides, all organically. I was pleased to discover that the native landscaping plants I purchased and planted last fall were the same as those planted at Riverhill!
Fat (healthy!) lizard.
The farmstand (above, shaded by a wonderful climbing rose) is popular on Wednesday afternoons. Nice to be able to pick up fresh produce mid-week! Plus, strawberry, blackberry and raspberry U-pick is offered in season on Sunday mornings. I'll be there sometime in the next couple of weeks to pick strawberries. Today we emptied the last jar of last year's strawberry jam. Hope the berries are sweet this year.
I didn't count, but I'd say 60-70 people attended. Some were local farmers, some were with organizations, others professors, and some of us were interested home/landowners. Above, lunch was served at 12:30, and it was very pleasant sitting beneath the trees.
Let's see. We heard from Jo Ann at Wild Farm Alliance and Matt Johnson, PhD, Humboldt State University (up near Eureka CA) who covered his lab's work on hedgerows and increasing pest control by birds, as well as Barn Owl nest box occupancy and hunting behavior. I wish we could "have" a Barn Owl, but our property is too closed in by trees. Rex Dufour, NCAT, and Sabrina Nicholson, NCRCD, both offered insights on bird-friendly habitat. The next day, my sister asked me if I gleaned anything I could use. Oh yeah, I did, I told her! This post is just a quick overview, but I was glad I attended the workshop.
Afternoon clouds are building to the east over the Sierras. This week, thunderstorms are possible even in the foothills where this farm is and where I live at 3200'. We may see some rain from this build-up. Doesn't this farm look appealing? Flourishing? Yes, it does and it is.
After lunch, I headed for home. Above, as I made my way down Broad Street in our little town, all seemed quiet, but those clouds were definitely up to no-good! Jimmy and I live somewhere on yonder hill, beneath that dark mass. I couldn't wait to tell him all about the workshop and its valuable information. He and I are happy we live here ... we love our hometown.
