Until I had the opportunity to work on the Quilt of Possibilities project in celebration of the Ontario Greenbelt’s 5th Anniversary, I more or less considered myself a crafter. I like making things. My first passion was cross stitch. Now it’s knitting. I’ve tried quilting (I took a couple of classes), and beading is okay. Scrapbooking, not so much. I know how to sew and I own a sewing machine. (It doesn’t get much use). Which really just goes to say – I dabble.

On your mark… Get Set… Meander. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore the Greenbelt on two wheels… or three or four as tricycles and training wheels are welcome at this family-friendly event. 

Tour de Greenbelt is a cycling event for all ages and skill levels. You can choose your distance, riding as little and 1k and up to 55k. Each route allows for scenic stops at natural attractions, farms and vineyards in the Greenbelt and riders are encouraged to enjoy the ride as well as the countryside and experiences along the way. Each day concludes with a BBQ using locally grown food with live entertainment and kids activities. 

Visit www.tourdegreenbelt.ca for more information and to register.

Toronto, April 21, 2010 - On the eve of Earth Day, the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation today announces its most recent grants – projects that focus on one of Ontario’s most prized environmental assets – the 1.8 million acres of protected land that surrounds the Greater Golden Horseshoe.

Like most city folk, going into the country isn’t exactly a daily occurrence.  But when it’s rhubarb and asparagus season, well, it’s hard to stay away.  This past weekend my friend from New York city was visiting and suggested we do “something outdoorsy” during his visit.  My first thought: “we have to get into the Greenbelt”. What could be more on the other end of the spectrum from living and working in the bright lights and big city of New York?  We literally went from the airport to Andrew’s Scenic Acres in Milton to pick the most delicious rhubarb and asparagus we ever had.

Metro Morning on CBC Radio ran a promo this week on what’s the best bicycle route in the city. And while I didn’t get a chance to submit my suggestions, having it taken just this past May long weekend, my suggestion is the Humber Trail. Running north from Lake Ontario, the Humber Trail is an under-appreciated treasure in Toronto. 

Our Director of Communications is profiled in the Beyond Imaginings blog today.

Recently, I was invited to speak at a conference panel looking at biodiversity in the city. The 150 delegates were keen on learning new ways of thinking about biodiversity issues in the urban environment, as well as looking ahead on how to build the relationship between humans and other species sharing the urban spaces. 

Agriculture and Agri-Food Strategy for the Golden Horseshoe and Holland Marsh

The Greater Toronto Area Agricultural Action Committee (GTA AAC) and its partners, the Region of Niagara and City of Hamilton are developing a ten year action plan for agriculture in the Golden Horseshoe and Holland Marsh regions of Ontario.  The study reviews demographics, economic impact, and trends in production, interviews key agri-businesses, and explores a number of emerging opportunities for this near urban agricultural area. The co-existence of agriculture and urbanization to the mutual benefit of both is a key emerging issue in the City and Greater Toronto Area.

Locavore News — Ontario
Plumbline by Elbert van Donkersgoed
Perspectives on good food and farming
May 20, 2010

  
Cheese maker gets boost 

Local artisan cheese maker Fifth Town Cheese is getting a financial boost. Prince Edward-Hastings MP Daryl Kramp presented Fifth Town owner Petra Cooper with a cheque for $59,000 from the Southern Ontario Development Program last week. The fund provides interest-free loans to existing businesses. "We're celebrating an investment to stimulate the local economy," said Cooper, whose business is less than two years old, and last summer did $400,000 in sales. The money will be used to expand storage and wrap rooms and to add a drying cave. Total cost of the project is estimated at $120,000. Kingston Whig-Standard story.

A good conference results in the depletion of vitamin D, the sunlight vitamin. A fantastic conference causes you to toss your dream of attending a Detroit Tigers game. And that's what is happening to me at the US Farm To School Conference. Everyone is here from all facets of the food system in US schools and everyone has a story. After 10 years here is what we can aspire to in a short period of time: - there is a program in every State, and the Farm To School network supports 10,000 projects at the local, regional, and national level: