On the Horizon

online newsletter

On the Horizon Signs of Spring 2017

Everything good in this world comes from love, land and labor. ~Van Jones

A Garden in Every School Symposium

Early Bird Registration Ends Friday

growing together logoWe’ve planned an inspiring weekend for you! Network with like-minded teachers, parents, garden designers, community leaders, school garden coordinators, and others involved with helping kids make the connection between food, health and the environment. By encouraging and supporting a garden in every school, we create opportunities for our children to discover fresh food, connect to a living environment while applying academic standards, to develop social and emotional skills and consider future career options. This weekend will encourage and prepare you to “Do One Thing” that builds the garden learning on your campus.

Our intention is to advance Delaine Eastin’s A Garden in Every School initiative by advocating for a collaborative regional commitment to accomplish the goal of a garden in every school by 2020 for the children of America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital. Will you help us?

Saturday, February 25 & 26Luther Burbank High School

Workshops, Success Stories, Best Practices, Panel Discussions, Delicious Food

Featured Speakers Include:

Rachel Pringle, Chief Strategy Officer, Education Outside, San Francisco

Karen Brown, Designer and Creative Director, Center for Ecoliteracy

John Fisher, Director of Programs and Partnerships, Life Lab Santa Cruz

Download the draft schedule >>

Early Bird: $75  After February 17: $95 (Discount for groups of 3+)

More info and register >>

Summer Day Camp

Register Today!

roots & wings logoThis summer, students entering grades 1 through 12 have the opportunity to attend one of our three camps. Two new options to choose from! Our Summer Day Camps are unique, fun and educational on Soil Born Farms 55-acre ranch located along the American River Parkway. Our camps provide a wonderful opportunity for young people to make the connection between food, health, and the environment, and learn more about what it takes to bring food from the farm to table. This memorable summer activity for your children has the potential to be life-changing! More info and register >>

Learn at the American River Ranch

Let us inspire you! Pre-Registration Required

View complete schedule of classes, events, instructor info and registration >>

Featured Class

Beginning Home Gardener Course

Tuesdays, March 14, 21, 28, April 4, 11 • 5:30 to 8pm

Designed for beginning gardeners, the Grow Your Groceries Beginning Home Gardener Course will cover the essential topics to help the new gardener create and maintain a thriving, abundant edible organic garden. Combining indoor presentations and interactive demonstrations and hands-on activities, this class will give you the knowledge and confidence to get out and grow food for you and your family. Course topics include garden design and seasonality, building healthy soil, garden preparation and planting, water and irrigation, garden ecology and pest control and growing herbs and perennials. Registration >>

Bird Walks

Saturday, February 18 • 8 to 10am

Registration >>

Saturday, March 25 • 8 to 10am

Registration >>

Fruit Tree Care

Saturday, February 18 • 1 to 5pm

Registration >>

The Art of Herbal Medicine Making II

Tuesday, February 28 • 5:30 to 8:30pm

Registration >>

The Spring Herbal

Saturday, March 4 • 9am to 12pm

Registration >>

Preparing a Spring Garden

Saturday, March 4 • 1 to 4pm

Registration >>

Cooking Out of the CSA Box

Wednesday, March 15 • 6 to 7pm

Registration >>

Raising Backyard Chickens

Saturday, March 18 • 9am to 12pm

Registration >>

Gardening with Native Plants

Saturday, March 18 • 1 to 4pm

Registration >>

Save the Dates

Spring Gardening Clinic & Elderberry Farms Native Plant Sale

Saturday, March 25 • 9am to 3pm • American River Ranch

roots & wings logoLearn how to grow vibrant, tasty, and healthy plants from Soil Born Farms’ knowledgeable staff and community educators. Visit the plant sale to fill your spring garden with native plants from Elderberry Farms, succulents, medicinal and culinary herbs and edible perennials. Event includes free classes, farm tour, bird walk and herb walk. A healthy lunch plate and snacks will be available, More info >>

Sign up for our Spring/Summer CSA

Enjoy Certified Organic Produce from Soil Born Farms

Early bird registration opens on March 25. Receive your first box on Wednesday, May 24.
Learn more >>

Get Involved! Volunteer Opportunities

There are Many Ways to Engage with Soil Born Farms

Enjoy Spring at Your Community Farm and Volunteer!

Sign up to receive a monthly update with volunteer opportunities >>
Select the volunteer opportunities option or call the SBF office: 916 363.9685.

Volunteer Orientations

Thursday, February 23 • 6 to 7:30pm in the Schoolhouse

Are you interested in volunteering at the farm but you aren’t sure what opportunities are available? Join us at the American River Ranch for our general volunteer orientation and learn more. Sign up >>

Wednesday, March 1 • 5:30 to 6:30pm in the Farmhouse Kitchen

Discover volunteer opportunities in cooking, teaching about nutrition, helping with events and food preservation at Soil Born Farms. Orientation includes a tour of the farm and Farmhouse Kitchen. If you are interested or have questions, contact Michelle Sikora >>

Vehicle Mechanic Needed

Do you have an affinity for vehicle maintenance and a desire to help out a local non-profit organic farm? If so, we would love to hear from you. We are looking for those interested in volunteering skills and time to provide routine maintenance and small repairs when needed on our farm tractors and vehicles. Contact Tyler >>

Help Us Get the Word Out

We need volunteers to distribute event and class flyers throughout the Sacramento area. Must provide own transportation and enjoy interacting with the public. Distribution dates and times vary. A stipend for gas expense will be provided. Contact Adriana >>

Join the Harvest Sacramento Team

Community Citrus Harvest and Tree Planting Events

Our annual series of community harvest events is now in progress. This year we also offer fruit tree planting events as part of our Neighborwoods in South Sacramento partnership with the Sacramento Tree Foundation. Please join us to help bring the edible city to life. More events will be posted soon.

Facebook Events / Eventbrite Registration / Sac Tree Events

Saturday, Feb. 18 • 9am to 1:30pm • Centennial United Methodist Church

Hollywood Park/Land Park citrus harvest. More information and sign up >>

Harvest Logistics and Office Support Volunteer Needed

In addition to harvest group leaders, we need volunteer support around harvest logistics and administrative duties at the American River Ranch. Tasks include making phone calls to tree owners, entering waivers into our database, filing waivers, refilling group leader binders and labeling preserved fruit. Contact Dominic >>

Harvest Vehicle Needed

Do you own a van or truck that you are looking to donate to a local non-profit organic farm? We are looking for an operational (but not necessarily road-worthy!) vehicle to assist with our vegetable harvests. Vans and trucks with camper shells or enclosed beds work best as they provide necessary shade and protection from the elements during our harvest. Vehicles dramatically help us preserve the quality of our produce and our bodies. Contact Tyler >>

Eat Your Veggies: Cabbage

Garden to Pantry Preservation Tip: Sauerkraut

Cabbage is in season! This humble vegetable provides a wealth of nutritious health benefits and has a reputation for its cancer-fighting compounds. Loaded with fiber, vitamin K and vitamin C, low in calories and fat; this vegetable should be at the top of your grocery list.

Fermented foods, such as sauerkraut, contains probiotics which help improve immune function and the health of your intestinal tract. Sauerkraut is fermented using salt so it does contain sodium. However, preparing it yourself can cut down on the sodium and it is easy to make. You do not need special equipment or fancy crocks. If you are interested in making small batches, try this easy way just using Mason jars. View sauerkraut recipe >>

It’s in Season Recipe:
Hot & Sour Soup with Cabbage, Mushrooms and Rice

View soup recipe >>

Rent the Schoolhouse

A Rustic Option for Meetings and Corporate Retreats

Looking for a unique location to host a business meeting, training or planning retreat? The American River Ranch offers a beautiful, rustic alternative to conference rooms or hotels. Our Schoolhouse is available on weekdays. Customized rentals can include: farm tours, outdoor spaces, catering, cooking demos, hands-on activities and classes. Sorry, no private parties or weddings at this time. Fees benefit community education programs. For more information about fees and availability, contact Adriana >>

We count on your generous support to continue our work and service to the community. Please consider donating today. Thank you!

On the Horizon New Year 2017

To forget how to dig in the earth and tend to the soil is to forget ourselves. ~Mahatma Gandhi

A Garden in Every School Symposium

February 25 & 26 • Early Bird Registration is Open

growing together logoWe’ve planned an inspiring weekend for you! Network with like-minded teachers, parents, garden designers, community leaders, school garden coordinators, and others involved with helping kids make the connection between food, health and the environment. By encouraging and supporting a garden in every school, we create opportunities for our children to discover fresh food, connect to a living environment while applying academic standards, to develop social and emotional skills and consider future career options. Gardens offer beautiful, dynamic settings to integrate every discipline, including science, math, reading, art, environmental studies, nutrition and health. Our intention is to advance Delaine Eastin’s A Garden in Every School initiative by advocating for a collaborative regional commitment to accomplish the goal of a garden in every school by 2020 for the children of America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital. Will you help us?

Saturday, February 25 & 26 • Luther Burbank High School

Early Bird Registration: $75
Registration after February 17: $95
Discount available for groups of 3+

Registration for the weekend includes a light breakfast, lunch and snacks on both days. Please note: We are not offering a one day option.

More info and register >>

Get Involved!

Collaborative partners or volunteers: Contact Shannon Hardwicke >>

Sponsorship information: Contact Liz Shahbazian >>

Donations and media partners: Contact Janet Zeller >>

General information and scholarships: Contact Rebecca Le >>

Citrus Season is Here

Trainings, Tree Plantings & Gleaning Opportunities Ahead

Harvest Sacramento’s first community citrus harvest of the 2017 Citrus Season is this Saturday, January 7 (weather permitting) at the Colonial Heights branch of the Sacramento Public Library, with weekly harvest events continuing into early spring. Our Citrus Season harvest events will involve many hundreds of volunteers gleaning tens of thousands of pounds of nutritious fruit from trees in neighborhoods throughout the Sacramento region for donation to Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services and their network of local food distribution partners.

The immense benefits to our community that this fruit will provide are made possible by our extensive network of partner community organizations, by the owners of the trees and by volunteer harvesters like you.

Register to volunteer at a harvest >>

Register a tree to be harvested >>

During the season we will be collaborating with many wonderful community organizations including Sacramento Building Healthy Communities, Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, Slow Food Sacramento, The Sacramento Tree Foundation, The Yisrael Family Farm, Food Literacy Center, Sierra Service Project, Oak Park Soil, CSUS Community Engagement Center and the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op.

Winter offers citrus gleaning opportunities with our with neighborhood gleaning groups. Look for event dates and details on our our website and Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

For more information or to get involved with Harvest Sacramento’s programs, contact Edible City Coordinator Dominic Allamano.

Winter Classes at the American River Ranch

Let us inspire you! Pre-Registration Required

View complete schedule of classes, events, instructor info and registration >>

Featured Class with Daylin Wade, Herbalist and Community Educator

Herbs for Stress Relief and Relaxation

Saturday, January 21 • 9am to 12pm

Are you stressed and hoping for a more calm and happy 2017? We now know that excess stress affects not only happiness, but the entire body, and may be behind many of our chronic health problems. This class will introduce techniques for addressing stress and improving relaxation with herbal remedies, diet, and lifestyle. The class format includes lecture, hands-on medicine-making, and, weather permitting, time enjoyed outdoors.

Instructor Daylin Wade is a gardener and herbalist from Sacramento, now living and working on a farm in Nevada City. She is passionate about growing quality food, plant medicine, and maximizing self-reliance. She has grown food gardens on the California coast, in Sacramento, and on a remote ranch in Patagonia, and is currently completing a masters degree in therapeutic herbalism. She has taught gardening and herbal classes at Soil Born Farms since 2014. Registration >>

Bird Walks

Saturday, January 21 • 8 to 10am

Registration >>

Saturday, February 18 • 8 to 10am

Registration >>

Herbs for Strengthening and Rejuvenation

Saturday, January 28 • 12 to 3pm

Registration >>

The Wonders of Fungi and Mushrooms

Saturday, February 4 • 12 to 3pm

Registration >>

Cooking Out of the CSA Box

Wednesday, February 15 • 6 to 7pm

Registration >>

Fruit Tree Care

Saturday, February 18 • 1 to 5pm

Registration >>

The Art of Herbal Medicine Making I

Tuesday, February 21 • 5:30 to 8:30pm

Registration >>

The Art of Herbal Medicine Making II

Tuesday, February 28 • 5:30 to 8:30pm

Registration >>

Rent the Schoolhouse

A Rustic Option for Meetings and Corporate Retreats

Looking for a unique location to host a business meeting, training or planning retreat? The American River Ranch offers a beautiful, rustic alternative to conference rooms or hotels. Our Schoolhouse is available on weekdays. Customized rentals can include: farm tours, outdoor spaces, catering, cooking demos, hands-on activities and classes. Sorry, no private parties or weddings at this time. Fees benefit community education programs. For more information about fees and availability, contact Adriana >>

Little Free Library at Soil Born Farms

building community • sparking creativity • inspiring readers

We are excited to join the Little Free Library network. Our friend and super volunteer, Michael Covey built us two little free libraries inspired by and located near the Farmstand. Local artist, Juan Carlos Gonzalez, a West Sacramento native will be adding the finishing touches. We have one library for adults and one of kids. We would like to dedicate our libraries to contain books on the following topics:
Adults: gardening, cooking, herbs, native plants, health, wellness, conservation, field guides, trees, homesteading, raising chickens, soil, farming, earth building
Kids: nature, animals, fairies, insects, cooking, gardening, environment, farms

Free Little Library Book Donations Wanted

If you have books that are on our wishlist above that you wish to donate, please drop off to Rebecca in the office. Once our little free libraries are stocked, remember it’s take a book, leave a book. For more info or to add one to your home or business >>

Happy New Year

We Appreciate Your Support

From the tallest farmer to the smallest bee, all of us at Soil Born Farms thank everyone who recently donated during our Harvest Fundraising Drive! Your generous gifts make our work possible and will help us realize our vision to: Train More Farmers • Feed More People • Teach More Kids • Restore & Develop the Historic American River Ranch.

We look forward to all the things to come in 2017. The possibilities for Soil Born Farms and our community are limitless because of your generosity. We hope you will visit us soon to see the work made possible by your support. A huge thank you to Western Health Advantage, Dave & Maxine Clark Family and Fred & Betsy Weiland for matching all gifts received for our Harvest Fundraising Drive.

It’s not too late to donate. Your generous gifts help us improve health and reduce hunger in our community. Thank you!

Yelp Foundation Update

Thanks to Taking the time to Vote for SBF!

Soil Born Farms won a $3,000 grant from the Yelp Foundation Gives Local grant contest! Thank you to everyone for taking the time to vote and support us. This grant will go a long way towards educating youth and young farmers and providing healthy food for the hungry as we restore our historic American River Ranch. We are very grateful for your support.

Eat Your Fruit & Veggies

Garden to Pantry Preservation Tip: Lemon Curd

Making a fruit spread is a delicious way of preserving nature’s bounty and adding interest to meals. This technique of preservation results in a rich, smooth, melt-in-the-mouth lemony blend that is prized in the best year-round or holiday gift-giving tradition. There are many different ways you can make lemon curd. This recipe is easy and delicious and can be enjoyed spread on cakes or cookies, in pies or meringues and even as an ice cream topping. Recipe >>

It’s in Season Recipes: Lemons & Lemon Curd

Check out 12 creative ways to use lemon curd from Cooking Light >>

After eating your dark leafy green veggies, treat yourself to a Lemon Thumbprint Cookie >>

Health Tip:

The benfits of drinking Lemon Water >>

Get Involved! Volunteer Opportunities

There are Many Ways to Engage with Soil Born Farms

We are excited about the variety of volunteer opportunities that are available in 2017! Most of these will begin in February, so make sure you have subscribed to our monthly On the Horizon volunteer issue so you don’t miss upcoming dates and pre-registration.

Sign up to receive a monthly update with volunteer opportunities >>
Select the volunteer opportunities option or contact the office to subscribe: 916 363.9685.

Farewell Michele Ranieri

Wishing You All the Best

A note from Michele: I started at Soil Born as a second year apprentice six years ago and I became a Program Manager for the Edible City and the Greenhouse. I have had the chance to work with bright and excited apprentices, countless devoted volunteers, dedicated staff, resilient community leaders, and inspiring teachers. Being a part of the Soil Born community has changed my life in so many ways. I want to thank everyone for the opportunity to touch your lives and hope that you all continue to grow and deepen your connection food, health, and the environment. Good news! Michele will be teaching classes at Soil Born Farms this year.

On the Horizon Thanksgiving 2016

Happy Thanksgiving from Soil Born Farms

We are filled with gratitude!

I give thanks daily for the continued energy, wisdom, passion and strength to be a force of healing and health for this world. It is a true blessing to wake up each morning and know that I have the opportunity daily to help improve the lives of my family, friends and neighbors through our work at Soil Born Farms. ~ Shawn Harrison, Founder & Co-Director

I am grateful for my dedicated Year Round Garden Team volunteers because they make my week brighter and accomplish so much at the farm. ~Michele Ranieri, Greenhouse & Edible City Manager

I am grateful for 2 things: I can ride my bike to the farm and that I get to work with a dedicated staff passionate about creating and supporting this amazing place for the community. ~ Andrea Jaggers, Operations Manager

I am thankful that I get to share the delightful wonders of growing food with so many students – in hopes of empowering, encouraging, and supporting them on the way! ~ Brit Schneider, Youth Education Coordinator

I am grateful for to be surrounded by colleagues who are committed to creating positive change in our community, who have found a way to make a difference in the world around them. ~ Melanie Choy, Programs Manager

I am grateful for the strong women who have inspired me in my personal life and professional life to be strong, stay strong and persevere through small and big challenges. ~ Clara Villalobos Andino, Farmer Education Manager

I am grateful to work for an organization who is making a significant impact improving lives and health in our community by increasing awareness of the importance of connecting food, health and the environment. ~ Liz Shahbazian, Development Manager

I am grateful knowing that many of the youth that visit here will grow up eating fresh food because the seeds they sowed and watch grow in the youth garden also grew in their hearts. ~ Daniel Montelbetti, Youth Education & Operations Assistant

I am grateful for a workplace that provides a caring and compassionate place to grow, both professionally and personally. Also, I really love that we use Quickbooks. ~Callie Urner, Financial Manager

I am grateful for the changing of seasons and the calm, crisp morning air it brings to the farm. ~ Nicole Carpenter, Admin Assistant

I  am grateful that I get to share the magic of this work with young people and their families; the wonders of the natural world, the power of community, the gratification of growing good food and the joy of the harvest. ~Alyssa Kassner, Roots & Wings Youth Education Coordinator

I  am grateful to be around so many kind, genuine people and for the ongoing opportunity to grow and contribute within this organization. ~Rebecca Le, Communications Coordinator

I am grateful for the opportunities to be greeted by sunrises, hungry pigs and dew soaked pastures. ~ Scott Dunbar, Ranch Coordinator

When I see homeless, hungry people or hear of children saving part of their school lunch to eat for dinner my heart breaks. It makes me grateful to spend my days working to help provide healthy food for those who need it most in our community and for all of my blessings. ~ Janet Zeller, Founder & Co Director

I am grateful to have had the opportunity to strengthen my connection and involvement to this farm and it’s role in our communities food system. It’s something I can control. ~ Tyler Stowers, Farm Manager

I am thankful that each day I get to experience our school gardens through a child’s eye with all their creative observations and incredible excitement. ~ Shannon Hardwicke, School Gardens Manager

I am grateful that our Adult Education Program offers a breadth of core gardening, cooking, herbal studies, animal husbandry and nature classes at low, affordable prices to encourage everyone in our community to participate in a sustainable local food system. ~ Adriana Jones, Adult Education Coordinator

There will be a new addition to our family this winter and I am especially thankful and grateful for friends and family. ~ Elle Huftill- Balzer, Farm Manager

I have so much gratitude for our farmers, work traders and volunteers that provide our community with healthy, fresh, seasonal produce! ~ Michelle Sikora, Kitchen & Nutrition Coordinator

I feel very grateful to get to do such meaningful work with Sacramento area communities while working day-to-day with the amazing team at Soil Born Farms! ~ Dominic Allamano, Edible City Manager

Please Support Our Fundraising Drive Today!

Help Us Reduce Hunger and Improve Health for Those in Need

Your gift will sustain Soil Born Farms and advance our shared vision. Working together we are building a healthy, just and vibrant community where all can thrive. Little by little, step by step, we will create the change we wish to see in the world. Your tax-deductible gifts will be matched. Thank you!

Some of our accomplishments this year:

64,000 lbs. of produce grown and harvested for families in need.

96,780 plants were seeded in our greenhouse.

800 families shopped at our Farmstand and tasted over 70 recipes.

3,486 Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) boxes were packed.

Harvest Sacramento Branching Out

Supporting School Gardens for an Edible City

On November 5, we joined 130 volunteers and our partners at the Sacramento Tree Foundation for a Neighborwoods in South Sac tree planting event at Samuel Kennedy Elementary School. We planted 38 new shade trees on campus and rebuilt their school garden. In the coming months we’ll plant more shade, fruit and evergreen trees at the homes of the kids and in the neighborhoods around the school. More planting events to be announced soon.

We are offering more volunteer trainings to expand our team of urban food foresters, with a harvest group leader training on Dec 10, plus a winter fruit tree care workshop with Leo Buc from Common Vision on Dec 3. Citrus Season 2017 events begin with a 1/7 harvest event hosted by the Colonial Heights Library, our annual MLK Day 1/16 afternoon citrus event with Edible Sac High, and weekly citrus events continuing into early spring. Look for event dates and details on our our website and our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages.

For more information or to get involved with Harvest Sacramento’s programs, contact Edible City Coordinator Dominic Allamano.

Winter Classes at the American River Ranch

Let Us Inspire You! Pre-Registration Required

View complete schedule of classes, events, instructor info and registration >>

Herbs for Healthy Digestion

Saturday, December 3 • 9am to 12pm

Registration >>

Fruit Tree Care

Saturday, December 3 • 12:30 to 4:30pm

Registration >>

Succulent Wreath Workshop

Wednesday, December 7 • 6 to 8pm

Registration >>

The Art of Home Cooking: Condiments–Homemade Gifts!

Wednesday, December 14 • 6 to 8pm

Herbs for the New Year

Wednesday, January 4 • 6 to 7:30pm • FREE

Pre-registration is required to reserve a seat.

Save the Date

A Garden in Every School Symposium

Saturday, February 25 & Sunday, February 26 • Luther Burbank High School

Early Bird registration opens November 28. More information >>

Let’s Get a Garden in Every School by 2020

Become a Symposium Sponsor and Change Lives

Are you interested in positively impacting youth in our community? Do you want to help children by strengthening their connection with health, education and the environment? We need your financial support as we bring together educators, community leaders, garden designers and others to strengthen the school garden movement in our region. Contact Liz Shahbazian or Janet Zeller.

Get Involved! Volunteer Opportunities

There are Many Ways to Engage with Soil Born Farms

Enjoy Winter at Your Community Farm and Volunteer!

Sign up to receive a monthly update with volunteer opportunities >>
Select the volunteer opportunities option or contact Rebecca Le, 916 363.9685 x1006.

Vote for Soil Born Farms!

SBF is Finalist in the YelpFoundation Gives Local Grant Contest

Funds from the YelpFoundation would help us install a new walk-in cooler so we can grow and store more food to feed more families. Visit yfgiveslocal.org to cast your vote once per day from November 29 to December 9. No personal donation is required to participate. We appreciate your support!

Eat Your Veggies: Seasonal Side Dishes

Roasted Squash with Caramelized Onions & Cranberry Preserves

Roasted squash represents the heart of cold weather meals, caramelized onions add a wonderful sweetness, and fresh rosemary and cranberry sauce dress everything up for the holidays. This is an easy delicious side dish that complements anything from a weekday family dinner to a special holiday celebration

Roasted Squash with Caramelized Onions Recipe >>

On the Horizon Harvest 2016

Preparing for a Season of Abundance

Trainings, Tree Plantings & Gleaning Opportunities Ahead

Join us for exciting volunteer opportunities with our edible city programs. On November 5, we’ll be joining our partners at the Sacramento Tree Foundation for a Neighborwoods tree planting event in South Sac at Samuel Kennedy Elementary School. Registration >>

We are also offering a series of volunteer trainings to expand our team of urban food foresters with tree harvest group leader trainings on Oct 29 and Dec 10 and a winter fruit tree care workshop with Leo Buc from Common Vision on Dec 3.

Fall also offers pomegranate and persimmon gleaning opportunities with our with neighborhood gleaning groups. Look for event dates and details on our our website and our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages.

For more information or to get involved with Harvest Sacramento’s programs, contact Edible City Coordinator Dominic Allamano.

Autumn Classes at the American River Ranch

Let Us Inspire You! Pre-Registration Required

View complete schedule of classes, events, instructor info and registration >>

Featured Class:

community nightSucculent Terrarium Workshop

Wednesday, November 2 • 6 to 8pm

Learn about the tiny world of terrariums and design your own sweet garden of wonder in a beautiful hanging glass globe. Create a sustainable healthy little ecosystem with succulents, moss, pebbles and miniature embellishments. There will be a demonstration and hands-on help. You will take home one finished glass globe gleaming with succulents and treasures. Instructor: Pamela Marentis, The Succulent Marketplace

Registration >>

Introduction to Urban Backyard Beekeeping

Saturday, October 29 • 12 to 3pm

Registration >>

Improve Your Environmental Footprint by Gardening with Native Plants

Saturday, November 5 • 1 to 4pm

Registration >>

The Art of Home Cooking: Braise It!

Wednesday, November 9 • 6 to 8pm

Registration >>

Basics of Herbal Medicine

Wednesday, November 16 • 5:30 to 8:30pm

Registration >>

The Wonders of Fungi and Mushrooms

Saturday, November 19 • 1 to 4pm

Registration >>

Herbs for Healthy Digestion

Saturday, December 3 • 9am to 12pm

Registration >>

Fruit Tree Care

Saturday, December 3 • 12:30 to 4:30pm

Registration >>

American River Ranch Farmstand

Open Every Saturday 8am to 12:30pm through Nov. 19

Taste and purchase fresh-from-the-field seasonal produce and enjoy organic coffee and delicious Magpie Café baked goods. Learn how to prepare seasonal vegetables in simple and delicious ways at our Eat Your Veggies demo. We have a unique selection of practical gifts, flowers, succulents, gourmet mushrooms and herbs.

We encourage you to bike or walk to the ranch, bring your shopping bag, and take a self-guided tour around the farm. Cash, credit card and EBT accepted. More info >>

Farm & Ranch Manager Apprenticeship Program

Submit Your ApplicationToday

For the past decade, Soil Born Farms has run its own apprenticeship program for beginner farmers in the region and trained over 50 people. This year we have partnered up with a few organizations to create the Farm and Ranch Manager Apprenticeship Program. The Farm and Ranch Manager Apprenticeship Program is a collaboration between the Center for Land-Based Learning, Soil Born Farms, the Department of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) and Los Rios Community College District. The goal of this apprenticeship program is to equip beginning farmers with sufficient training, work experience, and business management skills to obtain a secure management position with established farms, or be successful at starting and sustaining their own small farm businesses. The program consists of 3,000 hours of paid on the job training and 220 hours of classroom and course work. More information >>

Eat Your Veggies: International Year of Pulses

Include Some of the Planet’s Most Nutritious Food on Your Plate

Diet is an important contributor to health and to disease. Most countries face nutritional problems, from undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies to obesity and diet-related diseases (such as type II diabetes and certain types of cancer), or a mix of these.

Pulses are a nutrient-rich food that, as part of a healthy diet can help fight malnutrition in both developed and developing countries.
The 68th UN General Assembly declared 2016 the International Year of Pulses (IYP). The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has been nominated to facilitate the implementation of the Year in collaboration with Governments, relevant organizations, non-governmental organizations and all other relevant stakeholders.
The IYP 2016 aims to heighten public awareness of the nutritional benefits of pulses as part of sustainable food production aimed towards food security and nutrition. The Year will create a unique opportunity to encourage connections throughout the food chain that would better utilize pulse-based proteins, further global production of pulses, better utilize crop rotations and address the challenges in the trade of pulses.

Learn More:

Check out this great 4 minute video:
A Journey Around the World with Pulses >>

Tips for Getting Kids to Eat Pulses >>

Health Benefits of Pulses Infographic >>

Warm Up with a Black Bean Soup Recipe by Chef Rick Mahan

Congratulations to our good friend Rick and his wonderful staff at The Waterboy on their 20th Anniversary! Black Bean Soup Recipe >>

Get Involved! Volunteer Opportunities

There are Many Ways to Engage with Soil Born Farms

Enjoy Autumn at Your Community Farm and Volunteer!

Sign up to receive a monthly update with volunteer opportunities >>
Select the volunteer opportunities option or contact Rebecca Le, 916 363.9685 x1006.

General Volunteer Work/Learn Day

Saturday, November 5 • 9:30am to 12:30pm

Come out to the farm for a work/learn day. Projects vary, come prepared to have fun and get your hands dirty. Enjoy lunch with our staff for $5. Advance registration required. Sign up >>

Growing Together School Garden Initiative

Do you share our passion for helping young people learn about healthy food and the environment? We have received a tremendous response to our school garden program. We need volunteers who are comfortable working with kids in grades K-6 who are able to make a regular commitment of at least 3 hours once a week. Volunteers will make it possible for our team to get more classes into the garden at several schools. You will be deeply rewarded as you see students inspired and transformed in these dynamic learning spaces. Contact Shannon Hardwicke >>

Save the Date

A Garden in Every School Symposium

Saturday, February 25 & Sunday, February 26 • Luther Burbank High School

More information >>

We Are Getting a New Tractor!

Generous Supporters Help Us Change Lives and Improve Health

Thanks to our generous supporters including County Supervisors Phil Serna, Patrick Kennedy, Roberta MacGlashan and Don Nottoli, we were able to raise $30,000 in less than two weeks to purchase a reliable, new tractor! We are excited and overwhelmed with gratitude. At Soil Born Farms, a tractor is more than just a piece of farm equipment; it is a vehicle to help us change lives. With our land in production soon increasing by 100%, a new tractor will allow us to improve the health of our community by:

• Getting food to those who need it most

• Restoring our historical property
• Training more farmers

Support Soil Born Farms

Invest in the Possibilities

We need YOUR help to grow more food, feed more people, educate more children and families and change our world for the better. Please make a generous donation during our Harvest Fundraising Drive before Dec. 31 and your tax deductible gift will be matched. Thank you!

On the Horizon Late Summer 9-16

Fall Gardening Clinic & Organic Plant Sale

Saturday, September 3 • 8am to 3pm

Roots & Wings logoPlant Sale: Fill your fall and winter garden with seasonal vegetables, flowers, medicinal and culinary herbs, drought tolerant ornamental and edible perennials.

11:30am to 1:30pm Green Plate Special: Join the crew for a healthy vegetarian lunch prepared by our culinary arts team. $7 donation. Reserve your plate at the Welcome Tent, first-come, first-served.

FREE Gardening Clinic: Learn from Soil Born Farms’ knowledgeable staff and community educators about fall and winter garden planning. Discover the role of cover crops in building healthy soil, learn the basics of landscape design, create a plan for a fall and winter orchard and take home garden seeds and other valuable resources. Registration for classes will occur at the event on a first-come, first-served basis. Spaces will be limited for each class, so arrive early and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, a scone and the beauty of the historic American River Ranch while you wait for your class to start. View the event flyer for schedule of activities >>  More info, call (916) 363-9685 or email Michele >>

14th Annual Fundraiser
Autumn Equinox Celebration

Saturday, Sept. 17 • 4:30 to 8:30pm • American River Ranch • $75

Get your tickets today for an evening at the historic American River Ranch located on the American River Parkway in Rancho Cordova. Stroll around the farm and gardens and enjoy live music by Mind X Quartet and Jimbo, Johnnie and Junior. Sample seasonal and organic food prepared by prominent local chefs and taste exceptional wine and beer selections. Don’t miss this traditional farm-to-fork event. Celebrate the harvest season under the stars.

Purchase Tickets >>

No tickets will be available at the door. Proceeds benefit Soil Born Farms 501(c)(3).

Check out the great lineup for this year! >>

SPONSOR

Sac food Coop logo

UNDERWRITERS

Wells Fargo • Dave & Maxine Clark Family • Fred & Betsy Weiland • Western Health Advantage • Vaneli’s Handcrafted Coffee • Citi • Genovese Burford & Brothers • Raney Planning & Management Inc. • Hanson McClain Advisors • Murphy Austin Adams Schoenfeld LLP • DesCor Builders • Heise and Alpha • The Niello Company • River City Bank • Sacramento County Dept. of County Parks • A Healthy Kitchen • Inside Publications • Bank of America • City of Rancho Cordova

Donate a raffle prize: Contact Melanie >>

Rent the Schoolhouse

A Rustic Option for Meetings and Corporate Retreats

Looking for a unique location to host a business meeting, training or planning retreat? The American River Ranch offers a beautiful, rustic alternative to conference rooms or hotels. Our Schoolhouse is available on weekdays. Customized rentals can include: farm tours, outdoor spaces, catering, cooking demos, hands-on activities and classes. Sorry no private parties or weddings at this time. For more information about fees and availability, contact Adriana >> Fees benefit community education programs.

Empowerment for Young Women

After School Program Begins September 14

Roots & Wings logoThis after school program offers an opportunity for young women ages 14 through 18 to engage with the outdoor world and deepen their connection to themselves, their health, their environment and each other. Activities include: gardening • cooking and eating together • health and nutrition • medicinal, edible and traditional uses of plants • wild harvesting for food and medicine • wild crafted art • exploring the American River Parkway• learning about Native People of California.

Held on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, September 14, 2016 to June 14, 2017 from 3:30 to 5:30pm. Register >>  Scholarships are available, contact Alyssa >>

Herbal Studies at Soil Born Farms

Family Herbalist Course Early Bird Price Ends September 8

Learn the basics of Western Herbology while integrating it with the systems of Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese medicine. This six-month beginners course will include medicine-making, plant ID, how to treat acute ailments, use of tonic herbs and food for strengthening vitality, as well as how to harvest local herbs for medicine. You will learn about your own constitutional needs and ways to balance yourself for better health and well-being. This program will include herb walks around the farm and the American River. There will be lots of tasting, smelling and hands-on experience with Rev. Candis Cantin, Integrative Herbalist, Counselor & Teacher. Saturdays: October 8, November 12, December 10, January 14, February 11, March 11. All classes will be held at the American River Ranch. Early Bird Registration: $475. After 9/8, Regular Price: $525. Register today >>

Summer Classes at the American River Ranch

Let Us Inspire You! Pre-Registration Required

View complete schedule of classes, events, instructor info and registration >>

Featured Classes:

Bird Walk with Cliff Hawley

Saturday, August 27 • 8 to 10am

Registration >>

Cooking Out of the CSA Box

Wednesday, August 31 • 6 to 7pm

Registration >>

Growing Medicinal & Culinary Herbs

Wednesday, September 7 • 5:30 to 8:30pm

Registration >>

Flower Arranging for the Home Gardener

Saturday, September 10 • 9:30am to 12:30pm

Registration >>

Get Involved! Volunteer Opportunities

There are Many Ways to Engage with Soil Born Farms

Enjoy Summer at Your Community Farm and Volunteer!

Sign up to receive a monthly update with volunteer opportunities >>
Select the volunteer opportunities option or contact Rebecca Le, 916 363.9685 x1006.

Help Us Build An Herb Garden

Saturday, September 10 • 9:30am to 12:30pm

We are working on five new herb garden spaces (including one labyrinth) and we need some help! Come on out and get your hands dirty with us and learn how to start an herb garden. Sign up >>

Help Us Prepare for our Autumn Equinox Celebration

Wednesdays, August 31, September 7 and 14 • 9:30am to 12:30pm

Our largest fundraising event has moved to the American River Ranch and we need some help getting it ready! Come out and help us with the transformation. Sign up >>

Autumn Equinox Celebration: Volunteer at the Event

Saturday, September 17 • 12 to 10pm

Various volunteer shifts will be available. If you are interested, contact Andrea >>

Eat Your Veggies: Garden to Pantry

Preservation Tip: Roasted Peppers

Try this remarkably easy way to preserve the delicious sweet taste of fresh roasted red peppers. These peppers are a wonderful addition to sauces, soups and stews and can also be added to sandwiches, pizza, antipasto platters and salads.

8 red bell peppers
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup sherry vinegar
Kosher salt
2 sterilized pint jars

1. Roast your peppers, turning from time to time so that all skins char and blacken. When the skins are mostly blackened, place peppers in a paper bag and roll the bag to seal in the steam and let them sit for 20 to 40 minutes.

2. Once the peppers are cool enough to handle, take them out of the bag one at a time and remove the skins, stem and seeds. Do not run under water. Once each pepper is cleaned, place it in a bowl. Prepare all the peppers before proceeding.

3. Pour some vinegar in a shallow bowl or small casserole dish. Dredge each pepper in the vinegar a few times to get nice and coated. Place these peppers in another bowl. Repeat until all the peppers are done.

4. Sprinkle the bowl of peppers with salt. Gently mix the peppers together with your hands. Sprinkle with a little more salt and repeat. Sprinkle a little salt with the pepper juice (the original bowl).

5. Pour in enough vinegar to cover the bottom of each pint jar. Pack in the peppers, leaving 1 to 2 inches of space at the top. Use a butter knife or a chopstick to run down the inside of the jar releasing any air bubbles. If you notice the level of liquid dropped below the peppers, add some of the salted pepper juice until right at the top of the level of peppers, but leave some room at the top of the jar.

6. Pour in olive oil on top of everything to a depth of 1/4-inch. Screw on the lids. Peppers will last up to a year in the refrigerator, although they will soften over time.

Recipe source >>

It’s in Season Recipe: Preserved Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

View recipe >>

Sign Up for Our CSA Program

Soil Born Farms Certified Organic Produce

Reconnect with the land, know your farmers and participate directly in a local food system. In addition, you provide valuable support for innovative education programs, food access initiatives and the development of a local community farm and education center. We still have a few Spring/Summer shares available. We are offering a proration for the remaining number of weeks. Early bird registration for our Fall/Winter season will be available starting on Mon. September 12. More info >>

We count on your generous support to continue our work and service to the community. Please consider donating today. Thank you!