Kitsap Community & Agricultural Alliance

Subject: The Real Dirt on Farmer John
- An epic tale of a Maverick Midwestern Farmer

Join us for a story about farming you will not want to miss! Journey with Farmer John as he tells of the experiences he encounters as he evolves into the successful farmer he is today. It tells of him being an outcast in his community as he bravely stands amidst a failing economy, vicious rumors, and violence. Follow his journey as it takes you to some off-the-wall places but leads you to the creation of Angelic Organics CSA Farms. Community Supported Agriculture programs are thought to be the revolution and resurrection of farming in America.

This is a powerful story of transformation. You will laugh and you will cry. Travel a path that similar farmers have followed in order to survive changing times.

As shown on PBS and other media, this award winning DVD about the creation of Angelic Organics CSA Farms was given 3½ stars by Roger Ebert, and a strong green light by folks protecting our environment.

Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Location: Norm Dicks Government Center Auditorium
345 6th Street, Bremerton, WA
360-779-6523
Cost: Free of charge

ALSO, SAVE THE DATE:
JOEL SALATIN IS COMING!

Wednesday, June 4
(Note the change from our regular day of week), 2008

Joel Salatin of Polyface Farm -Known as the "Christian-libertarian-environmentalist-lunatic farmer" and the subject of the book The Omnivore's Dilemma, Salatin will share his experience in managing and growing an environmentally sustainable farm - Polyface Farm located in Swoope, VA

Do not miss this!

Time/Location: Olympic College in Bremerton; 6:00 - 8:30 pm.

KCAA is selecting topics for future monthly meetings. We will be collaborating with other organizations such as Sustainable Kitsap, WSU, Conservation groups, and others.

“Saving The Land That Sustains Us: Part II”
Featuring Don Stuart
Pacific Northwest States Director
American Farmland Trust

Tuesday, April 1, 2008
7:00 to 9:00 pm
Norm Dicks Center
345 6th Street, Bremerton
Information: 360-779-6523

In January, we heard this prolific speaker and well known authority tell us why careful planning of the agricultural lands in our state and our county is important.
We all have a role in this planning: consumers, producers, business, government and civic leaders.
Now Mr. Stuart will return to tell us how to take the next step to work together to preserve farmland for future generations.

Don Stuart currently serves as Pacific Northwest States
Director for American Farmland Trust. A graduate of
both Washington State University and the University of
Washington, he joined the American Farmland Trust in
2000 after spending three years as Executive Director
with the Washington Association of Conservation Districts. http://www.farmland.org

May 6, 2008 meeting: “The Real Dirt on Farmer John”
An award winning DVD about the creation of Angelic Organics
CSA Farm. This is a touching story of a farm’s evolution to success.

On June 4, Wednesday, KCAA helps bring Joel Salatin to Olympic College!
Michael Pollen writes about this dynamic speaker in his book, the Omnivore’s Dilemma. Stay tuned for more information on this event!

Monthly Meeting - Tuesday, March 4, 2008.

Jim Trainer, Community Forester and Arborist
TREEMENDUOUS TREES:
Life-saving, Money-saving,
Nature-saving Tips!

Community Forester and Arborist, Jim Trainer, will be sharing tree-care and tree-safety essentials for anyone who has, works with, cares about, or ever walks under trees. The same trees, that can be neglected and blown over on houses and the people in them, provide the oxygen factory that processes the excess human-generated carbon dioxide that endangers nature and us. Homeowners and agencies could save loads of trouble and money by learning from this dedicated professional who knows how to prevent and take care of tree diseases, tree removal, and other related services. Under-estimating the value of a downed tree can be an expensive mistake. Sometimes they are quite valuable. It is wise to consult a certified arborist before a tree is hauled away at a high cost or designated for firewood.

"Forest Trails & Critter Tales", a locally made DVD, will be viewed and it will delight all ages. Trainer's eyes have seen many animals that populate our surrounding forest, and they shine with fire as he tells exciting face-to-face contacts with the bears, cougars, and other critters that depend upon our care of trees.

Date: Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Location: Norm Dicks Government Center Auditorium
345 6th Street, Bremerton, WA
360-779-6523

Cost: Free of charge

KCAA is pleased to host Monty Mahan, Executive Director and Sarah Garitone, Program Manager, of the Pierce (County) Conservation District. Monty and Sarah will share programs they have implemented in Pierce County to assist local agriculture.

The Pierce Conservation District has been a lead agency in retaining local family farms and high quality agricultural soils in Pierce County since 1948. Recent work in close coordination with Pierce County government and the Pierce County WSU Extension has focused upon regulatory reform and marketing assistance to keep local family farms profitable.