Friends of Monday Creek Meeting - Tonight!

Calling all environmental enthusiasts, AMD afficianados, and local citizens! The Monday Creek Restoration Project will be holding a Friends of Monday Creek meeting tonight at 6:00pm at the Monday Creek Office in New Straitsville.

With the US Army Corps of Engineers, the US Forest Service, and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources currently partnering with Monday Creek you've got plenty of catching up to do on water quality projects and with the new faces of Monday Creek's two new Americorps you've got some great people to meet as well!

Bring any kind of dish for the potluck dinner and join the conversation about the great work currently being done in the watershed and help navigate the future of your Monday Creek. It promises to be an evening to satisfy the mind and the stomach so don't miss out!

The Monday Creek Office can be found at 115 W. Main St. in historic downtown New Straitsville (map).

Contact Sarah Drerup for more information at sarahd@ruralaction.org or call 740-394-2047.

New Documentary "Coal Country" Showing at Ohio University This Friday

The Rural Action Energy Committee is helping to host a free showing of the insightful new documentary "Coal Country" to help raise awareness of the film and the challenges faced in modern coal mining communities. The screening will take place next Friday, November 13th, 7:00 PM at the OU Baker Center Theater (second floor).

Several groups, including the Sierra Student Coalition, the Appalachian Sierra Club Group, OU Office of Sustainability and Rural Action Energy Committee have been organizing to bring this important film to our area.

“Coal Country” is a dramatic look at modern coal mining. We get to know working miners along with activists battling coal companies in Appalachia. We hear from miners and coal company officials, concerned about jobs and the economy, who believe they are acting responsibly in bringing power to the American people and those who decry certain modern mining practices as criminal. Both sides in this conflict claim that history is on their side and often caught in the middle are families who have lived in the region for generations, most with ancestors who worked in the mines.

Everyone shares a deep love for the land, but MTR (Mountain Top Removal mining which has leveled over 500 Appalachian mountains) is tearing them apart. We need to understand the meaning behind promises of “cheap energy” and “clean coal.” Are they achievable? At what cost? Are there alternatives to our energy future?

To find out more about "Coal Country" visit the documentary website at: http://www.coalcountrythemovie.com/

For more details on the free screening this Friday visit the Rural Action events site here.

If you have questions or for additional information contact Loraine McCosker for more information at mccosker@ohio.edu

Come out to see this important film and join a conversation that will determine the future of Appalachia. We hope to see you there.

New Local Youth Group in New Straitsville Organizing a Veteran's Day Celebration

The recently formed New Straitsville Challenge Youth Group is an organization formed to help both children and adults find a sense of value and good morals by cleaning up their community. In The Challenge Group is putting on a Veterans Day Celebration on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at 4:30 pm.

The celebration will include a parade beginning at the New Straitsville Post Office at 4:30pm and ending at the New Straitsville Veterans Memorial. The celebration will also include the raising of the flags, a speech by prosecuting attorney Joe Flautt, and presentations by local area youth.

Due to parade preparations, please do not park in the Post Office Parking Lot. Parking will be available adjacent to the park and at Dunkle Hall.

Please plan to attend the celebration to support the newly formed Youth Challenge Group. This group is the beginning of a lot of future projects to improve the town of New Straitsville for future generations.

For any questions or concerns please contact Joe Maroon at: (740) 394-2720

Farm Transition Talk This Monday In Athens

(The Rural Rambler just received the following announcement from the sponsors for this event)

Meredith Fox, the Northeast Ohio Farm Link Coordinator, will speak on Monday, November 9th at 7:30 pm at the Athens Community Center. Her presentation will cover the major issues surrounding farm transition. Existing farmers, beginning farmers, and those interested in land protection are encouraged to attend. The talk is open to the public. Refreshments will follow the talk. If you wish, please bring a snack
item to share.

Transferring a farm from one generation to the next, whether the parties are related or not, is about more than farmer training. It’s about preserving land for posterity. Beginning farmers need land to farm. On the flip side of this coin there are existing farmers wanting to conserve their land for these new farmers. Both sides are needed in order to have a successful food system and beautiful working landscapes in the future. Farm Link programs work to support both existing and beginning farmers and to preserve farmland.

Farm transition is a major issue facing agricultural producers as the general population ages and new farmers lack training and capital to take over existing farm businesses. Farm Link programs around the county assist with these problems by providing databases of available land, volunteer opportunities, loan programs, production classes, and access to planning resources for business, estate, and succession. These programs are in high demand as the cost of land can be highly
prohibitive for new farmers trying to start their own operations, and many older farmers want to see their land stay in agricultural use but have no heirs interested in farming. Ms. Fox will discuss these resources during her presentation.

This event is sponsored by the Athens Conservancy, the Athens Chapter of the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association, and the Appalachia Ohio Alliance. Farm Link connects farmers and land in Northeast Ohio. It is a program of the Countryside Conservancy. The Countryside Conservancy works to support community-based food and farming systems in Northeast Ohio.

For more information on this event, contact Donna Goodman at 594-3309 or visit ohiofoodshed.org.

Huff Run Water Bottles - Now On Sale!

Have you ever said to yourself, "I'd love to support my local watershed, but I'm so thirsty...what should I do?" Well the answer is here Rambler Readers, thanks to Maureen, Mel, and the whole Huff Run crew. These stylish (and BPA free) bottles announce your committment to responsible hydration and the restoration of our natural streams. Find out more, including how to get yours, below.

Holding 25oz of your beverage of choice and including a handy matching blue carabineer, these bottles are road ready. With a three tone color scheme; the bottom is royal blue emblazoned with the orange Huff Run logo, the middle is a black rubber gripping area and the top is silver aluminum, they are light weight and 100% recyclable.

Perhaps most importantly, profits from water bottles will support unfunded needs for the Huff Run office, namely the 2010 gas and electric bills!

Now that you're sold, it couldn't be easier to get your own Huff Run Water Bottle. Buy one securely and quickly through PayPal at the Huff Run Website using your PayPal Account or any credit card.

Checks are also accepted and although it is preferred that you pick up the bottle at the Huff Run Office (or make arrangements to meet a staff member) although you can also pay $2.50 for shipping and we'll be glad to send one out to you.

Thank you for your support and don't forget to hoist one for Huff Run!

Ora E. Anderson: The Soul of the Woods

When people think about our nation's great naturalists they often mention the likes of John Muir and Audubon. In Southeastern Ohio, however, you'll just as often find yourself talking about the life and times of Ora E. Anderson. Sometimes referred to as "The Thoreau of the Appalachian Woods", this amazing man spent his life roaming and working to restore our beautiful Ohio hills. A new book and DVD set chronicle the life and writings of Ora like never before and are set for release this November.

Ora E. Anderson: The Soul of the Woods is a packaged DVD and booklet of Anderson's writings that trace the growth of the conservation movement in Ohio. Anderson was a participant in and an eyewitness to that movement as a young newspaper editor in Jackson, Ohio. He covered the Civilian Conservation Corps efforts in the 1930s to remake worn out farmland into the Wayne National Forest and later, as a landowner himself, he restored his own Athens County farm. For him, it was a lifelong passion.

The Soul of the Woods is produced by Jean Andrews and Steve Fetsch of Ohio Landscape Productions. Their 2005 documentary about Anderson, A Forest Returns, won nine different awards. This new project, a DVD and illustrated booklet of prose, captures Anderson's love of nature and his thoughts on the subject.

"There are some people who do more than live on the land. There are some who shape it, mold it to conform to some ideal in their minds." "Ora Anderson," says naturalist Julie Zickefoose in her introduction to the booklet of prose, "preferred woodcocks to lawnmowers. He liked water and marsh; he liked edges and coves and small private nooks; he liked vistas and forests and the smell of sassafras leaves. And what he liked, he created. He was an artist of habitats, a planter of trees, a maker of places for the winged and scaled, the jointed and furred."

In the video, Anderson walks his farm and talks about the changes he has seen over the past 50 years, following the evolution from farmland, to a young woodland, to a mature forest. Throughout the video quotes from Anderson's writings on conservation, watercolors by artist Barbara Sheriff Kostohryz, and music by Bruce Dalzell punctuate the story of the conservation movement with moments of grace and beauty. "Where would be we be without forests?" Anderson asks. This film reminds us of the role that nature plays - or should play, in our lives.

"Ora Anderson had the soul of a poet. But his poetry was not merely in his writing, it was in every piece of wood he carved, every parcel of land he saved and nurtured, and in every person whose life he touched," says Bill Thompson III, editor of Bird Watcher's Digest. "While we no longer have Ora to talk to, to walk beside, and to laugh with, we still have his incredible vision, his remarkable life story, and his boundless joy for nature. All of these wonderful things are included in "The Soul of the Woods."

The Soul of the Woods DVD and illustrated booklet of prose will go on sale November 21st. All proceeds from the sale go to the Ora E Anderson Conservation Fund for Appalachian Ohio. To order a copy online visit Ohio Landscape Productions website: http://www.ohiolandscape.org/09Soul.html.

Rural Action Annual November Breakfast - This Friday!

Muffins and philanthropy once again collide this Friday at Rural Action's biggest fundraiser of the year, the Annual November Breakfast!

This year's fundraiser is from 8:00-9:00am on Friday, November 6th and will be held at the Athens Community Center at 701 E. State St. in Athens. As usual, we will try to make it a very punctual event as many folks have to head to work afterwards, though with full stomachs at least.

The menu this year is slated to include quiche prepared by Sara DeAloia from the Eclipse Company Town and baked goods courtesy of Matt Rapposelli from Ohio University.

Emceed by John Kotowski, the morning's program accompanying the meal will consist of a short speech from Rural Action Director Michelle Decker and live testimonials local residents Wave Snyder, Matt Rapposelli, and Angie Starline. There will also be the premier of a short video by regional filmmaker Sara Peach entitled: Southeast Ohio Stories.

This breakfast is held each year to recognize the members of Rural Action's Multiple Year Giving Society as they renew their pledge of support to Rural Action while providing an opportunity for newcomers to join the Giving Society, which helps make Rural Action's funding, and future, more sustainable.

Anyone interested in attending the breakfast, please contact Jordan Vincent at 740-767-4938 or jordan@ruralaction.org.

Sustainable Agriculture Update: Big Chesterhill News and More!

Harvest time may be over, but for Rural Action's Sustainable Agriculture program that only means trading parsnips for paperwork as preparations for next year's growing season begin in earnest. The headliner being the Chesterhill Produce Auction and it's future as a part of Rural Action. Acronyms ahoy in this latest update from Sustainable Ag on all the great (and delicious) work being done to bring locally grown food to your table.

As we enjoy the end of this year's Chesterhill Produce Auction (CPA) and prepare to finalize it's purchase by Rural Action, we're very enthusiastic about the future of this incredible community resource. The CPA was quite successful this year, with an approximate 10% increase over last year's sales and a significant increase in vendor participation as well.

A new development will see the Spring debut of a refrigerated truck (see below) recently purchased to assist in the distribution of food from the CPA and which will also be available for rental by local farmers and others.

Purchased from AVI Food Systems Inc., Bob Fedyski acquired a Ford F450 diesel reefer truck which, being diesel, will permit the exploration of the use of renewable fuels like bio diesel and grease, which opens up the potential for barter of, at least partial, delivery/rental fees.

Americorps volunteer, Rose Roe, has been hard at work identifying and quantifying existing CPA customers for a report being written for the Central Appalachian Commission (CAC). Rose has also been finishing up work she has been doing for the Appalachian Staple Foods Collaborative (ASFC).

Tom Redfern, Sustainable Ag's fearless and intrepid leader, while directing all Ag. efforts, has been simultaneously getting more investors together for the CPA, working with the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), Central Appalachian Commission (CAN), and organizing for all next year's work, including the Innovative Farmers of Ohio (IFO) conference to be held in Athens, March 2010.

Bob has also been working on the Athens Food Policy Council, representing Rural Action Sustainable Agriculture., with representatives of ACEnet, Community Food Initiatives (CFI), the ASFC, local farmers, and community members.

To find out more about any of these initiatives contact Rural Action Sustainable Agriculture at 740-767-4938 and to keep up with the latest in local food how you can eat with the seasons, don't forget to check out the Ohio Foodshed Website!

Chesterhill's New Distribution Truck
Look for it Next Spring!

Leading Creek Watershed: Live and In Person

As one of Rural Action's partner watersheds, Leading Creek was fortunate to receive an Americorps volunteer over the next year as a part of our new Watershed Americorps Program. Under the leadership of watershed coordinator Raina Fulks, Karla Sanders has wasted no time making the most out of her service year by rolling out two substantial initiatives in working toward greater outreach and reclamation in the communities of Leading Creek.

The first initiative is the creation of the Leading Creek Citizens Committee (LCCC), a group of involved community members with an eye toward lasting stewardship and increased citizen interaction with both the Leading Creek Watershed and their neighbors.

Regular meetings are already being held and positive feedback from both local citizens and the media is quickly making the LCCC a group to watch!

And "how do I watch them?" I hear you asking, well the answer can be found in Karla's other new project, the creation of the Leading Creek Watershed's very own website.

In these times a digital presence is vital in reaching people across the community and around the world. The new website can be found as a part of the Meigs Soil and Water Conservation District site and, though still under construction, is already packed to the rafters with news and information about the work being done in the Leading Creek Watershed.

Swing by to learn more about the LCCC, the geography and issues in Leading Creek, upcoming watershed events, or just to drop Karla a line with comments or questions.

Leading Creek is living up to it's name, check them out and join the movement!

Annual Ginseng Seed Sale Underway - Get Yours Before It's Gone!

Rural Action's Sustainable Forestry Department has received a substantial delivery of ginseng seeds for it's annual sale, and though growing your own ginseng is sustainable, this sale is not! Quantities are limited, contact Tanner Filyaw to find out how you can purchase seeds to grow your own ancient cure-all and enjoy the financial and health benefits of farming this incredible natural remedy. For information on ginseng cultivation and pricing see the figures provided below and for information on availability contact Rural Action today!

Ordering:
Orders will be accepted through early Fall. To place an order, call Tanner at 740-767-4938 or email tanner@ruralaction.org.

Payment:
Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit card (Visa or Mastercard). Payment must be received prior to processing and shipment of your order. All orders will require an additional $11 shipping fee for next day delivery. Pick up also available.

Delivery:
Orders will be shipped in time for fall planting. We will notify you via email or phone on the day of shipping so you will know when to expect your package. Sorry no P.O. Box deliveries.

Stratified American Ginseng Seeds
Bulk quantities Members Non-members
5 pounds $70/lb. $80/lb.
10 pounds $65/lb. $75/lb.
20 or more pounds $65/lb. $70/lb.

Small quantities Members Non-members
½ pound $45 $55
1 pound $75 $85

“Hobby” quantities Members & Non-Members
¼ pound $25

The harvesting of American ginseng root has been an important historical, economic and cultural tradition for many Ohio families dating back for generations. American ginseng was one of Ohio’s first export crops, harvested in great quantities by early settlers, hunters, trappers, and land surveyors during the late 1700’s, well before Ohio had even been granted statehood. As a result of the economic potential the ginseng trade flourished and wild populations began to diminish. Entrepreneurs seized this opportunity and began experimenting with commercially cultivating roots in order to maximize profits, while decreasing their foraging costs.

Today, American ginseng remains a highly desired commodity, and is still exported in large quantities to China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. Though diminished, a tradition of wild harvesting has continued over the last 200 + years and as a result wild populations of American ginseng have become very scarce, often sparsely scattered over hundreds of acres. In response to this shortage, modern harvesters and landowners have taken a page from history and are again practicing “wild-simulated” cultivation, using modern agricultural concepts to create a more sustainable and profitable alternative to wild harvesting than ever before..

Rural Action’s Sustainable Forestry Program has been working with landowners and growers for the last 10 years to further the practice of wild-simulated cultivation, which consists of simply mimicking the natural seeding and growing conditions of wild ginseng plants, producing a root that is virtually indistinguishable from a truly wild root. With this method, seeds are purchased from a commercial/cultivated source and planted on the grower’s own property, eliminating potentially wasted time and effort often associated with the search for wild root. This sustainable approach protects declining wild ginseng populations while simultaneously increasing yields and profit potential.

Since 1999 Rural Action’s Sustainable Forestry Program has been promoting wild-simulated ginseng cultivation as a viable forest income strategy providing hundreds of growers and forest landowners with start-up assistance, consultation, and seeds for planting. Over the years Rural Action Forestry’s Annual Planting Stock Program has distributed approximately 1,050 lbs. of American ginseng seed to growers in Ohio and throughout the Appalachian region. After harvest, this seed could potentially generate $1 million dollars in revenue for growers as well as state and regional economies.

There is still time for anyone to participate in the 2009 Planting Stock Program and write your own chapter in American Ginseng’s history. To find out more about wild-simulated ginseng cultivation, including purchasing ginseng seeds for fall planting, contact Tanner Filyaw at 740-767-4938, or by email at tanner@ruralaction.org for your free consultation.