{"id":183,"date":"2017-01-21T21:38:55","date_gmt":"2017-01-21T21:38:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.crossroads-farm.org\/?p=183"},"modified":"2017-01-21T21:38:55","modified_gmt":"2017-01-21T21:38:55","slug":"farm-update-01212017","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/blog.crossroads-farm.org\/index.php\/2017\/01\/21\/farm-update-01212017\/","title":{"rendered":"Farm Update 01\/21\/2017"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Ground Hog Day February 2<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

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It’s that time of year already when we find out if winter will be short or long. \u00a0The annual Malverne Goundhog Day ceremony takes place at 7:00 AM at the gazebo in Malverne (by the train station). Please join us at the farm afterwards when we will be serving a light breakfast from 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM. \u00a0It’s a great chance to visit with neighbors and chat with our field manager, Stephanie. \u00a0All are welcome.<\/p>\n

Let us know if you can make it.<\/div>\n

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Education News<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n

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Our program is growing. \u00a0Many hundreds of children will visit the farm in the coming year and we are developing school-location programs with districts in Malverne, Garden City, and Levittown. \u00a0Stay tuned for more announcements in subsequent newsletters.<\/p>\n

Levittown Schools Project: A Partnership Begins<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n

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The Nassau Land Trust has forged a partnership with the Levittown School system to promote an active program of agriculture and education. \u00a0The first phase centers around revitalization of and upgrades to their year-round greenhouse at the Abbey Lane administration center. \u00a0Here Crossroads farmer Stephanie Kane and farmhand David Gambino are working with science teacher Kevin McDermott to fill new beds with top soil and Crossroads organic compost. \u00a0(Many thanks as always to The New York Equestrian Center<\/a> as our partner in compost production.) \u00a0The operation will serve as a living class room throughout the year.<\/p>\n

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Next up will be outfitting the building with an automated irrigation system, designed by farm staff in consultation with Kevin (pictured above at center). \u00a0The food produced in the program will be used by the vocational culinary program at the school as well as in the school cafeterias.<\/p>\n

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Winter Growing<\/strong><\/div>\n

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The weather outside is frightful — but we are seeing green. \u00a0A carpet of green winter rye is growing in lot 2 (above) and elsewhere on the farm. \u00a0This cover crop will get turned-in come spring, thus adding organic bio-mass to the soil web. \u00a0In the meantime, it stabilizes the soil structure and hinders erosion and run-off. \u00a0And inside our year-round hoop house, lettuce and other crops are flourishing with the solar heating effect (below). \u00a0This building will be full of tomatoes in just a few months.<\/p>\n

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New Kitchen Building<\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n

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The blueprints are off the drawing board and are approved and we are ready to build! The farm will have a new warming kitchen and rest room building in 2017 — with your help.<\/p>\n

We still need to raise some funds.<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is a great way to make a difference with a financial contribution to something tangible and permanent. \u00a0This structure will upgrade our physical plant and will allow us to host catered affairs, do light food and meal prep for the store and events, provide the modern conveniences for staff and visitors, and more.<\/p>\n

Click the link below to help us build in 2017!\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

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You can also mail a check to the Nassau Land Trust, 2417 Jericho Turnpike, Garden City Park, NY 11040. \u00a0All contributions are 100% tax deductible. \u00a0The NLT is a New York State 501(c)(3) non-profit. \u00a0We receive no public money for running the farm and must therefore raise all funds necessary for operations and capital improvements. \u00a0Our break-even annual operating budget is about $250,000.<\/p>\n

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The NOFA Winter Conference<\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n

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Stephanie is at the NOFA winter conference<\/a>\u00a0in Saratoga Springs! \u00a0As a scholarship participant, she is pressed into service as a volunteer. \u00a0But more importantly, she is attending workshops and rubbing shoulders with farmers from all over the northeast region. \u00a0And we thought winter was a time to relax!<\/p>\n

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Spring is a cumin in! \u00a0Well, the song says summer, but we have spring on the mind.<\/p>\n

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Want to get involved? \u00a0Want to make a difference at the farm and in your community? \u00a0We have a vibrant and well organized volunteer program. \u00a0Maybe this is the year for you to get get your hands in the dirt and to help sustain this unique and exciting project. \u00a0Without volunteers, we couldn’t get all the work done. \u00a0We are truly a community effort!<\/p>\n

Click below for more information and to sign up. \u00a0Join us at our first volunteer orientation in 2017 on April 8th at 11 AM.<\/p>\n

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And welcome back all of our veteran volunteers! \u00a0Feel free to join us that day to help us welcome the new volunteers.<\/p>\n

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We Are Hiring!<\/span><\/div>\n

We are now accepting applications for store manager to start in the spring. \u00a0For more information about this exciting and challenging full-time job, please click here<\/a>. \u00a0Please do not call us about this job. \u00a0All applications must be by email<\/a> with a resume attached.<\/p>\n

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Attention Landscapers and Home Gardeners: We Have Compost!<\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n

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We produce high-quality organic compost at Crossroads Farm in conjuction with the New York Equestrian Center.<\/p>\n

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We have large volumes available at very competitive pricing. \u00a0Please email us for more information.<\/p>\n

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Support Crossroads Farm and Purchase Your 2017 CSA Booklets Today!<\/b><\/p>\n

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Support your local farm by providing revenue before the next growing season. This revenue goes towards the purchase of soil, seeds, and other farming supplies.<\/p>\n

Here’s how Crossroads Farm Consumer Supported Agriculture (CSA) works:<\/span><\/p>\n