A Mayor with vision wants you!

Calling all sustainable foodies! Mayor Nutter is working to jumpstart the economy and create more equitable neighborhoods by advancing a more sustainable food system in Philadelphia. To implement his vision, Mayor Nutter is establishing a Food Policy Advisory Council to guide the city in meeting the goals outlined in Greenworks Philadelphia for improved accessibility to local, affordable and nutritious food.

Members of the council will represent diverse sectors of the food and agricultural industry, community group leaders interested in sustainable and fresh food systems, and members from related City departments. Community members interested in serving can submit a cover letter and resume to Patrick Morgan of the Department of Parks and Recreation by Monday, June 28. For questions, please call 215-683-3652.

Canoe Trip!

This coming Sunday June 27th from 12-3, is the Natural Land Trust's Manumuskin Creek Canoe Trip! Participants will see black-banded sunfish—the most common fish in this naturally acidic pond—and other cool aquatic life. Ike's Seafood is next to the put-in point, and is now open for business, so there will be an opportunity to stop by after...wards for a bite. Water trips usually last between 2.5 and 4 hours.

Great nature activity for the family!

The best way to register is by emailing eisenhauer@natlands.org. For more information and to download the mandatory release form, click below.

Upcoming Events. Natural Lands Trust. Land conservation in greater Philadelphia, eastern Pennsylvani

www.natlands.org

Composting around the world (and Chestnut Hill)

Last week I was in Guatemala visiting my soon to be adopted daughter. During my visit I experienced an earthquake, tropical storm and a nearby volcano erupted raining black sand all over Guatemala City--all in 4 days.
Needless to say, normal day to day goings on, slowed or just plain halted, including air travel. My flight out was grounded. So I did what any desperate tourist would do and hopped a bus to the next country. I got a flight from San Salvador, El Salvador after a 4 hour drive up and down mountains with very narrow windy roads. I tried to keep my eyes shut to stem the nausea and nearly missed the women carrying still feathered limp chickens, roosters roaming the road shoulders and horses sans cowboys.
But my absolute favorite part was not the Guatemalan sink hole to hell, the Pacaya Volcano's 5 mile lava spew or the mild earthquake that I actually felt. It was the composting trash can in the San Salvador airport. Located next to the recycling trash can was a composting can with colorful clear pictures of all the things that can be tossed in--banana peels, pizza crust, etc.
This developing nation with limited resources has made composting a priority in one of its busiest travel venues.
This prompted me to reflect on GRINCH's efforts in Chestnut Hill. Last July GRINCH hosted a composting seminar for Chestnut Hill business people and residents led by Philly Compost. At the time the only composters in the neighborhood that I knew of were Cosmic Catering and Earth Bread and Brewery.
Since last July several businesses have signed on with Philly Compost including The Wine Thief, The Chestnut Hill Farmer's Market, Night Kitchen Bakery, InFusion, Umbria, Jonathan's Best and Weavers Way Coop. Tavern on the Hill is slated to begin in July.
Progress.