Rural Routes at WEIR'S LANE LAVENDER FARM

We spent our sold out July's Rural Routes at Weir's Lane Lavender Farm and Apiary.  What a treat! 

Farmer Kevin (in the multi-coloured shirt) toured us around their lovely farm that is located just outside of Dundas.

Despite the severe thunderstorm in the night before, they were still willing to host us despite having lost power. Luckily, despite the strong winds, they did not lose any trees.

Weir's Lane is also an apiary.  At their farm, they have 15 hives with approximately 20,000 bees in each hive.  Over the winter, they lost 7 hives.  Kevin believes this is due to a pesticide that the bees are being exposed to as they are collecting and pollinating.  They cleaned out the dead bees, burned them in case of disease and had to start over again this season.  So the 7 hives will not be producing honey this year. 

On a happier note, Weir's Lane is part of a pollination initative through the Hamilton-Halton Watershed Stewardship (HHWS) where the farm has  invested land, time and soil to a pollinator's project.  They are growing plants like Black Eye Susans in their area to encourage pollinators to do their thing.  As the project rolls out, grades 6-7's will be invited to the farm to learn about the importance of pollinators.

We were treated to lavender infused honey samples and lavender infused lemonade - it was such a lovely way to end the tour on such a warm day!

Thank you to all the participants who came and asked great questions, thanks to Kevin for his time and to his team for letting us take over their farm.
Special thanks to Smart Commute Hamilton for their continued support.  

The Hamilton Farm Map & Directory is Back! At each library branch across Hamilton!

Rural Routes heads to Murphy's Country Produce in Binbrook

Thanks to support from Hamilton Community Foundation and in partnership with Neighbour to Neighbour Centre,  Rural Routes went to Murphy's Country Produce in Binbrook to pick strawberries!

Thankfully, the rainy, rainy weather in the days leading up to Sat. July 6th, held off and we are were able to pick strawberries, beans and peas.

Participants were excited to bring the berries home to make into jam or freeze them for smoothies.  It was a treat for a number of the children (and some of the adults :) who have never picked fruit before.

We have to thank farmers, Brian and his daughter Megan who welcomed us to their farm with open arms, answered our numerous questions and took very good care of us!

Special thanks to our funder, Hamilton Community Foundation and to Neighbour to Neighbour Centre for partnering with us!

Find your local farmers' market

The growing season has begun in Ontario so make sure to support your local farmers.
 
Here is 2013's list of our local farmers' markets:

Ancaster Farmers' Market START DATE: Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Every Wednesday until October 16th, from 3pm to 7pm
272 Wilson Street East, Ancaster.
Contact Market Managers: Joanne Turnell at 289-239-7828 info@ancasterfarmersmarket.com
Re-establishing a 200 year old tradition, the Ancaster Farmers Market will be back for its fifth year in the Heritage Village Core.
www.ancasterfarmersmarket.com

Binbrook Farmers' Market -  START DATE: Saturday June 15th, 2013 Open Saturday Mornings from 8am to Noon in 2013, rain or shine, starting mid June until Labour Day weekend at the Binbrook Fairgrounds.
The Binbrook Farmers Market is a community meeting place for residents to purchase local fresh food products.  It is a place for the local farmers to inform the new residents of our community what produce are available and to promote their own farms.
bfm@binbrookfair.org
Contact Market Manager, Kylene at: 905-692-3543
twitter.com/BinbrookFarmers
www.binbrookfair.org/bfm

Burlington Mall Farmers Market - START DATE: Already active
The Market is Open from May to October
Wed.  8 - 2       Fri. 8 - 4       Sat. 8 - 2
The market is located in the Burlington Mall parking lot, on the Prospect Street side of the mall, south of the Zellers Store.
Freshest Available Produce
Come see our fresh produce, baking, cheeses, meats, eggs, plants, flowers, healthy prepared foods and Smiles!! 
This market has been running for 50 years now.
burlington.mall.farmers.market@gmail.com
www.burlingtonmallfarmersmarket.com

Dundas Farmers' Market  - START DATE: Thursday June 6, 2013
and continuing every Thursday from 3pm to 7pm through October 24, 2013 A showcase of local food.  A city parking lot transformed into a market offering local veg, fruit, honey, maple syrup, dairy, baking, breads, preserves, lamb, chicken and prepared local foods. Great atmosphere with community spirit.
The Dundas Farmer’s Market is conveniently located in Municipal Parking Lot 7D at Hatt Street and Miller’s Lane
Contact Market Manager, Lisa for more information: 905 975-9968.
http://www.downtowndundas.ca/dundas-farmers-market.php

Grimsby Farmers' Market START DATE: Thursday May 23rd, 2013
Every Thursday to October 10, 2013 from 3pm to 7pm
Main Street between Christie and Ontario Street, Grimsby, ON
Our market was established in 2008 in response to a growing demand by the residents of Grimsby to enjoy the freshness of local products from the Niagara Region.
Contact Market Manager, Michelle Seaborn at: 905-945-7963
mseaborn@silmaril.on.ca
www.grimsbyfarmersmarket.ca/index.cfm

Hamilton Farmers' Market (downtown) START DATE: year-long, indoor
Open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, please check website for hours.
35 York Blvd. Hamilton.
New this year: a seasonal outdoor market Saturdays from June 8 to November 2, 2013, 7am-3pm.
Events and cooking programs include:
Free Saturday Morning Programs: Kids in the Kitchen & Market Fresh Cooking Demonstration
Cooking classes and educational demonstrations
905-546-2096
farmersmarket@hamilton.ca
www.hamilton.ca/CultureandRecreation/Arts_Culture_And_Museums/HamiltonFarmersMarket

Hamilton Mountain Farmers' Market START DATE: Saturday May 31st, 2013
Every Saturday until late October.  From 3pm-7pm.  Sacred Heart Church Parking Lot, 19 Viewpoint Ave, Hamilton.
Selling of locally grown food and food products.
Contact Market Manager, Chuck at: 905-383-3280
During the growing season, the Mountain News will list all the produce available each market day.
Go to www.hamiltonnews.com and search Hamilton Mountain Farmers' Market.

Locke Street Farmer's Market START DATE:  Saturday June 15th, 2013
The market has changed to Saturdays and will be from 9am-1pm until mid October.
Starting June 15th, the market is offering delivery!
The Local Basket will be delivering goods from local farmers (at this point most from the Locke Street Farmers' Market plus a couple of others) directly to people's door/porch by bike. Order online.
We are a growing market with lots of heart!
Find us on facebook!  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Locke-Street-Farmers-Market/201207083224748
lsfm.wordpress.com

McMaster Farm Stand  START DATE: Wednesday June 19th, 2013
The Farmstand operates on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11:30 AM - 4:30 PM.
We are located in front of the University Hall’s Nina de Villier’s garden in the middle of campus.
Mac Farmstand is an initiative coordinated by the McMaster Students Union, in partnership with McMaster Sustainability and McMaster Hospitality Services. We are McMaster’s Farmers’ Market!
Contact Karin Gordon at farmstand@msu.mcmaster.ca
https://www.msumcmaster.ca/services-directory/15-mac-farmstand

Ottawa Street Farmers' Market START DATE: Year round (Hamilton's only year long outdoor market)
204 Ottawa St. North.  Saturdays from 7am-3pm all year.  From our field to your table whats at market: grower/producers, a wide variety of fruits and vegetables that were picked the night before or morning of market.  Delicious baked goods and other added value items such as coffee and we have lots of food trucks that come for a visit too!
Contact Elisha, Market Manager at: info@OttawaStreetFarmers.com
www.ottawastreetfarmers.com

Hamilton's Newest Farmers' Market!
West Hamilton Farmers' Market (Olive & Kiwi Fine Foods) START DATE: Friday, May 31st, 2013
567 Scenic Drive, Hamilton.  Fridays from 3pm-7pm.  Check us out on facebook!
www.facebook.com/Olive.and.Kiwi

***Please note, while we did our best to be as accurate as possible, please check with your market for hours and dates.***

"THE GOOD STUFF" is here -- come and get it!

FREE EDUCATIONAL COOKING DEMONSTRATIONS

A message from

The Hamilton Good Food Box Network!

We'll be presenting our next session of "THE GOOD STUFF: Cooking with the Good Food Box" soon!  Join us at The Nutrition Centre at Mission Services (195 Wentworth Street North) on Thursday May 23rd, from 1pm - 3pm as we demonstrate "The Awesomeness of Asparagus" and videotape our demos for broadcast on Cable 14.

There will be fun, cooking tips, special guests and samples of the food we're creating for you!  Please join us as the neighbourhood's residents, folks from across the city who would like to be part of the action and of course as fans of the show "Hamilton Life".

Admission is free but seats are limited.  Let us know when you get there if you would like to be part of our "on-camera" studio audience -- if not, there will be plenty of seats where you can still see all the action.  See you there!

For more information please contact us: goodfoodbox@environmenthamilton.org

Environment Hamilton presents….

Rural Routes for 2013!

Join us as we tour local farms and learn from local  producers that are growing and raising local foods and goods.

Schedule for 2013:

May's Trip:
On Sat. May 25th we are heading to Alpacas from Eighth and Mud to check out their annual shearing demonstrations.  
Other highlights include:
* This east end farm has enlisted the help of some weavers to demonstrate the art of weaving and hand spinning.  
* The 4H club will be showing off how Alpacas  can be led through obstacle courses.
* Plus! Gorilla Cheese will be there selling their tasty cheese sandwiches!

July's Trip:
Sat. July 20th - Weir's Lane Lavender and Apiary
 * they produce and sell around 100 different lavender and bee related products.  
* including a culinary line include many delights:  lavender chocolate, scones, shortbread, hot cider, lavender tea, lavender hot chocolate, honey from our hives and more!
* plus their very own creams, cleansers, shampoos and other items for your body and your house. And more!  NOTE: there is a beekeeping operation on site.  

Plus more trips in August and September!

Tickets: $8 for seniors
$10 for adults

Tickets will be available at Homegrown Hamilton (27 King William St.)  
Cash only.
Departure at 10:30am sharp at Homegrown Hamilton.  
Rain or Shine.

www.environmenthamilton.org 
For more information, contact Juby at: 905-549-0900 / email Juby at jlee@environmenthamilton.org

Special thanks to Smart Commute Hamilton and Homegrown Hamilton

Mustard Seed Gathering

Our friends at the Mustard Seed Coop Grocery Store asked us to post this:

Wow!

We are almost at 400 Members and half way to opening

The Mustard Seed Co-op – Hamilton’s first non-profit grocery store.

Come join us on

Sunday, March 3rd from 2:00-4:00pm at Hamilton’s Central Library.

Meet many of our Co-op members and hear how our amazing volunteers have been shaping OUR Co-op since the membership launch in November!

We’ll have delicious local treats, free draws, beautiful buttons, and our own Beet The System t-shirts for sale.

New schedule for the Ottawa Street Farmers' Market!

Ottawa Street Farmers Market has updated their schedule.  The market is open year round on Saturdays from 7am-3pm.  Check out Hamilton's only outdoor market that is open year round!

Locke Street Farmers' Market is looking for volunteers!

The Locke Street Farmers Market is growing and we are looking for key volunteers to be part of the organizing committee for 2013 and beyond.

Heading into its fourth year, the Locke St Market is made up of a small but growing number of vendors and we are looking for folks to help us with various tasks.
As a volunteer, you'll get to know some great local farmers, some of the fantastic local businesses and have an opportunity to see the behind-the-scenes action that make this market work.

Organizing Taste of Locke (a kick-off event for the market, we have local businesses offering appetizers featuring ingredients from the market)

Contact:  Russ, from Backyard Harvest / russohrt@yahoo.ca

FEBRUARY IS FARM MONTH Cooking Demonstrations @ The Hamilton Farmers’ Market Community Kitchen

Check out the schedule of local food cooking demonstrations below - all demos are open to the public, require no registration and are free of charge!

Demos take place Saturdays at 10am and noon!

FEB 2: “Cooking with The City” Demos – Inspirations from The Ontario Table

10am Meet the Community Food Security Stakeholder Committee (CFSSC) Chicken Thyme Pasta is a Hamilton-inspired recipe featured in Lynn Ogryzlo’s The Ontario Table – see how easy and tasty local fare can be!

Noon Cooking with Councillor Maria Pearson, Ward 10 Dessert anyone?  How about some Apple Sticky Toffee Pudding!!  Check out this localized twist on a great British classic!

*Both demonstrations will be presented by Karen Burson (a.k.a. The Eklectic Kitchen), Project Manager at Environment Hamilton for Hamilton Eat Local and The Good Food Box Network

FEB 9: Spotlight on Local Ingredients: after the harvest season, what do you eat?

10am “Cabbage is Cool!”  Come to this kid-friendly cooking demonstration to learn some fun facts about this underappreciated vegetable! Local cookbook author Karen McLaughlin will show you how to prepare a tasty slaw with cabbage, apples and carrots.

*With Karen McLaughlin, blogger and author of the budget-friendly “Cheap Appetit: The Complete Guide to Feeding Your Family for Less Than $400 a Month”

Noon "The Locavore in Winter"  How do you eat local when the fields have been frozen for months?  Hamilton Eat Local will show you how to localize it, even in the chilly month of February!

*With Karen Burson of Environment Hamilton and The Eklectic Kitchen

FEB 16: The Global-Local Kitchen: international flavours & local ingredients

Noon “Hamilton Eat Local’s International House of Pancakery”  Prepare for Pancake Day!  Using local ingredients you can create a world of flavours in your skillet.  Karen will demonstrate a couple of classics and show you a couple of surprising twists.

*With Karen Burson of Environment Hamilton and The Eklectic Kitchen

FEB 23: Exploring Ideas About Farming

10am “An Introduction to Food & Farming for Kids” What does a farm look like and what foods come from farms? Join Kelly for this very visual exploration of a "permaculture" setting showing how foods can come from the trees, shrubs, plants, flowers and animals on a farm.

*With Kelly McKinney, founder and operator of Hamilton’s amazing “Sprout Camp” for kids

Noon “The Lazy Locavore” In Winter  Tips and techniques to help bring local food to your table in a hurry!  See how shopping lists, planning ahead and making the most of what’s best in winter can help you save time, money and maybe even our planet!

*With Karen Burson of Environment Hamilton and The Eklectic Kitchen