Local Food Round Up: Fall Colors on the Trees - Greens at the Market and Apple Sauce!

9/12/2017

Josie Connell

Fall is a colorful time both on the trees and around the table - but for all the oranges and reds the dominant color at your farmers market is similar to what you'll find in early spring - green.

As the weather chills, kale, spinach, chard (above) and other greens find relief from the heat of summer and grow well. Our friends at Plow and Stars Farm run a year round CSA and have shared a guide to greens along with a pinterest page full of local food recipes for year-round enjoyment. Just don't click over there on an empty stomach.

Apple picking weather is also here. You can find great local orchards where you can make a day of picking your favorite variety. Pick a few extra and make a freezer full of applesauce to last you till spring - all in your crock pot! Your house will smell like fall all day.

Fall Brings Farm Inspired Art to Local Galleries

9/5/2017

Two opportunities to see art inspired by local food and the Ag Reserve

If we do not permit the earth to produce beauty and joy, it will in the end not produce food, either. ~ Joseph Wood Krutch

The Ag Reserve is preserved as a working landscape to benefit the entire region in a number of practical ways. The food it makes is meant to nourish people, the landscapes protected to filter the water and air. That being said - it is gorgeous. The beauty of both the land and the food that comes from it will be on display in two gallery shows this fall.

Countryside Artisans Farm to Gallery
Black Rock Center for the Arts
Sept. 16 - October 28
Opening Reception on September 17 2-4pm
This collection of rural Montgomery County artists has moved the Reserve to the gallery featuring pieces in textiles, fiber, stone, oils, watercolors, pastels, glass, wood, clay, stoneware, and porcelain.
This show will be up during our Royce Hanson Award Ceremony at Black Rock on October 22 where we celebrate David Scott Jr. and his family. Stay tuned for details.

"Foodies" A Juried Photo Exhibit ~ September 16-October 22
Glen Echo Photoworks
Reception and Gallery Talk: September 15 7-9pm
Calling all Gastronomes! Photoworks Gallery announces FOODIES, our Fall 2017 Photography Exhibition. Juried by Debra Moser (VisArts, Edible DC), this exhibit will highlight the good, the bad and the tasty of our cultural obsession with eating as a hobby.

Farm to Fork: The Farms Behind the Menu

8/28/2017

We are inviting our supporters to celebrate the Reserve with their palate at our first ever Farm to Fork benefit dinner on September 16.

Currently, we are working with our chefs, Brian Patterson, of L'Academie de Cuisine and Mark Mills, Chocolates & Tomatoes Farm to source as much as possible solely from Agricultural Reserve Farmers for your meal and you may be lucky enough to have one of the featured farmers at your table. Click over to see the menu.

We are working hard to source local ingredients because they tell the story of the Ag Reserve's importance. For example, the peach and concord grape chutney is made with concord grapes from our gracious hosts, Shepherd's Hey Farm and peaches from 5th Generation farmer Gene Kingsbury's carefully tended orchard. As chair of our Education Committee, Gene joyfully shares his lifetime of farm knowledge with students both in the classroom and on his farm to create the next generation of farm stewards.

Gene Kingsbury checks on the harvest at Kingsbury Orchard

Event Coordinator Ellen Letourneau collects grapes at Shepherd's Hey

The resulting peach chutney - perfect for slathering on local made bread or local meat

One of the evening's chefs, Mark Mills of Chocolates and Tomatoes Farm, is a graduate of the New Farm Pilot program in which MCA partnered with the County to train the next generation of Montgomery County's Farmers. Mark was a successful pastry chef until he decided to get closer to the ingredients. His exquisite confections now feature ingredients grown on land he has leased through our Land Link program.

Join us to find even more delicious local food connections and enjoy an amazing meal for a great cause.

Our Farm Partners:

Spokes Magazine: Bikes Heart Farmland

8/14/2017

Spokes Magazine did a gorgeous article on the importance of a working landscape to cyclists generally and the Ag Reserve specifically. Check out the article here.

And be sure to sign up to ride the Reserve with us on October 8!

Your Ag Reserve Summer Bucket List: 6 Things to do Before Fall

8/4/2017

Forget the Beach - Eat a Peach

When the calendar turns to August we are on the downhill toward September. This is the time that thoughts turn to new school outfits and a return to routine. But wait! There is time left to have uniquely summer adventures and you don't have to get out of town to do so. Wonder is waiting out your back door in Montgomery County's Ag Reserve.

1. Ice Cream, with a story

Of course Ice Cream is first on the list. Your local scoop shop has nothing on Woodbourne Creamery in Mt. Airy. The farm is a stop on the Maryland's Best Ice Cream trail. The farm boasts North America's first all robotic milking system for its pasture raised cows. Tour the creamery and grab a scoop of MoCo's finest ice cream! (they offer pick your own too, click Rock Hill Orchard below)

2. Pick your own ___ (or get pre-picked)

This is the time that local farms are harvesting many of your favorites. Tomatoes, peaches, blackberries, and soon apples and pumpkins. Make a day of it and visit your local pick your own or pre-picked farm. (A reminder that the seasonality of produce can rapidly change - always call or check social media before heading to a farm to be sure they have what you are looking for.)
Pick Your Owns (often offer pre-pick too):
Lewis Orchard, Butler's Orchard, Homestead Farm, Rock Hill Orchard, Water's Orchard (open in September 2017)
Pre-Pick: Kingsbury's Orchard

This photo gives us summer in the middle February.

3. Get your feet wet (in the Nation's River)

The Nation's River provides great recreation opportunities close by. Join an event with our friends Potomac Conservancy or Canoe Cruisers . We are working with Canoe Cruisers to find a solution to closures of 2 miles of river coast to coast while President Trump is golfing at his resort on the Virginia side.

4. Sips on the Farm

Montgomery County has a number of spots to drink local - often with food trucks and live music to round out your evening.

Rocklands Farm and Winery

Sugarloaf Mountain Winery

Waredaca Brewery

Brookeville Beer Farm

5. Celebrate the Harvest -Support MCA

Join us for the first ever Farm to Fork dinner on September 16. Celebrate with purpose and help protect the Beauty, Bounty and History of Montgomery County's Agricultural Reserve, while mingling with the farmers whose livelihood depends on its preservation and enjoying the carefully grown fruits of their labors. A bountiful banquet of locally sourced vegetables, meat, baked goods, fruit & libations ~ masterfully orchestrated by chef Brian Patterson of L'Academie De Cuisine. The venue is gorgeous Shepherd's Hey Farm at the foot of Sugarloaf Mountain.

6. Get ready for a Fall Classic- Ride the Rustic Roads with Us!

Join us for the 10th annual Ride for the Reserve bike tour October 8 - routes of 10-75 miles with farm stops and a picnic at Kingsbury's Orchard Join Us!

The Potomac Bridge on the Kojo Nnamdi Show

7/24/2017

This afternoon the Kojo Nnamdi show on WAMU took up the topic of the Potomac bridge project. (click here to listen) In attendance were Bob Buchanan a developer and member of the 2030 group, one of the main backers of the bridge and Stewart Schwartz, Executive Director of our partners at Coalition for Smarter Growth. Stewart revealed the lunacy of this project point by point and highlighted the immense personal financial stake Mr. Buchanan and his development partners have in building the sprawl that would come from this boondoggle.

Right out of the gate, Mr. Buchanan casually brushed aside concerns about the sprawl and again cited a poll that has been discredited in the media. The 2030 group had a polling firm call up 800 residents and ask them if the bridge is a good idea - no budget figure, no location - as you might imagine, most traffic weary residents said yes. Stewart Schwartz rightly called the poll's validity into question. What followed in the time remaining was a chorus of listeners (one being MoCo Council President Berliner who called in) on both sides of the river calling this project into question for its negative impact on communities, water, habitat, agriculture and its efficacy as a gridlock reducer in the first place. Our friends across the River at Piedmont Environmental Council have prepared a great list of 8 myths used to sell this zombie project yet again. For those wondering why this project is called the "zombie" bridge and why it gets re-animated so often, this is a great summary.

The bridge segment today was cut a bit short so the show could properly honor dearly departed DC broadcaster Jim Vance. There is much more discussion to be had and much, much more work to do. Join us won't you?

Read on for our favorite tweets and observations about the Kojo Show today:

@kojoshow Who's not concerned about sprawl? the person who has land interest in rural areas that seeks development #PotomacBridge
— MoCoAlliance (@MoCoAlliance) July 24, 2017

"It endangers several communities that plan to use and need clean water. That area has been designated as a Sole Source Aquifer:
The Potomac River, extending east almost as far as the Loudoun/Fairfax line, is included in the Poolesville Area Aquifer Extension of the Maryland Piedmont Aquifer. A sole source aquifer is an EPA designation that local community has applied for, and been granted."

Santa Claus and Tinker Bell poll well too. We need to back real solutions, not fantasy: https://t.co/GZLuNu72ff
— Roger Berliner (@RogerBerliner) July 24, 2017

This latest bridge proposal is not regionalism. It only serves to fracture us when we should be focusing on real congestion relief: https://t.co/9q6vOFEfhL
— Roger Berliner (@RogerBerliner) July 24, 2017

@kojoshow caller from #Loudoun - "the developers want this bridge not us" #PotomacBridge
— MoCoAlliance (@MoCoAlliance) July 24, 2017

Comments Needed ~the Nation's River: 2 miles subject to permanent closure

7/20/2017

Susan Petro - Riley's Lock

Update: The Coast Guard is working with local paddling clubs to find ways for the MD side of the river to be open. Thanks to all for their comments on this issue to the Coast Guard. See Post Coverage here.
The US Coast has issued a final interim rule that allows the full width of the Potomac River (and access at highly popular Riley's Lock in Montgomery County) and a length of two miles to be closed at any time due to use of Trump National Golf Course in Sterling, VA. See our comments below. As our partners at Canoe Cruisers Association have said, "This is clearly a case of overkill."

Action Needed: A Terrible Idea Gets New Life: The Zombie Potomac Bridge Rises Again UPDATE

7/19/2017

Update (8/28): What are the proposed routes for the highway? There are a whole, whole lot of them:

click to see this map larger

Update:
7/19 saw a meeting of the Transportation Planning Board (TBP) of the regional Council of Governments. One of the 10 items being considered for study between now and December when the board will make decisions based on said studies is ----yes --- a re-re-re-study of the Potomac Bridge. Along with our partner Stewart Schwartz from Coalition for Smarter Growth, our own ED Caroline Taylor was there to provide testimony cautioning the board to not look at transportation in a vacuum - this project would impact land use, the Ag Reserve and particularly water resources - the federally designated Piedmont Sole Source Aquifer and the fact that the proposed connection point would be just upstream from the WSSC intake.

Board member and MoCo Councilmember Elrich attempted to float an amendment to remove the Bridge from the list of other reasonable projects the Board was voting to study - many of them transit oriented and proven to reduce gridlock. The amendment failed to get enough votes, the Bridge will be studied, for the 4th time. To be fair, a number of votes in favor of yet another bridge study are not in favor of the bridge being built.

The bottom line: The TBP has only until December to study and report on all of these 10 projects at which time they will vote to move ahead with some of them. We are concerned that there is not enough time to make this a comprehensive study, the kind of solid investigation that has shown time and again that this bridge will not objectively ease, and may even exacerbate current gridlock. See the map below for all the different routes that have been studied over the years.

There is much work to do on this, we give thanks to those who have written in comments so far. Please sharpen your pencils, stay tuned and if you have not already done so- please become a member of MCA with your tax deductible donation.

Local Food Round-Up: July

7/2/2017

by Kristina Bostick

Field and Fiddle 2017 Wrap-Up

6/26/2017

Thanks to all who made it out to Field and Fiddle this year - we once again had great weather and great company.
Thanks to our musicians: Barry Louis Polisar, Jokgu and her Flockstars (follow her hollywood journey on America's Got Talent), Medley District, and Justin Trawick and the Common Good (Justin plays all over the area - find him live here)

Thanks to our food vendors: Cipolla Rossa Pizza, 3rd Alarm BBQ, and everyone who baked for the bake sale.

Local libations came thanks to Rocklands Farm and Winery and Waredaca Brewery and hibiscus tea from Lady Farmer

Thanks to our Equestrian demonstrators
Molly Xanthopoulos, resident trainer at Wyndham Oaks and her magnificent horse Vega
Kathy Curtis and fabulous friesian Jimi
Sarah Phelps and Company from Great Falls Vaulters

Sound by indefatigable Folk Festival wizards Van Mertz and friends Dwain, Bob, Bill and Betty
Volunteers too numerous to mention but to whom we are deeply indebted. (Join them, won't you - contact Ellen@mocoalliance.org)

We have lots of great upcoming events - find those here.

Farm to Fork Dinner ~ September 16

5/24/2017

Join us for a very special benefit dinner at this exquisite farm in the shadow of Sugarloaf Mountain.
Meet and celebrate your local farmers while dining on their carefully grown foods prepared by Chef Brian Patterson of L'Academie de Cuisine. You’ll enjoy a cooking demonstration, locally made wine and beer pairings, and take a sneak peek at the new cookbook
Bread & Beauty: A Year in the Life of Montgomery County’s Agricultural Reserve

Learn More

Put-Up Party: Canning Workshop ~ August 5

5/23/2017

Pssttt... we sent our current members and sustainers a discount code for this event by email on 5/24. Didn't get it? Check your spam, still can't find it- contact Kristina @Mocoalliance.org

Plein Air Painting Workshop ~ July 8

5/23/2017

See James' List of recommended equipment here.

Pssttt... we sent our current members and sustainers a discount code for this event by email on 5/24. Didn't get it? Check your spam, still can't find it- contact Kristina @Mocoalliance.org

Field & Fiddle Spotlight: Barry Louis Polisar

5/16/2017

We are honored to have Barry headline this year. He is a 40 year legend in the kids music business and will be bringing his heartfelt but irreverent songs to the Field & Fiddle stage on June 24th.

If you are not familiar with Barry's odes to boogers and dislike of asparagus that's a real shame. You may also know him from the song "All I Want is You" - an award winning tune from the "Juno" soundtrack. The Post did an excellent profile some years back.

Field & Fiddle is a annual festival and fundraiser for Montgomery Countryside Alliance. Held this year on a farm in Boyds. MD, June 24.
Barry Louis Polisar is joined on stage by Jokgu the Chicken and the Flockstars and last years great time Justin Trawick and the Common Good.

Get Tickets!

Field & Fiddle Spotlight: Jokgu and the Flockstars

5/16/2017

Watch this chicken play "America the Beautiful" on piano and try not to feel things.

Jokgu is a resident of Germantown and thanks to You Tube, a sensation worldwide for her ability to play piano. She has been trained to peck each key as it lights up by her handlers at the Two Creative Chicks farm.
Jokgu took her show to Hollywood and performed live on Jimmy Kimmel- the audience singing along was priceless.

Jokgu and her poultry backing band The Flockstars will join us to perform live at Field and Fiddle June 25.
Also performing, kids music legend and Emmy awarded musician for "All I Want is You" from the Film Juno, Barry Louis Polisar and last year's fantastic headliner, Justin Trawick.

Get Tickets!

Protecting Regional Water Resources: Now More Than Ever

4/25/2017

Dry spring soil at Mckee Beshers - 2012

Update:
Fail to Plan, Plan to Fail
Did you know that the DC region is currently operating without a regional water supply plan?
The Little Seneca Reservoir and many other water projects were built as part of a 50-year plan for water supply to the DC metro area, a plan which expired in 2010. We need a water supply plan for the next 50 years that considers diminishing water supplies in the context of an increasing urban population as well as the increasing severity of droughts. Read on for how climate change makes the need for careful planning even more dire. On our 2017 work plan is a collaborative effort to push for a plan for our precious water resources for the next 50 years and beyond. Help us make that happen with your gift today.

What effect will climate change have on the Washington region’s water resources?

According to the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin – Plenty.

Their report indicates that by 2040 climate change could cut stream flows by as much as 35% on an annual average.Science should inform the region’s planning and goals of resource protection.

AP Coverage

Some more resources about our coming water crisis:

How Maryland is adapting its drinking water plans to climate change
Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin Climate Change Fact Sheet
EPA Addressing Climate Change in the Water Sector
A Case Study: The City of Frederick's plan for addressing Climate Change Impacts on Watersheds
Water Storage:
Evaluation of Travilah Quarry for Water Supply Storage (Phase 1)
(Final Report)
The Journal of the American Water Resources Association- "Benefits of Water Supply Forecasting in the Washington, DC area.
Montgomery County Park and Planning Water Resources Functional Plan (May 2010)

October 8 - Ride for the Reserve is Back!

4/5/2017

Join us for the Fall Bike Tour!

As summer winds down and the fragrance of ripening apples fills the air, you’ll know it’s time for the Montgomery County Farm Tour by Bike, our region’s beloved tour of Montgomery County’s Agricultural Reserve. Please save October 8th for our local fall favorite.

Taking a break at Rocklands Farm

Seven scenic routes of varying mileage, with a NEW shorter family friendly loop, delightful, fully stocked stops at Dickerson Market, Rocklands Farm and more, followed by the sumptuous gourmet picnic at Kingsbury’s Orchard. After an enjoyable ride around Montgomery County's countryside, you'll relax with friends, listen to great music and celebrate our cherished Ag Reserve. (Check out last year's fun).
In keeping with tradition, volunteers will deliver apples, preserves and fresh meat that you purchase from Kingsbury’s Orchard and Rocklands Farm back to your cars. Come ride with us!

MCA really needs volunteers to make this popular event work and we can offer SSL hours for students. Contact Ellen@Mocoalliance.org to sign up!

Event Information:
When: Sunday October 8, 2017
Ride start: Poolesville Golf Course, 16601 W Willard Rd, Poolesville, MD 20837
Routes: approximately 6 (loop), 18, 26, 28, 40, 59 and 75
More information to come.

Your event hosts:
Event Chair & Founder, Denise Cohen, The Kingsburys, the Glenns of Rocklands Farm and Montgomery Countryside Alliance.

A Great Time to Become a Sustainer

3/27/2017

We are about to unleash a bunch of 2017 perks for our sustainers - make sure you are one of them!

The first crops are being planted now but protection of the Ag Reserve (like farming itself) is a year-round job. May we humbly suggest our Sustainer program - a way to support the Ag Reserve all year round through automatic monthly gifts in any amount. New sustainer Susan Pollack writes-

"I hate to see the farmland and open spaces around the DC area being developed. The Ag Reserve is crucial, but somehow had dropped out of my consciousness."

Please join Susan and many others in supporting MCA. Gifts are automatic, easy, secure and protect local farms all year round while you do other things.

2017 Legislative Season

3/24/2017

Protecting our water and food supply, public health, providing greater economic opportunity/benefits for farmers - a number of well aimed bills in Annapolis, in addition to a recently passed provision for urban farming tax credits in Montgomery County, should make residents proud. The session is not over but for several key bills there is reason for optimism.

Farmer Profile: The Savage Farm

3/21/2017

R.B. Savage & Sons Farm
23035 Mt. Ephraim Road
Dickerson, Maryland
(301) 370-7111 / (301) 370-6442
Facebook

Where's the Beef???

The answer is that you don’t have to look very far in the Agricultural Reserve to find good suppliers of fresh beef. One such farm is located in Dickerson, Maryland, where Bruce and Sandy Savage manage the R.B Savage & Sons Farm together with their three sons - Cody, Cory and Colin. The Savage family’s roots run deep both on their farm and in the Ag Reserve. Together, they manage about 1,000 acres farmland, including property on their home farm and acreage rented from other landowners in the area.

<<Previous

Forward>>

News