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Langara’s Summer School on Building Sustainability

Jun 11th, 2011 by

Renew. Learn. Celebrate.
Learn skills, develop strategies, and create visions for sustainable communities, sustainable work, culture, ecology and more at Langara’s annual Summer School on Building Community, Saturday, June 11 to Saturday, June 18. (Registration details below).

Workshops related to gardening, food and urban agriculture include:

Two Block Diet: Creating Community and Growing More Food (Monday, June 13, 7 – 9 pm)

Strawberry City: Rebuilding Fractured Communities through Food Security(Tuesday, June 14, 9:30 am-4:30 pm)

Composting Made Easy (Tuesday, June 14, 5:30 – 6:30pm)

Soil Fertility and Plant Health (Tuesday, June 14, 7- 9pm)

Telling Stories through the Act of Gardening (Wednesday, June 15, 1-5pm)

Backyard Chickens 101 (Wednesday, June 15, 7-9pm)

Bees in the City: An Introduction to Backyard Beekeeping (Thursday, June 16, 9:30am-12:30pm)

Winter Gardening and Harvesting (Saturday, June 18, 9:30am – 4:30pm)

I look forward you to seeing you at our Summer School!

Leslie Kemp
Coordinator

Register:
Please register by calling 604.323.5322

Information:
Please contact Leslie Kemp at 604-323-5981/ lkemp@langara.bc.ca or visit ourSummer School website


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Sustainable SFU is Hiring

May 31st, 2011 by

Sustainable SFU is hiring!

Job Title: Sustainability Intern (Student Contract)

Job Duration: Contract 37.5-40 hours per week till August 27, 2010

Remuneration: $18.75 per hour

Sustainable SFU is a student-run campus group created to make real change on campus by giving strength to students’ vision for a sustainable institution. By clarifying and mobilizing student ideas, by engaging the SFU administration, and by building a relationship between the two, we will promote the environmental, social, and economic sustainability of SFU.


Sustainable SFU is hiring a full-time student Sustainability Intern for the summer semester. The intern will work 37.5-40 hours per week depending on the start date of the student, with a pay rate of $18.75 per hour. The student will work closely with Sustainable SFU’s Executive Director on a variety of exciting projects with a range of areas covered. The student intern’s tasks will include but are not limited to:

  • Assisting the Executive Director in researching and planning a sustainability plan for students at SFU.
  • Assisting in the development of “sustainability ambassador” training programs for student in residence, including Area Coordinators, community leaders, and any interested students living in residence
  • Assist in the planning and preparation of Sustainability Festival
  • Researching examples of ethical and sustainable purchasing policies and ethical investment policies
  • Researching best practices of community and market gardens at universities in North America
  • Developing promotion material for Sustainable SFU and its Local Food Project, including marketing for the SFU Pocket Market
  • Engaging in volunteer recruiting and helping organize volunteers during Sustainable SFU events.

This position is partially funded by the Service Canada Summer Jobs Program grant.  Applicants must SFU undergraduate students and have been registered as full-time students this past academic year, and be planning to return to full-time studies in the fall semester.  Successful applicants will have superior research skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and have the ability to work in a team environment with multiple stakeholders and on multiple projects.  Students who have taken one or more courses with a sustainability focus will be considered an asset.  Please see the attached job positing for further information about the position, or contact us with your questions.

If you want to spend your summer working on creating real change on the SFU campus, this is the job for you.  We thank all applicants for expressing interest, but only short listed candidates will be contacted.  Applicants should send their resume and cover letter as ONE document toinfo@sustainablesfu.org by June 6th, at 4:30pm.

 

Posted in Burnaby Campus, Jobs | 2 Comments »

Job Posting: Strathcona Breakfast Program Assistant

May 26th, 2011 by

STRATHCONA BREAKFAST PROGRAM ASSISTANT

For the past 15 years, the Strathcona Community Centre has been providing a free Breakfast Program for children who attend Lord Strathcona Elementary School. Each day we feed 150 school aged children, their younger siblings and caregivers and provide a safe, happy and healthy place for them to start their day.

We are seeking an Assistant for the Breakfast Program, someone who has a passion for food and is fast working and quick thinking.

  • Suitable applicants are around 18-22 years old
  • Enjoy working in an organized but busy environment teaching children leadership and food preparation skills
  • Must have Food Safe or be willing to obtain certification

 

This position is from 7-10 am, Monday to Friday during the school year (no work in July or August). Training will start immediately and go until the end of June. Part time position will start in September. Rate of pay is $13/hr + 4 % in lieu of vacation.

 

For more info or to apply contact Milisa, SCC Food Security Coordinator: milisa@strathconaevents.ca

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Job Posting: Vancouver Fruit Tree Project Coordinator

May 26th, 2011 by

VANCOUVER FRUIT TREE PROJECT: COORDINATOR

The Vancouver Fruit Tree Project Society is a community-based registered charity dedicated to harvesting and sharing fresh local fruit inVancouver,British Columbia. Since 1999 we have picked more than 35 000 pounds of fruit and redistributed it to community partners. We celebrate our 13th anniversary in 2011. The Vancouver Fruit Tree Project Society seeks an enthusiastic, organized Coordinator for the 2011 season. The Coordinator position responsibilities include:

  • Contacting and scheduling fruit picking volunteers, drivers/cyclists, transportation and a community partner (community organization that receives a fruit donations) for each fruit pick.
  • Keeping up to date records of upcoming and completed picks, volunteers, tree owners, and community partners. Direct supervision of a part time Intern and assisting in overseeing a pilot social enterprise.
  • Building capacity and awareness of the Vancouver Fruit Tree Project by communicating with volunteers, community partners and the public through an email newsletter, print materials, in-person, and with online tools.
  • Liaising with the Board of Directors and community partners through the season including attending monthly meetings to give a verbal report.
  • Contributing to the Annual Harvest Report and to funders’ reports as necessary.
  • Responding to information requests and media inquiries.
  • Attending public outreach events, as time allows.
  • Coordinating and promoting VFTP events, including the Harvest season wrap up party and community tabling events, with support from VFTP volunteers. Assisting with fundraising efforts as required
  • Support the Board of Directors in other ongoing projects and duties, as time allows.
  • Is passionate about food security and community building
  • Has demonstrated experience recruiting and coordinating volunteers
  • Is extremely organized, can work independently, & is comfortable making decisions Has strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Is professional and timely in both phone and electronic communication
  • Has fundraising and event organizing experience
  • Comfortable with online calendars, email and document sharing programs as well as MS Office.

 

This is a part-time seasonal contract position, with opportunity for extension, funding dependant. The contract will run from mid June through October, averaging 10-15 hrs.per week. The rate of compensation for this position is $20/hour. The schedule fluctuates, so flexibility is key. Some evening and weekend hours will be required.

 

Please submit a cover letter and resume that clearly describe how your skills/experience match our requirements by Monday, May 30th to info@vancouverfruittree.com

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Joy of Feeding

May 6th, 2011 by

Joy of Feeding - Sunday, May 15th at the UBC Farm


Celebrate and enjoy comfort foods created and cooked from the heart. Fifteen Canadian moms of various heritages will share their cuisines, stories and cultures at this family-friendly community cooking event organized by (moms) Meeru Dhalwala of Vij’s and Mary MacKay of Terra Breads. Special guests Tarun Nayer and friends from the local musical sensation Delhi 2 Dublin will perform their eclectic mash-up of Punjabi-bhangra-hip-hop. This event is a fundraiser for the UBC Farm and its children’s programs. 

Date: Sunday, May 15th, 2011, 1:00-4:00 pm
Location: UBC Farm, 6182 South Campus Road (see website for directions).
Tickets: Tickets are $50 and include a recipe book with each mom’s story and family recipe. One child under 12 is free per paid ticket; tickets for additional children ages 6-11 are $25 (available online only). Children under 6 are free. Tickets can be purchased online or in person at Rangoli or Lower Mainland Choices Markets. Visit www.joyoffeeding.com for details. 

“Cooking is the doorway to caring about where our food comes from, taking care of our families, and taking care ofour health. It connects our hands to our senses and to everyone’s hearts.” Meeru Dhalwala

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Spring/Summer Internship: Harvest Box Manager

Apr 21st, 2011 by

SFU Harvest Box Manager

The SFU Local Food Project collaborates with the Fraser Region Harvest Box program to bring fresh, affordable, nutritious, and local produce to campus twice a month. We need a efficient and organized volunteer to manage the program throughout the Fall Semester. Responsibilities will focus on communications, assisting with branding  and promotions, and  assisting with Harvest Box distribution. For more information, check out our website.

 

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Main roles include:

  • Assisting with Harvest Box distribution on the 2nd and last Thursday of each month in Maggie Benston Centre
  • Coordinating set-up or take-down, merchandising and event coordination on distribution day
  • Promotions and Communication of the Harvest Box program – email newsletter, reminders to customers, and outreach through social media.

 

Skills and Qualifications:

  • Excellent written and spoken communications skills
  • Experience with marketing or promotions
  • Strong customer service skills
  • Enthusiasm for local food related issues and promoting the Harvest Box
  • Ability to work well with others
  • Knowledge of sustainable community development, local food/food security, and social/environmental justice issues an asset
  • Creative outlook and willingness to give suggestions to improve the Harvest Box program
  • Design skills an asset, but not required

 

Commitment:

  • Ability to commit approximately  two – four hours per week towards communications and promotions work.
    • Availability on the second and last Wednesday from 11am-2pm (somewhat flexible)
    • Availability on the second and last Thursday of each month from 11:30am-4:30pm also an asset
      • Value Box Distribution Days: February 23rd, March 29th, April 26th 
      • Local Box Distribution Days: February 9th, March 8th, April 12thsdf

Benefits:

  • Honorarium
  • Letter of reference upon completion of internship
  • Networking opportunity with professionals interested in local food issues and sustainable community development
  • Strengthen marketing and communications skills
  • Experience coordinating program
  • Strengthen customer service skills and meet new people in a fun environment
  • Experience volunteering with a non-profit organization

 

How to Apply:

Please write a one-page letter outlining the following three questions:

  1. Why do you want to volunteer for the SFU Local Food Project Summer Internship position?
  2. What skills and experience will you bring to the position?
  3. How many hours a week are you willing to commit?

Email your letter to harvestbox@sfulocalfood.ca with the position you are applying for and your name in the subject field. Eg: Harvest Box Assistant, Ann Lee. We are accepting applications on an ongoing basis!

 

Posted in Burnaby Campus, Volunteer | No Comments »

How to Make a Seed Bomb

Mar 31st, 2011 by

Arsenal for Your Guerrilla Gardening Toolkit

 

What is a Seed Bomb?

Seed balls, simply put, are a method for distributing seeds by encasing them in a mixture of clay and compost. This protects the seeds by preventing them from drying out in the sun, getting eaten by birds, or from blowing away… read more

 

How to Make a Seed Bomb?

I’ve always used Heavy Petal’ s recipe, and the results have been great! Here it is:

Ingredients:

5 parts dry red clay*
3 parts dry organic compost
1 part seed**
1 – 2 parts water

We used a 16oz. plastic cup as a measure, which made enough for approximately 300 seedballs. After mixing together all the dry ingredients, we added enough water to form a mix that held together without crumbling but wasn’t so wet that it wouldn’t roll into balls. Pinching off small bits of the lovely mud, we rolled penny-sized balls and set them in trays. They will sit on my windowsill for three or four days until completely dry… read more.

* Dry red clay is what potters use, and it comes as a bag of powder. You can try your local art supply store or go to Greenbarn Potters Supply in Surrey.

 

Choosing Your Seeds

Technically you could use a seed bomb for any type of seed, but it is a good idea to make sure that what you’re spreading around the neighbourhood is not invasive. In an ideal world it would be great to stick to native plant species, but at the very least make sure that you’re not spreading invasive species (like English ivy and Himalayan blackberries). The Invasive Plant Council of BC has a fantastic list of species to avoid. Gone Wild Plants has a good list of native species plants and a list of nurseries that sell native species.

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Learn to Garden & Save Seeds

Mar 17th, 2011 by

You can tell it is Spring time when all the workshops, events and courses on gardening begin! Here’s a list of a few new ones that we’ve noticed:

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EYA Seed Swap

Sat April 16th, 10am-1pm. In the Eco Pavilion, in the Starthcona Community Garden. Bring your favourite seeds to swap with fellow  gardeners from across the city. No seed? no problem, there’s lots for everyone!

Urban Seed Keepers

Learn basic seed saving techniques, grow seed to support EYA’s community projects & harvest half the delicious bounty to eat! First workshop: Sunday March 13th , 1 – 4pm,  Strathcona Community Garden. RSVP required: volunteer@eya.ca

Seed Savers Garden Forum

Calling ALL SEED SAVERS! Come along to meet fellow seed savers and chat about seed saving techniques.  First Forum: Sunday April 3rd, 1 – 3pm – more info contact: amytran@interchange.ubc.ca

Joy of Feeding

Sunday, May 15th, 1-4pm @ UBC Farm, 6182 South Campus Road. Celebrate comfort foods as prepared by 15 Canadian moms of different heritages, including Meeru Dhalwala of Vij’s and Mary MacKay of Terra Breads. The event is a fundraiser for UBC Farm. Tickets are $50 and include a booklet with each mom’s family recipe. One child under 12 years, per ticket, is free. Tickets are on sale April 1st at any Choices Market or on the UBC Farm website.

Organic Horticulture Courses by Gaia College

Registrations for their Winter and Spring courses are in full swing, and it looks like most courses will be full again. Please be sure to register quickly if you have your heart set on a particular course! All details and registration info can be found at gaiacollege.ca
Certified arborists can earn up to 30 pre-approved CEC’s!
Lower Mainland:
Plant Knowledge for Organic Gardeners – Burnaby (Mar. 17)

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West Coast Seeds Spring Workshop Line Up!

Mar 16th, 2011 by

West Coast Seeds is a local seed company, and they also host a series of workshops throughout the season. If you’re new to gardening or want to further your skills, these are great options to consider.

Location: 4930 Elliott Street in Ladner, British Columbia
To Register: you can register in person at our retail outlet, or by phone: (604) 952-8820. Please register as early as possible for each course that interests you.

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Sunday March 20th, 1-3pm: The Art of Grafting

Join us to celebrate the arrival of spring as Brian Campbell discusses his passion for grafting heritage dwarf apple, and other fruit trees. Learn the timeless craft of grafting scionwood to rootstock to create your own tree. These trees are ideal for patio planters, small gardens, and to espalier against a wall or fence. Learn about the vast number of varieties to choose from. Please bring a sharp, sturdy knife, and $15 extra for materials that Brian will supply. 
Cost: $12.00 (+$15.00)

Sunday March 27th, 1-3pm: Saving Your Own Seeds

Thinking of growing a little seed independence? Concerned about food security? Then come and hear Brian Campbell explain how to successfully save viable and vigorous seeds from year to year! 
Cost: $12.00

 

Sunday April 3rd, 1-3pm: All About Tomatoes

Vegetable expert Mark Macdonald is back with a repeat of his talk on the joys of tomato growing. Learn about the history of this important food crop, how to plant the seeds, raise transplants, and cultivate mature vines. Learn how to avoid Coastal issues like blight and blossom end rot, and hear about last year’s tomato trials, when Mark grew more than 50 tomato varieties!
Cost: $12.00

Sunday April 10th, 1-3pm: Success with Seeds

Due to demand, this course has changed from Beginner Plant Breeding to Brian Campbell’s incredibly popular Success with Seeds. Brian will share all the tricks and tips on how to germinate and succeed with the most difficult varieties.Everyone can grow food plants from seed!
Cost: $12.00

 

Sunday April 17th, 1-3pm: Containers & Raised Beds

Some food plants grow perfectly well in pots, containers, and raised beds – and some actually prefer these conditions. This class is for condo owners, apartment dwellers, and anyone who would like to make better use of their limited growing space. 
Cost: $12.00

 

Sunday May 1st, 1-3pm: Companion Planting

Plants, like people, live in communities. Learn how certain combinations of plants can increase your garden’s health, reduce damage from pests, and even improve flavour. 
Cost: $12.00

 

Sunday May 15th, 1-3pm: Urban Beekeeping

Thinking of taking up beekeeping? Master Beekeeper Brian Campbell will discuss the beekeeper’s year, the tools and equipment you’ll need, and the challenges faced by both the bees and their keepers. 
Cost: $12.00

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Home Plate: What Consumers are Eating Behind Closed Doors

Mar 15th, 2011 by

This is an exposé of new results on what consumers are eating. In the fall of 2010, Council of Canadian Food and Nutrition (CCFN) used a novel lens using an  ethnographic survey to add colour and depth to key findings about what consumers are eating. Dietitian experts have now further analyzed these food records and photo essays to garner a closer look at what happens in peoples’ kitchens behind closed doors. This account is summarized in a new report being released after the web-cast titled “Home Plate”.
When:  Wed, March 23, 2011 – 4:00 – 5:00 pm (PST)
To register for the web-cast: go to  http://www.ccfn.ca/

 

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