April 2023 Change for Good Partner: Pollinator Project Rogue Valley
From Kristina Lefever, Pollinator Project Rogue Valley President
We have a reason, a way, and yes, a hope, that we as humans will act to insure the long-term sustainability of this beautiful place where we live. We believe that gardens, specifically pollinator gardens, are even more important now, because they provide not only a much needed respite for the remaining populations of pollinator species, but also a place for them to live, survive, and thrive in an ever shrinking larger landscape. It is becoming more and more apparent that gardens, spaces and “landscapes” can no longer serve only the interest of “us” - in fact, we must think about how our outdoor spaces can serve other creatures who live here, too, before it's too late.
Join us on our journey of discovery, beauty, and creation - how can planting native in our gardens and landscapes help restore our local ecosystem? There are many resources to inspire you to learn more about why and how to grow a native pollinator garden, or at the least, to add natives to your space, and help serve our native pollinator populations and the ecosystems that they support. We like to think our Resources page is a good one to get you started!
How can folks bring in more pollinators?
It’s simple. A pollinator-friendly landscape provides:
1. Forage - Trees, shrubs, flowering plants, and native grasses that provide pollen and nectar from early spring to early winter, and/or are “host plants” for caterpillars (baby butterflies) to eat.
2. Water and/or mud - River, spring, seep, or stream, or shallow, pebble lined dish, bird bath or other water feature
3. Habitat - Untended or wild areas with bare soil, shrubs and native plantings for nesting and overwintering of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
4. Pesticide Free Areas - Seeds and plants not treated with neonicotinoids, and minimal to no use of herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides.
How can people get involved?
Help us Bring Back the Pollinators!
- Take a self-guided tour of our demonstration native plant garden with our Native Pollinator Garden Plant Guide and videos!
- Invite Pollinator Pals to your school, youth program, business or event!
- Learn about and GROW the native plants that best support our native pollinators!
- Contribute to help us create educational programs, videos, and materials about native plants and pollinators!
- Request PPRV to be a guest speaker for your group or at your event!
- Support our efforts to install pollinator gardens of native plants in fire-impacted communities!
- Follow us on social media!
- Volunteer with us! We are especially seeking volunteers with videography, graphic design, and social media experience, as well as general administrative help.
The more you know... visit the Pollinator Project Rogue Valley's website to learn more!
More Co-op News
March Change for Good: KS Wild
As we step into March, we are thrilled to introduce our Change for Good partner – KS Wild, an organization dedicated to preserving the breathtaking landscapes of Southern Oregon. At the heart of our community lies a shared commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, making KS Wild the perfect ally in our ongoing quest for positive change.
What is KS Wild?
February Change for Good Partner: Rogue Climate
As we navigate the challenges posed by climate change, it becomes increasingly vital to support organizations dedicated to creating positive environmental impacts. This February, Ashland Food Co-op proudly introduces Rogue Climate as its Change for Good partner. Join us in supporting their mission to empower Southern Oregon communities most affected by climate change.
January Change for Good: AHS Culinary Arts Program
Hey Co-op community!
As we step into the new year, the Ashland Food Co-op is excited to continue our Change for Good program, and for January 2024, we're shining a spotlight on a program that's close to our hearts (and our stomachs) - the Ashland High School Culinary Arts Program.
No Hassle Holiday - Thanksgiving Dinner from the Co-op!
This Thanksgiving, let us take the hassle out of your holiday feast preparation!
November Change for Good: Rogue Food Unites
Say hello to our November Change for Good partner - Rogue Food Unites!
Rogue Food Unites (RFU) uses food to heal individuals and communities during times of crisis. RFU was formed in 2020 out of the dual disasters of the Almeda and Obenchain fires and the impacts of COVID-19 on local communities. Within a short time, RFU began contracting with the State of Oregon to supply hot meals, food boxes, and solidarity cards in Deschutes, Douglas, Klamath, Josephine, and Jackson Counties.
Meet Nick Hardee, AFC's new GM!
The Co-op Board of Directors and staff are thrilled to welcome Nick Hardee as the new General Manager of the Ashland Food Co-op! We asked Nick to share a little bit about himself so we'll get right to it!
October Change for Good: Center for Non-Profit Legal Services
This October, the Ashland Food Co-op is proud to partner with the Center for Non-Profit Legal Services (CNPLS) for our Change for Good program. All month long, shoppers can round up their purchases to support CNPLS and their mission to provide access to justice.
CNPLS is a non-profit legal aid firm serving low-income and vulnerable community members in Ashland and surrounding areas. Their team of dedicated lawyers and volunteers work to ensure everyone has access to legal help, regardless of their ability to pay.
It's Co-op Month!
OK, you've got us, every month is Co-op Month here at AFC! But every October since 1964, cooperatives of all kinds have celebrated the cooperative difference. Here at the Ashland Food Co-op, we're excited to recognize the history, benefits, and principles behind our own co-op.
September Change for Good: AFC Community Fund
As we enter the beautiful month of September here in Southern Oregon, we're excited to share that our Change for Good partner this month is our very own Community Fund. As many of you know, the Community Fund allows us to support amazing local projects and organizations doing great work right here in Southern Oregon.
August Change for Good - Partnering with ACCESS to Make a Difference!
We are honored to partner with ACCESS this August - a fantastic organization that has been serving our community for over four decades. ACCESS, which stands for "A Community in Action, Connecting, Empowering, and Strengthening Self-Sufficiency," is dedicated to addressing hunger, homelessness, and poverty in Southern Oregon.
Empowering Our Community: AFC's Community Grants Now Accepting Applications
As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the local community, AFC is thrilled to announce the that we are accepting applications for our Community Grants program.
Ashland Food Co-op's Community Grants program is designed to foster meaningful change in the Southern Oregon region. Through these grants, we seek to support projects that align with our mission of promoting local and sustainable food systems, addressing food insecurity, and promoting community engagement.
July's Change for Good Partner - Maslow Project
Ashland Food Co-op is thrilled to partner with Maslow Project for our Change for Good program! Maslow Project is an incredible organization that works tirelessly to support homeless youth and families in Southern Oregon. Their mission is to empower individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency, and they do this through a range of services including housing assistance, medical care, and educational support.
June 2023 Change for Good Partner: Southern Oregon Land Conservancy
The Ashland Food Co-op is teaming up with the Southern Oregon Land Conservancy (SOLC) as its Change for Good partner for this month. This collaboration aims to support SOLC's mission of conserving Southern Oregon's natural landscapes and habitats.
Bicycle Benefits
Here at the Co-op we are on a mission to promote healthy lifestyles and sustainable practices within our community.