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

Jackfruit 101

You might have noticed a rather large, prickly fruit hanging out next to the apples, oranges, and papayas in the Produce Department. Meet the Jackfruit, the newest addition to the Produce Department. In case you don't know "jack" about Jackfruit, here is a crash course.

  • The Jackfruit is native to South and Southeast Asia and is a close cousin of the fig.
  • The Co-op sources the fruit from Patagonia Orchards. Their fruit is grown in the tropical rainforest of Nayarit, Mexico.

Get Your Garden On

 

This is one of our favorite times of the year. The sun is out and the days are longer, time to play in the dirt. Our Produce Staff share their favorite seeds and starts to help you get your garden going.

 

 

 

Meet the Meat Department

Welcome back to our Behind the Scenes blog series. So far you’ve meet the dynamic Produce and Deli teams. Next up, the department that is packed with protein, meet the Meat Department.

Did you know?

Rachel's Spring Produce Picks

Rachel Rose, Assistant Produce Manager, shares her spring produce picks.

Strawberries
Most people are surprised to know that early spring are two of the best months out of the year for tasty strawberries. The first batch out of California is usually so sweet and full of flavor that the rest of the year I often shy away from strawberries. They just don’t measure up to the fruit coming out early in the year.

5 Edible Plants to Start in Your Garden Now

Spring is most definitely upon us, and we are lucky enough to live in Southern Oregon where the weather during this time is usually (ahem) co-operative enough to let us get some plants in the ground in between the hail storms and rainbows.  There are actually many plants that do quite well in this time of transition, as they prefer the cooler temperatures that we get here this time of year, before the real heat sets in.  Here are a few that we have right now at the Co-op, direct from local, organic farms.  Plant these in your garden now for best results!

UPDATED Organic Raw Macadamia Nuts Recalled Because of Possible Health Risk

UPDATED  3/17/16

Ashland Food Co-Op of Ashland, Oregon issues the updated press release to clarify that we re-packed and sold Organic Raw Macadamia nuts in random weight bags at our retail store in Oregon only between January 5th, 2016 and February 4th, 2016.  We do not have any internet sale or distribute affected product outside Oregon.

Garden of Life Raw Meal Recall

Garden of Life has issued a voluntary recall on all Raw Meal products shipped after August 15, 2015. 

Please see the below link to Garden of Life’s blog for all lot numbers that they are recalling, as well as details of the recall.

Let Thy Food Be Thy Medicine

Rachel Rose, Assistant Produce Manager, shares her winter produce picks.

The cells in our bodies are all made using the building blocks that we provide in the food that we eat, the air that we breathe and the water we drink. If we want healthy bodies, feeding ourselves and our families the cleanest healthiest foods is a real good start. We are what we eat!

Burdock root

Behind the Scenes: The Deli

Welcome back to our Behind the Scenes blog series. We recently took you into the colorful world of Produce. Now we’d like to introduce you to the department that enters beast mode daily: the Deli.

Did you know?

31 Reasons to Visit the Co-op

Happy 2016! It’s a brand new year, new month, new day. No doubt many of you’ve made a variety of resolutions to make this year the best yet. The Co-op can help you succeed. How? Let us tell you. Here are 31 reasons why you should visit the Co-op every day this month to improve your life and your community.

Behind the Scenes: Produce Department

You shop for groceries at the Co-op. For lunch, you often stop at the Deli for a quick meal from the Hot Bar. You meet friends outside on the plaza, give each other long hugs, and catch up on life. After a long week, you swing by for the Friday beer and wine tastings at the Kiosk. But how well do you really know the Co-op?

2015: A Year to Remember

Can it really be that time of year again? 2015 was full of so many things for which to be grateful. Here’s a list of some of the highlights.

We celebrated the 10-thousandth person to become a Co-op owner! Co-op ownership is a way to help create a more humane and democratic way to do business locally. A robust cooperative economy is one way to take a stand against corporate misbehavior.

Smart Chicken® Holiday Giving Challenge

The holiday season is upon us. Amidst the shopping frenzies, family gatherings, and parties it can be hard to remember this is also a season of giving. Luckily, you have us and we are making it easy for you to give back.

During the month of November, Co-op shoppers can nourish their own families and help fight hunger in the Rogue Valley.