ADAPTED FROM HERLAND FOREST WEBSITE On May 1, 2020, Washington State became the first state in the US. to allow natural organic reduction (NOR) as an alternative to cremation services and traditional burials. This law defines “natural organic reduction” as “the contained, accelerated conversion of human remains to the soil.” Think composting. Walt Patrick, steward of the Herland Forest Natural Burial Cemetery in Wahkiacus, Washington holds the state’s first NOR facility operator’s license and on December 20, 2020, he and his staff performed their first NOR investment. The term investment refers to the process of placing someone’s remains into a natural organic reduction vessel encased in the organic matter and…
-
-
Invest in the Future:
When is the Best Time to Plant a Tree? As I sit in my recliner, looking out at our yard through rain-streaked windows, I am overcome with pride and a wonderful sense of accomplishment at what I see. What was an abandoned field 18 years ago, today has raised beds for vegetables, four different types of berry bushes, plus a wide variety of other flowers and plants that are colorful and beneficial to wildlife. But it’s the trees that we have planted over the last 18 years that amaze me the most. They are an eclectic group of paulownia, ash, apple, plum, fig, locust, cedar, maple, and mimosa trees, all…
-
Magicians in the Air:
Hummingbirds and How You Can Support Them Who of us have not marveled at the tiny hummingbirds who inhabit, or at least visit, our gardens? Weighing less than a nickel, they can travel at 33 miles per hour, beat their wings from 720 to 5400 times a minute when hovering, and eat their weight (or more) in food every day. John James Audubon recorded human feeding of hummingbirds in his book “Birds of America 1840-1844” and by 1950, commercial bird feeders were available. Thousands of feeders are sold each year worldwide. But, are we really doing them any favors by placing sugar water in safe, cool areas? It is true that they can digest…
-
Northwest VEG Scavenger Hunt
Don’t miss the Rock n’ Revelry on August 14th Tis the season for an outdoor scavenger hunt! On Saturday, August 14th, traverse your favorite part of Portland in search of 50+ painted rocks. When you find a treasure, flip over the rock to scan the QR code and learn from what local shop or restaurant you’ve won a small goodie. Ranging from a free appetizer to a $5 gift card to fun bumper stickers, all prizes are from your favorite veg-friendly places around town. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to join in the fun. This event is sponsored by Northwest VEG, and we would love your help jazzing up our…
-
Conscious Living Principles at Living Wisdom School
The Portland Living Wisdom School is a non-profit school serving preschool & kindergarten/1stgrade. LWS offers a heart-centered holistic education focused on a balanced curriculum that prepares them to be creative, solution-oriented, and self-aware. The school is based on Education for Life, an educational philosophy that balances mind and heart, body and spirit. The roots of the system lie in the philosophy of Paramhansa Yogananda, author of Autobiography of a Yogi. LWS emphasizes universal principles that bring happiness, such as kindness, generosity, courage, and optimism while supporting a learning environment where students thrive. At Living Wisdom School, students experience Joy in learning Academic excellence without stress Small classes Individualized approach Self-understanding …
-
Nichols Garden Nursery has Moved
After seventy years, Nichols Garden Nursery has moved from Millersburg on the outskirts of Albany to Philomath, Oregon, on Highway 20/34 across from the Philomath Museum. While Nichols Garden Nursery is primarily a mail-order garden seed company, visitors are always welcome. In addition to the physical relocation, Nichols’ online store has been updated for a better customer experience. The improved website should run faster and smoother. This family business is now in its third generation. New Address 1136 Main St. Philomath, OR 97370 New Mail Address PO Box 1299 Philomath, OR 97370 For more info: nicholsgardennursery.com
-
SALMON CREEK FARMERS MARKET 2021 NEW LOCATION!
The Salmon Creek Farmers’ Market will open its Tuesday market on the southeast side of Kaiser Permanente’s parking lot at 14406 NE 20th Avenue in Salmon Creek. Starting Tuesday, June 8, the market will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Salmon Creek farmers’ market has been a favorite within the community for the last ten years by continuing to offer seasonal fruits and vegetables, flowers, honey, processed foods, including freshly made fruit juices, nuts, and nut butters, bagels, baked goods and more – all from producers and growers local to Clark County. The Salmon Creek market warmly accepts SNAP customers and offers an up to $40 Market…
-
Dandelion Teahouse and Apothecary Opens
109 West 7th Street Downtown Vancouver, WA Dandelion Teahouse and Apothecary is beyond excited to announce that they are finally opening on May 22nd, 2021! Everyone is invited to come and check out their new space; young, old, tea connoisseur, tea skeptic – everyone is welcome at Dandelion. In addition to an ever-expanding variety of teas, they will offer tea lattes, loose herbs, natural skincare products by Gifts From the Earth, baked goods by Chandelier Bakery, pieces by local artists, honey, candles, jewelry, and more fun goodies! You can check out their website as well as their Instagram and Facebook pages for our hours and fun announcements. See you soon…
-
The Electrify Everything Climate Solution
Scientists agree we need to cut our heat-trapping emissions to zero by 2050 to avoid the worst effects of climate change – and we need to make big progress in the next decade. Waste reduction and energy efficiency measures alone can not get us all the way to net zero. Nearly All Emissions Come from Fossil Fuels Extracting and burning fossil fuels to generate electricity, transport goods, and people, and heat our homes, offices, and buildings – creates the vast majority of carbon emissions. In the U.S. and other industrialized nations, this accounts for over 75% of annual emissions. It will not be possible to prevent a climate crisis until…
-
Herbs Are Native, Too
Most of the herbs we grow or harvest are native somewhere. Many of them have Mediterranean backgrounds, but many more began in the woods and prairies nearer to home and were here before Europeans arrived. Some native plants are still foraged in their natural settings for personal use. Others have been domesticated, which we plant in our herb beds. Indigenous peoples were well acquainted with these native plants and used them for cooking, healing, and general well-being. Let’s dive into some native plants! Yarrow – Achillea millefolium This native plant is not only found in the woods, where it may come in handy when camping or hiking but is often found…
