Keep up the Earth Day spirit with CUFF

Come and keep up the Earth Day spirit Saturday with the Curtis Urban Farm Foundation as it plants trees on the East Side and hosts a benefit concert at Cafe Allegro (tomorrow).

CUFF is among several organizations instrumental in farming on the East Side as means to improve its economic position. "We're trying to make use of the vacant lots on the East Side by using the lots to grow fruits and vegetables" said Bernadette Pawlak, CUFF director of marketing and public relations.
 
The organization, which works with the University at Buffalo Engineers for a Sustainable World and Sunshine Garden, is a nonprofit that provides resources for East Side agriculture and entrepreneurship. Its first farm - one of many - was launched in the fall of 2008 on the Buffalo Central Terminal property.

CUFF has eight formal raised beds and five large container gardens that grow squash, pumpkins, tomatoes, peppers and other typical crops. It also has 12 beds that grow hops, peas, beans and watermelons. "We donate some of the things we grow to soup kitchens and the farmers markets," Pawlak said.

Below is information on Saturday, May 1, 2010 events:

CUFF Tree Planting. Meet at 9 a.m. on Clark Street near Peckham Street, one block from Memorial Drive. For more information, call 480-3920 or 812-3342.
 
Concert for CUFF. Cafe Allegro at 1374 Hertel Ave., will be the site for this concert to support CUFF. Enjoy the sounds of Tim Baldwin, Derek George, Heidi Maria and Bob Z. from 8 to 10 p.m. Donations are welcome. For more information, call 480-3920 or 812-3342.