If you are looking to get to know the local greening/growing efforts that are taking root on the city’s East Side, then you are welcome to attend an event that will introduce you to a new movement called Buffalo Foodscaping Project (BFP).
The project is that of agronomist John Deibel, and the event is designed to get you away from your desk and out into the urban farming community.
The event will start off with a meeting and a talk, hosted by Slow Food Buffalo. From there attendees will get to visit a couple of East Side urban farming initiatives.
The talk will revolve around the formations of Buffalo Foodscaping Project. The project is an hyperlocal urban farming initiative that takes the movement directly to the homeowner’s backyard (or front yard for that matter). BFP is in the business of growing edible gardens in homeowner’s yards, so that families have direct access to wholesome food throughout the growing season and beyond. BFP also provides service to neighborhood growing collectives via Community and Neighborhood Garden management services. Already, Deibel has transitioned an apartment space on the East Side into growing rooms, and is busy collaborating with urban farmers, students, and other enthusiasts to strengthen the movement. In 2016 BFP will be moving forward with two additional projects – building/maintaining living walls, and growing microgreens to sell on multiple levels. All of these initiatives can be viewed on the BFP website.
The field trip part of the exercise will involve meeting up with Terra Dumas of the Common Roots Farm. Dumas will discuss her involvement in the USDA/NRCS Hoophouse Project. She will also talk about Farmer Pirates, and the members’ forward thinking farming/composting practices.
From there, the group will head over to visit Mark and Janice Stevens’ family farm – Wilson Street Farm. The farm is located in close proximity to the Broadway Market.
All of the activities will take place within a two-hour timeframe. Below is the breakdown of events, along with a schedule.
Buffalo Foodscaping Project – Talk and Tour hosted by Slow Food Buffalo
Monday, May 23 at 6 PM – 8 PM | Program begins promptly
Common Roots Urban Farm | 124 Coit St, Buffalo, New York 14206
6:00 PM Convene at the Common Roots Farm, Corner of Peckham and Coit Streets
Introductions: John Deibel – Buffalo Foodscaping Project
Terra Dumas – Common Roots Farm tour, the Farmer Pirates, the Farmer Pirates Compost Crew
6:45 PM Travel to the Wilson Street Farm, Wilson Street. Mark and Janice Stevens and Family Farm history, crops being grown, view different cropping systems
7:30-8:00 Adjourn
Event is free with a suggested $5.00 donation.
Visit Slow Food Buffalo on Facebook
Visit Wilson Street Farm on Facebook
Visit Farmer Pirates on Facebook
Visit Common Roots Urban Farm on Facebook