A lovely weekend

And the weather was so fine! Magical photography (more here) by Winnie Au.

WhatIsFresh: Your Guide to New York City’s Farmers Markets

A beautiful idea which has long been needed — I know you can’t wait for the iPhone App!

http://whatisfresh.com/

http://whatisfresh.com/

Brooklyn Based: Urban Farmers on Location

More cool press for Ananda Harvest rolls in, this time from the always charming Brooklyn Based:

A group of Brooklynites is getting back to the land in a way that goes beyond rooftops, fire escapes and community gardens, and they want to bring you with them. Ananda Ashram, just an hour out of the city in Monroe, NY, had an operational farm in the 1970s, and started cultivating the earth again this summer after a long fallow period. A crew of self-described urban hippies from Brooklyn, including Matteo Bueno, Jerri Chou, Wendell Davis, Dave Gottlieb, and Stephanie Redlenner (who is from Brooklyn in spirit) organized an agricultural revitalization this summer. Jerri Chou answers some questions for us about Ananda Harvest.

Read the rest on brooklynbased.net!

GREEN 2010: 5th Annual Green Buildings & Energy Conference

Simon Gruber brings us news of his new conference, Green 2010: Education & Workforce Development for the 21st Century Economy:

I’m organizing this conference on emerging jobs, technologies and education programs in the green sector.  It includes an afternoon panel discussion about local food and sustainable agriculture, featuring several key leaders working on these issues in the region, including the directors of two non-profit organizations, the Glynwood Center and theHawthorne Valley Farm. The other presentations and panels will cover green buildings, including case studies, energy efficiency, water, and education and training issues.  The conference is next Friday and we are still taking registrations.  If people can’t afford the full price ($75, including lunch, breaks, etc. and closing reception) or just want to come for the afternoon they can contact me about a reduced cost.

The conference will be held on December 4th, 2009 between 9 am and 4:30 pm at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, NY. It is sponsored by the Hudson Valley Regional Council, the Environmental Finance Center at Syracuse University & Schein Media Green Business+Careers. Contact Simon Gruber for more details at sgruber100@verizon.net or 845-534-5622.

The Rooftop Garden Climbs Down

They may sound like a piece of Willie Wonka’s chocolate factory. In fact, they are the latest development in green roof technology. Like green roofs, edible walls include a thick layer of vegetation on the outside of buildings to provide insulation and reduce heating and electricity costs.

But unlike green roofs — and their vertical cousins, green walls — edible walls also produce fruit, vegetables and herbs in far less space than typical gardens. That’s why advocates of urban farming have embraced them as a way to lower food costs, increase nutritional quality and cut fuel consumption and carbon emissions by using fewer delivery trucks.

The Amazing Rooftop Farms in Greenpoint!

Wow, these guys in Greenpoint, New York seem to really have it figured out! From their site:

The view from the rooftop is still one of verdant deliciousness!  Walk down Eagle Street in Greenpoint this Sunday, from 10am-5pm for the last market of 2009.  We’re on Eagle just past Franklin and before the East River–look for the Farm sign and our open door!  We’re looking to garner 100% of next year’s seed budget, so come support, eat well, and take in the gorgeous view of hundreds of marigolds still blooming on the Rooftop.  The Farm stand features spicy mesclun, pickled peppers, nasturtium pesto and three kinds of kale on just the short list!  You can pick up your sweet “I’m a local foodie” market bag and t-shirt, too, designed by the talented volunteers here at the Farm.

Gotham Greens

Gotham Greens’ premium quality, pesticide-free vegetables and herbs will be grown in sterile rooftop greenhouses using clean, renewable energy and captured rainwater.

For more information, please contact info@gothamgreens.com.