This is a before picture of The Backyard Farm & Market at Erin Mills. It is before 5000 people came and bought local chemical free food from farmers and producers. It is before the kids programs, music, vendors, straw bales, painted shipping container and labyrinth and more. There are a few more pictures below of other moments in the year. I offer them as inspiration in the middle of another snowy day to know that spring is coming and it is, believe it or not, time to start thinking about the growing season.
Opportunities and Dates
Help shape the MARKET, FARM and STRATEGIC DIRECTION for The Backyard and Urban Ag in Mississauga and the GTA.
We're Hiring a Farmers' Market Manager for the Backyard Farm & Market. See the posting here. The deadline is Sat Mar 22nd for applications.
Have Your Say For The New Season
Sat April 5th, 11am - 1pm: Farm and Market Kick-Off Meeting at the Daniels Presentation Center. We're looking forward to reconnecting and getting organized with folks interested in helping grow the farm and market. Bring your visions, ideas and questions. We'll bring some yummy bites to share, some organizing tools and some thoughts on how we might do some really cool projects! RSVP.
Grow at The Backyard
Sun April 13th, 10am - 12pm: Farmers & Growers Meeting
See below for more information on what we'll do and on expressing interest in being a grower, gardener, urban farmer or farm volunteer. This group will likely meet more frequently in spring to get organized, then once or twice in summer and once or twice in fall. Meet at the Daniels Presentation Center. RSVP.
Volunteer With the Market
Tues April 22nd, 7pm - 9pm: Farmers Market Meeting
This meeting is for volunteers who want to help the market thrive. Vendors are welcome too. This group will likely meet once a month or so as needed. RSVP. Meet at the Daniels Presentation Center.
Be a Part of the Greater Vision
Sat May 10th, 11am - 1pm: Urban Farm and Market Strategic Meeting
This group will meet at minimum a couple of times this year to hear what is happening at the farm and market and to discuss strategies that may help them grow successfully. The group will also discuss healthy food strategies happening across the GTA. RSVP.
And also...
Gardening and Permaculture Design for Wellness. $10.
Wed April 16th, 7pm
East Minister United Church, 310 Danforth (just west of Chester station), Jackman Ave entrance, Huron Room - for alternative wellness practitioners, but others welcome.
How can permaculture's nature-based approach to gardening and design help alternative wellness practitioners and others? What can we learn about digestion, whole body health and community health from soils and gardens? We'll explore permaculture design principles, along with some soil and garden lessons and use these as a launching pad for looking at human wellness in our discussion. RSVP.
FREE Garden Workshop
Sun May 18th - Soil Care and Garden Design Workshop 10am - 2pm. This workshop will continue the permaculture design conversations that launched The Backyard Farm project last year. We'll continue to amend and build the soil and to learn about the principles and practices of caring for soil, gardens and their communities. At the Backyard. FREE. RSVP required.
