So what is really happening

I am starting to realize the the blog might be somewhat ambiguous to newcomers, so I thought I would go into detail about what is really happening. Our official mission statement is on the website at the top of the important links here on the blog.

What are we really about? Well, our overall mission is to become a sponsor and catalyst for community gardens, community farms. In the mid-term I would like to have a place owned and operated by our organization, which has a teaching farm, specializing in the husbandry and production of heritage breeds of livestock.

Why are heritage breeds important? Well, I think for the most part you all have a good clue about why it is important which is why you are here reading the blog, but to go in depth, I recommend checking out the American Heritage Breed Conservancy link provided. I will write up some literature on the subject in due time, but for now and always, they are a great resource.

Bringing kindred spirits together in community to raise responsible, sustainable foodstuffs is my primary goal. Teaching our kids where there food comes from and theirs and our responsibilities as stewards of this planet. While a connection to nature is deeply inherent in all people, it sometimes becomes overshadowed by distractions such as urban living, TV, etc... Giving our kids opportunities to interact with nature and the earth from where their sustenance grows is a vital link that will become deeply embedded within their hearts and souls forever. My fondness memories are the summers I spent on my grandmothers farm. These are the values that become a part of who you are and who you can be.

What is happening right now? Well, this weekend we will chose a site for our first community garden. In the weeks that follow, I imagine allot of hard work and fundraising to see it into existence, and for this I will thank you all in advance. You have heard about the yard sale and stuff so I will keep that information coming to you in emails. Sunday we are also meeting up with an interested supporter, Mavis LaBounty, of Sopchoppy ( or slightly north of) She has graciously offered her property to us for raising livestock. I envision this being the first of the Villages Villages so-to-speak. Although it hasn't been confirmed, we will likely give a home to the first rescued feral pig there. Read my last post about Ruby, the spotted woods rooter. Hopefully we can arrange for her to have a new permanent home there and we can start talking and thinking about the mission for that property.

On a grander Scale, we currently have two board members and we are looking to complete the board of directors so we can incorporate and begin grant writing and serious fundraising. Coral Schievehas accepted my nomination as secretary of the board. We would not be here without her time and efforts and this is greatly appreciated. I am defacto President and visionary. I have been stewing on this dream for too long and I am ready to see it come together. There are a few other considerations for board members. Mavis of course as she has so graciously offered her land and stewardship. I have also extended an offer to Dr. Jenifer Taylor.of FAMU. She is the head of the growers market project at Lake Ella. I am not sure if she will accept as she is quite the busy woman.

So we are currently seeking board members. There are a few professional requirements I am interested in for this endeavor as it will become critical for some of the grants I would like to apply for. I would really like to have a Veterinarian, an Attorney perhaps, Serious Agriculture professionals and or Educators, Teachers, Politicians involved in our local government. This is a core I would like to propose. Having a high degree of professionalism will enable us to carry out our mission and receive grants for doing so.

Equally important to me, are community members. We have about a dozen or so currently, but I would really like this to take off. Becoming good neighbors, stewards, returning to core values and a fundamentally correct quality of life is the very heart and soul of this project. Spread the word get involved.

I am also interested in locating and networking with anyone and everyone involved in green building in our county so if you know of any please refer them to our site and encourage them to email me.

Thanks everyone,

Scott