December 2010 updates from some of the Green Needham partner organizations…<\/p>\n
Needham Community Farm<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n The NCF <\/strong>recently\u00a0submitted an NEF Large Grant application for $15,000 to fund farm-based curriculum development at the Nike site (assuming the NCF is awarded the license to use the Nike site).\u00a0 The proposed programming would be focused on grades 6-12 but would also include some elementary curriculum that would build on the elementary school garden curriculum that is currently being developed by the Needham Science Center.<\/p>\n If awarded the Nike site license, the NCF will kick-off a fundraising campaign in the Spring of 2011 to help pay for the start-up costs and operational needs of the farm (Farmer, Educator, water line, soil amendments, etc.)\u00a0 The NCF is looking for volunteers to help with marketing and fundraising.<\/p>\n Green Kids <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n The Green Kids Committees at each of the public elementary schools, and St. Joes, have been busy planning and implementing fun programs that promote environmental awareness. This year\u2019s Green Kids theme is \u201cEndangered Habitats.\u201d\u00a0 Earth Day events will be focused on this theme as will many of the Green Kids programs planned for the year.<\/p>\n Ongoing and new programs that Green Kids parent volunteers and elementary school students are working on include:\u00a0 No Idling Campaigns, Nike Reuse-a-Shoe Collection, Walking School Bus, Junk Mail Reduction Campaign, and School Recycling.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n In responding to a recent web-based survey,\u00a0over 300 residents of Needham (99% of those responding) said that they want a\u00a0farmers’ market. Residents\u00a0said in the survey\u00a0that in addition to fresh, locally grown\u00a0produce, they would be drawn by crafts, music and kids’ activities. With advice from the\u00a0Mass. Dept. of Agricultural Resources, the Federation of Mass. Farmers Markets, and the director of the\u00a0Newton farmers’ markets, a group has begun the planning process. This\u00a0involves finding a site, contracting with farmers, and countless other details. A steering committee will meet on January 10th to discuss these details and how other towns began their markets. While selling fresh, locally grown produce is a top priority, a broader goal is to\u00a0build community here.\u00a0Experience with existing farmers markets in Massachusetts demonstrates that local businesses, as well as local farmers and supermarkets, would benefit from a Needham Farmers Market.<\/p>\n Needham Bikes <\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n Needham Bikes received a grant from Charles River Wheelmen to add signage to South Street to make car and bike traffic safer.<\/p>\n Contact:<\/strong> Tad Staley\u00a0 tstaley@gmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n
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\nNeedham Farmers Market Initiative<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n