Conservancy News: June – Columbia Land Conservancy

**Partnering with CLC on a New York State Farmland Protection Grant made it possible for us to buy this land, permanently protect it, and guarantee that it will be affordable for future farmers.**
**– John Kukon, Kukon Brothers LLC**

Farms in Full Swing

The cool crunch of a radish. The sweet tang of a strawberry, warm in the sun. The first lick of an ice cream cone on a warm day. The tastes of late spring and early summer are some of the best, and here in Columbia County, we are spoiled with an abundance of local tastes to choose from!

How can you be part of ensuring that Columbia County continues to be a delicious place to live?

Buy local! Check out the National Farmers Market Directory to find out more about local markets, or check out CLC’s Columbia County Farm Directory.
Offer housing if you can. Affordable housing for farmworkers is in short supply.
Stay informed and participate in democracy. Keep up on pending bills and let your elected representatives know your views!

CLC has been of great assistance in my search for farmland: taking the time to read over my lease, creating maps, and helping me advertise for a farmer to create a mutually beneficial partnership.
– Sam Rose, SunRunner Farm and Four Corners Community Farm.

Learn more about farming in our area – attend a workshop!

Down to Earth workshops are a great way to find out more about farming and farm-related topics. Details for the fall workshops are currently being finalized – to make sure you’re among the first to know, join the Farms & Farming email list! Simply scroll to the bottom of this newsletter and sign up, or update your contact information here. In the meantime, enjoy this recording of a workshop about Solar Grazing.

**The ultimate goal of farming is not the growing of crops, but the cultivation and perfection of human beings. – Masanobu Fukuoka**

Whistle while you work!

Need a soundtrack for gardening, cycling past farmstands, or picking berries? CLC has you covered! You can view more playlists on the Columbia Land Conservancy Spotify channel.