Invasivore: if you can't beat 'em, eat 'em

Recently featured in Heifer International magazine (see Heifer.org):

Invasivore:  a website dedicated to eradicating invasive species by eating them.

Of course, the reality is more complicated than “if you can’t beat ‘em, eat ‘em!” and this blog will explore the many dimensions of this issue in ways we hope will surprise you- and your taste buds. Our organizing principle is the knowledge –courage even- to harvest, prepare and consume invasive species. It is this awareness we think will lead to decreasing the impacts of invasive species by preventing new introductions, reducing spread, and encouraging informed management policies.


Check out the website for recipes, maps, and links to more information about invasive species around the world.


http://invasivore.org/

Baltimore Farmers Market roundup

Tis the season for farmers markets!  And this year it seems there are more than ever, on any day of the week.

See listings by county here:

http://www.mda.state.md.us/md_products/farmers_market_dir.php#baltcity

Here are the markets closest to Towson, arranged by weekday:

Saturday
32nd Street/Waverly
Green Spring Station
Go Life / Cylburn
Baltimore Museum of Industry
Fells point

Sunday
Baltimore City (under the JFX)

Tuesday
Lauraville
Village of Cross Keys
Kenilworth

Wednesday
Mt. Washington Whole Foods Market
Govanstowne
Baltimore County at MD State Fairgrounds
Druid Hill
State Center Community

Thursday
Towson
Greater Baltimore Medical Center
Johns Hopkins Hospital
Highlandtown

Friday
Charles Street Friday Market
Farmers' Market at the Avenue at White Marsh


Get out and support your local farmers!

Lost cats, livable streets, and community

http://www.grist.org/urbanism/2011-06-23-great-places-how-livable-streets-make-us-happier-humans

This Grist article about livable streets and sustainable communities reminds me of the time I lost my cat.  After pounding the pavement for a day or two, I sent a distressed email to a handful of my closest neighbors.  One replied immediately, and it turns out my cat had gotten locked in her garage.  Phew!

A friend from a different neighborhood was amazed that I not only knew my neighbors, but had their email addresses too.  Apparently Rodgers Forge is the exception rather than the rule in Baltimore neighborhoods:  families living in close proximity have more chances to chat over the front porch or backyard fence, help unload groceries, pet-sit, play with each others' kids, and generally be more involved in each others' lives.

For all that I complain about people rushing between house and car with scarcely a moment to greet neighbors or walk around the block, I think my neighborhood is better than many in this regard.  In this day and age where we're more virtually-connected than ever, there's still something to be said for being able to walk out the door and talk to another human being face to face.

JH-U-Turn community yard sale this Saturday

JH-U-TURN Community Yard Sale


Pick up second-hand items for a reduced price!

June 11; 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

O’Connor Rec Center, Gym; Homewood Field

Come check out second-hand items from students at a reduced price! Items include clothing, furniture, books, electronics, and household items. In keeping with Hopkins’ mission of demonstrating smart, sensible, and creative actions promoting sustainability and community strengthening, JH-U-Turn is designed to help reduce waste and support a great cause.

Visit http://web.jhu.edu/liaison/UTurn.html for more information.