The Marin Agricultural Commissioner's office and Marin Organic, in collaboration with more than 15 environmental and educational organizations in
The first opportunity to gather is Saturday, April 22, from
"We are hoping to have lots of participation - lending a hand, having fun, supporting the ranchers, and providing a solution, because hand-labor is part of a mix of alternatives that we are currently looking at as a non-toxic management approach to controlling weeds," said
Fresh lemonade and water, and classical live music in the afternoon, will be provided by the Agricultural Commissioner's office and Marin Organic. Volunteers are asked to bring their lunch and a steak knife for cutting the weeds, gloves, hats, and sun-protection. They should plan to wear long sleeves, long pants, and dress in layers as weather can change and be windy at times. Boots are also recommended, as the terrain will be steep in places.
This effort is part of building a taskforce of volunteers to support Marin's agricultural producers when they need help. "Whether it is a non-toxic approach for controlling weeds, a flood, or a barn burning down, wouldn't it be great to have a corps of volunteers ready to jump in and reach out, to come together and support each other as a community, and engage and learn from each other?" Hellberg asked.
Four Saturdays are scheduled for weed pulling at the Chileno Valley Ranch: May 6, 13, 20, and 27 -
Thank you for your support!
- Sheila Foster, Marin Organic