The Bay Area is a cradle of environmentalism and a region with a rich trove of health and medical research and resources. In this blog, we’ll report on the deepening understanding of how the places we inhabit and the lifestyles we adopt contribute to our own health and the health of our communities.
For all you city folk curious about the inner workings of an urban farm, you’re not alone.
The Oakland-based Institute of Urban Homesteading (IUH) had hoped for a guest list of about 100 for their urban farm tours this Father's Day, June 19th. More than 350 have made reservations.
IUH founder and headmistress Ruby Blume is “both floored and totally delighted” about the event’s popularity, which skyrocketed after the Institute landed a three-page spread in the San Francisco Chronicle.
But Sunday's five featured urban farms—all privately owned, and none larger than 1 acre—are unable to accommodate such large numbers. Each can only handle about 25 visitors per tour.
Given the anticipated crowd, there will be a line, and the farmers cannot guarantee a tour for everyone.
On the flip side, says the event web page, “Consider this wait time an opportunity to meet others interested in urban agriculture. Bring some jam and crackers to share, a deck of cards or pictures of your own garden or chickens to brag about.”
Those lucky enough to get in will be greeted by a wealth of firsthand information about urban sustainability, as part of the Institute’s mission to preserve a “more intentional, more sustainable and more pleasurable way of life.”
Farm-goers should expect to see anything from goats and quail to top-bar beehives and berry gardens, to composting systems and spring-fed ponds.
The 45-minute tours will begin at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. The fee is $5 per person, per location; kids under twelve pay $3. No one will be turned away for lack of funds—a reflection of Blume’s artist background.
Visit the event website to make a reservation. If you prefer to skip the wait, sign up for the IUH’s email list to receive updates on the their next offering of tours, or check out one of the IUH’s year-round classes.
© The Bay Citizen, 2012
