On the third Saturday of each month, Pie Ranch hosts a Community Work Day, potluck dinner, and rollicking barn dance in the roadside barn. All are welcome; come lend a hand in the fields while you work alongside other volunteers and farmers. Celebrate the spirit of community at this monthly ritual of working together on the ranch, sharing locally grown food, and then spinning, laughing and dosey-doing together into the night.

Due to the time change the work party begins at 1pm.

We offer an optional farm tour at 3pm that begins at the upper slice toolshed ($5/person).

Then join in the potluck at 5pm and dancing at 6pm until about 9pm.

The dance is $7-20 (sliding scale) to compensate Pie Ranch, the County Line Pickers (featuring Jim Davies, bass; Joni Davies, guitar; Josh Lane, mandolin; Ken Clarkson, banjo; Jon Young & Nancy Vail, fiddles) and caller, Andy Wilson.

To keep our barn dances open & accessible to the public, we cannot accommodate large, private groups of over 10 people.  Children under 12 free accompanied by their parents; if you bring a large group of youngsters (over 7, 10 the maximum) we request prior notification and a sliding fee of $5-10 per child. Workday participants pay a discounted rate of $5-15, so come on down and hoe before you hoe down!

Important info:

• Come check in at the Roadside Barn upon arrival to find out where the work day activities will be taking place.
• Please leave dogs at home. (We love dogs too, honest, but it is really not a good event to have dogs present)
• Be careful turning into Pie Ranch from Highway 1.
• Park at the Roadside Barn or in the field directly behind the roadside barn. PLEASE DO NOT DRIVE UP TO THE UPPER SLICE.  If you’re confused, please ask at the roadside barn.
• Bring water bottles, clothing layers, sunscreen, closed toe shoes, and sunhats.
• Bring work gloves, tools, and enthusiasm! (We have gloves and tools for you to use too).
• Please bring your own dishes and utensils for the potluck. Every bit of clean up help is greatly appreciated!
• To keep an inclusive, family atmosphere, the potluck and barn dance are alcohol-free events.

“We don’t want a bigger piece of the pie, we want a different pie.” -Winona LaDuke

Pie Ranch Work Days and Barn Dances are held every third Saturday of the month, all year long. Upcoming work day & barn dances:  March 17th & April 21st.

Click here for directions to the Ranch. . .

Join Pie Ranch and Slow Food Santa Cruz for an evening of literature and film.

Authors Lisa Kivirist and John Ivanko will talk about their new book Farmstead Chef.  They will share simple tips for homegrown and homemade cooking, from preserving the harvest to stocking the pantry to building local community around your kitchen table.

Filmmaker Chuck Schultz will be present for a showing of his film, The Last Crop.  This is his story of farmers Jeff and Annie Main, their Good Humus Farm and how they are planning to preserve it as a working, organic farm for future generations.  The film will be followed by a panel discussion, featuring area farmers talking about issues they encounter in staying on the land and what we can do to assist them.  For a synopsis of the film, visit http://vimeo.com/7026032/.

Friday, January 27, 2012

6:30 – 9:00 PM

Pie Ranch

Suggested Donation:  $5.00 – $10.00  RSVP to kelly@pieranch.org

Share the Pie. from + M productions on Vimeo.

Teach Pie. from + M productions on Vimeo.

Eat Pie. from Robin Moore on Vimeo.

The Whole Pie. from +M Productions on Vimeo.

Cultivating a Movement: An Oral History of Organic Farming and Sustainable Agriculture on California’s Central Coast is now available! This is the first oral history of organic farming and sustainable agriculture and features a wealth of inspirational and colorful stories documenting a synergistic community of farmers, farm advisors, activists, educators, researchers, policymakers, farmers’-market managers, food distributors, and other shapers of this dynamic movement on the Central California coast and beyond. It includes 27 inspirational and colorful stories that document the emergence of this movement from the confluence of several earlier movements of the 1960s and 1970s, including the environmental, anti-war, back-to-the-land, farmworkers, and co-operative living movements, as well as the developing sciences of ecology, agroecology, and integrated pest management. The book is based on a larger archive of oral histories released by the University of California Santa Cruz Library’s Regional History Project in 2010 (including interviews with Jered Lawson and Nancy Vail of Pie Ranch!). The complete archive of transcripts, audio clips, photographs, and other resources is available on the UCSC Library’s website at http://library.ucsc.edu/reg-hist/cultiv/home

A reading for the book will be held at Bookshop Santa Cruz on February 22, 2012 at 7pm.

The book is available at Bookshop Santa Cruz, Capitola Book Cafe, The Works in Pacific Grove, and through Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Cultivating-Movement-Sustainable-Agriculture-Californias/dp/097233436X

Praise for:

If you find yourself depressed about the possibilities for positive change,  pick up Cultivating a Movement and read a few stories told by people who have been devoting their lives to creating a sustainable food system in the heartland of agribusiness.  As one of them says, to be a successful farmer “you have to have a need, a desire, perseverance, strength and insanity.”  That goes for the whole lot of them. These are inspiring people.

—Joan Dye Gussow, author This Organic Life and Growing, Older.

Personal stories are always a wonderful way to learn about past events. The personal narratives of farmers, educators, researchers, artists and conservationists who were part of the evolution of sustainable agriculture and organic food and farming systems in California’s Central Coast—and reaching out to the rest of the country–are truly inspiring. Cultivating a Movement is a book everyone interested in the history of sustainable agriculture will want to read.

—Frederick Kirschenmann, author of Cultivating an Ecological Conscience:  Essays From a Farmer-Philosopher.

Reading Cultivating a Movement is like sitting and listening to a bunch of Old Time Pioneers reconstruct the origins of the organics and sustainability movement. While lots of blind alleys were gone down and plenty of mistakes were made and are openly acknowledged, what characterizes the pioneers was their willingness to try different approaches, to experiment, and their ability to become part of a wide-ranging community while pursuing their individual goals. This book also demonstrates how a new food system requires pioneers in a host of fields: agriculture, distribution and marketing, scientific development and application, learning about consumers and the character of consumption, and how individual actors found their own roads in an emergent complex agrifood system. And it’s pleasurably good reading.

—Bill Friedland, Professor Emeritus of Community Studies and Sociology, UC Santa Cruz

Author Bios:

Project Director, Interviewer, and Editor Irene Reti directs the Regional History Project at the UC Santa Cruz library, where she has worked as an editor and oral historian since 1989. She holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies and a Master’s in History from UC Santa Cruz. Interviewer and Editor Sarah Rabkin has taught in UC Santa Cruz’s writing program and environmental studies department for over twenty-five years. She holds a B.A. in Biology from Harvard University and a graduate certificate in Science Communication from UCSC. Interviewer Ellen Farmer has a B.A. in journalism from San Jose State University and a Master’s in public policy from the Panetta Institute at California State University, Monterey Bay with a specialization in issues in sustainable agriculture, particularly coffee growing.

Pie Ranch is honored and touched that so many family members attended this event. As the current stewards of this beautiful land, we often look to the past to guide us on our present journey.  This event was a way of acknowledging our debt of gratitude to the initial agricultural pioneers of Pie Ranch.

Steeles & Moores in front of the home built in 1906.

]]> http://www.pieranch.org/2011/11/issac-steeles-historic-photography/feed/ 0 http://www.pieranch.org/2011/11/share-teach-and-eat-pie/ http://www.pieranch.org/2011/11/share-teach-and-eat-pie/#comments Sat, 05 Nov 2011 00:02:27 +0000 darius http://www.pieranch.org/?p=2107

Share the Pie. from + M productions on Vimeo.

Teach Pie. from + M productions on Vimeo.

Eat Pie. from Robin Moore on Vimeo.

If you want to find out what is going on regarding food & food policy in San Mateo County, don’t miss Food Day on 10/24 at the Foster City Library, sponsored by the San Mateo County Food System Alliance.  Not too late to RSVP!  Send an email to Juvy Ann Reyes at jareyes@co.sanmateo.ca.us or call 650-573-2398.

]]> http://www.pieranch.org/2011/10/celebrate-food-day-with-pie-ranch-in-foster-city/feed/ 0 http://www.pieranch.org/2011/10/historic-slideshow-at-pie-ranch/ http://www.pieranch.org/2011/10/historic-slideshow-at-pie-ranch/#comments Tue, 18 Oct 2011 18:12:01 +0000 Kelly http://www.pieranch.org/?p=2082  

This unique slide show will feature the photography of Pescadero resident, Issac Steele. Mike Merritt, State Park Interpretor, will lead participants on this trip through the past which will include over 100 historic, rarely seen photographs of Pie Ranch (formerly Green Oaks Dairy), Pigeon Point Lighthouse, The Pebble Beach Hotel and more.  The slide show will start in the historic house at Pie Ranch and will be followed by a tour of the farm.  Reservations are required as space is limited!

Where:  Pie Ranch, Historic House, 2080 Cabrillo Highway, Pescadero, CA  94060

When:  1pm – 2:30pm Slide Show  3-4pm Tour the Farm

Donation:  $5/pp

RSVP:  650-879-0995

Our youth educators, Debbie Harris and Mary Ann Brooks, had a great opportunity this summer to take four students to the Rooted in Community (RIC) National Conference in Philadelphia at the end of July. RIC is a national network of youth and adults focused on youth leadership and youth activism in food justice.  The group is working to build healthier communities through agriculture, gardening and environmental justice. This year’s Conference was an inspiring and motivating learning experience for the Pie Ranch students (program participants from Mission and Oceana High Schools). They connected with like-minded youth from all over the country; strategizing together about food systems change and championing food justice. The participants visited urban farm sites throughout Philadelphia, participated in youth-led food justice workshops, and produced a Youth Food Bill of Rights. One of the most exciting moments was when all 170 youth from RIC participated in a rally in front of Philadelphia’s City Hall to educate and familiarize the public about the Youth Food Bill of Rights. The Bill they created can be found online at: www.youthfoodbillofrights.com.

We asked our student participants to share a few thoughts about their experience:

Kevin Martinez, Oceana High School, Pacifica, California

Why did you go to Rooted in Community?

The reason I went to RIC was because I was interested in learning about the Youth Food Bill of Rights.  I believe that processed food is not good for our health.  I wanted to learn more about healthy eating & how to grow my own crops. The goal that I developed from going to RIC is to change my school cafeteria food menu. It’s important that students get good food. I think healthy food helps our body work better and it also must help our brains.

What were some of your most meaningful experiences at RIC?

Some of my most meaningful experiences were to see how many students were at Philly fighting for what they believe in. And I loved that. It’s important for us teens to know about FOOD JUSTICE.

What change do you want to make in your own community as a result of RIC?

In my community the mayor has been building more houses. I think that instead of building houses they should build a garden. I would take care of the garden if it were to happen. I think I will try to write a letter to the mayor of Pacifica. That’s my next goal.

Naftali Moed, Oceana High School, Pacifica, California

What were some of your most meaningful experiences at RIC?

This year’s RIC conference affirmed my belief that as a youth, I not only have rights but also am capable of empowering myself and others to employ my rights and voice as agents of change in the fight for food justice. I was awakened to the power of social networking tools, as well as the power of youth to initiate change on a larger and more far reaching level.

My most meaningful experience at RIC this year was getting to meet and spend time with members of the UNI crew in Philly and reconnecting with people I met at RIC two years ago. I also greatly enjoyed getting to see both the city of Philadelphia and the fantastic work that UNI and other groups are doing there. Lastly, my respect for the power of photography as well as it’s implications on our perceptions of things has been greatly increased as a result of a workshop I attended at this year’s RIC.

What sort of people did you meet at the Conference?

I met a really interesting group of people from a water rights oriented group in New Mexico this year at RIC. I really enjoyed learning about both their work in the realms of activism and also the work they do with regards to sustainability and self-sufficiency. I met them when we were walking through Penn and one of them pointed out a falcon to me as it hunted for it’s dinner and explained to me the bird’s actions and their significance. I also met a great group of youth from the UNI crew stationed at School of the Future on my site visit there and really enjoyed spending time with them gardening and making popcorn.

What change do you want to make in your own community as a result of RIC?

As a result of RIC, I would like to strengthen my connection to Pie Ranch as well as the connection between Pie Ranch and the work I am doing at Oceana. Having two years ago been inspired to start a garden by RIC, this year I am inspired to redouble my efforts to expand both the garden at Oceana and also the educational components associated with it.  I would love to stay involved with RIC and continue to support the great work that we are doing. I am however, often short of time and energy and would like to set a goal for myself of some how remaining involved with RIC either on a planning level or helping to spread the word about the youth food bill of rights over the coming year.

Edilzer Juarez, Mission High School, San Francisco

Why did you go to RIC?

I went to RIC because I wanted to be part of the group and also to know more about our food and where it comes from and how hard our farmers work in order to feed the nation.

What were some of your most meaningful experiences at RIC?

I had some good experiences like meeting young students who have the same goals as we do at Pie Ranch; they are also looking to be able to have more access to fresh produce & to stop the fast food epidemic. Fast food is not healthy but it’s cheaper; that’s why there is so much obesity in this country and we the youth are trying to change it.

What change do you want to make in your own community as a result of RIC?

Come learn about

Farm Equipment, Maintenance & Diesel Engines with Jim Leap!

Jim will be covering:

• How to purchase a tractor
• What is the best equipment configuration for your farm
• What implements do you need to get started; traction requirements for various implements; spaders; matching implements to tractor horse power; dealing with compaction from rototillers; tillage sequences; appropriate implements for various sized farms; quick hitch options; buying new vs. used equipment
• Basic maintenance of tractors and implements
• Diesel engines, clutches, transmissions and hydraulic systems
• Jim’s 10 favorite tools

Jim Leap has been farming for 36 years. He started off in Fresno, farming for 10 years before returning to school to pursue a degree in agricultural science at Fresno State (and he kept farming right through school!). Jim went on to manage the 25-acre farm at UC Santa Cruz from 1990-2010 where he designed crop systems, oversaw production, purchased and maintained equipment, taught 40 apprentices per year, supervised staff, coordinated field research, helped write training manuals, and educated students and visitors about the farm. In March, 2009, Jim was recognized with the UC Small Farm Program’s Pedro Ilic Award for Outstanding Educator. The honor is named for an influential Fresno County small-farm advisor who was an important mentor to Leap. Since 2010 Jim has been the Field Technician for the Organic Program at USDA/Salinas.

When?  Friday, September 30th 3-6pm

Where?  Pie Ranch, 2080 Cabrillo Highway, Pescadero, CA

Cost: Sliding scale $5-20/person

RSVP to nancy@pieranch.org

A group of 9 students from the Stanford-based organization, Volunteers in Asia , came for a full program & overnight experience at Pie Ranch.  VIA is a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing understanding between the United States & Asia.  VIA provides innovative experiential learning programs in Asia & the US that promote cross-cultural understanding, build partnerships, and offer transformative experiences for the participants & the communities they serve.  The group had just arrived in the country for a month long service-learning program where they engaged in issues around health, education, environment, and poverty  with a number of Bay Area organizations.  Participants included students from Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan—for most of them it was their first time in California, not to mention camping on a farm! The students toured Pie Ranch, engaged in farm activities, harvested & prepared meals together in our outdoor kitchen, and learned the fine skill of making strawberry-rhubarb pie from scratch!

38 apprentices from the UC Santa Cruz Farm Apprenticeship in Ecological Horticulture came for a 2-hour tour of Pie Ranch as a part of a field trip to farms in the Pescadero area. The Apprenticeship in Ecological Horticulture is an educational program created by the Center for Agroecology & Sustainable Food Systems (CASFS) located on the UC Santa Cruz campus. Since 1967, 1400 graduates have gone on to apply their training in a variety of ways around the world:  developing their own commercial farms, market gardens, and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) projects, starting inner-city community gardens, working as environmental educators, participating in international rural development projects, managing organic landscaping businesses, and pursuing degrees in agricultural studies.

A group of 30 international students from UC Berkeley’s summer youth program focusing on global climate change came for an in-depth tour of Pie Ranch. The group learned about Pie Ranch’s farming practices and how we can shift agriculture to use sustainable methods such as reducing off-farm inputs, using alternative energy on the farm, carbon sequestration through low tillage, diverse cropping, cover cropping & semi-permanent pasture.

10 young women from the Standing Against Global Exploitation project (SAGE) came for a 2-hour tour of Pie Ranch where they got to hold our chickens, collect eggs, feed the goats, and learn about healthy & diverse food crops. We talked a lot about how diversity in cropping, chickens, and human communities results in resiliency and health. The Standing Against Global Exploitation Project—or the SAGE Project—is a nonprofit organization with one primary aim: bringing an end to the commercial sexual exploitation of children and adults (CSE/CSEC). SAGE contributes to that goal by raising awareness about CSE/CSEC issues, and by providing outreach and services to CSE/CSEC survivors.

Teach Pie. from + M productions on Vimeo.

Eat Pie. from Robin Moore on Vimeo.