ON THE FARM
In the shop this week we’re spotlighting our new Human Rights stickers. Sport one with pride to show the world who you are, and what you’re about. Together WE can be the catalyst for local conversations about human rights.
We grew oyster mushrooms this year, and to make them friendlier for folks who “don’t like mushrooms,” I dried and powdered them. This week they went into all sorts of gravies and sauces, including two big trays of beef stroganoff for Rod’s House. Nona made homemade rolls to accompany, and we topped it all off with peanut butter truffles and salted apple cider caramels.
LOCAL
Russell Jim (Dr. Kiaux): Yakama Environmental Leader and Cultural Guardian
“Throughout his life, Jim emphasized that his mission was not rooted in opposition to nuclear science, but in care for people and ecosystems. ‘We are neither pro-nuclear nor anti-nuclear. We are pro-safety for all people,’ he wrote. This framing became central to his work: asserting sovereignty and accountability while remaining open to cooperative solutions rooted in justice, safety, and mutual respect.”
(Source: National Park Service, Dec. 23)
WASHINGTON STATE
Richland Native Helps Tackle Opioid Crisis With Narcare
“Our goal is to give people what they need to intervene, meaning unrestricted access to naloxone as well as stigma-free harm reduction education. We also treat addiction as a public health crisis rather than a personal failure, because stigma is what prevents people from seeking help or communities from taking action.”
(Source: FOX41, Dec 19)
Inside the DIY Movement to Fight Coastal Erosion
“Nature-based approaches are being accepted and adapted as we speak. People are liking what they see and wanting to apply it. David always insisted we’re working with nature as a process to encourage a more stable dynamic. It was a different thought process: How can we use nature-based measures to figure out a way to live more in harmony with the ever-changing shoreline?” –George Kaminsky
(Source: WIRED, Jan 16, 2024)
Washington Native Plant Society 2026 Calendar
“The results of the WNPS Annual Photo Contest develop the WNPS Calendar each year. For 2026 -27 photos have been selected from the photo contest submissions, 13 main photos, and 14 smaller inserts. In celebration of the WNPS 50th Anniversary the 2026 Calendar has reference to the regions of the organization. Enjoy this tribute to WNPS!
Each photo is accompanied by educational descriptions.”
NATIONAL & BEYOND
Young Farmers Field Team Book Club
Currently Reading: The Fifth Season
the first book in N.K. Jemisin’s Hugo Award-winning Broken Earth trilogy
Discussions: 9:30am PT/12:30pm ET – 10:30am PT/ 1:30pm ET
Jan 31 and Feb 28 • Virtual on Zoom
Western Arid Grower Network
“The Western Arid Grower Network is a new community for small-scale vegetable growers in arid places. Join one of their upcoming free online gatherings on growing in dry, extreme climates featuring a presentation by a grower or researcher, followed by farmer-to-farmer discussion. Their next events are on January 12th and February 9th.”
A Place-based Economic Development Strategy to Foster Rural U.S. Prosperity
“The disinvestment in rural areas under the current administration provides an opportunity for policymakers in the U.S. Congress to tout a proven place-based approach to boosting economic growth. This essay outlines a three-pronged, place-based strategy for economic development that recognizes that assets exist in all rural communities and partners with the community in employing these assets to advance rural prosperity. This strategy has been employed through the Rural Partners Network initiative that has brought funding and local and national partners to underserved communities across the United States. The strategy was also employed in the CHIPS and Science Act through the Recompete Pilot Program that directed funding to rural places.”
(Source: Washington Center for Equitable Growth, Sept 11)
The Forces That Pull Us Apart Are Real,
But So Is the Opportunity to Pull Together to Make Progress
“It’s frustrating when we see our work go out into a public that seems so focused on ranting at each other that they miss the point entirely. The bigger problem is that this growing polarization risks letting decision-makers off the hook. It keeps us from working with each other to find and implement solutions. It also feeds into a dangerous downward turn that normalizes dehumanizing each other.
I don’t want to fall into the trap of adding to an unproductive conversation. Instead, I see the urgent need to build a new narrative that is founded on human rights principles and moves us forward to the kind of society where we want to live. ” —Elizabeth McIsaac
(Source: Maytree, Dec 18)
Sowing & Reaping EcoFarm – Nancy Matsumoto
“Rebuilding our regenerative supply chain is a priority focus of Eco Farm, where a panel of women lead the way in sharing what they’re doing to make a difference. Led by ‘Reaping What She Sows’ author Nancy Matsumoto, the keynote EcoFarm panel reveals how transparency and equity in the food system must progress.“
(Source: Farm to Table Talk, Dec. 25)
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Happy New Year, Y’all!
Here’s to a loving and generous 2026.
Maria
P.S. If you want to get rid of an unsprayed Christmas tree, you can drop it off for our goats at the yellow stand at 210 Ehler Rd. We’ll make sure they get it!
