Cream of the Crop

July 2007

2007 AITC Symposium - Registration Open!
Oct. 12-14, 2007 Pacific Grove
Are you ready to dig deeper and consider the top impacts facing agriculture while enjoying the coastal serenity of Monterey County? At the symposium you will choose three of the following focus topics: biotechnology, energy, food safety, land use, nutrition, and water. Day one will include discussions led by field and industry experts, day two will include hands-on activities; all of which will be information and inspiration that you can take back to the classroom. Other highlights will include motivational keynote speakers, Make 'n' Takes, a farmer panel, outdoor BBQ and bonfire and, of course, free resources. Register for the Symposium online. Submit your housing form to Asilomar Conference Grounds today via fax or USPS mail. Scholarships are available!
Online Registration
Asilomar Housing Form (PDF, 57 KB)
More information about the symposium
Scholarships

Call for Presenters
Proposals for Make 'n' Takes for the 2007 AITC Symposium (Oct. 12-14, 2007, Monterey County) and workshops for the 2008 AITC National Conference (June 25-28, 2008, Orange County) are now being accepted. Fill out a proposal form to share your ag literacy activities and tips with other educators.
Symposium Make 'n' Takes (Due Aug. 15, 2007)
National Conference (Due Aug. 27, 2007)

Introduction to Horticultural Therapy
Oct. 3-6, 2007 San Francisco
The Horticultural Therapy Institute in cooperation with the San Francisco Botanical Garden at Strybing Arboretum (SFBG) is offering the first class in a certificate program. Horticultural therapy's focus is to maximize social, cognitive, physical and psychological functioning and to enhance general health and wellness through horticultural activities. Accredited by the American Horticultural Therapy Association, students can obtain academic credit or continuing education units through Colorado State University. The deadline for registration is Aug. 20, 2007. The cost is $750. Remaining certificate classes will be held at the San Francisco Botanical Garden through 2009.
For more information, visit www.htinstitute.org or contact Christine Kramer at 303/388-0500.

UC Davis Children's Garden Program Workshops
Cost: $20 per session
These workshops are available for parents and educators to support school garden programs through fun, hands-on activities. Participants will gain ideas and materials to support their educational work in school gardens. Most activities are linked to California state academic content standards.

For more information, visit childrensgarden.ucdavis.edu or contact Katie Hume at 530/752-7655.

We Are the Champions

Champions for Change
Champions for Change is a new campaign from the Network for a Healthy California and the California Department of Health Services. The goal is to encourage eating more fruits and vegetables and increasing physical activity to combat obesity and illness. Champions are charged with making healthy changes in both their households and their neighborhoods.
Visit www.cachampionsforchange.net for tips, recipes, resources, and to share your story.
Farm to School Champions
The California Farm to School Taskforce is currently recruiting "Farm to School Champions" who will serve as local contacts for others interested in Farm to School. Qualifications include believing in the Farm to School program, experience working in Farm to School, and willingness to share your story with others. Farm to School Champions' names and contact information will be listed on the California Farm to School Web site.
Visit www.farmtoschool.org to sign up.

Life Lab Camp and Workshops
Santa Cruz

Farm and Wilderness Exploration Day Camp (ages 11-14)
Aug. 6-10, 2007 ($250)
Science exploration camp using the farm, garden and surrounding natural areas as the laboratory.
Discovering the Garden in Early Childhood Education
Aug. 24, 2007 ($150)
Spend a day looking at the garden through the eyes of a pre-schooler.
Growing Classroom Workshop
Sept. 27-28, 2007 ($300)
Using The Growing Classroom activity guide for grades 2-6, experience hands-on activities, learn basic science concepts and gardening techniques, and develop management strategies for a school gardening program.

For more information, and to register, visit www.lifelab.org.

Ag Weblinks

California Fresh Fruit and Raisin News
www.myfreshfruit.com
This monthly paper for stone fruit, citrus and grape growers is available in its entirety online. June's issue features an article about raisin farmers switching from hand to mechanical harvesting. July's issue includes information about dehydrating fruit.
Career Voyages
www.careervoyages.gov
Agricultural bio-processing is an emerging industry. Learn more about possible careers in this field.
PlantRight
www.PlantRight.org
Do you have invasive plants in your garden? PlantRight recommends alternatives and provides steps to prevent invasions and protect California's wildlands.

Summertime Favorites, Thanks to Agriculture
What would summer be without a dripping cone of ice cream, or a glass of fresh lemonade, or a picnic under shade trees with all the fixings? Take a moment one of these cool evenings on the porch, when the breeze hits you just right, to marvel at the processes that make it possible.

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