See the Link:

http://www.meridian.mi.us/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={FBDDD477-61D6-4BC4-8CAD-81DAA4BB9692}

Mother’s Day is this Sunday, May 9th so don’t forget to get your supplies for a wonderful Mother’s Day at the Farmers Market!

*We have beautiful hanging baskets, bedding plants, trees, flowering shrubs and handmade bouquets just for that mother in your life.

*Don’t forget the terrific meal you can make with the wonderfully fresh ingredients you can find at the market too.

See you at the Market!

This Saturday, May 1st marks the beginning of the 2010 Farmers Market Season!
The market will be open from 8am to 2pm rain or shine!

This Saturday the following seasonal products will be available, plus much more!
Asparagus, rhubarb, spring mix, bedding plants and flowers, ready to eat items (baked goods, sandwiches, egg rolls/spring rolls and popcorn), meats, seafood, poultry, eggs, pickles, mushrooms, trees and shrubs, honey, hanging baskets, goat cheese, turnip greens, maple syrup, jams and jellies, soap, coffee and so much more!!

See you at the Market!

FYI- 6 more weeks to opening day, Saturday, May 1st from 8 am to 2 pm!

The Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council also has many activities and events you may be interested in:

March 23 – Lansing Parks Master Plan Public Hearing
Tuesday, March 23, 6pm-8pmSouthside Community Center at Harry Hill  Career Academy, 5815 Wise Road, Lansing
Give input on the 5-year Lansing Parks Master  Plan, which is used to determine funding  applications, projects and use of Parks Millage funds. More info at www.lansingparks.info

March 24 – Landscaping the Sustainable Eastside Home, Foster Community Center
From Allen Neighborhood Center – Join us next Wednesday, March 24th for a special presentation about sustainable landscape design. Matt Smar, local expert and enthusiast, will be discussing garden design for home energy savings, water conservation, and food production. The event will be held at Foster Community Center from 6:30-8:30pm. This is part of the Urban Gardener Certificate Program at the Hunter Park Community GardenHouse;  all are welcome on this special class day to join us for an inspirational conversation that will leave you excited for spring in your Eastside home. More info http://www.allenneighborhoodcenter.org/

Let’s Garden Lansing
Check out full calendar of gardening classes, groups and events in the Lansing area: http://www.letsgardenlansing.org/

Lansing Walkability Survey Seeking Volunteers
Walk and Bike Lansing! is seeking volunteers to help with a condition inventory of Lansing sidewalks in 2010. Training will begin in March, assessments in April. Contact Payal Ravani to sign up and get details: payal@midmeac.org or 248-342-1695.

Lansing *Draft* Non-Motorized Plan
Can be viewed online at www.walkbikelansing.com. Check it out and send feedback to akilpatr@lansingmi.gov.

Low Impact Development Events – March 25
Protect your property from flooding, save money, and  help the environment using Low Impact Development (LID):
·             LID captures rainwater for reuse.
·             LID absorbs rainwater to help prevent flooding.
·             LID renews groundwater supplies for drinking water.
·             LID cleans rainwater that has collected pollution (like litter, dirt, and oil) from our roofs and
paved areas, instead of sending it into our rivers.
·             LID is simple, affordable, and easier than maintaining big lawns and paved areas.

The Greater Lansing Regional Committee (for Stormwater Management) is hosting a series of presentations from experts on many different topics related to stormwater management and low impact development. The committee expects the series to span throughout the entire year. Presentations will be held on the last Thursday of every month. March 25: Pervious Concrete, Aaron Harris, MI Concrete Association, 2 p.m.Lansing Twp. More information at www.mywatersheds.org and www.midmeac.org/LID

Michigan Bicycle Summit – March 27
Andy Clarke, Executive Director of the League of American Bicyclists, will keynote LMB’s 2010 Michigan Bicycle Summit, and Chris Phelan, founder of the Ride of Silence, will be a special guest. Come meet and greet these two nationally known bicycle advocates on March 27 in Lansing, MI. Details at www.lmb.org  or 334-9100.

April 2 – Mid-MEAC Land Use Lunch
Landon Bartley, City Planner for City of Grand Rapids, will speak on the subject of greening the building and zoning codes — that is, incorporating environmental benefits from standards such as Energy Star and LEED into local ordinances and municipal standards — at the April 2 First Friday Land Use Luncheon. The monthly luncheons, sponsored by the Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council, include a buffet lunch, presentation by an expert speaker, and Q&A. They are held from noon to 1:00 at the CentralUnitedMethodistChurch at Capitol and Ottawa.  More info at http://www.midmeac.org/landuselunches.html

City of East Lansing Recycling Events

http://www.cityofeastlansing.com/Home/Departments/PublicWorks/RefuseYardWasteRecycling/April

Recycling in Meridian Township

http://www.re-news.net/meridian/

April 24 – Greener Delta Event
Greener Delta is a one-day event intended to provide education about alternative energy uses, increase environmental awareness,and expand knowledge of environmentally conscious lifestyles for individuals of all ages.   http://www.greenerdelta.org/

April 27 – Master Composter Classes Start
5-week class. More info at http://www.lansingmi.gov/pubserv/wastereduction/events.jsp
May 1 – Computer & Electronics Recycling Event http://www.lansingmi.gov/pubserv/wastereduction/events.jsp

Have a great winter and a happy new year!

Here’s who will be there:

• Country Products (wilbur’s turkey pick-up)
• The Butterfly Bush
• Hanniwald Lamb
• 45th Parallel Pickling Co.
• Stone Cloud Gardens
• Titus Farms
• Wildflower EcoFarm (weather permitting)
• Williamston Florist and Greenhouse (zetune olive oil)
• Fairview Gardens (weather permitting)
• Mac’s Market (weather permitting)
• Czech Bakery
• Green Eagle Farm
• Craig’s Hilltop Honey
• Michigan Mushrooms
• Never Dull (knife sharpening)
• Jennifer Rotier (crocheted items)

Come and get fresh ingredients for your Thanksgiving Feast!

Happy Holidays and see you on the first Saturday in May!
Christine

If you’re looking to stock up, here are some helpful hints for storage:

Potatoes
Most potatoes will keep at room temperature, away from light, for up to 2 weeks.  For longer storage, potatoes keep best at 45-50 degrees, high humidity and in darkness. If the temperatures are too warm they will sprout, if too cold the starch will turn to sugar.
Winter Squash/Pumpkins
Store at room temperature, and they should keep for at least a month. Or store in a dry, cool (50-55 degrees) but not cold location to keep for several months. An unheated garage is often a good location.
Apples
Store in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator for weeks. WARNING: Don’t store apples directly next to other storage crops. The gases released by the natural ripening of apples encourages vegetables or fruit to decay more quickly.
Other Root Crops (Carrots, Beets, Celeriac, Rutabagas, Parsnips, etc.)
Generally, greens should be removed (in the case of beets they can be saved for later use). Keep in the refrigerator in a plastic bag for 2-4 weeks. For very long term storage these root crops can be buried in moist sand and kept in a cool but not cold location.
Garlic
It stores well in a cool, dark, dry and well ventilated place for several months. For very long-term storage, garlic can be minced and covered or blended with olive oil and placed in small airtight containers and frozen. After removing from the freezer, keep refrigerated.
Leeks
Refrigerate leeks unwashed and dry with roots attached for up to 2 weeks. Wrap lightly in plastic to avoid aromas spreading to other foods.
Brussels Sprouts
For best storage, leave the sprouts on the stalk. Store in a cool place, like a garage. If removed from the stalk store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Peppers and more
While peppers cannot be stored long term like other crops, they can be easily frozen. Simply wash, remove the seeds and chop or slice as you see fit. Dry them and place them in a freezer ready plastic bag and you’ll have peppers all winter long.

There will be a Market the day before Thanksgiving (11/25) from 10-2pm.
Come support the market and stock up for the winter!  Thank you for a Great Season!

Some exciting things are happening at the market this next month!

Don’t forget that Wednesdays are open now from 8am to 2pm!

New products at the market:
Michigan Peaches, Sweet Corn, Cherries, Apples, Blueberries, beginning of Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Peas, Broccoli, Potatoes, and Much, Much More!!!

Children Activities:
WEDNESDAY, July 29th-Sponsored by NuUnion Credit Union
SATURDAY, August 8th- Sponsored by MSU Child Psychology
SATURDAY, August 15th- Sponsored by Capital Area District Library
WEDNESDAY, August 19th- Sponsored by NuUnion Credit Union

Music at the Market (Saturdays ONLY):
August 8th, 15th, 22nd from 10am to noon. Located under the tree near the playground.

See you at the market!
Christine
–

We hope to see you Saturday, since all the nice summertime treats are beginning to arrive!