As is par for the season, we spent November appreciating all that we have to be thankful for — energetic staff, hardworking volunteers, and you!

Our education staff spent most of their time at local schools presenting nutritional or environmental programs, and this month they added the Lead Safe Early Care (LSEC) program to their rotation. The LSEC program teaches children and families about lead safety and helps them navigate solutions to lead problems they may be facing.

Our farmers have finished planting winter cover crops (plants that manage soil erosion and promote healthy soils) and have harvested the last persimmon from the orchard at Hawthorne Avenue Farm. While it may seem like winter is a slow season for our farm, our farmers are already planning for the 2020 harvest! They’re also taking time out of the schedule to plan our 9th annual Beds & Breakfast Winter Seminar — join us on Saturday, February 29, 2020.  

From community gardeners to community partners, we’re also thankful for the relationships we’ve built with Newark residents. Changes to our Plot-It-Fresh program mean that we can serve a larger group of Newark gardeners, and nourish their appreciation for fresh-grown fruits and vegetables.

We hosted the Foodshed Alliance and Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Working Group (NESAWG) for two different public meetings this month. During NESAWG’s It Takes a Region Conference, the Conservancy hosted lunch and a seed swap at our Judith L. Shipley Urban Environmental Center. The following week, the Foodshed Alliance presented Farming in the City in partnership with City Green, and the Urban Agriculture Cooperative. Karen, our farm manager, spoke about the challenges and solutions that arose during her first year on the Hawthorne Avenue Urban Farm. We followed the meeting with a tour of the farm so that participants could see first-hand all the progress she has made.

In December, Essex County Council for Young Children will be using our Urban Environmental Center to distribute coats as part of their winter coat giveaway, helping families stay warm during the holidays. 

Speaking of the holidays… have you made your list and checked it twice? If so, swing by our Pop-Up Holiday Market on Saturday, December 7, 2019, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm! Shop from a selection of local vendors to find something for everyone on your gift list. We’re also providing photos with Santa and delicious goodies. Visit our website to learn more.