April 2023 Change for Good Partner: Pollinator Project Rogue Valley
From Kristina Lefever, Pollinator Project Rogue Valley President
We have a reason, a way, and yes, a hope, that we as humans will act to insure the long-term sustainability of this beautiful place where we live. We believe that gardens, specifically pollinator gardens, are even more important now, because they provide not only a much needed respite for the remaining populations of pollinator species, but also a place for them to live, survive, and thrive in an ever shrinking larger landscape. It is becoming more and more apparent that gardens, spaces and “landscapes” can no longer serve only the interest of “us” - in fact, we must think about how our outdoor spaces can serve other creatures who live here, too, before it's too late.
Join us on our journey of discovery, beauty, and creation - how can planting native in our gardens and landscapes help restore our local ecosystem? There are many resources to inspire you to learn more about why and how to grow a native pollinator garden, or at the least, to add natives to your space, and help serve our native pollinator populations and the ecosystems that they support. We like to think our Resources page is a good one to get you started!
How can folks bring in more pollinators?
It’s simple. A pollinator-friendly landscape provides:
1. Forage - Trees, shrubs, flowering plants, and native grasses that provide pollen and nectar from early spring to early winter, and/or are “host plants” for caterpillars (baby butterflies) to eat.
2. Water and/or mud - River, spring, seep, or stream, or shallow, pebble lined dish, bird bath or other water feature
3. Habitat - Untended or wild areas with bare soil, shrubs and native plantings for nesting and overwintering of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
4. Pesticide Free Areas - Seeds and plants not treated with neonicotinoids, and minimal to no use of herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides.
How can people get involved?
Help us Bring Back the Pollinators!
- Take a self-guided tour of our demonstration native plant garden with our Native Pollinator Garden Plant Guide and videos!
- Invite Pollinator Pals to your school, youth program, business or event!
- Learn about and GROW the native plants that best support our native pollinators!
- Contribute to help us create educational programs, videos, and materials about native plants and pollinators!
- Request PPRV to be a guest speaker for your group or at your event!
- Support our efforts to install pollinator gardens of native plants in fire-impacted communities!
- Follow us on social media!
- Volunteer with us! We are especially seeking volunteers with videography, graphic design, and social media experience, as well as general administrative help.
The more you know... visit the Pollinator Project Rogue Valley's website to learn more!
More Co-op News
Riding off into the Sunset
By Annie Hoy, Retiring Marketing Manager
Since I was born and raised in far West Texas, I cannot help but use some imagery from what is so familiar to me.
Report from the General Manager and Board of Directors
By Emile Amarotico, General Manager and Ed Claassen, Board President
Ashland Food Co-op Signs Contract to Purchase Property
The Ashland Food Co-op expects to soon complete the purchase of an undeveloped lot at 120 Clear Creek Drive in Ashland. The parcel is located directly behind Ashland Lumber. This purchase is a major step in the Co-op’s vision for growing its downtown presence.
Staff Picks: Summer Hikes and Trail Snacks
Our staff loves to head outside and enjoy the gorgeous Oregon outdoors. Here's a few of their favorite trails and the Co-op snacks they like to take with them.
Be a Zero Waste Hero in Four Easy Steps
By Stephanie Koerella, Education Coordinator
Reducing our waste has continued to be of greater concern for Rogue Valley residents, especially since January, when options for recycling became even more limited. While the Ashland Food Co-op is ramping up our efforts to reduce waste as a business, there is a lot that our community can do at home to help the cause.
On the Road to Sustainability
By Laura Pfister, Media Coordinator
Forty six years ago, a group of families formed a buying club to access sustainable, local organic food as an alternative to modern industrial agriculture. This humble foundation of social and environmental responsibility started the Ashland Food Co-op and has shaped every decision we’ve ever made. It’s how, over four decades later, that a small buying club became a 30 million dollar, 17,500 square foot Certified Organic Retailer diverting 82% of their discards from the landfill.
Staff Picks: Earth Friendly Products
In celebration of Sustainability Month in April, we asked our Sustainability Committee to share their favorite eco-friendly product.
2018 Kids Summer Camps
We’ve teamed up with Rogue Valley Farm to School to offer three different camps this summer. Each week campers will dive into food production, preparation and exploration, with a mix of farm and kitchen experiences that delight the senses and inspire the soul. Join Rogue Valley Farm to School staff as they cultivate the ability to grow and cook delicious, healthy, seasonal meals. Monday - Wednesday at the Co-op Community Classroom, Thursday & Friday at the Farm at SOU.
Update on our Strategic Initiatives
By Ed Claassen, Board President
Your Board and Management Team invested a significant amount of time in 2014 developing a set of strategic initiatives that we believe are vital in shaping the future of our business and furthering our mission. We formed a Strategic Planning Steering Committee consisting of 3 Board members and 3 Management Team members to guide the implementation of these initiatives.
2018 Electronic Coupon Schedule
To further our sustainability efforts and to serve you better, we began offering Electronic Owner Coupons in January 2017 at the register.
No more forgetting to bring your owner coupons. No more waiting for your newsletter to arrive. Cashiers simply ask if you want to use your owner coupons when you check out.
As we enter our second year of Electronic Coupons we wanted to share a couple of friendly reminders and the 2018 month by month schedule.
Please note:
What Does Democracy Have to Do with Cooperatives?
By Annie Hoy, Marketing Manager
We often refer to cooperatives as “democratic enterprises.” But what does that really mean? The Ashland Food Co-op, like all other co-ops in most economic sectors, is owned and controlled by the people who use its services.
Co+op Basics: High Integrity, Low Price
Looking to stretch your grocery budget? So are we! We've lowered the price on over three hundred items to create a set of high integrity staples for every shopper. Welcome to Co+op Basics.
Co+op Basics includes over 300 pantry and household staples. From beef to milk to cereal, we’ve lowered the margin and price on all those items to make organic, healthy food accessible to every shopper.
Co+op Basics Staff Favorites
After the holidays, we usually find our pocket books a little lighter. Here are a few favorite Co+op Basics items our staff turn to when the money is a little tighter.
