Who’s Who in Sustainability: 2017 Updates from F-M Organizations
In 2016, Ugly Food of the North hosted 17 events, including the launch of our Little Free Garden project. As we return from a short holiday break, our team looks forward to a new year filled with continued conversation + action about a more sustainable food community in Fargo-Moorhead.
On Monday, Jan. 9, we joined the F-M Sustainability Network to kick off 2017 at a meet-up featuring other organizations working on sustainability-related issues in our community. Here's a quick preview of what is ahead in 2017:
FARRMS + Growing Together - Update by Verna Kragnes
Thanks to recent grant USDA funding, FAARMs is working in partnership with Growing Together and Lutheran Social Services to implement a farmer training. The program includes learning circles, education, experiential learning and paid internship opportunities, allowing individuals interested in becoming a producer to learn skills and the art of intensive, sustainable vegetable development.
Get Involved: Look for upcoming courses related to small agriculture through Moorhead Community Education. Attend the International Potluck - Growing & Sharing Together on January 26 at Olivet Lutheran Church.
Prairie Roots Food Co-op - Update by Kurt Kopperud, General Manager
Prairie Roots Food Co-op, the first full-service grocery store in Downtown Fargo, is slated to open late spring/early summer and will be focusing on sustainability in many ways, including local and organic food sourcing, biodegradable in-store resources (i.e. utensils + flatware), bulk options, and educational opportunities utilizing an in-house classroom.
Get involved: become a member of Prairie Roots Food Co-op + stay connected on #PrairieRootsND social media.
Fargo Moorhead Metropolitan Council of Governments - Update by Michael Maddox, Senior Transportation/Community Planner
This federally designated planning committee focuses on a variety of community transportation issues including the transit development plan (MATBus, paratransit, etc.) and organization of traffic systems.
Get involved: Review the final report of the 2016-2020 Transit Development Plan and the draft of the 2016 Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan.
Clay County Solid Waste - Update by Shannon Thompson, Resource Recovery Technician The purpose of the Solid Waste Management Office is to design and implement an integrated solid waste management system. This year, they will continue to focus on evaluating waste processing, energy recovery, and sanitary landfill options. Though they have a site which received a permit for organics composting, they are currently looking for a company to take the lead.
Get involved: Learn more about Solid Waste Management in Clay County.
River Keepers - Update by Christine Holland, Executive Director
The mission of River Keepers is to advocate sustainable use of the Red River of the North, primarily within the Fargo-Moorhead area. In 2016, they welcomed Kim Morris as their project coordinator and are working on a strategic plan involving community partners and volunteers. This year, they are working with the City of Fargo and Fargo Parks to "Reforest the Red," with a goal of planting 9,000 trees in the next decade.
Get involved: Get the latest on volunteer opportunities and stay connected on social media
North Dakota Chapter of Green Building - Update via Jacob Friedman
USGBC North Dakota is committed to promoting better living across the state through sustainable environments. This year, a USGBC North Dakota program called Advance is offering board members and volunteers out as free consultants to those interested in LEED certification or simply building more sustainably.
Get involved: Connect on Facebook or learn more about ongoing projects.
Cass Clay Food Systems Initiative - Update by Megan Myrdal
The goal of the Cass Clay Food Systems Initiative is to increase access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food for all residents by strengthening all aspects of the local food system.
Get involved by attending one of their upcoming events:
Cass Clay Food Commission: Discussing Municipal Composting and Direct Sales/Cottage Food Laws - Wednesday, January 11th from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Fargo City Hall (Watch on Public Access Friday morning at 11am)
Tuesday, Feb. 7th -- Gearing Up for Farmers Market Season Event, sharing info on all upcoming markets in Cass and Clay counties; working to get all farmers markets to accept SNAP
Local Clean Energy Groups (CLEAN)
Working to promote renewable energy in Fargo-Moorhead. Recent projects include getting a solar garden up and running in partnership with Moorhead Power and currently working with the City of Fargo in order to get electric vehicle charges in the new parking ramps.
Get involved: Join the Citizens Climate Lobby Fargo-Moorhead Chapter
Red River Zoo - Update by Mike, Facilities Director
Save the date for the next big event, "Party for the Planet" at the Red River Zoo on Saturday, April 22. Watch for more details coming soon on Facebook.
Nature of the North - Update by Jon Walters
Nature of the North is committed to build and recharge community through the outdoors.
Get involved by connecting on Facebook or signing up to volunteer on an adventure
Want to stay connected to all things sustainable in Fargo-Moorhead? Connect with the F-M Sustainability Network to get information about upcoming events, and as always, join the conversation using #FMuglyfood.
**I did my best to keep up with the quick updates. Missed something? Send us a private message and we’ll update accordingly - Gia R., Ugly Food of the North**