Sonoma Valley Calendar

Recipe of the Month: Sautéed Kale

Eco Chicks

Winter Pruning Fruit Tree Workshop

Dear Farmer in Chief

Audubon Christmas Bird Count for Kids

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Volunteer Hours

Wednesday & Saturday         9:00 am – 2:00 pm

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Help the Sonoma Ecology Center Help You. Become a member today and support our many local ecology programs.

Also, check out the latest SEC Waterfalls to Wingo newsletter

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Garden Wishlist

Hedge Shears

Rakes

Shovels

Hori Hori

Propane grill or stove

Pictured above are a few wreath makers from our last workshop.

What’s growing on?

These short days and cold nights mean it is slow growing for all those crops in the ground. This weather also means that it is the perfect time to eat kale, cabbage, and collards! The cold weather is ideal for growing these veggies because plants produce more sugars in cold weather, giving them an extra punch of sweetness.

Sautéed Kale

Sauté kale in a little olive oil for 5 minutes over medium heat. Turn down the heat and add garlic, fresh lemon juice, and toasted sesame oil; stir for another 5 minutes.

Eco Chicks

Turn on your radio every Tuesday morning at 8:00 am to 91.3 KSVY and listen to the Eco Chicks on Mornings in Sonoma with Ken Brown. Start you day learning about green events in the Sonoma Valley and Sonoma Ecology Center happenings.

Winter Pruning and Planting Deciduous Fruit Trees Workshop

Sat., January 17th – 1:00PM -3:00PM Learn from Master Gardener Al Derrick about how to plant and winter prune deciduous fruit trees. Bring gloves and pruners for hands-on practice. Workshop sponsored by the Sonoma Master Gardeners and held at Sonoma Garden Park. To register call (707) 938-0127. *Rain Date is Jan. 24th and you can check this website for weather decision.

Dear Farmer in Chief:

Michael Pollan, author of The Omnivore’s Dilemma and In Defense of Food, wrote a letter to the next Farmer in Chief to discuss what direction the U.S. should pursue in the often-overlooked question of food policy. Pollan discusses the Victory Garden Programs of WWII, gardens on the White House lawn, and planting your own garden! Read the full article on nytimes.com

Second Annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for Kid (ages 7-14)
Sat., January 17th – 9:00AM- 1:00PM
The special half day birding event is followed by a tabulation lunch celebration. Families, schools, scouts and community organizations  are welcomed to form a “birding team” or join one at the event.  Each team will be lead by an experienced birder with a checklist and specific route.  Dress comfortable for the winter weather!  Bring a bird book, binoculars, bottled water and join the fun! No experience is necessary.  Volunteers are needed. To sign up call 707-938-4626 x1. The event begins at 9:00 am at the Sonoma Community Center back parking lot,  276 E. Napa St. ($5 donation requested at sign up) The event is sponsored by Sonoma Birding and SCC along with nature partners – Madrone Audubon, The Bird Rescue Center of Sonoma and Sonoma Ecology Center.