Locals save agriculture and land with MALT

Molly Myerson and Vivien Straus recently joined the Marine Agricultural Land Trust (MALT) Board of Directors. Both with direct links to our local agricultural scene. Myerson is a newcomer with new perspectives straight from the farm, while Straus has deep roots in Petaluma and West Marin.

Founded in 1980, MALT is a major driving force that keeps our coastal lands safe from excessive development and provides protection for agricultural land. Like the Sonoma Land Trust, it promotes sustainable farming practices throughout West Marin.

Molly Myerson, originally from New York, owns Petite Aile Farm (littlewingfarm.com) at the foot of Black Mountain. For those unfamiliar with the mountain’s real name, we grew up calling it ‘Knuckle Mountain’, located west of the Nicasio Reservoir along Point Reyes – Petaluma Road. The Little Wing Farm food stall can be found just across the Platform Bridge (also known to locals as the “Paint”, “Painted” or “Paint Can” Bridge) just outside of the train station. Point Reyes. Molly is the first MALT board member to lease their land rather than own it, which suits MALT perfectly as they try to help more small farmers access usable land.

“I’m very interested in sharing my knowledge and experience with a style of farming that supports all creatures – insects, birds, mammals – and takes care of water and soil,” Myerson said in A press release.

“Recognizing the challenges presented by climate change and our water scarce environment, MALT has the respect and local connections to be a leader in navigating the future of Marine agriculture,” she said. “What is it really like to preserve farmland for agricultural use forever in these times of change? Who are the next generation of farmers to manage the land, and how can MALT best support them? “

Vivien Straus is familiar to everyone who grew up in the region and loves cheese, and is a regular reader of the Food & Drink section of the Argus-Courier. Besides being an actress and playwright, Vivien is probably best known to foodies in Petaluma for her. Cheese Trail map and website (cheesetrail.org), which is the go-to resource for anyone looking to explore California cheese makers. His brother operates The Straus family creamery, and his mother Ellen Straus co-founded MALT. It also manages the Straus Home Ranch (straushomeranch.com).

“I see serving on the MALT board as a continuation of what my mother wanted: to perpetuate the vision to protect farmland from development, to keep it in agricultural production and to help farms remain viable,” she said in a press release. “MALT is a basic shared resource as we grapple with climate change, water scarcity and how to support the next generation of farmers. MALT is able to help everyone in the region with no other goal than to help, ”added Straus.

Una Vida new hours

With the change of season comes a change of Una Vida hours. Distributing food to anyone in need, their new hours are 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in the parking lot of the Hillside Church of the Nazarene at 2689 Old Adobe Road. To donate your time, food or funds, visit una-vida.org.

Farm Trails is back

Sonoma County Farm Trails tours are back for the next two weekends (23-24 and 30-31 Oct). This is your chance to get out of the house and introduce the kids (or yourself) to some of our great local farmers and producers, who graciously open their “barn doors and doors” once a year for visitors. This year’s tours promise all kinds of farming-related activities, from picking pumpkins and apples to petting farm animals, cheese-making and beekeeping, and plenty more. from the farm, including plenty of opportunities to taste delicious local produce. Visit the Events section of farmtrails.org to make your free reservations.

Turkey Heritage Project

This year marks the 16th season of the Heritage Turkey Project, jointly managed by the Thode family, Slow Food Russian River, and youth organizations. Raised by 4-H and FFA youth here in Sonoma County, Heritage Turkeys are a local alternative to the industrially raised large-breasted white turkey. Raised on organic food, Turkeys with Shiny Feathers are harvested locally and never frozen, with the benefits going directly to the youngster who raised them. The topic “where to find Thanksgiving turkeys” has already started to take over social media, so before you miss your chance, head over to heritageturkeyproject.com.