09/09/2009: "Young People & Sustainable Farming"

( Cheyenne Cook -Slow Food L&S photo)

Friday Harbor High School students Cheyenne Cook and Aaron Kendzoriak have an interest in farming, and with the help of a local group called “Slow Food Land & Sea” , were able to receive some on the job training on San Juan Island; including an opportunity for Cook to attend the Quillisascut Farm School in Rice, Washington.

Cheyenne is a Senior at FHHS, while Aaron is starting his first classes at Skagit Community College at the Friday Harbor Center campus. They both worked as interns at the Quaile Croft Cheese Co Op on San Juan Island, and then Cook went on to Quillisascut to learn a bit more about making cheese; as well gaining some insights into cooking, beekeeping, and poultry.

Slow Food Land & Sea is a non-profit group on San Juan Island involved in networking and sponsoring projects related to sustainable farming and agriculture.

The week at the “teaching Farm” was made possible by the efforts of Kim Bast of Lopez Island and instructor Loral Lea of the Quillisascut workshop; and also by a scholarship and a donation by a local donor with an interest in helping local young people in the county.

Speaking of donors, another anonymous donation may be sufficient to allow two or more students to attend workshops next year.

More information on the Slow Food group -and how to make a donation- can be obtained by contacting slowfoodlandandsea@gmail.com; or phone Linda at 317-5890 or Maureen at 472-0880.

"Snail Mail" may be sent to: Land & Sea; P.O. Box 2084; Friday Harbor WA 98250

And for an interesting video made on San Juan Island, check out “Where Is Tomorrow's Farmer?” by Mike Hurwicz of Orcas.