On a recent anniversary trip to Italy, James Monaco, a publisher based in Sag Harbor, was startled by what he saw in a Rome book store. "There were three full shelves, floor to ceiling, of agritourism books," he said, referring to the notion of touring a region's food and wine producers as part of a vacation. Monaco's publishing company focuses on local issues, including hiking and kayaking guides, as well as books of poetry by local authors.

And now the company has published a guide to Long Island farm stands, farmers markets, CSAs (community supported agriculture or food subscription schemes) and local food purveyors. With a detailed list of farm stands and gourmet food shops-big and small, renowned and undiscovered-the book would make a perfect gift for any foodie that is new to the area or the locals who are curious to see if they have found all the good food in their own backyard. (Who knew that Nassau County had so many farm stands or that the farm stand around the corner from me was named after the farmer's twin girls?) "What we discovered in doing the research is that there are many more farmers markets and CSAs on the Island than you would imagine," said Monaco, who plans to make the book an annual series and is working on a guide to Long Island's wineries. (Find the book at local bookstores, farmers markets, and hepdigital.com.)

Just as the interest in eating local has multiplied so have the guides to make it easier to find that nearby harvest. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County has just released its 2007 Pick-Your-Own List, identifying fruit and vegetable farms complete with locations, telephone numbers, and picking hours. (For those who like to plan ahead, there’s even a list of pick-your-own Christmas tree farms.) For a free copy, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: U-Pick, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County, 423 Griffing Avenue, Riverhead, NY 11901 or download the list at: www.cce.cornell.edu/suffolk.

Long Island Farm Bureau offers a free, colorful Farmstand Guide (call 727-3777), with information on more than 50 farmstands and pick-your-own farms, as well as an all new interactive farmstand map at www.LongIslandFarmstands.com.

Posted by Brian Halweil at 9:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

On June 30, join Long Island Traditions for our 3rd annual “Boating with the Baymen” tour, this year exploring the Peconics, where fishermen and baymen whose family histories date to the 1600s continue to work on the water, despite increasing obstacles. Space is limited and reservations are required! The cost is $40/person, $20 for children under 16. The tour will take place from 4 to 7 pm. To reserve your spot call Long Island Traditions at (516) 767-8803 or visit www.longislandtraditions.org. Deadline for registration is June 29. This program is sponsored in part by the New York State Council on the Arts and Suffolk County Office of Cultural Affairs.

Our tour will take place aboard the Peconic Star, departing from Greenport at 4 pm. Meet and talk with baymen Peter Wenczel and Howard Pickerell, along with lighthouse historian Merle Wiggins and environmental planner Jeff Kassner. The tour will be led by Long Island Traditions’ executive director Nancy Solomon.

During the tour there will be a facilitated discussion on the issues facing commercial fishermen, moderated by folklorist Nancy Solomon, who has been studying commercial fishermen on Long Island since the late 1980s. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn directly from these fishermen how the east end baymen are faring, and understand the issues they face.

Amid this scenic backdrop local baymen will discuss their family traditions and how fish and shellfish are harvested. Howard Pickerell is a traditional boat builder and bayman from Watermill. Pickerell has worked the bay his entire life, and is one of the few remaining traditional boat builders on the south fork. Peter Wenczel is a working fisherman and bayman who resides in Southold. He has been active in the Southold Baymen’s Association. Wenzel and Pickerell harvest finfish and shellfish in the Peconics, using a variety of methods. In addition lighthouse historian Merle Wiggins will educate passengers on the history of east end lighthouses. Completing the panel will be environmental planner Jeff Kassner of the Town of Brookhaven's Division of Environmental Protection, who has conducted extensive research on the ecological and environmental history of Great South Bay and the Peconics.

Space is limited and reservations are required! The cost is $40/person, $20 for children under 16. The tour will take place from 4 to 7 pm. To reserve your spot call Long Island Traditions at (516) 767-8803 or visit www.longislandtraditions.org . Deadline for registration is June 29. This program is sponsored in part by the New York State Council on the Arts and Suffolk County Office of Cultural Affairs.

Posted by Brian Halweil at 5:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Friday, July 6
Plein Air Peconic Exhibit, Presentation and Artists Reception
4:00 p.m. Presentation on the Peconic Land Trust/Artist Connection
5:00 – 7:00 p.m. “Meet the Artists” Reception
Riverhead Free Library
330 Court Street, Riverhead

Celebrate the beauty of our East End landscape! Join us at the library to meet several of the plein air painters and landscape photographers who created the exciting traveling exhibit, Plein Air Peconic. This stunning exhibit offers a chance to view the natural beauty of over 20 sites protected by Peconic Land Trust from vantage points not accessible to the general public. Attend the presentation at 4 p.m. to learn about the landscapes and the connection between the Trust and the artists, and stay for the reception! All work is for sale and a percentage of sales will be donated to the Trust. Participating artists include: Casey Anderson, Susan D’Alessio, Aubrey Grainger, Gail Kern, Michele Margit, Gordon Matheson, Joanne Rosko, Eileen Skretch, Tom Steele, Kathryn Szoka and Ellen Watson. Light refreshments will be served. Exhibit runs from July 3 – 29.

Saturday, July 7, 10:00 a.m.
Talk to the Bees with Mary Woltz
Side Hill Lane, Amagansett

Join Quail Hill Farm’s own beekeeper, Mary Woltz, owner of Bees Needs, to learn more about the challenges and rewards of keeping bees. Get an up-close look at a hive, and develop a better understanding of the dynamics involved in the secret life of bees as Mary shares insights into the lifecycle of these “furry” little creatures.
No charge to Quail Hill Farm and Peconic Land Trust members, $5 all others. Rain date is July 14.

Thursday, July 12, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Meet the Goats at Catapano Dairy
33705 North Road (Route 48), Peconic

Have you ever milked a goat? What does goat fur feel like? What do they really like to eat? Meet us at the Catapano Dairy Farm, one of the most well-known and respected cheese making operations in the Country, to learn the answers to these and other questions about goats! Hosted by Karen Catapano, your children will get to pet these lively little animals, try their hand at milking, have a taste of goat cheese and goat-milk fudge, and learn all about the farm. Before leaving, stop in at the Catapano’s Delicate Doe Goatique to browse a wide selection of goat milk products, including cheese, body creams and soaps. All children will receive a child-size bar of their very own goat milk soap!
$5/person, suitable for children in grades K-6. **Please note, there is no restroom at the farm, and moderate to heavy rain cancels.

Saturday, July 21, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Wigwam Life on Long Island with “Tipi” Ted
Downs Farm Preserve at Fort Corchaug
23800 Main Road (Route 25), Cutchogue

Visit Downs Farm Preserve for a chance to experience Native life from long ago! Meet “Tipi” Ted and learn how animals, plants and rocks provided for many of the daily needs of Native Americans. Touch animal skins and bones, closely examine stone tools, learn to grind corn and make a Native craft to bring home. Sponsored by the Town of Southold, all ages welcome. For any program questions, please call Ted at The Wilderness Traveling Museum at (631) 722-4645.
$5/person. Reservations requested.

Thursday, July 26, 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Sang Lee Farm Tour and Cooking Demonstration
25180 North Road (Route 48) Peconic

Have you ever wondered about some of those new vegetables and greens at the market? Meet Fred and Karen Lee for a fun and informative tour and learn how to prepare some of these tasty new vegetable varieties! Established in the 1940s, the Lees have expanded their agricultural operation through the years to feature over 250 varieties of specialty vegetables, heirloom tomatoes, baby greens, mesclun, herbs, Asian greens and flowers! Learn how they provide naturally grown, fresh vegetables year-round to the Long Island and Metropolitan markets. Tour their greenhouse, venture into the fields to pick fresh greens, and return to their professional kitchen for a stir-fry demonstration and tasting, accompanied by fresh mint tea.
$10/person, limited to 30, reservations requested.

Saturday, July 28, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Birds of Prey at Quail Hill Farm
Side Hill Lane, Amagansett

Hawks, Owls, and Falcons deftly swoop through the air with eyes and ears alert for unsuspecting prey! Their unique design makes them some of the most beautiful yet formidable known hunters. Meet us in the orchard at Quail Hill Farm where we will host the Theodore Roosevelt Audubon Educators and their feathered friends. You will view these beautiful birds up close, learn how to identify them, and gain a greater understanding about their habits, prey and the physical adaptations that make them skillful hunters. Rain date: Sunday, July 29. $8/PLT supporters, $10/all others.

Saturday, July 28, 10-6 p.m. and Sunday, July 29, 11-5 p.m.
10-10-10 Event to Benefit Peconic Land Trust at Theory
60 Jobs Lane, Southampton

Shop for your summer fashions at the new, upscale Theory women’s clothing boutique in Southampton, browse serene “en plein air” landscapes painted by Casey Chalem Anderson, and support the Peconic Land Trust! Theory and Ms. Anderson have teamed up for a 10-10-10 event at Theory during this weekend. Shoppers will enjoy a 10% discount on all purchases, and a 10% donation from the proceeds of any sales of clothing, accessories and paintings will be made to the Peconic Land Trust. Refreshments will be served.

Wednesday, August 1 through Friday, August 3, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Wilderness Camp with “Tipi” Ted
Downs Farm Preserve at Fort Corchaug
23800 Main Road (Route 25), Cutchogue

What would you do if you were lost in the woods? Do you know how to find your sense of direction, or the best site to set up camp? How about what is safe to eat and what is not? Learn woodland survival skills, campfire safety, how to use a bow and arrow, and how to make native crafts at “Tipi” Ted’s Wilderness Camp. Meet other children interested in a wilderness experience who are 7-11 years old, bring your bag lunch and your sense of adventure. Cost per child is $50.00 for one day, $90.00 for two days, and $120.00 for all three days. Sponsored by the Town of Southold, reservations required by July 15 to Tipi Ted at 722-4645, or email at wildernesstravelingmuseum@yahoo.com.

Saturday, August 4, 10:00 a.m.
“An Inconvenient Truth” Readings and Lecture with Sara Gordon
In The Orchard at Quail Hill Farm
Side Hill Lane, Amagansett

What is “global warming”? How is climate change affecting the planet? What can I do to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help slow planetary warming? Sara Gordon, a trainee of Al Gore and The Climate Project, will address these questions in an informative lecture and reading inspired by the slide show from An Inconvenient Truth. Free!

Sunday, August 5 12:00 p.m.
Fifth Annual Through Farms and Fields Country Luncheon Celebration
Oceanview Farm, Bridgehampton

Join us at Ray and Lynn Wesnofske’s fabulous Oceanview Farm, and celebrate the summer season with a sumptuous luncheon to benefit the work of the Trust! Joined by Luncheon Chairs Marci Klein and Scott Murphy, and Doug and Paige Campbell, the Wesnofskes have once again thrown open the doors to their beautiful, restored barn to host a gastronomical feast featuring local fish, produce and wines. Last year’s Country Luncheon was a sold-out affair and we are expecting no less this year. A surprise celebrity auctioneer will do the honors in a live auction with impressive “experience” prizes.

The barn will be draped with antique quilts from the collection of local residents Thos. K. Woodard and Blanche Greenstein. These colorful examples of “American Folk Art” include the strikingly graphic, 19th Century Sunburst and Feathered Star quilt, with a nod to our glorious local annual crop of sunflowers. This beautiful quilt – the inspiration for the luncheon’s theme -- has been graciously donated by Woodard and Greenstein to be auctioned at the luncheon. The event is sponsored by The Corcoran Group. For ticket information, please call Robin Harris at 631-283-3195. VISA, MasterCard and American Express accepted.

Sunday, August 5 – Sunday August 19
Farmstand Heritage Celebration
North and South Forks

The Peconic Land Trust is joining with the Long Island Farm Bureau and the local farming community to sponsor a two-week promotional campaign to encourage residents and visitors to the East End to visit their local farmstands—and experience all the wonderful fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, meats, poultry, dairy, and food products our local farmers grow, raise, and create! With some of the most fertile soil in the United States, Long Island farmers and producers offer an agricultural diversity that few other areas in the State can match. Local crops include potatoes, corn, rhubarb, asparagus, spinach, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, peaches, apples, cherries, sunflowers, garlic and peas, to name just a few. Additional information on this farmstand celebration will be publicized through local newspapers and radio advertisements in the weeks leading up to the program – so keep your eyes and ears peeled for these important messages. And buy local!!!
A map listing all the participating farmstands will also be available from the Trust’s website, www.peconiclandtrust.org; or by calling 631.283.3195 by mid-July.

Friday, August 10
Plein Air Peconic Exhibit, Presentation and Artists Reception
4:00 p.m. Presentation on the Peconic Land Trust/Artist Connection
5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Artists Reception
Mattituck-Laurel Free Library
13900 Main Road, Mattituck

Peconic Land Trust’s Plein Air Peconic Traveling Art Exhibit at the Mattituck-Laurel Library offers you a chance to view the natural beauty of over 20 sites protected by the Trust from vantage points not accessible to the general public. Attend the presentation at 4:00 to learn about the landscapes and the connection between the Trust and the artists, and stay for the reception! All work is for sale and a percentage of sales will be donated to the Trust. Participating artists include: Casey Anderson, Susan D’Alessio, Aubrey Grainger, Gail Kern, Michele Margit, Gordon Matheson, Joanne Rosko, Eileen Skretch, Tom Steele, Kathryn Szoka and Ellen Watson. Light refreshments will be served. Exhibit runs from August 2 – 31.

Saturday, August 11, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Talons, A Birds of Prey Experience
Laurel Lake Preserve, Main Road, Laurel

Explore the symbiotic relationship between the sport of Falconry and environmental conservation through interaction with free-flying hawks, falcons and owls from all over the world! Meet Falconer Lorrie Schumacher for a fascinating, interactive presentation about these beautiful birds, and enjoy two flying demonstrations, 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. There will be plenty of opportunities to handle the raptors and pose for pictures, so don’t forget your camera! Spend the day outdoors enjoying the beauty of Laurel Lake Preserve, the Town of Southold’s conservation area comprised of over 480 acres of preserved land, conserved with the help of the Peconic Land Trust. Program sponsored by Town of Southold. $5 charge per person, children under 2 are free. Reservations requested.

Thursday, August 16, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
“Through the Seasons at Quail Hill Farm” presentation and reception with Kathryn Szoka
Amagansett Free Library
215 Main Street, Amagansett

Please join us at the library to meet Kathryn Szoka, co-owner of Canio’s Books, and creator of “The Vanishing Landscapes” series, a photographic essay documenting the changing rural landscape on the East End. Focusing on our own Quail Hill Farm, Kathryn has brought new life to scenes of winter snow, sowing seeds, and working the land, after spending countless hours at the farm, next to workers and farm members. This beautiful exhibition runs from August 10 through September 5 and is supported in part with funds from the Special Opportunity Stipend (S.O.S.) Program through the New York Foundation for the Arts, administered by the East End Arts Council. Light refreshments will be served.

Saturday, August 25, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
“Tipi” Day at Downs Farm Preserve
23800 Main Rd. (Route 25), Cutchogue

Meet us at the Ralph J. Solecki Visitors Center at Fort Corchaug and help “Tipi” Ted erect a full-sized tepee! Listen as he talks about Plains Native People, and hear of the relationship they had with the buffalo, the provider of most of their daily use items. Touch buffalo skins and bones, play drums and bone games, and make a necklace. Take a hike along the trails and enjoy this special place. Family oriented, visitors’ center will be open. Sponsored by the Town of Southold, $5.00/person. Reservations requested.

Posted by Brian Halweil at 4:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

June/July 2007 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Lots of food, cooking, gardening, and marine activities for kids and families, including a few week-long camp sessions. Preregistration is necessary for most of our programs. Please call or visit our website for additional information: www.cce.cornell.edu/suffolk, or see the below list.

JUNE
Collaboration for Health, Activity and Nutrition in Children’s Environments (CHANCE) is a nutrition and parenting skills program for parents and care givers. CHANCE is a pilot program which is being offered at no charge by Cornell Cooperative Extension. The sessions are 1 ½ - 2 hours long, conducted in 7 or 8 consecutive weeks. The program is currently available in Shirley, Patchogue and Bellport. Contact Dr. Zahrine Bajwa, 631-727-7850, ext. 347 for more information or to schedule programs.

EAT WELL SPEND LESS is a series of 6-8 nutrition, health and well-being sessions 30-60 minutes long. Classes, which are offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension educators in Spanish and English, are run throughout the year all over Suffolk County. No charge for food stamp, Head Start, WIC, and limited income families and caretakers of young children. Contact Betty Chesnut, 631-727-7850, ext. 352, or Zahrine Bajwa, 631-727-7850, ext. 347 for more information or to schedule programs. June 14, 21, 28, July 5, 12 and 19, 5:30 - 7:30 pm

Diabetes Self-Management
The Suffolk County Health Services in collaboration with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County is pleased to offer this six-week series of sessions designed to inform and help people learn to live with and manage their diabetes. Seating is limited. Please call to register. Please bring a snack or bagged dinner to class.The Elsie Owens North Brookhaven Family Health Center, Coram. Free. 631-853-3023, June 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 OR 24, 10:00 am to noon, OR 1:00 to 3:00 pm.

Jr. Marine Biologist Program, ages 3-5 with an adult
Marine science educators from Cornell Cooperative Extension will help you and your preschooler learn about the marine environment through hands-on activities with live marine animals, beach activities, and crafts. A great way to introduce your child to marine ecology! **Weather permitting** Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, $18 per session for each child and one adult, 631-854-5544. June 20, 21 and 22. 10:00 am - noon.

Junior Marine Biologist, ages 3-5 with an adult
Age-appropriate marine and environmental studies camp involving outdoor investigations and working with live marine animals with marine science educators from Cornell Cooperative Extension. SMELC, Southold. $20 per student. 631-852-8660, ext. 23. June 25 - August 10, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Scientific Research Camp, ages 9-12
Age-appropriate marine and environmental studies camp involving outdoor investigations and working with live marine animals with marine science educators from Cornell Cooperative Extension. Six week-long sessions from which to choose. SMELC, Southold, $300 per session, 631-852-8660, ext. 23, June 25 - August 17, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

The Sea Explorers Marine Day Camp, ages 6-8 and 9-12
These weeklong summer experiences for children are taught by Cornell Cooperative Extension marine educators. Hands-on activities including marine research techniques, beach and marsh exploration, fishing and beach seining, touch tanks, games and marine crafts. Sport Fishing Education Center, Cedar Beach Marina in Babylon. Call 631-587-2873 for fees. June 25-August 24, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm.

Marine Fun Days, ages 6-8
Age-appropriate marine and environmental studies camp involving outdoor investigations and working with live marine animals with marine science educators from Cornell Cooperative Extension. Eight week-long sessions from which to choose. SMELC, Southold, $275 per session. 631-852-8660, ext. 23, June 30, 7:00 – 10:00 pm

Full Moon Kayak Paddle
Join educators from Cornell Cooperative Extension for a serene full moon paddle on Peconic Bay. Participants must be 18 or older. Limited space. Please call early if you are interested.
Cedar Beach, Southold, $30, 631-852-8660

JULY

Weekends in July

11:00 am - 2:00 pm, Weekend Wagon Rides, all ages. Visit our gardens and farm animals, then join us for a wagon ride around the farm. Suffolk County Farm, Yaphank. $2 adult, $1 child, free under 2, 631-852-4608

Through August 10, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, Scientific Research Camp, ages 9-12
Age-appropriate marine and environmental studies camp involving outdoor investigations and working with live marine animals and marine science educators from Cornell Cooperative Extension. Week-long sessions from which to choose. Suffolk County Marine Environmental Learning Center, Southold, $300 per session, 631-852-8660, ext. 23

Through August 17, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm. The Sea Explorers Marine Day Camp, ages 6-8 and 9-12. These weeklong summer experiences for children are taught by Cornell Cooperative Extension marine educators. Hands-on activities including marine research techniques, beach and marsh exploration, fishing and beach seining, touch tanks, games and marine crafts. Sport Fishing Education Center, Cedar Beach Marina in Babylon. Call 631-587-2873 for fees.

Through August 24, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, Marine Fun Days, ages 6-8
Age-appropriate marine and environmental studies camp involving outdoor investigations and working with live marine animals and marine science educators from Cornell Cooperative Extension. Week-long sessions from which to choose. Suffolk County Marine Environmental Learning Center, Southold, $275 per session, 631-852-8660, ext. 23

July 1 - August 25
Peconic Dunes Summer Camp, ages 8-15
A unique environmental day or overnight camping experience for children from the educators at Cornell Cooperative Extension. Activities include basketball, kayaking, soccer, softball, swimming, canoeing, archery, pond study, marine science, forest and woodlands, and campfires and cookouts. Training in outdoor survival skills as well as fishing and environmental crafts will be offered. Peconic Dunes, $480-$495, 631-727-7850, ext 328

July 2 - August 17
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Sea Stars Marine Camp, ages 6-8 and 9-12
Week-long, hands-on camp activities exploring the beach and salt marsh, and learning about the animals living there, are offered by marine science educators from Cornell Cooperative Extension. Touch tanks, planetarium shows, museum visits, seining, beach games, and arts and crafts. Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum. $160-$200 per child. Call for availability: 631-854-5544.

July 9 - August 17
Summer Fun Days, ages 2 - 18
Cornell Cooperative Extension offers themed summer camps including farm animals, ponies, nature, sewing and veterinary careers. Before/after care is available for an additional fee. Suffolk County Farm, Yaphank. $200-$350. 631-852-4600

July 11, 18, 25, August 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 10:00 – 11:30 am
The Children’s Garden, ages 5 and older
Children will participate in choosing plants and herbs to grow in ‘their’ plot at the Children’s Garden on the Farm. They will be introduced to good insects; plant and harvest strawberries; learn about planting a butterfly garden and bird garden, and much more. Sessions include crafts, farm tours and hay rides. Suffolk County Farm, Yaphank. $50/$75 for two siblings. 631-727-7850, ext. 345

July 16 - 20 OR July 23 - 27, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
11th Annual Robert K. Sweeney Summer Fun Days, ages 5 - 10
This recreational 4-H Youth Development program is for children with diabetes. In addition to basic diabetes education, programs include arts and crafts, farm animals, sports and games. Diabetes education programs are presented by health care professionals. Mandatory parent meeting prior to camp dates. Suffolk County Farm, Yaphank, $195 per child, per week
631-852-4959

July 23 - 27
Summer Fun Days: Let’s Sew, grades 4-6
One of Cornell Cooperative Extension’s themed summer camps. Bring your American Girl™ doll and learn how to make a quilt for her. Farm fun includes a wagon ride and visits to the animals. The week ends with a tea party and quilt show. No sewing experience necessary.
Suffolk County Farm, Yaphank, $200 (includes fabric, all supplies and camp t-shirt), 631-852-4600

July 29, 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Full Moon Kayak Paddle
Join educators from Cornell Cooperative Extension on a serene full moon paddle on Peconic Bay. Participants must be 18 or older. Limited space. Please call early if you are interested.
Cedar Beach, Southold. $30. 631-852-8660

July 29, 3:00 – 7:00 pm
Barn Dance
Chart Guthrie is the caller for this old-fashioned barn dance, barbecue and auction. This benefit for Cornell Cooperative Extension’s 4-H Youth Development Program features Dunegrass playing Americana music and a delicious spread of pulled pork and chicken, grilled sweet potato fries, baked beans and cole slaw. Come on down for a fun afternoon!
Martha Clara Vineyard, Riverhead, $20 (21 and over please)
631-852-4959

Posted by Brian Halweil at 11:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)