Kspitz’s Weblog

The event I have chosen to wrap is the Pollinating Our Future conference in Milwaukee, WI, on February 28, 29 and 30. The conference offers a variety of workshops, table talks and networking opportunities concerning urban food issues. I chose this event because, according to the website, it looks like it will provide a variety of information that I can pass along to fellow gardeners and food activists here in South Bend. It also happens to be a subject I am personally very interested in.

The keynote speaker for the conference is Michael Abelman. Abelman is the director of the Center for Urban Agriculture at Fairview Gardens, CA.  This organic urban farm is one of the oldest in California and is trying hard to maintain its fields and gardens despite the fact that suburbs have now surrounded it. I have been aware of Mr. Abelman’s work for several years now and I look forward to hearing his views on the future of urban farming and our food system in general.   

The main conference is being held in downtown Milwaukee, but several sessions including the Friday night opening, will be conducted in the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory - also known as the Mitchell Park Domes. These three domes are newer, larger, (and better funded) versions of our own little Arizona Dome at the South Bend Potawatomi Park Greenhouse.  The domes look very inviting – especially the tropical dome. I look forward to spending some time in its warmth while snow swirls around outside!

            One of the main workshops I will attend is SPIN Farming. SPIN stands for Small Plot Intensive – a method of growing vegetables specifically designed for urban environments. SPIN is targeted towards people who are interested in growing their own food AND would like to earn an income selling their produce at farmers markets or to neighbors and local restaurants.

While in Milwaukee, I also hope to tour the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute. This non-profit center has been conducting research on sustainable agriculture since the early 1980s. They have traditionally focused on rural agriculture, but have recently developed a program on urban food systems. In addition to Michael Fields, there are several other tours offered. These sites, all in the heart of Milwaukee, are combining urban agriculture and social services.  Walnut Way is an inner city neighborhood this is being revitalized; and Growing Power  is a 1920s farm in Northwest Milwaukee that provides gardening education, seeds, plants, and support for community gardens in Milwaukee and Chicago.

Stay tuned for upcoming info!