Every LEAF Day is a Creative Day
- From Elaine, LEAF President -
One of the most interesting aspects of volunteering at LEAF is when I enter the gates in the morning, I only have a vague idea of how the day is going to unfold. Some days the garden is bursting with energy with bees, birds and butterflies darting amongst the yellow sunflowers, red pineapple sage and purple lavender, and other it's beautifully muted and calm. I move serenely about the garden absorbing the energy of the sun and the plants, and other times I buzz around creating the energy. It's the creative energy exuding from the garden that draws me in, makes me happy and productive.
It's a wonderful time to volunteer at LEAF. We have so many creative projects unfolding: the education area situated under the trees overlooking the gardens, the new composting area near the elderberry tree, the lath houses, protected environments for propagating and growing plants year round, the communal patio for hanging out and eating, the covered arches between the shipping containers, a secondary education area, and the large shipping containers to be adorned with murals. One mural will focus on California Natives and the other on what lurks beneath your feet, Soil Microbes.
The California Native Mural (above) will showcase the California Poppy, our state flower and the California Quail, our state bird along with other native reptiles and plants. Zoe, biological illustrator extraordinaire along with Jorge are creating this mural. They have completed the colorful background and are outlining the featured flowers and animals. They now are ready to move to the next phase of the project . . .
LEAF COMMUNITY ART PROJECT
Join us for Painting the CA Native Mural
Sunday, October 13 starting at 10:00 am
at the LEAF Urban Garden
We are going fill in the areas, sorta of like paint by number. Paint and brushes will be provided. No art experience needed. All you need to bring is something to quench your thirst, snacks if you get hungry, and the desire to have some fun and be creative.
Mediterranean Fruit Fly Quarantine
Mediterranean fruit fly (adult), Ceratitis capitata
Credit: Jack Kelly Clark
In September 2024, the California Department of Food and Agriculture established a quarantine for the Medfly in the Fremont/Newark area of Alameda County and also Santa Clara County. The quarantine was put in place because 4 Medflies were found in Fremont. Treatment with sterile medflies will be used.
The Medfly has the widest host range of any pest fruit fly and is considered one of the worst agricultural pests in the world. Flies can cause major economic losses due to damaged fruit, export restrictions, and increased pesticide usage. A permanent infestation could result in annual losses of more than $1 billion.
LEAF implemented the following changes in our gardens based on the quarantine restriction we received:
Tree fruits and nuts, berries, tomatoes, pepper and eggplants in the quarantine will not be given to food banks, friends or neighbors
LEAF will not accept any gleaned fruit (noted in the host list) from our friends and neighbors during the quarantine
Produce (herbs, veggies) not on the list will still be given away
Inedible, blemished fruit is being removed from plants and composted on site or being discarded.
It is important for local gardeners to understand and follow the Medfly quarantine restrictions. Here are some informative links.
CDFA September 6, 2024 Medfly Press Release
CDFA Med Fly Fact Sheet summary about quarantine, fly life cycle
CDFA Section 3406 included detailed list of Medfly host plants
LEAF Talkin' from your home
An online platform for you to engage with others from your home on the first Wednesday of each month from 7 to 8 pm. Join experienced gardeners for an online gathering. We'd love to have you regardless of your gardening experience. Register at fremontleaf.org/talkindirt.
Next online gatherings are Wednesdays Oct 2nd and Nov 6th
Talkin' Dirt LIVE at Fremont Main Library
Saturday, October 5th: Onions, Onions and Garlic with Guy
Did you know that onion bulbs form in response to day length? Do you know what day length onion grows best in the Bay Area? Come to this workshop to learn all about onion and garlic basics.
Fremont Main Library, Fukaya Room A, the first conference room on the right after you enter the library at 2400 Stevenson Blvd, Fremont.
Our worms and bees were buzzing this summer and we have a lot of fresh wildflower raw honey and worms to sell. Honey and worm sales fund their dormitories and medical care.
Raw Honey: $20 for a pint jar, $10 for 1/2 pint, $8 for 1/4 pint
Composting Worms: $20 for a small plastic container
Purchase at our LEAF Shop.
At LEAF, we work year-round to feed our community by planting, nurturing, and harvesting fresh produce that we donate to our local food banks Tri-City Volunteers and Centro De Servicios.
We passed our 2024 GOAL of 4500 lbs. YAY!
YTD Produce Donations: 4833 lbs.
Gleaned Fruit Program on HOLD
Thanks for your donations of 1351 lbs of fruit this year!
In September 2024, a Medfly quarantine was put in place by the Alameda County Agricultural Commissioner. What this means is we cannot accept any tree fruit or nuts, berries nor tomatoes, peppers or eggplant at this time. Quarantine end date is unknown. We will post info when the quarantine is over.
More in info at fremontleaf.org/glean
Have questions? Email us at info@fremontleaf.org
LEAF volunteers are needed on the 2nd Saturday of every month from
9 am to Noon to help us tackle projects that benefit from a group effort.
These volunteer hours count towards the high school community service hours requirement. Be a part of a community helping a community.
We also have projects that will qualify for Scout Eagle and Gold Projects.
Our next volunteer days are: Saturday Oct 12th and Nov 9th
More info at fremontleaf.org/volunteer
Please hit the donate button if you feel aligned with our mission so we can continue to develop spaces to educate our community, build healthy soil, and provide food for those most in need.
Any amount you can give is greatly appreciated.
We also accept checks. Payable to LEAF at PO Box 2816, Fremont CA 94536.
©2023 Local Ecology and Agriculture Fremont (LEAF)
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