Sustainability Fair at Farmers Market

In September, THPRD’s Cedar Mill Farmers Market guests can count on not only tons of good fruits and vegetables, a variety of local artisans’ work, and lots of fun, but they’ll also have a great opportunity to learn how to live more sustainably.

The biggest event of the season comes from 8 am – 1 pm on Saturday, September 24th, with the market’s first annual Sustainability Fair co-sponsored by THPRD and the CUE committee of the Terra Linda neighborhood. CUE stands for Conservation, Us, and the Environment; this committee’s mission is to promote a livable, healthy, and environmentally friendly Terra Linda neighborhood (located just a few yards north of the market’s site).

On September 24, together with THPRD, CUE is bringing an expanded Sustainability Fair to the Cedar Mill Farmers Market. Market guests will be able to learn from experts how to reduce fossil-fuel energy use—or even get off the grid via solar energy options— and how to reduce water use through increased efficiency, rainwater catchment, xeriscaping, and more. Participants include Sunset Solar electric, Portland Purple Water Rainwater Systems, Lifelight Energy, as well as the Washington County Citizen Action Network. Learn how to harness free and cost-effective solar electric power, save water, and be involved and informed in your community.

Look for trip-chaining, transit, and alternative-travel tips from Metro’s Drive Less Save More experts. Metro will also be providing information on and connecting market guests with their Opt-In online opinion panel, allowing engagement in ongoing conversations about parks, housing, land use, urban development, job growth, and more, in the Greater Portland Metro Area.

THPRD’s Natural Resources Department will provide the latest information on trails, parks, and trail connectivity projects, sustainability, environmental education, and other natural resource work and programs.
OSU Extension’s Master Gardeners are always on hand at the market to provide the latest in chemical-free gardening tips. Other participants could include the Habitat for Humanity Store, recycling experts such as Master Recyclers, and a bicycling advocacy group.

Other CUE events include the fabulous and growing event dubbed “Take It or Leave It Day” held each summer. Earlier this summer, 60 Terra Linda households put usable items curbside for neighbors to pick up. Also, in July a successful Sustainability Fair educated dozens of attendees at the Christ United Methodist Church community garden about various options for “going greener”. CUE can be contacted directly at terralindaconservation@gmail.com.

September 10 brings the market’s Peach Party, with a visit by Brad Pit (not that Brad Pitt, rather it’s Jason the Peach Guy’s costumed alter-ego). Be ready for some fun little contests. Prizes will include $5 market tokens and, of course, peaches! Music by this season’s music fave, Carley Baer, will make for an especially peachy day.

On September 17, it’s a double-hitter with “Salsa & School Supply Saturday.” Consider entering the market’s Salsa Contest (judging takes place at noon, so get your entry in before then!). Rules require that the fresh salsa must be made by the entrant with mostly local ingredients and may not include purchased or packaged (canned/jarred) products such as sauces, mixes, or seasoning blends. Local tomatoes, onions, cilantro, etc. are great, and even a squeeze of lime is okay, but inclusion of a can of tomato sauce is not acceptable. Recipes should be turned in with at least a pint of the salsa—enough for the judges to taste.

hile you’re at the market on Sept. 17, drop off some school supplies for nearby Five Oaks Middle School. We’ll update e-news recipients and Facebook followers with a list of school supplies specifically requested by Five Oaks staff once the school year is underway. So far, we’re told of the need for 3-ring binders and No.2 pencils.

September will indeed be a busy month at THPRD’s Cedar Mill Farmers Market, with the Peach Party, the Salsa & School Supply Drive Saturday, and finally the September 24 Sustainability Fair. The Sustainability Fair tops off a month of great activities at the farmers market; don’t miss any of it!

The Market is located in the parking lot in front of Safeway at the corner of Murray and Cornell, and is sponsored by Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District. Thanks THPRD!

Market hours continue from 8-1 through September, but ease to 9-1 in October, when the market will be open unless the weather is stormy. Want to know for sure if that lashing October wind counts as “stormy?” Sign up for the market’s weekly e-news, which includes timely recipes and info on what’s going on at the market each Saturday, by sending an email to cmfmarket@gmail.com with e-news in the subject line. Why not “Like” Cedar Mill Farmers’ Market on Facebook as another way to keep informed?

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