Calendar Buzz

There are so many great events going on in the bay area this week that today's newsletter is exclusively Calendar Buzz. Many of these happenings require tickets and fill up fast, but if the event you want to go to is sold out, check their calendars for upcoming programming as many of our favorite places and organizations around the bay area are hosting events all year round that will make you smarter, healthier, happier, and hipper.

Next week we will return to profiles, recipes, tips, calendar buzz, et al. But for now, here are ideas for you to go out and have fun, eat well and get dirty.

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For Foodies

May 15th-31st
From Earth to Five Star

The Old Mint in San Francisco is transforming into a Local Foodie Fantasy Land for three weekends in May. With exhibitions on the evolution of food and drink in San Francisco, along with exhibit galleries showing products Northern California is known for like wine, cheese, and fresh produce. Live programs include talks on organic wineries, the future of Farmer's Markets, the Gardens of Alcatraz and edible gardening. Find out more at From Earth to Five Star.

Thursday, May 20th ; 7-9pm
The Earth Island Institute Presents "Can You Be a 'Good Environmentalist' and Still Eat Meat?"

The question that weighs on many a carnivorous conscience: "Can You Be a 'Good Environmentalist' and Still Eat Meat?" Watch Nicolette Hahn Niman, a Marin rancher and author of "Righteous Porkchop" debate this issue with Howard Lyman, the author of "Mad Cowboy: Plain Truth from the Cattle Rancher Who Won't Eat Meat. " This will be held in Berkeley at the David Brower Center. For more information click Here.

Sunday, May 23rd; 3:00 pm
Marin Organic Presents a Conversation with Marion Nestle

Marion Nestle is a New York City based writer, academic, nutritionist and food activist. She will discuss her latest book, Food Politics: How the Food Industry Influences Nutrition and Health with Helge Hellberg, Executive Director. Held in Toby's Feed Barn in Pt. Reyes Station, this should make for a enlightening afternoon.
Visit the Marin Organic Website to see the 2010 Speaker's Series Here.

For Foragers

Thursday, May 27th & Saturday May 29th
Daily Acts has organized a Seaweed Harvesting Workshop with Heidi Herrmann

Heidi is the owner of Strong Arm Farms and an avid seaweed gatherer. Learn the secrets of the sea in this two-part class. The lecture will be held at the Seed Bank in Petaluma and part two will be at the ocean, low tide of course. For more details visit Daily Acts.

For Tree-Huggers

Tuesday, May 25th; 7-9 pm
18 Reasons Presents Edible Gardening for the Space-Starved

Growing your own food in the city is easier than you might think, and you don't need acres of fertile earth to make it happen! Here to guide your green thumbs are Maria Finn, author of A Little Piece of Earth: How to Grow Your Own Food in Small Spaces, and Leslie Bennett, gardener and founder of San Francisco's Star Apple Edible Gardens. Together, they'll take you through the steps of planting your own container garden, help you to think through what to grow, where to grow it and how to make your garden thrive! Visit 18 Reasons for more information.

May 29th; 10 am to 2 pm
Gray Water Workshop Hosted by Middlebrook Gardens, San Jose

Greywater Guru, Roy Nordblom III, greenbuilder, consultant and trainer from Willow Glen, will conduct the greywater workshop. Participants will learn how to install single-source greywater systems that are legal and require no permit. For more information visit Middlebrook Gardens Website.

May 30th, 10am to 1:30pm
Permaculture Bootcamp at Hayes Valley Farm

Chris Burley & David Stockhausen will teach you how to take your urban windowsill, office ledge, or rooftop garden beyond sustainable to regenerative. Short & cheap, this workshop could change your life. For details go to their website by clicking Here .

For Future Farmers

Thursday, May 27th; 7-9 pm
18 Reasons present What's On Your Plate? Film Screening

What's On Your Plate? is a witty and provocative documentary about kids and food politics directed by award-winning filmmaker Catherine Gund. Filmed over the course of one year, the film follows two eleven-year-old city kids as they explore their place in the food chain. Seating is limited; floor cushions welcome. Snacks generously provided by Kaia Foods. Visit 18 Reasons for more information.

Fridays, ongoing; 2-5pm
Bayer Park and Community Garden

Take the kids to a taste of the farm in central Santa Rosa. Children (and adults) explore edible gardens, barns, and hay bales. For more information visit Land Paths .

Tuesdays-Sundays through Nov. 4
The Garden of Savage Delights , Carnivorous Plant Show at the Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park

Watch them stun, snap, and poison their prey. Yes, these are plants that eat meat and kids fear and love them. So take the family down to the Golden Gate Park and learn about Venus Fly Traps and Pitcher Plants.
and is free with admission to the conservatory. For more information, call (415) 666-7001 or visit the Conservatory of Flowers website.