Rocks To Roots

Jerry Scheele has served as a Spokane Conservation District Board Member for 28 years! Jerry discusses the primary roles of being a board member, some of the stand-out projects he has helped lead at the district, and the first time he became interested in conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources growing up on the family farm in Waverly, WA.

Tim Kohlhauff is the Urban Horticulture Coordinator for the WSU/Spokane Extension Office. Tim talks with us about the great resources the extension office has to offer including the Master Gardeners program and the Cabin Fever virtual event happening this month. Tim also shares with us some basic concepts and practices that can help gardeners maintain their natural resources.

On this episode, we sit down with WSU Extension Forester, Sean Alexander for the North Eastern area of Washington. Sean talks with us about the extension office and some of the programs they have to offer including the Washington Forest Owners winter School that will take place on February 27th and the highly notable Coached Planning Forest stewardship course that will kick off in March.

On this episode we sit down with SCD forester, Ben Peterson to discuss the Spokane Conservation Districts Annual Tree Sale. Ben tells us about some of the species being offered this year, shares his tree care and planting tips, and answers some customer questions!

In this episode, we sit down with Joni Kindwall-Moore the founder of Snacktivist Foods. Joni is also a registered BSN-RN nurse and has worked as a Diabetic Educator for many years. Her brand Snacktivist Foods contain ancient grains like Teff, Millet, and Sorghum. It’s more than just a culinary adventure! It contributes to an agricultural movement away from GMO, government-subsidized, mono-crop farming. Joni educates us on the history of our food system and tells us how her brand is a critical link in the value chain that develops flavorful, healthy foods from crops that are vital to developing a diversified and ecologically sensitive farming system for the future.

On this episode of Rocks to Roots, we sit down with Owner and Chef of the Eat Good Group, Adam Hegsted. Adam tells us about the Eat Good Group and its focus to celebrate the Inland Northwest by utilizing local growers, foragers, farmers, and artisans products in every plate amongst the various establishments. We also discuss Share.Farm, an online marketplace that connects consumers to local farmers year-round with an added component that teaches shoppers to eat like a chef with local food.

In this episode of Rocks to Roots, we sit down with Partnership Director, Brian Estes of LINC Foods. Local Inland Northwest Cooperative (LINC) is a worker and farmer owned food hub based here in Spokane, WA. Since 2017 this cooperative has worked to build a regional, sustainable food system by linking local farmers to new markets and ensuring the highest quality products for consumers. Brian talks to us about the cooperatives' emergence, who they serve, and how the cooperative is assisting in building a resilient food economy for our local area. Plus, hear about all the great produce, meat, and more they have available just in time for the holidays!

Check out this two-part interview with Thom Foote, owner of Footehills Farm. Thom discusses his lifetime of being a gardener and farmer. He has a wealth of knowledge that has allowed him to take his piece of land from rocks to roots – literally! Thom is a dynamic speaker in sustainable agriculture, soil building, remediation, regeneration, and how to plan a successful market garden. He truly is a permaculture extraordinaire! Tune in and find out how he is growing quality food, rebuilding soil, and making it accessible for everyone!

Check out this two-part interview with Thom Foote, owner of Footehills Farm. Thom discusses his lifetime of being a gardener and farmer. He has a wealth of knowledge that has allowed him to take his piece of land from rocks to roots – literally! Thom is a dynamic speaker in sustainable agriculture, soil building, remediation, regeneration, and how to plan a successful market garden. He truly is a permaculture extraordinaire! Tune in and find out how he is growing quality food, rebuilding soil, and making it accessible for everyone!

Let us introduce you to Pat Munts, the program coordinator for WSU Food Systems. Pat has been educating and promoting our local food and farming scene for 20+ years! Pat has extensive work in our local community gardens and various other programs around Spokane County. In this episode, we discuss the importance of a resilient food system in our community, and we talk about Cultivating Success: Whole Farm Planning, a 9-week, step-by-step course to help you prepare a well thought out plan for your land, life, and farm business that kicks off October 20th!