I spied a chanterelle under a live oak in the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve. My daughter and I bent down for a closer look. While the orange 7″ mushroom itself is striking, it’s aroma is what penetrates to my soul, a scent which I can only describe …

The last few months I decided I was going to sample every variety of winter squash that was for sale at the farmer’s market. I had not been giving this nutrient-dense, filling, locally-produced vegetable its due.
There is more out there than just butternut.
I bought squash from about 5 different …

FREE SEEDS FOR EDUCATORS
Educators in Chico are invited to pick up free packets of garden seeds (vegetables, herbs, flowers) for use in their classrooms, school gardens, community gardens, and other educational settings.
Yes, free. Totally free. Do you know an educator in town? Tell them to come by!
Pick …

A few quick updates on my efforts to balance economics, supporting local products, buying local, and reducing packaging as I shop for food. . .
Eggs: The 25 cent eggs at Chico Natural Foods are now up to 35 cents each, bringing them more in line with Farmer’s Market prices. …

A recent ER article brought to the attention the Park Division’s pilot project to reduce starthistle in the park using the herbicide Milestone (MSDS: www.lanecounty.org/Roads/documents/MSDSMilestone.pdf).
Confused as to why the city would be supporting Dow Chemical by spraying one of their products along our trails, I inquired with …

An arborist friend told me that downtown Chico is home to a date palm that has been known to produce edible fruits.
I am not sure whether to be impressed or fearful.
While I am all for fruit-producing trees in the urban area, the idea that the concrete jungle of downtown Chico …

A watered-down version of TreeAction’s tree ordinance was adopted by the City of Chico a couple weeks ago, requiring property owners of undeveloped lots larger than 10,000 square feet to obtain a permit to remove a tree 18″ in diameter or greater.
Umm, yay?
A good start, but I would have liked …