Before I began working on this issue of Made Local Magazine, I didn’t know much about grasslands. After talking extensively with local grass farmers—that’s what farmer and writer Joel Salatin calls the people that are regenerating, by grazing herbivores holistically, our degraded American grasslands—I have a new appreciation for the green stuff under my feet. So, if you run into me, I’ll probably pepper you with facts learned from contract grazer Aaron Gilliam, owner of Sweetgrass Grazing.
Did you know that native perennial grasses can have roots of up to 20 feet? Can you imagine the carbon those grasses are able to sequester?
For the experts that have been studying this stuff for years, this is nothing new. For me, it’s nothing but exciting. And that’s one reason I love my work. I have the immense privilege of learning about the amazing food system work happening all of the time in our beautiful county. Take a look at our winter issue. We’ve got a powerful interview with Gervacio Peña López, a local laborer, landscaper and board president at Graton Day Labor Center. We have the story of the growing farm to preschool movement, spearheaded by local nonprofit preschool organizations in partnership with the Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF). Not to mention the inspired small batch and specialty coffee roasters that keep us caffeinated with delicious, organic beans. Plus, farming for health, beer adventures, and reishi drinks. Lots to cozy up to as the weather turns blustery and cold. Have your own stories to share? Get in touch!