The University of Cincinnati offers the first green roof certificate

The University of Cincinnati announced last week that they would begin offering a certificate in Green Roofs, becoming the first institute of higher learning to do so! The horticulture department will also offer certificates in Urban Agriculture and Urban Landscapes.

Awesome!

Atlanta's low flying giant urban agriculture farm

-In the last two months I would say “the most ignored urban ag project” goes to an urban agriculture farm in southwest Atlanta. Why? Maybe because it has over 10 corporate and civic partners, so it's not a David vs Goliath story? But I think this Atlanta BeltLine Farm project is one to watch. You be the judge.

-Nearly 30% of the land within the Detroit city limits is vacant. Gardens are popping up and people are doing all sorts of creative things with the land without the city’s permission. With so many things in Detroit happening all at once, I think managing urban agriculture is low on their list of concerns. But I truly hope everyone in Detroit embraces this unfortunate opportunity, urban agriculture could lead to Detroit’s resurgence, be a massive source of pride and become what it is known for around the world.

-In San Francisco one particular group is involved in urban agriculture without city permission. NPR did a short story last week on the Guerilla grafters; I wrote about them earlier in the year. At the time I thought they were assertive, perhaps a little sneaky by grafting onto city trees. It looks like it’s actually a form of city disobedience and could be an offense worthy of a fine.

-Speaking of last week, as you know I was totally bummed to read some of the climate change news. Mother Jones heard my call for solutions to the despair. Of note, a scientist claims the sacrifice to establish a true cap and trade system, as one possible part of the solution, could be minimal, only the cost of a stamp for each family per day.

-The pretty much inaccessible green roof at Cincinnati City Hall is in need of someone to provide maintenance...for free. Any green roofers in Cincinnati looking to perform some valuable community service while getting valuable experience call City Hall!

-Lastly Edmonton’s first food and agriculture conference is scheduled to take place May 25 and 26, 2012. According to a local city councillor it’s “an opportunity for Edmontonians to participate in the conversation, so that we can capture and integrate diverse ideas into a consensus around a new strategy.” You’ve got lots to choose from, including focus groups, citizen panels and online questionnaires. Might "the Big E" be in line for a food policy council as well? We’ll see.

A few things

-If you're in the Italian Alps and want to learn permaculture why not check out
this year's Chiaverano full design course, from May 17 - 29, 2011. The course will be in English.

-Hear ye, hear ye, the Future Generations Graduate School seeks applications for its Master's Degree program in Applied Community Change and Conservation. Applications are due June 1, 2011 and class begins September 2011.
This M.A. program is geared toward mid-career community development practitioners, with a special focus on conservation and natural resources/sustainable development.
It allows working professionals to remain their home countries and continue to serve their communities without having to relocate. For more information, visit our website WWW.FUTURE.EDU

-Last but not least, Sedgwick, Maine joins exclusive company as it ushers in a local food ordinance. It's the first in Maine, maybe the fourth or fifth on the continent.
For more information and to share your praise, contact Bob St.Peter at bobstpeter at gmail dot com or Mia Strong at meezermia at gmail dot com.

-Did everyone already know that California's Million Solar Roofs initiative ran out of money 5 years early due to demand???

-If you're in Cincinnati there are still CSA shares available at Enright Ridge Urban Farm Project in Price Hill. And their price is definitely right!