What took us four days last year, we accomplished in just two days this year.

A total of 16 amazingly engaged volunteers, chopped, diced, peeled, bagged and froze a total of 621 pounds of 17 different items were purchased from seven Orcas farms: Black Dog, Taproot, Morningstar, Maple Rock, Blue Moon, Coffelt and Orcas Farm.

We were able to receive a lot of produce at once including carrots, jalapenos, blueberries, beets, dill, basil, tomatoes, and a whole lot of sweet onions. Along with those, we also received and processed garlic, cabbage, dill, zucchini, cucumbers, parsley, kale and chard.

Thanks to Barbara Wheeler, who so generously allowed us to glean her plum trees again this year, we also have hundreds of pounds of gorgeous yellow plums which will be available in the salad bar and used in desserts, sauces and toppings.

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He raised a little dust, but it made everyone smile!

Rob Harlow trucked his tiller to the school garden and made the first pass to till and condition the soil in the expanded garden area before school started.

Though it looks like not much is happening, there actually are several projects currently underway:  the tank for the rainwater catchment system is to be installed before Sept. 15 and a weather station is being planned and erected as a senior project by Zack Wolford.  In the larger area where Harlow tilled the plans are to terrace and level the area so the new watering system will be more efficient. The return of the grass will be abated by additional tilling and winter crop cover until next spring.  And be sure to go by and take a look at the beautiful new gates.

On Oct. 13, a “Celebration of Farm to Cafeteria” will occur at the school that will include a tour of the garden as well as Mandy’s Farm to Classroom Project and a wonderful scratch-cooked lunch by our amazing cafeteria staff. Learn more at www.orcasislandf2c.org/.

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A healthy return of King Salmon to the Glenwood Springs Salmon Hatchery lower pond for the third year in a row made it possible for a total of 80 salmon to be delivered to the public school cafeteria and the food bank this past two weeks.

Rollie Sauer, together with Mike O’Connell, Manager of the Glenwood Springs Hatchery, took care of acquiring the proper approvals with the state Fish and Wildlife Department for the salmon to be delivered. Volunteer Rick Doty, along with Don Myers and Jay Longfellow expertly filleted them on the spot prior to delivery to the school and food bank.

“This is amazing to be able to prepare and serve fresh salmon in our school lunches,” says Zach Holley, cafeteria chef.

He will be using it in quiches, pastas, salads and even expects to smoke some.

Jeannie Doty of the Orcas Island Food Bank says, “You can’t believe how our clients’ faces light up when they are given fresh salmon to fix for dinner. It’s truly something very special and rare for a food bank to be able to offer.”

With significant cuts in state funding to the hatchery this year, we are truly grateful for this very generous and thoughtful contribution to our community, and urge the support of fundraisers and financial well being in any way possible to maintain this island treasure. One coming up will be a tour of the pond and hatchery followed by a picnic lunch in the Youngren barn on Oct. 20.  Particulars may be seen at www.madiessite.com/hatchery-tour.html.