May Mama Message
“Even in this high-tech age, the low-tech plant continues to be the key to nutrition and health.”
- Jack Weatherford
Vibrant health begins with proper nutrition, and what we put in and on our bodies has the most profound effect on our overall health. With the world’s important focus on disease these days, I am surprised by the lack of emphasis in the mainstream narrative about the pillars of optimal health. We can protect ourselves and others through optimal nutrition and careful choices, and by sharing this information with those we care about. Fresh, local, and thoughtfully grown food is our greatest tool for our own health, the health of our communities, and of our ecosystems.
Being a member of our local CSA, I receive the satisfaction of contributing to a thriving farm in our community that provides food to many families through the memberships, the local Farmer’s Market, and by supplying local restaurants with fresh, delicious produce. We get weekly fruits, vegetables, and herbs that I feel confident in serving to my own family. We also purchase locally sourced meats, poultry, and sustainably harvested fish whenever possible. I am delighted with the high quality and commitment to sustainability of so many local farmers and ranchers here in Montana. I miss our own chickens and goats at this time, but we are looking into having our own again in the near future. Raising livestock in Montana is a bit more challenging than in Northern California, but the benefits outweigh the risks… I hope!
As far as a garden of our own, it is happening slowly but surely. Herbs have been the first items to go in on our property, and we are working on restoring an old apple orchard. We are looking into adding more fruit trees along with berries and grapes as well. In the process of letting go of our California property, I made a list of my favorite plants that are growing there. Most of them are flowers and vines, but there are edible plants that I can raise here in Montana too. I may need a greenhouse in the future for the lemons, avocados, and artichokes that we love, but there are many varieties of our other favorites that thrive here.
Adapting to change is something that we humans have shown that we are very capable of. We are going to need this skill in the future, and I feel that a focus on regenerative agriculture is an important one. I just finished reading Gabe Brown’s book Dirt to Soil which I found fascinating and incredibly optimistic. On his family ranch in North Dakota he has increased soil health greatly, and he tells the story with humor and amazing detail. Gabe Brown “is a pioneer of the soil-health movement and has been named one of the twenty-five most influential agricultural leaders in the United States.” He encourages us to take action, and I am looking forward to applying many of his ideas going forward. Regenerative agriculture is important for soil and plant health, as well as for improving nutrient density in our food. It also aids in sequestering carbon in our soil. Twenty-first century solutions through farming and ranching…!
Returning to our deep connection with the soil and plants is a way to improve our own physical and emotional health in so many ways. Spending time in our gardens and in wilder nature fills our souls, calms our minds, and supports our immune system. I realize that for me, this is where my heart is full and my spirits soar. I am surrounded by the natural essential oils of the native shrubs and trees. The mountains may be a more challenging environment in which to grow our own food, but it is where I am finding myself most at home!
Wishing you health and happiness wherever you find your connection to the land…
Warmly,
Maria