Finger Lakes Cider House at Good Life Farm is the hub of the hard cider renaissance in New York apple country, but they are about more than cider. “We grow a wildly diverse ecosystem of organic plants, animals, microbes, and ideas,” says Owner Garrett Miller. “We believe that soil health is human health and the roots…
In celebration of Pollinator Week (June 20th to 26th), we are highlighting a local business that is a friend to pollinators. Located on the western side of Cayuga lake, Bright Raven Farm & Apiary cares for over 80 hives and produces local, raw, varietal honey. They have spent twenty years rejuvenating their land’s soil, and…
As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine rages on and gas prices continue to soar, we are reminded of the political and economic need to shift away from a fossil fuel-based economy – not to mention the environmental implications. Thankfully, alternative energy is becoming increasingly accessible! Alternative Power Solutions in East Syracuse is dedicated to increasing the…
Stonecat Cafe in Hector, NY is dedicated to providing fresh, regional cuisine and reducing their environmental footprint, while keeping prices affordable and accessible. While looking through the images on their menu, I couldn’t settle on just one to feature – so many of the offerings look delicious! The Cafe recently went through a re-envisioning process…
Roots Cafe is a fun and welcoming restaurant that supports local businesses and celebrates Finger Lakes abundance in everything from the organic produce, drinks, and meats that they serve to the flowers on their tables. I happened to be driving by last month, and the vibrant blues and purples of the historic home-turned-restaurant drew me…
Agava is a farm-to-table restaurant that works to source ingredients from local and regional sources when possible, working with suppliers and farmers to get fresh seasonal ingredients that are incorporated into their in a variety of Southwestern dishes. Their current farms and distributors include: Autumn’s Harvest, Stick and Stone, Plowbreak Farm, Here We Are, Remembrance…
The School Success Transportation Coalition (SSTC) helps make activities and events more accessible for youths and their families across Ithaca City School District (ICSD). ICSD is huge – 150 square miles(!), much bigger than the city in its name and much of it is quite rural. This creates transportation barriers for many families. SSTC has…
Lately, I’ve been contemplating death more than I usually do. Maybe it’s the war in Ukraine, which has reminded us how quickly and unexpectedly things can change… Death is a natural part of life, and yet, so many of us don’t prepare for this inevitability. We know it’s coming and yet we hope that it’s…
Trees Up Tompkins aims to draw down carbon from the atmosphere by planting native trees on available land in Tompkins County, NY. They currently have two main projects. At Lighthouse Point, the organization has cleared almost 7000 sq. ft. of invasive species and planted over 100 native trees! They welcome youths and adults alike to…
Birdskog Organic Farm was established in 2016 by Reuben Granskog & Hannah Birdsall, a husband/wife team. Originally located near Trumansburg, NY, they now operate in Alpine, near Catharine, NY. Birdskog is a no-till, certified organic farm that focuses on high-quality, clean vegetables that are rich in both nutrients and taste! Reuben and Hannah are passionate…
Safe Harbors is an organization that is helping to build resilience in the Finger Lakes! Safe Harbors provides free, confidential services for children, adults, and families who have experienced sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, and human trafficking in Ontario, Seneca, and Yates Counties. They offer individual counseling, support groups, legal accompaniment, and personal advocacy…
Shelterbelt Farm, in Caroline (9 miles SE of Ithaca) is home to the Frenay/Modisher family and — cattle, sheep, chickens, geese, dogs, bees, fruit trees, and vegetables. Why are they a Sign of Sustainability? They farm with the goal of regenerating the health of the community and the land! They focus on building soil and plant diversity, by incorporating elements of silvopasture and agroforestry. Farm owner, Craig, applies his net-zero building design and construction skills at STREAM Collaborative architecture. Farm owner, Erica, supports beginning farmers via the Cornell Small Farms Program.
City Roots is a collaborative of homeowners, renters, youth, allies and partners that helps to establish and promote permanently affordable, equitable housing in Rochester. They want to help cultivate the perspective that socially-owned land can help affirm housing as a human right, build community wealth, and allow for investment in our communities without displacing those who live there. In addition to the work that they do, they recently kicked off Weekly Pull-Ups! At these meetings, attendees are invited to eat pizza, do yoga, participate in small group projects that benefit the community, and connect with other members. They also host volunteer clean ups, potlucks, and bike repair events!
Syracuse Grows is a grassroots network that cultivates food justice through advocacy, education, and resources in support of urban food production. They strive to create community where everyone has the equal opportunity to produce healthy and culturally appropriate food. They do this by facilitating the creation of community and volunteer run gardens, as well as hosting educational events and workshops.
Nu Spice is an Ithaca-based, black-owned, woman-owned catering company, specializing in soul, southern and comfort food. NuSpice Catering was born in 2007, when Candace Foster followed her passion to share timeless family recipes with the community. Since then, Nu Spice Catering has fed hundreds of people at dozens of events — including Ithaca’s Taste of Soul event in 2019.