The Mountain Gardener: Use cover crops to improve soil, prevent erosion
Every drop of rain that hits bare soil is destructive. More than 3,000 years ago the Chinese knew how to protect their soil from erosion and increase fertility by planting cover crops. Early Nile Valley inhabitants 3,500 years ago also practiced this method of agriculture as did first century Romans. Lupines were planted in poor soil when no animal manure was to be had. I learned this and also how to protect and improve my soil from Orin Martin, manager of the Alan Chadwick Garden at a cover crop workshop recently on the University of California, Santa Cruz campus.
The Wine Lover: A spirited gift
What is Christmas without wine? Wine has been an important part of the Christmas tradition for hundreds of years. Even Jesus himself enjoyed a glass here and there.
Softball continues in the valley
The San Lorenzo Valley IOOF/SLV summer softball season is well under way. In the men’s league, the Flingers have proven themselves by starting the season undefeated while the Mountain Mechanics and Steelheads battle for first place in the Co-ed A league.
The Mountain Gardener: Spring is coming — be prepared
It seems to me that I'm still waiting for winter to start. I look hopefully each week at the weather forecast, hoping to see a storm developing.
Nature Friendly: Quail Hollow Ranch — A Walk through a herp haven
At Quail Hollow Ranch in Ben Lomond, I’ve seen the gopher-eating great blue heron and the mountain lion that hides in a small grove of trees across from the pond and takes his deer kill from the nearby fields. But what about the animals who live a life unseen — those who live in the realm of the creepy crawlers, under a rotting branch or in the water?
The Mountain Gardener: Better blueberries
Blueberries: the wonder food. Each morsel is a powerhouse of nutrition and antioxidants.
Off Hours: Cleaning up our act for nature’s sake
Driving through northern Canada and Alaska some years ago, I was struck by the amount of litter and trash I encountered. The striking terrain and natural beauty all around made such clueless disregard seem particularly onerous.
Go World Cup: The stolen trophy and other tales of the World Cup
Plenty of trivia has built up around the World Cup, the premier event in one of the world’s most popular sports. Below are a few choice items.
Central Coast Good Fire Fair returns Saturday to Henry Cowell Redwoods...
California State Parks will host the third Central Coast Good Fire Fair and demonstration burn Saturday, Oct. 10, at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.
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