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eating the coastGinger’s Henhouse.taking that out in the world.” Brian andGinger work every day—although somevacation time gets squeezed in—and theyoung helpers they have do a tremendousamount of work.R-evolution offers a CSA for theRockaway to Cannon Beach area, operatea stand at the Manzanita and CannonBeach farmers’ markets, and withtwo more acres leased for cultivationmay find themselves at an additionalmarket. As always, much depends on theweather.“In some ways,” laughs Ginger, “theOregon Coast is the craziest place to tryoff the grid organic farming. What theland here wants to be is a forest, so thatinfluences how and what we plant—tocreate a food forest. And we just don’tPhotos courtesy R-evolution Gardenshave the electrical supportto have heat lamps for youngseedlings—we do the bestwe can with a hoop houseand an insulated room andblankets.” The idea of a foodforest includes planting acanopy of fruit and nut trees,with a brush understory ofraspberries and blueberries,with the annual vegetablesas a ground cover. The farmersgive the land the “forest”it wants to be anyway, butare planting what they wantto harvest.Possibly the most excitingthing happening at thefarm these days are theskills classes. From graftingtrees, raising chickens,and beekeeping to buildingsimple farm infrastructure,R-evolution is the go-tosmall farms “institute” onthe coast. “If wehad access to theclasses we’re offeringnow, we would havesaved thousands of dollars,”says Ginger. “That’s why wewant to give back to otherswho are trying to learnthese skills. And it gives ourlocal farmers a chance toshare what they know.” Andeducation is an importantpart of both Brian and Ginger’spersonal life missions.They both love to teach, andfind that merely living thevalues they believe in isn’tnearly as satisfying as empowering othersin the bargain.Showing others that off the grid livingis possible not only allows Brian andGinger to walk their talk but to have animpact on the planet in an exponentialway. Unlike the activism that fueledtheir lives for many years, the R-evolutionlifestyle is not about resistancebut saying yes! Yes to growth, learning,giving back, building community, foodsecurity, and a sustainable life. “Doingthese things is good for the planet, butthat’s not why I do it,” Brian says. “Ilive this way because it makes me feelgood, because it feels right.” R-evolutionFarms has varied power sources includingsolar and wood (sourced from theirland), and is committed to no fossil fuelsfor energy or heat.Opportunities abound for individualswho wish to live their lives accordingto a more sustainable ethos. Even onesmall change makes a difference. Gingersays this: “What is the best thing peoplecan do? Deepen your connections towhat is important to you. And if one ofthose things you choose is to deepenyour connection to is your food and thefarmers that grow it, thatis just as good as growingit yourself. Reinvest in theconnections and it will takeyou where you need to go.Food connects to EVERY-THING in your life. Food isfun, cooking is fun, gettingto know your farmer is fun!It will make you happier, Iguarantee it!”R-evolution Gardens is locatedin the Nehalem Valley,off of Hwy. 53. Their blogand website have up to dateclass information, CSA membership info,and great photos and stories of farmlife: www.revolutiongardens.com. Tel:503-368-3044 Email: info@revolutiongardens.comWorkshops Coming Up at R-evolutionBuild A Rocket StoveLow-tech, high-output mud rocket stoves are perfect for outdoorcooking. What is a rocket stove? Invented by Dr. Larry Winiarski inCorvallis, OR, the rocket stove is a chimney that you cook on top of.Participants will enjoy an organic farm lunch and take home theirown stove (that will need to dry for a month before use).When: Saturday, May 28th, 9am-5pmHow Much: $100.To Register: Pre-registration required, contact the farm at 503-368-3044, info@revolutiongardens.com. Payment must be receivedby May 14th to hold your spot. Mail to PO Box 582 Manzanita OR,97130.Build a solar/wood-fired bath house, 7 day longfarmitechture intensiveThis class offers an intensive hands-on opportunity to hone smallstructure skills that can be taken home and applied to individualprojects. Taught by R-evolution co-owner Brian Schulz, the classwill show students, how to design and build a passive solar bathhouse.“Our structure will be a hybrid of as many constructiontechniques as I can sneak into one small building. You will get handson experience with all aspects of the construction of small structures,including: design, code considerations, passive solar, powertools, hand tools, natural poles, salvaged materials, foundations,walls, roofs, doors, and windows. Time permitting I will do my bestto cover basic electrical and plumbing.”When: Monday June 13th- Sunday June 19th. In this class we’llwork 8-5 every day with an hour for lunch. Students are welcome tocamp on-site, and hotels and house rentals are available in Manzanita,right on the beach, 9 miles away.How Much: This 7 day course is $700. It includes organic farm breakfasts,lunches and all materials needed.To Register: Pre-registration required, contact the farm at Tel: 503-368-3044, Email: info@revolutiongardens.com.Permanent Cosmetics“Always Look Your Best!”Darcy WiegardtPermanent Cosmetics TechnicianLicensed & Certified503.338.5555Now accepting appointments . . .We have a great selection of everythingCall for a consultationyou need for indoor gardening!MEDICAL SPA LACOST • 1428 COMMERCIAL ST • ASTORIAGreen AngelGardensOrganic Farm StoreOpen Daily 8am - 7pm • (360)244-00646807 Sandridge Rd. Long Beach, WAgreenangelgardening.comWhat YouCan Find!Fresh Organic Fruitsand Vegetables fromOur Farm and OR &WA Farms.CSA sharesavailable too!We have a great selection of ALL youneed for indoor gardening!• indoor organic soil gardening• soilless medium gardening• hydroponics• nutrients, horticultural spectrumlighting, pest control, fertilizers & more!www.astoriaindoor.com13th and Exchange in Astoria • 503.468.0606 • Open Every Day 10am – 6pmmay11 hipfishmonthly.com16Happy Birthday Astoria!Bicycle RentalSpecials!North Coast Leaderin Sales and Service11th and Marine Drive in Astoria503.325.2961 • www.bikesandbeyond.comWinter Hours are:10am ‘til 6pm Mondays through Fridays9am ‘til 6pm Saturdays • 11am ‘til 4pm Sundays