Curious what's going on in our local food system? Check out our
community events
.
Want us to add your event to our calendar? Email
Financial Foundations for Beginner Farmers and Ranchers
Date: May 9th, 2024
Time: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Willow Bend Environmental Education Center (703 E Sawmill Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001), with virtual option available
Join us for a dynamic workshop designed to equip beginner farmers and ranchers with the essential tools and strategies for success. Hosted by Coconino County Extension and Flagstaff Foodlink, and funded by the USDA NIFA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, this workshop offers invaluable insights into agricultural business management and planning. In collaboration with the Small Business Administration (SBA), SCORE, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and Farm Service Agency (FSA), this workshop covers efficient planting tracking methods, crop expense models, SBA program overviews, and financial assistance eligibility. It is ideal for beginner farmers and ranchers seeking practical guidance on business management, financial planning, and accessing resources for growth. Lunch is provided.
Reservation Fee: $26, with $25 reimbursed upon workshop participation. RSVP required for both in-person and virtual attendance (<—click to register)
Cultivating Success: Choosing the Right Plant Varieties for Your Climate
Date: April 24, 2024
Time: 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Location: Willow Bend Environmental Education Center, followed by farm visit to Forestdale Farms, Flagstaff, AZ . Virtual option available for classroom portion.
Workshop Overview:
Join Flagstaff Foodlink and Coconino County Cooperative Extension for a comprehensive workshop designed to help you select the optimal plant varieties for your local climate. This event will provide valuable insights into cultivating success in your agricultural endeavors.
Agenda:
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Presentation at Willow Bend Environmental Education Center with Rylan Morton-Starner and Darrell Yazzie
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Travel to Forestdales/lunch break (lunch provided)
12:00-1:30 Farm Visit to Forestdale Farms, Flagstaff, AZ
Reservation Fee:
In order to ensure a committed group of participants, we have implemented a reservation fee of $26, $25 of which will be fully reimbursed upon your participation in the workshop. To secure your seat, this fee is required at the time of registration.
Important Note: Transportation is not provided for the outdoor farm visit. Please dress appropriately for outdoor activities and wear comfortable footwear.
This workshop was made possible by the USDA NIFA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program.
Soil Health Workshop for Beginning Farmers: Understanding Soil Testing and Amendments
Join us for a hands-on workshop tailored for beginning farmers and ranchers eager to enhance soil health. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) experts will cover soil testing essentials (OM, EC, CEC) and strategies for managing high pH soils through amendments.
Date: April 11, 2024
Time: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Willow Bend Environmental Education Center, followed by optional farm field trip to Wild Heart Farm, Rimrock, AZ
Cost: $25
Highlights:
Learn soil testing basics and interpret analyses for improved soil health.
Gain insights on amendments tailored for high pH soils.
Hands-on soil sampling demo during farm field trip to Wild Heart Farm.
Networking lunch featuring farm-fresh produce.
Key Outcomes:
Develop soil sampling proficiency.
Identify effective amendments for soil health.
Make informed decisions for sustainable farming practices.
Transportation is not provided for outdoor visit. Dress for outdoor activities.
Sign up here: https://flagstafffoodlink.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/flagstafffoodlink/event.jsp?event=1&
Community Seed Swap
All Ages
Bring seeds, swap seeds, and meet other growers in our community! This event is free and will have family activities. (You do not have to bring seeds to participate.)
To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, please call 928-213-2348. Three days prior notice is requested.
Farmer & Rancher Resource Fair
We are so excited to announce the Farmer & Rancher Resource Fair on March 21st! 🤩
Join us for networking, discussions with local NRCS & FSA agents, and a resource expo with statewide organizations!
Afterward, Arizona Food Systems Network will host an in-person regional gathering to design the next iteration of the Statewide Food Action Plan. They are providing $150 stipends on a first come, first service basis to those who participate in the afternoon session.
To register, go to https://bit.ly/3wpYujM or email Summer at growersupport@flagstafffoodlink.com
See you there!
Virtual Flagstaff Foodlink Info Session
Join us for an informative session on Flagstaff Foodlink! Whether you’re considering board membership or simply interested in learning more about our organization, all are welcome to attend. Discover how you can become a vital part of our mission to create a more sustainable and equitable food system. Learn about board member opportunities, our impactful programs, and how you can help shape the future of food in Flagstaff.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with us and explore ways to get involved!
Register here if you're interested!
https://forms.gle/XaGu56hiwgGLM8Uy7
Grower Grant Virtual Info Session
Join us virtually on December 7th from 5:30-6:30 PM to explore opportunities and insights for local farmers. Discover how the Grower Grant Program supports small-scale food producers in Coconino and Navajo Counties. Grant will open on December 1st, 2023. Learn about eligibility, project examples, and how to make a meaningful impact on local food systems. Register for the workshop to secure your spot. For more information, email us at grow@flagstafffoodlink.com. This workshop is made possible thanks to funding from the Arizona Community Foundation of Flagstaff.
Community Workshop: Processing Apples
Join Flagstaff Foodlink and Willow Bend Center for a hands-on workshop where you'll learn three exciting ways to transform this year's bumper apple crop into delectable value-added products: apple sauce, dehydrated apples and cider. Whether you're an experienced home chef or a novice, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to connect with fellow apple enthusiasts and celebrate the abundance of the season. This event is free but space is limited, so be sure to register to secure your spot. It's made possible thanks to Flagstaff Foodlink's 2023 "Building Community Through Food" series, funded by the City of Flagstaff Neighborhood Sustainability Grant, and donors like you.
3rd Annual Harvest Festival & Indigenous Farmers Market
Join us for the 3rd Annual Harvest Festival & Indigenous Farmers Market at Colton Community Garden!
Date: Saturday, September 23rd
Time: 10 AM - 2 PM
Location: Museum of Northern Arizona, Colton Community Garden (across Ft Valley Rd from main MNA exhibits building on N Winding Brook Road)
Interested in being a vendor? Fill out our application linked here.
Community Workshop: Seed Saving
Saturday, September 9th, 10AM-2PM (break for lunch) at Colton Garden
Join Flagstaff Foodlink for an exciting community workshop! Discover the art of seed saving at the Flagstaff Foodlink workshop led by renowned expert Bill McDorman and Kate Watters(Wild Heart Farm). Uncover techniques to conserve a variety of native and non-native plants thriving in the northern high desert region. From life cycles to storage, learn the essentials and ensure plant biodiversity for generations to come. Admission is free with registration, and light refreshments will be provided
FREE, but RSVP required. This event was made possible from Flagstaff Foodlink's 2023 “Building Community Through Food” series, funded by the City of Flagstaff Neighborhood Sustainability Grant, and donors like you.
Register here: https://forms.gle/GGJsHDVZsqTuq2Ye9
AZ Ag Apprentice: Info Session & Application Workshop
ATTN: All farmers & ranchers, as well as aspiring agricultural workers!
Learn about & apply for the AZ Agricultural Workforce Development program that supports beginning farmers & ranchers. Organizations are eligible for reimbursement of apprentice wages up to $10,000!
Presented by: Flagstaff Foodlink, UofA Cooperative Extension & the Flagstaff Sustainability Office
2nd Annual Native American Farmers Market
Join us for the 2nd Annual Native American Farmers Market
NAU Earth Jam
NAZCCA will have a table set up at two different Earth day events! Join in to play the game “in Jeopardy” and test your knowledge, take a photo with our friend the Polar Bear, and celebrate the earth!
Flagstaff Community Seed Swap
Bring seeds, swap seeds, and meet other growers in our community! This event is free and will have family activities. Please bring envelopes and marker to label your seeds. Packaging seeds that you want to share ahead of time is helpful!
Flagstaff Foodlink Native American Farmers Market
Flagstaff Foodlink invites the community to join us for our 1st Annual native American Farmers Market
The market vendor registration is currently open!
This event directly supports our local indigenous farmers by providing a venue to market to the Flagstaff community. We welcome all Norther Arizona Indigenous Growers to participate. All proceeds go directly to the growers. The market is limited to produce and farm raised products only.
Real Food Real Stories Gathering with Burrell Jones
Join us on Thursday, November 12 at 12p PT for a virtual Real Food Real Stories gathering with Burrell Jones of Tolani Lake Enterprises.
About this Event
There is a growing revival of cultural practices based in seasonal nutrition, reciprocal relationship, and stewardship of land and water.
This fall we have the honor to hear stories from three Indigenous changemakers who are revitalizing their ancestral traditions, modeling the work of reconnecting with culturally rooted, ecologically responsible food practices.
This work is vital to our collective future. With listening, learning, and action in the present, we can shift from a system of exploitation to a regenerative and just food economy that reflects an ethic of care.
On November 12, join us for a story and q+a with Burrell Jones of Tolani Lake Enterprises
Make a meal and get together with your roommates, your partner, and/or your cat to tune in to this virtual gathering! After registering, you'll receive additional details for how to participate and the Zoom link to join.
Timeline
12:00pm Virtual Gathering begins
Story-Sharing
Q+A
Connection Circles
1:15pm Gathering Closes
About Burrell Jones
Burrell Jones is from the Grandfalls area in the Leupp community located on the Navajo Nation. He was born in Flagstaff and raised by his grandparents and parents. He was taught western ways of learning throughout his school years, but grew up with the values of being Navajo. Burrell is currently the Youth Program Manager at Tolani Lake Enterprises where he provides an opportunity to the local youth to learn about cultural foods, farming practices, and creating a supportive environment. He believes growing traditional foods and learning about our connection to the world around us is eye opening in terms of knowing where you come from and your identity.
Things you’ll need to participate
RFRS Virtual Community Agreements (available to view after registration)
A reliable internet connection
A laptop or mobile device
Zoom (Please have this ready in advance. You can join from your browser or the software/mobile app)
Listening ears
It’s that simple, we promise!
Why Virtual? It’s in times like these that gathering, sharing, listening, and eating together is most important. Moving our gathering to a virtual format allows us to safely gather with our households and also come together as a larger community online. The flow will mimic our in-person monthly gatherings, we’ll have some time for small group conversation, we’ll ring the singing bowl, Laura will share her story, and we’ll have an extended q+a at the end.
New Here? Every month at Real Food Real Stories, we gather together over a meal and a story from a local food changemaker. Why? Our mission is to humanize the food system for a more connected and just tomorrow, and we believe that there isn’t anything quite like food and story to create connections, bridge divides, and shift culture.
Although we can’t all gather together in person, we can gather in our homes to share a meal and tune in to the live story and q+a.
Questions? Ping us at @rfrstories or email info@realfoodrealstories.org.
2020 Arizona Food & Farm Forum
“Join us in 2020 as we celebrate heritage and plan for our future!
The AZ Food & Farm Forum is a 2-day conference for producers, food entrepreneurs, and local food advocates, programmed to change the way our desert state feeds itself. The event features networking sessions, a farm tour of area farms, instructional workshops, & the opportunity to grow your local food community.
Schedule, speakers, and additional information available at GoodFoodFinder.com/forum
Ticket Pricing
• Early Bird (through March 15): 2-Days $69, 1-Day: $49
• Full Price (beginning March 16): 2-Days $99, 1-Day: $59
• Young Farmers: 2-Days $40, 1-Day: $20
LFA Members receive 10% off all ticket types with code LOCALFIRST
Details on scholarships for Tribal Members will be available soon.
We know that everyone in the industry works hard and that sometimes it's a struggle to put good food on our own tables. If you need scholarship assistance to join us, email us at kate@localfirstaz.com; we'd love to talk and make your attendance possible.”
Earth Day Cyber Celebration
“While COVID-19 is shutting down many Earth Day events, you can still participate in a celebration on April 22nd. The Northern Arizona Climate Change Alliance (NAZCCA) is hosting a Cyber Celebration for the 50th anniversary of Earth Day and we hope to “see” you there…
Jump on board to celebrate our Earth, hear from your local politicians, and learn how you can fight climate change at the Earth Day Cyber Celebration. We understand the sacrifices you and all citizens are making during this critical time with the coronavirus pandemic impacting all of our lives. So come and celebrate with us at 5:00 pm on April 22nd . You will find links to participate by going to the Events calendar on www.NAZCCA.org. You’ll have the option to join in via Facebook Live, YouTube Live, Earth Day Live, or ZOOM. Please join in with your family, friends, and neighbors to celebrate this 50th Anniversary of Earth Day. For more information contact NAZCCA’s community organizer for Coconino County, Jenna Ortega at Jenna.NAZCCA@gmail.com.”
Flagstaff Community Seed Swap
Join Flagstaff Foodlink, Coconino County Cooperative Extension, Flagstaff Sustainability Program, and the Grow Flagstaff Seed Library at the Coconino County Cooperative Extension office for a community seed swap.
Seeds are a great way to share our local food heritage.
How to participate:
- Bring seeds if you have them (veggies, herbs, flowers, Arizona natives)
- Provide information on seed variety, year collected, location grown, tips from your personal experience.
- Bring envelopes in which to package seeds to take home and a pen to label your seeds.
New to gardening? No seeds to exchange? No problem. Everyone will leave with new seeds in their pocket.
After swapping seeds at the seed exchange, you can visit and signup for the Grow Flagstaff Seed Library located at the extension office.
Summer's End Potluck
We would like to invite YOU to our Summer’s End Potluck! All eaters, growers, restauranteurs, food scholars, food lovers, food activists… any and all people are welcome! Come chat about and celebrate local food with the Foodlink Board Members, Grower Grant winners, and the greater Flagstaff community!
The event is BYOB and Potluck style. We will provide apple cider. Bring a harvest dish and stories to share!
When: Sunday, November 3, 2019
Where: Colton Community Garden
What time: 3 pm - 5 pm
Please email flagstafffoodlink@gmail.com to let us know you're coming.
We cannot wait to celebrate with you!
Eat Local Tuesday: FLG Terroir Wine Bar & Bistro
Eat Local Tuesday is back! On Tuesday, October 29, 2019, dine out to grow local food. 10% of sales from the event benefit Flagstaff Foodlink! Eat Local Tuesdays are a great way to build community and connections through food, support local growers, and provide a new source of access for healthy, fresh, local foods.
Please join us for a night of delicious local food and fun!
Community Workday: Forestdale Farm
Flagstaff Foodlink's Flagstaff Grower Coalition will be hosting a Community Workday at Forestdale Farm on Wednesday, October 23rd at 9 am! We will be coming together to provide a much-needed service to the great folks who grow our local food.
All are welcome - young, old, experienced, or still learning! Learn invaluable farm and gardening skills on a beautiful, local farm! Everyone will be able to participate in meaningful work.
When: October 23, 2019
Where: Forestdale Farm - 455 Beach Dr., Flagstaff, AZ 86004
What time: 9 am - 1 pm
What to bring:
1. Water Bottle
2. Hat
3. Sturdy Shoes
4. Jacket with layered clothing underneath
5. Sunscreen
6. Snack
SIGN UP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdtOVFmPS33IrrLBjJ8xySp-P1PSnvf7SwE0fjLf_5K2Ur28g/viewform?usp=sf_link
All volunteer hours will be signed off on by our Outreach Coordinator.
Ruby Earth Urban Farm Experiences: Tour and Work Session
The Flagstaff Sustainability Program is excited to announce the launch of the Urban Farm Incubator. The City is leasing .18 acres of City-owned land to a local start-up urban farm enterprise, Ruby Earth Gardens. The goal of the Incubator is to encourage agricultural entrepreneurship within city limits. The high cost of land has made agricultural endeavors cost prohibitive for many aspiring urban farmers, and the City is excited to help foster a burgeoning local food system by supporting small-scale agriculture with this program.
As part of the lease agreement, Ruby Earth Gardens pays a nominal annual fee in addition to any water used and offers community opportunities to engage on the farm.
The City of Flagstaff in partnership with Ruby Earth Gardens will be hosting five Urban Farm Experiences throughout the summer. If you want to learn more about your local food system come on out and participate!
Farm Manager and Co-owner, Elizabeth Bechok, will provide a tour of the land, explain Ruby Earth's agricultural practices, and answer questions. If you want to get your hands dirty, help out on the farm, and learn more about small-scale farming - there will be opportunities for weeding, mulching, soil preparation, and/or planting.
Email rubyearthgardens@gmail.com for questions or more information.
Please wear closed toed shoes and bring a pair of gloves.
TO ACCESS THE LAND: GO WEST ON CHERRY, TURN RIGHT ONTO MOGOLLON, and THE LAND IS ON THE LEFT
Indigenous Foods/Food Access Workshop
Please join the Arizona Department of Agriculture for our next Food Access Workshop in Payson on September 19th. See the agenda for information about this 1/2 day event as well as registration information. To read about the AZDA's involvement in working to reduce food insecurity, diabetes and obesity, see this link: https://agriculture.az.gov/node/178
Economic Development Committee Meeting
Join Foodlink’s economic development committee as we discuss future opportunities for growing the capacity of Flagstaff’s food system.
If you have questions about the committee and have ideas for future agenda topics please reach out to Dylan Lenzen at dylandlenzen@gmail.com.
Farm to Table Dinner: Roots Micro Farm, Laura Chamberlin, and Sugar Mama's Bakery
We are partnering with Roots Micro Farm, Chef Laura Chamberlin, and Sugar Mama's Bakery for a farm to table dinner!
The event will take place at 4:30 PM on September 14, 2019, at Roots Micro Farm located on Birch Ave.
The event is BYOB! Come eat, drink, and celebrate locally grown and sustainably produced food with us!
Tickets are $60 with some proceeds being donated to Flagstaff Foodlink. For more information and to reserve a spot, please contact Laura through email or by phone. Limited space!
Email: laura@lcprofessionalchef.com
Phone: (928) 814 - 8218
Flavor: Northern AZ Food & Wine Festival
Taste a little bit of FLAVOR at the first annual LFA food and wine festival in Northern Arizona, hosted in partnership with the Over the Rainbow Butterfly Garden, Inc. Celebrate Arizona's vintners on September 14th from 1 pm - 7 pm at the beautiful garden grounds in the Warner's Nursery & Landscape Co. #FlavorFlg
🍷 The FLAVOR Food and Wine Festival is inspired by other well known Local First Arizona festivals - Devour Phoenix, in Phoenix, and SAVOR, in Tucson. Focused on bringing awareness to local Arizona vintners, restaurateurs, and retail vendors, FLAVOR will feature over a dozen vendors including; wineries, fine food purveyors, artists and live music.
Ticket holders will receive wine and beer tasting tickets and samples of delicious local food.
- $35 General Admission entry tickets include 6 tasting tickets and a commemorative tasting glass and a free reusable water bottle
- $50 VIP Admission tickets include 10 tasting tickets and a commemorative tasting glass, plus reusable water bottle. VIP ticket holders have access to a VIP section with live music and passed samples from local vendors to avoid standing in line.
City Council Work Session: Animal Keeping Code Revisions
In 2016, the Animal Keeping Code was revised to clarify rules, reduce barriers for animal keeping on small lot sizes within City limits, and incorporate animal welfare considerations. As part of that process, staff committed to re-evaluate the effectiveness of the revisions and return to Council with any necessary updates.
Revisions to the Code are designed to make enforcement easier and reduce nuisances for neighbors, while still allowing for backyard livestock to be raised in City limits. Among the revisions for consideration are a free backyard animal keeping permitting system, containment of livestock in animal runs, adjusting setback requirements, and limiting the total number of animals allowed across categories.
This agenda item (#9) is the last of the four scheduled items. Information and additional documents available here.
Little Colorado River Farmers Market
Come join the LCR Farmers Market at Leupp Public School! There will be informational booths and activities all morning, local farmers, children activities, gardening tips, and food and health demos.
Ruby Earth Urban Farm Experiences: Tour and Work Session
The Flagstaff Sustainability Program is excited to announce the launch of the Urban Farm Incubator. The City is leasing .18 acres of City-owned land to a local start-up urban farm enterprise, Ruby Earth Gardens. The goal of the Incubator is to encourage agricultural entrepreneurship within city limits. The high cost of land has made agricultural endeavors cost prohibitive for many aspiring urban farmers, and the City is excited to help foster a burgeoning local food system by supporting small-scale agriculture with this program.
As part of the lease agreement, Ruby Earth Gardens pays a nominal annual fee in addition to any water used and offers community opportunities to engage on the farm.
The City of Flagstaff in partnership with Ruby Earth Gardens will be hosting five Urban Farm Experiences throughout the summer. If you want to learn more about your local food system come on out and participate!
Farm Manager and Co-owner, Elizabeth Bechok, will provide a tour of the land, explain Ruby Earth's agricultural practices, and answer questions. If you want to get your hands dirty, help out on the farm, and learn more about small-scale farming - there will be opportunities for weeding, mulching, soil preparation, and/or planting.
Email rubyearthgardens@gmail.com for questions or more information.
Please wear closed toed shoes and bring a pair of gloves.
TO ACCESS THE LAND: GO WEST ON CHERRY, TURN RIGHT ONTO MOGOLLON, and THE LAND IS ON THE LEFT
Little Colorado River Farmers Market
Come join the LCR Farmers Market at Leupp Public School! There will be informational booths and activities all morning, local farmers, children activities, gardening tips, and food and health demos.