Chestnuts, pawpaws and aronia berry bushes at Red Fern Farm's field day...beautiful orange mushrooms at Wildcat Den...campfire conversations. What do these have in common? They were all part of a recent event that helped to fulfill Backyard Abundance's mission to 'cultiviate community', as well as expand local food production in people's backyards.

Rain and mud did not dampen the enthusiasm of over 20 people from the Iowa City area who carpooled to the field day at Red Fern Farm near Wapello on September 18. The group joined others from across southeast Iowa who listened to Tom Wahl explain how agroforestry (raising perennial food-bearing trees and bushes instead of annual monoculture crops) is good for the environment and good for people's health. People got to see the trees and bushes that Red Fern Farm has planted, learn how to grow and harvest them and taste foods made from the fruits and nuts.

Many of those attending purchased plants from the Red Fern Farm nursery. Local yards and acreages will be producing more hazelnuts, Asian pears, persimmons and other fruits and nuts thanks to this event. All of these plants are adapted to our region and require no pesticides or commercial fertilizers for their growth and maintenance.

A number of those who attended the field day chose to camp at Wildcat Den near Muscatine on Friday and Saturday evenings. The children enjoyed helping to build the campfire, toasting marshmallows and playing in nature's beauty. The adults savored delicious food, stimulating conversation and the pleasure of tent camping in this peaceful space. The tents got wet with overnight showers but everyone stayed dry and enjoyed the sounds of gentle rain.

Backyard Abundance teaches ways grow ecological landscapes and create connections to improve our quality of life. This weekend was a wonderful example of this in action. Thank you, Backyard Abundance!