For Jan. 23, 2015

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1 – The East Coast concept of Trail Towns is coming to Michigan.

Trail Town committees have sprouted up in areas including the Thumb. It’s the result of a year-long Coastal Zone Management grant, according to the Michigan State University Extension, and aimed at promoting sustainable tourism.

Leaders in the Thumb, which includes Huron and Tuscola counties, have been active in outfitting their downtown areas and trail networks to attract visitors.

In 2014, the governor signed legislation that established the Pure Michigan Trail Network.

Communities can establish a Trail Town by developing their own strategy or look at adopting a “Four Point Approach” that includes organization, promotion, design and economics.

 

2 -Delta College is teaching people about urban farming.

 

The college, along with an area group called the Wildroot Food Collective, is offering an Urban Farming series of workshops.

The series is geared toward backyard gardeners, chicken enthusiasts and others interested in local foods.

Sessions will include demonstrations, discussions, and hands-on activities led by local experts.

The Wildroot Food Collective is a farm-to-table operation that hopes to transform the region into a hub of local eateries, growers, and consumers.

The benefits of urban farming include growing what you need, where you live, and decreasing the miles associated with the long-distance transportation of foods.

Six topics will be explored during the sessions, including soil health, growing in small spaces, raising chickens, and taking your goods to market.

The series starts Monday, Jan. 26, and runs through March 28. The cost for all six sessions is $149.

For more information, see delta.edu/urbanfarming.

— Mr. Great Lakes is heard at 9 a.m. Fridays in Bay City, Michigan, on Delta College Q-90.1 FM NPR.