Community Corner

Dacula-Based Farm Featured at GEHC Real Local Food Festival

The event is scheduled March 30 at the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center.

The Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center’s third annual “Grow Your Own — The Real Local Food Festival” on March 30.

The event is scheduled 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

If you want to grow your own food or lessen your impact on the environment by purchasing locally grown produce, eggs and meat, this event is for you.

Find out what's happening in Daculawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

According to a GEHC press release, speaker sessions will be conducted by local farmers and community gardeners.

  • Pilar Quintero from Rancho Alegre, a Dacula-based farm, will share the story of her agricultural enterprise, which includes a small dairy operation, chickens, hogs and sheep.
  • Anne-Marie Bilella with Bella Vista Farm in Monroe will take visitors outside on a wild edible and medicinal plant hike around the GEHC forest and will share information on how to grow these useful plants at home.
  • Ned Jung of J&J Culinary Sensations in Buford will conduct a local food cooking demonstration complete with samples of his delicious fare and will share how he supports local and organic farmers in his catering business.
  • The Gwinnett County Extension will also provide tips on how to prepare your garden for the growing season.

Other participants: Dances with Bees bee keepers, Whole Foods Market, Phoenix Gardens, the United States Department of Agriculture, Heirloom Living Market, Athens Food Tours, Golden Farms and Cedar Hill Enrichment Center.

Find out what's happening in Daculawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Live chickens, including baby chicks and a variety of adult breeds, will be on campus. Chicken and bee crafts, seed planting, face painting and worm composting discoveries for children to dig in the dirt.

Junior Master Gardener Wildlife Gardening classes from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. for ages 5 to 12 (pre-register at www.gwinnettEHC.org).

Cost is $5 for ages 13 and older, $3 for ages 3-12, and free for kids 2 and under and GEHC members.


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