It’s the first of October today and while the weather is gradually starting to cool down Judy Stafford tells me there is a hotbed of activity at Cowichan Green Community.

Eating locally grown food is becoming increasingly popular, Judy says, and as the organization’s new executive director she is busy preparing for a number of projects.

Grass to Garden is designed to encourage folks to get out, dig up lawn space and plant some veggies. Community gardens are sprouting up in the minds of many folks these days and CGC wants to teach others how to share space, grow food and build friendships along the way.

“It’s an exciting time,” says Judy. “Ever since our Harvest Festival at Providence Farm, we’ve noticed an increase in awareness, folks wanting to share their bounty, and just general enthusiasm toward the idea of supporting our local farmers and growing more food here. Harvest time is my favourite time of year – there is fruit everywhere.”

Speaking of which, if you’d like to help with CGC’s FruitSave program, give Judy and the crew a call at 748-8506. They need volunteer harvesters and homeowners who have fruit they need picked. The fruit is donated to local food providers such as Cowichan Basket Society.

... Lisah Smith tells me those distinctive eco friendly mens and ladies clothes at Omneity are made of hemp/bamboo/soy and organic cotton. The store is the joint project between Lisah and Angie Erskine. Both ladies have their eco-friendly fashion shops: Angie owns Radway Studios in Cowichan Bay and Lisah is boss lady of Maple Mountain Clothing in Crofton.

“It had always been my intention to open an eco-friendly fashion shop in Duncan as my space in Cowichan Bay is rather small and could never meet the demands of my customers,” Angie writes. “We got the space on Craig Street July 1st and opened on July 18th just in time for the first day of Duncan Cowichan Summer Festival.” The response in the last few months has “exceeded expectations.”

.... Stephanie Linn tells me the local chapter of Green Drinks is celebrating its first anniversary this month on the third floor of Craig Street Brew Pub and she is looking for inventive (and inexpensive) suggestions on ways to celebrate the occasion.

Every month 20 to 40 environmentally aware people show up to “network, connect and energize”.

Stephanie credits the late Roger Cowell for inspiring her and co-organizer Brandy Gallagher to start a Cowichan chapter of the global fraternity. Meetings are held on the last Tuesday of each month so mark Oct. 28 on your calendar.

Spotted something at large you think should be shared with the community? I’m interested. Drop me a line at rickdennis58@hotmail.com