Dear Mayor Cohen & Honorable Council Members,  

 I think that the time is right to take another look at an alternative use for part of Bayfront Park, because of the popularity of the "localvore" food movement, the need for community-based food programs, and the search for ways to "green" the city.  

 I propose a study to consider the possibility of dedicating 2 acre of land for a 4-H farm and community garden. I envision:  

• a composting area between the animal area and the garden for composting manure to be recycled into the garden.
• pens for the animals that double as supports for solar panels. Because farm use of electricity is low, the bulk of the power generated would go to the city.
• access to an alternative activity, namely community-based agriculture through 4-H, by residents of the Bell Haven as well as families from other parts of Menlo Park.

 So why 4-H? Because it provides a structure for teaching activities that many kids would otherwise not get access to, including but not limited to the agricultural projects typically associated with the 4-H club. Other 4-H clubs have pastured laying hen flocks that produce local, organic, eggs, bee hives (our club just harvested 20 lbs. of honey) broiler chicken sales (talk about local meat), and heritage turkey projects for the breeding, raising, and marketing of rare poultry breeds. (Sonoma County's turkey program is underwritten by Slow Food USA, which could make for a particularly cost-effective project for certain families.)  

 So why now? The green and localvore movements are hot, the Collective Roots program to bring student-raised produce into school lunches has a couple successful years behind it, and with the rekindling of farmer's market in East Palo Alto (and the decimation of local salmon) there is both a demand and shortage of locally-grown meat. In fact, I'll bet there is NONE outside of 4-H. A small farm at Bayfront could be both an education center and a way to reconnect with the agricultural roots of this area.  

 There are examples of other 4-H farms on the Peninsula, including one that is adjacent to community gardens. There is no farm that serves this area.  

 Did you know that, according to calculations taken from Michael Pollan's book, The Omnivore's Dilemma, if all 100 acres of Bayfront Park were converted to grass pasture for beef and chickens, the greenhouse gas reduction would be enough to offset all the cars owned by Menlo Park City Council members, assuming that you all had two. But I am not proposing anything THAT extreme.  

 I have no idea what it takes to get an environmental impact report done. Please contact me, as I hope this idea piques your interest.  

 Regards,  

 Julie Wong         Received on Wed May 21 15:26:47 2008