Cream of the Crop

August 2006

CFAITC Conference -- Registration Open!
Oct. 19-21, 2006, Burbank
There is a lot of exciting news about the 2006 conference in Burbank. First, the return of the Taste of California luncheon. Then, all of the fresh ideas that will be featured. And now, you can reserve your preferred tour and workshop during online registration. Spaces will fill up fast. Take this opportunity to read highlights on the CFAITC Web site and then sign up. Limited scholarships are available. We'll see you in Burbank!
Conference Registration

Imagine this... Theater
Take a break at the California State Fair and learn about agriculture, from a student perspective, at the same time. Comedy, mystery, drama, science fiction--all of the genres are represented in the animated shorts created from winning contest stories. Located in the County Exhibits Building, the Imagine this... Theater features plenty of seating and will show 10-years worth of films. Entry forms for the 2006 contest, due by Nov. 1, will be available on site.

Back to School Mailing
The newest issue of Cream of the Crop will be hitting mailboxes the first week in September. This special anniversary edition features some of our most popular stories ever published! Have you not yet subscribed to this free newsletter? No problem! Read it online and then sign up to receive your own copy!

UC Davis School Garden Workshops
Cost: $20 per session
These workshops are available for parents and educators to support school garden programs through fun, hands-on activities. Participants will gain ideas and materials to support their educational work in school gardens, and most activities are linked to CA state academic standards.

Water, Weeds and Wigglers: Basic Gardening Concepts for School Garden Programs - Sept. 9, 2006 9 a.m.-Noon
Where the Wild Things Are: Insects and Other Garden Critters - Sept. 23, 2006 9 a.m.-Noon
Strategies for Success: Hear It from School Gardeners - Sept. 23, 2006 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Composting at School: Because a Rind is a Terrible Thing to Waste - Oct. 14, 2006 9 a.m.-Noon

For more information, visit childrensgarden.ucdavis.edu or call Katie Hume at 530/752-7655.

Project Learning Tree GreenWorks! Grant
Deadline: Sept. 29, 2006
GreenWorks! Grants, through Project Learning Tree, offer educator grants to implement community action and service-learning projects that address an environmental issue and involve students from pre-school to high school in hands-on community action. The GreenWorks! program encourages participants to form partnerships with groups, businesses, or organizations within their communities. Some examples of past grant projects include outdoor classrooms, gardens (butterfly, vegetable) and schoolyard restoration.
For more information, and to apply, visit www.plt.org

Starbucks Foundation Grant
Deadline: Sept. 1, 2006
501(c)(3) organizations are invited to apply for grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 for programs for youth, ages 6-18, that integrate environmental literacy with personal and civic action.
For more information, visit www.starbucks.com

Fairs and Festivals
A good time with an agricultural connection isn't far off. The state fair, county fairs and festivals (fruits, vegetables, and fiber) can provide insight on the journey commodites take from the farm or ranch into our lives. How would your day-to-day decisions differ without strawberries, tomatoes or wool? Celebrate their abundance in California at a gathering in your area.

California State Fair: Aug. 11 - September 4, 2006; www.bigfun.org
County Fairs: Visit CDFA, Division of Fairs and Expositions for more information and dates.