South Jersey Tour des Farms

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South Jersey Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc.
August 2009	Special Edition 10

The South Jersey Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc. (SJRC&D), located in Columbus, New Jersey; was formed in 1974 to address environmental issues in South Jersey. The Council covers 4,710 sq. miles and includes the eleven southern counties of Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Salem. The Council is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization and is comprised of a County government and a Soil Conservation District representative from each of the eleven counties. The Council bridges the gap between local resource needs and community development providing a unique partnership between county, local and federal partners.

Please forward this email to all interested parties.

In this Special Editon Issue:
SJRCD Announces the Third Annual Tour des Farms

The South Jersey Resource Conservation and Development Council (SJRC&D), a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the special character of South Jersey, is planning its third annual “Tour des Farms” bicycle ride for Saturday, September 19, 2009. The Tour is fast becoming well established as an enjoyable family activity and one that raises public awareness of South Jersey’s agricultural industry and the need to protect and preserve this cherished resource. Proceeds from the Tour will be used to support the SJRC&D Council’s agricultural sustainability programs and provide Mini-Grants to high school students who promote agriculture. To learn more about the South Jersey RC&D Council, visit our Council page.

Once again the Burlington County Board of Freeholders has graciously agreed to partner with us to showcase a number of preserved farm properties throughout the County. We anticipate hundreds of bicycle enthusiasts will pedal their way through Burlington County’s Farm Belt, visiting vegetable farms, nurseries, orchards, a community supported agriculture farm, cranberry farm, and numerous farm markets as they go.

Pedal through the Burlington County Farm Belt

September 19, 2009

Cyclists Pedal through some of New Jersey's most beautiful farmland. Get to know the diversity of Jersey’s agricultural production. Shop for local produce as you ride and we will pick up your purchases and deliver them back to the starting point for you.

Ride options are a 16 mile route; a 29 mile route; and a 52 mile route with stops at a cranberry farm, vegetable farms, orchards, nurseries, an organic farm, and a community supported agriculture farm.

The South Jersey Resource Conservation and Development Council (SJRC&D), a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the resources of South Jersey, is hosting its third annual “Tour des Farms” bicycle ride. This ride is designed to raise awareness and support for the cause of South Jersey’s agricultural lands. This Tours has become well established as an enjoyable family activity with a focus on the uniqueness of South Jersey’s communities. Proceeds from the ride will support SJRC&D resource and conservation programs and the SJRCD "Farming for the Future" Minigrant.

Proceeds from the ride will go to support activities of the South Jersey Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to the protection and preservation of South Jersey’s natural resources. The Council has also announced the new Mini-Grants for high school students promoting agriculture.

The Routes

Three routes are available to lead you on a scenic tour of some of South Jersey’s most beautiful and productive farmland. Stop at local farms and get to know the diversity of South Jersey’s agricultural production. You can shop for local produce as you ride and we will pick up your purchases and deliver them back to the starting point.

Route Farms

Kumple Farm Horses Homestead Nursery – Homestead Nursery retails trees, shrubs, and ground cover plants. They have been in the nursery business for over 50 years. www.thehomesteadnursery.com/

Budds Bogs – This 5th generation Farm manages 1600 acres of land as part of the watershed to produce 250 acres of cranberries. They are proud members of the Ocean Spray Cooperative.

Paradise Hill Farm — This farm sells organically raised cranberries, blueberries, and vegetables.

Greenfield Farm (Kumple Farm Stand) - The Kumple self-service farm stand sells pumpkins, mums, and mixed vegetables. They also grow field crops for the horse industry.

Cyclist buying produce Raymond Hlubik Farm – The Hlubik farm offers all kinds
of vegetables, specializing in sweet corn and tomatoes.
This family has farmed at least three generations.
www.hlubikfarms.com/

Strawberry Hill Farm – This orchard sells apples, peaches, plums, pears, and nectarines. It also is a large U Pick farm. www.strawberryhillfarm.org/

Russo’s Orchard Lane Farm – This farm has a large farm stand along with pick your own vegetables, greenhouse produce, and AgriTourism. www.russosorchardlanefarm.com

1895 Organic Farm - This Certified Organic Farm offers
a variety of vegetables. They are a member of the
Northeast Organic Farm Association.

Budds KnP Farms & Market. Old fashion country market
with Jersey fruits, veggies, seafood & honey, cold drinks, ice cream, snacks, hot/cold sandwiches, homemade baked goods. Picnic tables for R&R. mysite.verizon.net/vzeye50t

Lone Wolfe Farm — This farm market sells an assortment
of farm raised produce and potted plants.
www.lonewolfmarket.com

Pinelands Nursery — This plant nursery specializes in
native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers.
www.pinelandsnursery.com

Mr. McGregors Market – This market sells home grown
produce and baked goods.

Think Globally. Eat locally.

Support your local farms!

The Starting Point

South Jersey Tour des Farms will begin 8:00 AM on September 19, 2009. Registration will be at The Jack Allen Memorial Early Country Living Museum located on Landing Road in Vincentown, New Jersey.

Refreshments will be available from 8:00 — 9:30 AM. Cue sheets will also be provided at registration.

Additionally each route will be marked. Farm Bucks will be distributed during registration. Please check out the displays from folks who love this region. Participants are welcome to begin their ride after completing registration.

Directions to the Jack Allen Memorial Early Country Living Museum

Please visit the museum!

Farm Bucks

Each participant will receive
five Farm Bucks at the time of registration. Farm Bucks may be redeemed at all farm stops on the day of the event only.

Registration Fee

Before the event

Single Person : $40
Family Rate:
$60 per Couple and $15 for each additional family member under 18

Day of Event

Single Person : $45
Family Rate:
$70 per Couple and $15 for each additional family member under 18

Registration

Bike on over to www.active.com to register

Please note

You must wear a helmet.

You must be age 12 or older.

You must follow the rules of the road as you share the road with motorists.

NJ Bicycle Laws More

You must sign a release form at sign-in.

Trailers must be used per manufacturer's specifications.

You are encouraged to carry water bottle(s).

Rain date: Sunday, September 20 at 8am.

Revisit website or call 609-267-1639 x5

The Event is limited to the first 300 entries.

-- By KP Kilpatrick & Ken Taaffe

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Support the SJRCD endeavor!

Please mail your donation check to:

South Jersey RC&D Council
Columbus USDA Service Center
1971 Jacksonville-Jobstown Road
Columbus, NJ 08022

All donations are tax deductible.
Online donation capability eventually.