Happy Valley Pride: April 1, 2009

Well we got 5 percent of our usual water allotment for the farmers and I thank the Lord for that, but let's keep those prayers coming. All things are possible with God, so keep thinking positive. The Bureau of Reclamation will be announcing an update on April 20 to decide whether we farmers will receive more water.

Here at the Trenerry Berry Farm, we are already conserving water. We have a swimming pool with a cover and this provides us with two ways in which we are saving water. First, the cover keeps the pool water from evaporating and, second, it catches rainwater. Yesterday I spent all morning hauling water from the pool to water my blueberries, which have very shallow root systems.

I found out my husband is in his element. He is coming up with all kinds of ideas to recycle water. He calls the farm his Rain Farm.

The library is up to date at the Clear Creek Community Service District. There is a lot of information on drought and irrigation. As you enter the door, look to your right where you will find a list of all books, videos, DVD's, catalogs and agriculture guidelines available. I recommend reading the pamphlets titled, "How Much to Plant During a Drought," "Estimating Soil Moisture by Feel and Appearance," "Drought Resistant Soil" and, if you have a walnut orchard, "Walnuts Irrigation Management with a Limited Water Supply." Those with other orchard fruits might benefit from reading "Stone Fruit Drought Strategies for Peaches, Plums and Nectarines." There is a book in the library titled, "Scheduling Irrigations: When & How Much Water to Apply" that may prove useful.

ATTRA Publications has a list of publications with all kinds of free information. You can get a free copy of ATTRA publications by calling their toll-free number, 1-800-346-9140, or visiting their Web site: www.attra.ncat.org.

Clear Creek Community Services District also has a Web site set up with drought information. Go to www.clearcreekcsd.com. The library list will soon be added to the Web site information.

Important dates to remember:

The Happy Valley Farm Trail will have a slide show on the drought complete with handouts and instructions on how to read your water meter at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 16 at the Community Center. We extend the invitation to non-farmers, as we will share some ideas to save water in your home.

Happy Valley Pride is having another "clean up the roadsides" on Saturday, April 18, where we will have another "Show Off Happy Valley Day." We will meet at the Community Center at 8 a.m. for coffee and donuts.

Bring your Pride Day T-shirts, good walking shoes, water and gloves.

I'm out of here. I need to haul more water to the blueberries, recycle, volunteer and remember to say, "God loves you."