Springtime on Orcas Island means nettle time! Some people only consider nettles to be those pesky weeds that cause an irritating sting when brushed up against. My students at Orcas Island Elementary School know otherwise… they know that nettles are nutritious, tasty, and free! A fresh nettle patch growing on Orcas Island. Nettles are low in calories, but …
Our First Day of Forest School
I sent my child into the forest with strangers and he came out more alive then ever! Did you know that Orcas Island has a Forest School? Forest School is relatively new idea in America but has been successful and commonplace in many European countries for several decades. The Orcas Island Forest School offers a play-based, …
A Big Blooming Surprise
If you’ve been following this blog for awhile, you know that I’m a big fan of native plants. Each spring, I comb the woods and fields for the first budding Calypso orchids, starflower, twinflower, white fawn lily and other favorites. But I’m not a flower snob: I find all plants fascinating. When I recently got an invitation to tour an Orcas Island iris …
Pizza Camp
I love pizza – who doesn’t?! Ok, so I don’t need to eat more carbs, and yes we have Hogstone Pizza in town. So why, you ask, do I crave to create the best ever pizza??? Last time I was in Darvill’s Bookstore I found a book about pizza titled Pizza Camp by Joe Beddin. After reading Joe’s recipe and constitution on how and what to use to make the best-ever pie I started planning and dreaming. So let the fun begin!
From Ashes to Awesome: The New Orcas Island Exchange
A devastating fire leveled the island’s beloved reuse center, The Exchange. What followed is a shining example of islanders’ determination, collaboration and generosity. The non-profit Orcas Recycling Services (ORS) first took over managing the transfer station and then went to work rebuilding the Exchange.
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