As the old year cycles into the new, at Soil Cycle, we keep turning too! In 2022, we are excited to work to add at least 100 new members, govern wisely with our newly expanded board of directors, plant seeds for a new location, and look forward to exploring a strategic plan that will allow the organization to organically grow with structural intention!
Cheers to 2022!
Photos provided by: Caitlyn Lewis
Caras Nursery Going Green in More Ways than One... "At Caras Nursery, our goal is to grow sustainably and lead you to grow sustainably through example. We are practicing IPM or Integrated Pest Management as a holistic approach to managing diseases, insects and mites in our greenhouses. The introduction of beneficial insects into our greenhouse environment is part of our program to move toward protecting our planet and all of us living here. You will see a sprinkling of "fairy dust" (vermiculite) on plants which is the medium that the biologicals come in for inoculation."
-Caras Nursery Greenhouse Assistant, Cindy
We are glad to partner with Caras Nursery, brewing compost tea for their greenhouse plants. This will allow them to eliminate their use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, making their plants healthier for you to bring home! And, remember that if your plants at home need a boost, you can grab some of our worm castings or biochar blend at Caras!
Community Food Stand Love
We know that solutions to big issues are best instituted at the local level - and what is more local than your neighbors, neighborhood, or city-wide community!
We received a great note reminding us why the free produce stand (on 1st West outside Free Cycles - managed by Soil Cycle and the Missoula Free Fridge program) is awesome.
If you need some food, check it out. Have some extra to give? Drop it by the stand! Thank you to whoever wrote this note for making our day!
Board and Staff Bowling
In December we got together for some sweet bowling moves, good drinks camaraderie! We are thinking about starting a league we loved it so much.
Meet Devin- a new Soil Cycle Cyclist!
Having grown up in and around north Georgia, Devin found his way to Missoula in the Fall of 2020 to begin the Environmental Studies Master’s program at the University of Montana. He’s expected to finish the program this coming Spring. While he’s disappointed in the lack of fried okra in the state, the abundance of incredible places to ride a bike or paddle a canoe makes up for it; he's certainly glad to call Montana his new home. With most of his graduate work focusing on climate change communication, working with Soil Cycle—a nonprofit that prioritizes human-powered transportation—seemed like an ideal fit.
When we first received our Earth Tub - generously donated by @umontana, we weren’t quite sure how to get it up and running. After sitting unused for many years, we were excited to revitalize it!
We decided to make a YouTube series for all those folks that might have secondhand Earth Tubs of their own to answer the questions we learned along the way!
Check out these rad new stickers - designed by Fey Reynolds! They are for sale online , at Soil Cycle or via email request - $2 each - get 'em while they last and rep us on your bikes and water bottles!
Hera's Happenings
Hera is the life of the party these days as more work and volunteer hours are spent in our cozy office with her. One volunteer put it perfectly saying, "Hera has a LOT to say and it is all... I need your attention." She's got a whole fan club to give it to her.
Pictured: Brave young cyclist in training, helping her mother on weekly collection routes.
Thank You For Your Support!
With Love, from our Board and Crew!
Keep on turning...
