Backyard grow-it-yourself movement gets boost

Those who feel Bob Cannard’s backyard eggs and produce project is unrealistic or impractical may want to take another look.
The Sonoma County Preservation Foundation last week announced its gift to the City of Sonoma of $10,000 to create an education and awareness program necessary to make the project succeed.
Nancy Cline, foundation board member, mother of seven and dedicated producer of healthy food and wine, explained the reason for the gift. “Fred and I feel strongly that it’s important for people to get back to understanding where their food comes from,” she said. “It sounds like a simple concept, to work the soil and to watch your food grow, and appreciate the quality of that food vs. getting in your car and driving to the store, and depending on others. It’s such a basic foundation of life, and we’ve gotten so far from it.”
Mayor Joanne Sanders said she was delighted with the gift, and while there’s not the capacity on staff to handle the additional work that will be required, she’s hoping she can contract with someone such as Bob Cannard to oversee and advise the project.
Cline said Cannard’s help is vital. “Bob Cannard’s a tremendous resource. He grew up in a generation that depended on themselves for survival. He has life experiences and skill that no one in my generation has.”
Cannard is already urging the Planning Commission to integrate sustainable food and water systems in new subdivisions. “Each home should have raised beds included in the plans,” he said in a June 11 letter to the Commission, “and proper coops for chickens and rabbits.”
Cline shares Cannard’s hope and excitement that the project will inspire high school students and communities beyond Sonoma. “We would love it to be a flagship for every community,” she said.