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HomeMy WebLinkAbout8AUrbanFarmProjectCITY OF PFTALUMA, CALIFORNIA 8 AGENDA BILL July 17, 2( Agenda Title: Meeting Date: July 17 2006 Proposed use of a Portion of the McNear Peninsula (Steamer Landing Park) for the Petaluma Bounty — Urban Farm Project Meeting Time: ❑ 3:00 PM ® 7:00 PM Category (check one): ❑ Consent Calendar ❑ Public Hearing ® New Business ❑ Unfinished Business ❑ Presentation Department: ADi ector: Contact Person: Phone Number: Parks and Recreation V `s `Ron DeNicola (707) 778-4380 Cost of Proposal: Norm'1 aintenance of the park site Account Number: N/A Amount Budgeted: Operating budget Name of Fund: Attachments to Agenda Packet Item: a. Proposal to Develop a Portion of the McNear Peninsula as an Urban Farm b. Resolution Summary Statement: The Recreation, Music and Parks Commission has been approached by the Petaluma Bounty Project to create an Urban Farm on a portion of the McNear Peninsula. The proposal is to create a community wide effort to educate the Petaluma Community in improving the health and vitality of Petaluma's local food system. Funded by Hub of Petaluma Foundation, the Bounty Project is a community based committee with a focus of creating a local food system in which everyone has access to affordable, healthy food. Recommended City Council Action/Suggested Motion: The Recreation, Music and Parks Commission recommends approval of the project concept and for staff and adjacent property owners to work with the Bounty Project to develop a workable plan of action that can result in a lease to be approved by the City Manager. Reviewed by Admin. Svcs. Dir: Reviewed by City Attorney: Date: _Approved by City Manager: j Date: 7 f '7 `ate '1 � � Today's Date: Revision # and Date Revised: File Code: .A 2 Cl rl 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 2. CITY OF PETALUMA, CALIFORNIA DULY 17, 2006 AGENDA REPORT FOR 1 • liplWol 6D �1 EXEcunw SUMMARY: The Recreation, Music and Parks Commission has been approached by the Petaluma Bounty Project to create an urban farm project on a portion of the McNear Peninsula (Steamer Landing Park). The long term goal of the project is to focus on creating a local food system in which everyone has access to education about, and affordable and healthy food. BACKGROUND: During the early negotiations to sell the Kenilworth Junior High School site, a coalition of non- profits titled "The Hub," had the option to purchase the site for a City wide center housing a variety of non-profit social organizations dealing with the needs of the community. The option for the purchase of the school site was purchased from the Hub and members of the coalition have been planning on how to best use the funds to serve the long term needs of the Petaluma community. An area that the coalition has been focusing on is proper nutrition and a source of healthy and affordable food for the Petaluma community. Following a number of discussions with city staff, attached is a proposal to create an urban farm on Steamer Landing Park. The proposed project would serve as an education center regarding nutrition and agricultural methods, be a source for affordable and healthy foods for all populations in Petaluma, and be a pilot program for other gardens within the community. The attached proposal speaks to the benefits which are many. The idea is not a new one. When Recreation, Music and Parks Commissioner John Kinsella first approached the City about developing the McNear Park Community Garden, part of the master plan discussed with staff was to create a large demonstration community garden on the McNear Peninsula. The demonstration garden would be a learning center encouraging other community gardens throughout the community. The proposed project comes close to meeting that goal. The proposed project would be managed by a full time professional farm manager, providing an ongoing presence on the site. Elim Lutheran Church with its long history of community service would manage the project with Grayson James acting in the capacity of Executive Director. Mr. James was the first executive director of Cots and has a long history of working with the City in a variety of projects. The project that has been proposed in concept only, would have to be modified somewhat since there is a designated wetlands on the site and some bank stabilization and planting has been approved by regulatory agencies as part of the Steamer Landing Park Project. In addition a memorial grove is part of the original project and is in design. None of these factors will take away from the proposed project. The proposed project would also provide a positive presence on the McNear Peninsula thus reducing the level of negative activity that has been occurring. Numerous cases of vandalism have occurred in the park, with many windows broken in the livery stable. 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 The Petaluma Museum is looking to renovate the livery stable which is on site and turn it into a satellite museum as part of Steamer Landing Park. Both the Museum and urban farm fit into the history of Petaluma and would be compatible to each other. Funding for the project for the first three years would come from the Hub of Petaluma Foundation and from community support. Staff s recommendation would have city staf> representatives of The Bounty Project, and the owners of the adjacent property, Jericho Products, working together to develop a workable plan of action. Once the plan of action and site plan have been agreed upon, a 5-year lease with 3 consecutive options could be developed for City Manager signature. The lease would be between the City of Petaluma and Petaluma Bounty, a community based initiative. ALTERNATwEs: a. Approve the conceptual proposal to develop an urban farm on the McNear Peninsula as proposed. b. Direct staff to negotiate additional terms or conditions for the proposed project. c. Not approve the proposal at this time. 4. FINANCIAL IMPACTS: Financing for the urban farm project is to be provided by the Hub of Petaluma Foundation for the first three years, in decreasing amounts. Additional funds are to be generated through produce sales, grants, community donations and in -kind support. City obligations would include ongoing maintenance of the park, which would decrease with the development of this project. In addition, the City would provide some of its annual allotment of compost and mulch from the County. Water and electricity would have to be brought to the site. Water is already in place. The provision of electricity will have to be part of the development of an action plan. CONCLUSION: The proposed project of creating an urban farm on a portion of the McNear Peninsula meets a long term goal of the Recreation, Music and Parks Commission. The proposal would be a center for education and provide hands on experience for growing healthy and affordable food. The project is also expected to be a source for satellite garden areas around the city, furthering public awareness and participation in good nutrition. 6. OUTCOMES OR PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS THAT WILL IDENTIFY SUCCESS OR COMPLETION: Representatives of the City, the Bounty Project, and Jericho Products would meet and develop a workable plan that meets the needs of all parties and take into consideration the existing master plan for Steamer Landing Park. Once the plan has been developed and agreed upon, a 5-year lease with three options will be developed for City Manager approval. 7. RECOMMENDATION: The City Council approve the concept of the Bounty Project developing an urban farm on a portion of the McNear Peninsula, with Petaluma Bounty representatives to work with City staff and representatives of Jericho Products and develop a workable plan of action. Once the plan of action is agree upon a 5-year lease with three five year options is to be developed for City Manager approval. S:MeNear Peninsula Bounty Project 3 PROPOSAL TO DEVELOP AND MANAGE AN URBAN FARM AT MCNEAR PENINSULA WATERFRONT PARK Submitted June 14, 2006 by Grayson James, Petaluma Bounty Initiative "Preamble" Imagine stepping through the salvaged timber gateway to McNear Peninsula Waterfront Park and ambling along a pathway lined with fruit and nut trees, edible vines, and beautiful flowers. As you approach the old Livery Stable, you are welcomed by a "living" arbor —a work of live art with delicious kiwis hanging off the vine providing food, beauty and shade. Tastefully designed educational signage along your journey provides insight about the plants and trees you've just passed, and about the importance of this unique urban farm, sustainable agriculture and a healthy Petaluma food system. As you pass the herb spiral that grows organic herbs for cooking and medicinal purposes, you notice a tree buffer along the edge of the McNear Channel boasting a variety of native trees and shrubs. And then you come upon the heart of the farm itself, a nature -inspired web of growing environments connected by gently curving pathways and smaller branching walkways. You continue alorig the -path through another "food forest," flanked by more fruit and nut trees, and then stop to gaze out over the annual growing beds, exploding with the color of diverse vegetable crops, some waiting to be harvested and delivered to local households thaf could never have afforded to eat fresh, organic produce, before this farm was -created. Branching off the main path to get a better look at the sustainably grown crops, you stop occasionally to read the signs that describe how the farm was designed to maximize biodiversity,'to continually cycle and recycle water'and nutrients, to attract beneficial insects and birds, and to be a place of beauty and inspiration for the Petaluma community. A local high school student working on the farm this afternoon (as part of Casa Grande's culinary arts class) passes you with a basket full of just -picked sugar peas. He stops and holds out the basket, offering you a taste of his bounty. Munching on peas, you continue walking, noticing how your pace is somehow slower than when you first entered the park. And these peas are unbelievable, you think to yourself. Petaluma Bounty Urban Farm Proposal Page 2 of 6 Ahead, you notice an earthen -colored round -barn shaped building, open on one side, where the student has just brought his peas for washing and bagging. Coming closer, you now realize that the structure (the Multi - Purpose Building) is actually made of compressed earth, salvaged timbers and recycled materials. You stop and watch the student and a friend hard at work, and having fun, at the washing table. Looking out over the farm a gazebo structure perched up on the knoll at the far end of the park catches your eye and you decide to explore, .passing by,the greenhouse, nursery area and an organic eomposfpHe on the way. The thought occurs to you that it seemed a lot windier when you got out of your car in the parking lot than it does here on the farm. A moment later you find out why: The "edible' windbreak planted along the; Petaluma River edge is doing its job and slowing the Gv nd, the sign says, which helps to keep the soil from drying''out;too quickly and the young plants from being Canvas Ranch, Petaluma blown over (not to mention keeping the student volunteers and other workers more comfortable). Walking up the'path`Io' Jhe gazebo, twayoung%children run by, laughing, playing hide and seek (this,is: .the :,Kids Zone; aft6r all) while their mother relaxes in the shade of the open -walled gazebo. And'then "you remember --you are still in the center of Petaluma, a short walk from the Theater District and downtown —but it feels like a different time and place. You try to remember what this spit of land looked like before the farm was built, but even though you are a commissioner for Parks & Recreation and you helped to create this park just a few years ago, it's hard to remember... Introducing the Petaluma Bounty Urban Farm at McNear Peninsula 5- Petaluma Bounty Urban Farm Proposal Page 3 of 6 OUR PROPOSAL Petaluma Bounty proposes to partner with the City of Petaluma to develop app(okimately 3 '/ acres of land at McNear Peninsula Waterfront Park as.a working Urban Farm. Developed and professionally managed by Petaluma Bounty, this farm will provide healthy, fresh and affordable food to primarily low-income Petaluma households, while also serving as an inspiring, experiential educational site focused on the importance of a healthy local food system, good nutrition and sustainable agricultural practices.. This Urban Farm will be a focal point for Petaluma Bounty's community food security initiative which is aimed at reducing food insecurity in Petaluma, and improving the health and vitality of Petaluma's local food system (further details provided below.), This proposed partnership would entail: a) leasing, or otherwise granting long-term use of, a portion of the McNear Peninsula' Waterfront Park to Petaluma Bounty; b) provision of electricity and water to the site; and, c) some site development assistance to augment the considerable resources to be provided by Petaluma Bounty towards development and maintenance of the site. Petaluma Bounty will provide professional management of the Urban Farm; detailed site plans (developed with collaboration and approval of the City's Parks Manager); cash and in - kind contributions of supplies and materials; coordination of community volunteers; supervision of the site development process (again, in coordination with the City Parks Manager); and, outreach to the Petaluma community, THE DETAILS Area & Proposed Site Design • Approximately. 3.5 acres; main crop area is.roughly 2 acres • The farm design plans provided in this proposal have been. developed by students at the Regenerative Design, Institute (Bolinas),.under.the tutelage of some of the foremost permaculture experts in the country. This design augments the natural features of the site, and complements the City's future vision for this park. (Please see Wind and Sun Path Map; Site Design Map; Multi -Purpose Building Floor Plan; and Design Narrative attached as Appendix.) Desired Lease Terms • Long-term, with options to renew (e.g., 5 years with 3 consecutive five year renewal options); commencement- immediately (ideally) • Rent: $1 per year • Parks staff support in design of site • Soil amendments, compost and mulch as needed to help establish and maintain healthy soil conditions • Some regular grounds maintenance support for non -crop intensive areas (e.g., entry pathway, livery stable and immediate vicinity Benefits to City of Petaluma / Parks & Recreation Department I Petaluma Bounty Urban Farm Proposal Page 4 of 6 • Expands public value and enjoyment of the Park • Expedites development of park at minimal cost to City • Extends existing educational theme at the park • Reduces City maintenance requirements • Full-time staff presence on site minimizes vandalism and improves public safety • Will be a regional tourism destination and community venue, highlighting Petaluma's healthy agricultural roots and commitments • Supports public awareness and support for good nutrition and healthy living • Supports and augments proposed local heritage museum development for Livery Stable • A realization of broad community collaboration, including City of Petaluma, Regenerative Design Institute, Petaluma City Schools, Santa Rosa Junior College, Presidio School of Management, New College, Petaluma Health Care District; community volunteers, and others Farm Management & Operations • The farm will be managed by a full-time professional farm manager reporting to Petaluma Bounty's Director. The farm manager will be assisted by student interns, community volunteers, and/or job training participants with local non-profit programs such as COTS. There will also be opportunities for low income people to contribute labor in exchange for produce. • Petaluma Bounty will be working with local institutions such as Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC), New College Sustainable Agriculture Department, and UC Ag Extension, for start- up and ongoing technical assistance and access to potential student interns • Technical advisors will assist us in creating a phased site development plan created (by July 15, 2006), taking into account growing season, soil condition (soil tests reveal high soil acidity), and other factors • Most produce grown at the farm will be sold at below market rates to low income households (possibly via a membership or coop arrangement; mobile farm stand; buying group plan; or other means). A smaller portion of produce will be sold to local retailers, restaurants, and/or directly to consumers at market prices, with the remaining produce distributed free through local food pantry programs. • Student interns from Presidio School of Management Sustainable MBA Program are currently developing a marketing and distribution plan to determine, among other things, an optimal mix of market priced sales and subsidized sales, best crops to grow, and optimal distribution channels. Finances • Basic start-up funding for the Urban Farm will be provided by Hub of Petaluma Foundation for the first three years, in decreasing amounts. • Additional funding and support will be generated through produce sales, grants, community donations and in -kind support. Petaluma Bounty has already received pledges of support from several local businesses, institutions and individuals. I Petaluma Bounty Urban Farm Proposal Page 5 of 6 Goals & Objectives Program Goals • Reduce dependency of low-income Petaluma households on the emergency food system, by increasing access to affordable healthy food • Improve nutrition and health of those Petalumans with the least resources (who are also the ones most impacted by nutrition -related obesity, type-2 diabetes, and other health problems) • To shift consumer buying habits —and local food production capacity towards sustainable, locally grown, healthier food. This will help to address several critical social and environmental concerns, including escalating food prices (via increasing oil prices); pollution and climate change emissions associated with long-distance food transport; decline of small, local family farms; and, the diminishing nutritional value of conventionally grown and processed food. • To apply experience and knowledge gained at this site to start-up of a larger working farm located in or near Petaluma to substantially increase access by low-income residents to healthy, fresh, locally grown food • Launch one or more food -service based entrepreneurial ventures to provide skill - building opportunities and additional sources of revenue to PBI programs (examples may include small-scale food processing and distribution; Three-year Objectives • Establish an annual yield of at least 14 tons of healthy organic food per year (average of 7 tons/acre, once soil health is improved) • Generate over 2,000 cumulative community participation hours (volunteers participating in farm work parties, educational events and ongoing farm activities) • Provide/sell produce to over 350 low income households per year on a regular basis, with many more on an occasional basis • Hold at least 8 public workshops per year on topics including nutrition, organic gardening, healthy food preparation, ways to improve the local food system, and other topics • To become a contract provider of organic produce to Petaluma City Schools, so as to enable the School's Kitchen to include more healthy and locally grown food in school meals • To become a local venue for community events and celebrations, hosting at least 4 events per year About the Petaluma Bounty Initiative Petaluma Bounty is a community -based initiative committed to creating a local food system in which everyone, regardless of income level, has access to affordable, healthy, food. Sponsored by Elim Lutheran Church, Petaluma Bounty has received initial seed funding from 0 Petaluma Bounty Urban Farm Proposal Page 6 of 6 the Hub of Petaluma Foundation, and is collaborating with a wide range of community partners, including Petaluma Health Care District, Petaluma City Schools, North Bay Children's Center, and other prominent institutions, food providers, congregations, advocacy groups, businesses, and individual volunteers. Among its primary focus areas is the creation and management of a network of community gardens in Petaluma (primarily situated in low income neighborhoods to support people to grow their own healthy food economically), a community gleaning program to collect and distribute to those in need much of the local food bounty that would otherwise go to waste, and a variety of outreach and educational activities to engage the Petaluma community in creating a healthier, more sustainable and equitable local food system. Petaluma Bounty's guiding principles call for increasing individual and community self-reliance; improving individual nutrition and health; encouraging sustainable local food production and distribution practices; local economic development; environmental restoration, and an improved quality of life for everyone in Petaluma. Petaluma Bounty Leadership Elim Lutheran Church has a long and distinguished track record of service in the community, playing key roles in starting Petaluma Ecumenical Properties (PEP), Committee on the Shelterless (COTS), the Petaluma Free Clinic (in partnership with the Petaluma Health Care District), "Dear Sudan', and many other local projects that help those who are hungry, homeless, or otherwise in need. Grayson James will serve as Petaluma Bounty's start-up Executive Director. Grayson is a veteran business and non-profit leader, with many years of senior management and consulting experience throughout the U.S. and internationally. Former chief executive officer of Independent Learning Schools (a six -campus private secondary school system in the Bay Area), Grayson was also COTS' first Executive Director and is co-founder of Resource Performance Partners, a Petaluma -based consulting firm assisting organizations and government agencies to cost-effectively improve their sustainability performance. Grayson James will work closely with Tim Kellgren, Elim's seven -person Leadership Team, and the Church's network of several hundred people that share a commitment to community service and social change. Although Elim is the organizational home of the Initiative, Petaluma Bounty is a community wide initiative that actively engages individuals and organizations throughout the community to participate fully in creating a healthier local food system. Appendix C - Petaluma Bounty Urban Farm at McNear Peninsula Farm Design Narrative Prepared by Lauren Dalberth, David Hage, Pete Bergen, Julian Thorne, Zack Dautrich, Laura Nordquist, Bethany Staffieri Food Forest Entryway - The already existing pathway leading from the parking lot to the peninsula is currently dominated by overgrown wild radishes, fennel, sycamore (London plane tree), milk thistles, and some planted roses. We propose a pathway full of food; Lined with fruit and nut trees, edible vines, and beautiful flowers, the entrance welcomes the community to the bounty Petaluma has to offer. Educational signage along the pathway teaches about the farm, food crops, and food security. 2. Kiwi Arbor - A living arbor continues the welcome to the urban farm. Delicious kiwis hang off the vine as food, beauty and shade. The arbor itself demonstrates natural art and coppicing creating by local community members. 3. City Proposed Amphitheatre - The city has proposed using this site as a community amphitheatre; no timeframe has been set. This design leaves this site available for the proposed amphitheatre, and hopes to use the space for cut flowers while definitive plans for the amphitheatre are being set. Once the amphitheatre has been built, edible flowers and low growing herbs compliment the community gatherings. 4. Native Buffer - There are existing soil mounds (approx. 17-19 feet above sea level) on the north side of the peninsula, separating the land from the canal. The design has a California native plant zone here, which will act as a sound and visual barrier to the Shamrock Corporation across the canal and provide a welcoming border to the urban farm. The native zone teaches on display, tying in with the possible Agricultural Heritage Museum. Here visitors can see some of the plants used by native peoples, and learn about wild edibles and wild crafting (coppicing, basketry, etc.) In addition, the existing mounds create a small swamp area at their base. Using native plants which like "wet feet' will utilize the water as a resource, and prevent boggy conditions. We propose using willow, red osier dogwood, toyon, ceanothus, and red bud as the native hedge. 5. Annual beds - The majority of our annual food crops will be in this planting section. Beds will be approximately 5 feet by 20 feet. This size allows the plants to establish a miniclimate just above the soil, allows a significant area for roots and microorganisms to develop, and creates easy access to the middle of the bed by farmers from the path. Crops will be planted in rotation and succession so that we always have long harvest seasons, are rebuilding soil health, producing high yields of food, and creating beautiful landscapes. Exact bed design and planting schedules will be prepared by the farm manager using biointensive, permaculture, and organic methods. Pathways - Branching patterns gather, collect, and distribute the flow of water, air, energy, and material in an efficient exchange. The branching pathways throughout the annual beds create this type of inviting flow and vary between 4 feet wide (to allow for large garden carts and small tractors) and 2 feet wide (foot Farm Design Narrative Page 1 of 4 Appendix C - Petaluma Bounty Urban Farm at McNear Peninsula Farm Design Narrative traffic only). The overall design includes many pathways to encourage the continued use of McNear Peninsula as a community park. 6. Multi -purpose Building - This 30-foot diameter yurt shaped building (760 ftZ) will serve as the processing station, storage, tool shed, office, and classroom. The circular shape creates an organic, community -oriented feeling, in step with the values of the Petaluma Bounty Initiative. For detailed design description, see the building layout. In addition, there are picnic tables and outside gathering spaces surrounding the building, speckled with beautiful, edible landscapes. 7. Compost Pile -The heart of the farm! One of two compost piles in the design plan. Central location, easily accessible to large garden area and adjacent to branching pathways. 8. Terraced Hillside - There is an existing knoll in the northeast corner of the property line, which provides a natural look -out over the farm. To provide easier access to the top and the potential for plantings, simple terracing is added to the slope. 9. Gazebo Observation Deck & Kid Zone - A living gazebo with open walls to provide a gathering space and bird's eye view of the farm. This space, in combination with the kid zone (natural playground and exploration zone) is a great place to bring the little ones... 10. Woodchip pile - Woodchips will be used for mulch in the garden and to line certain pathways. This location has easy access for drop off from local arborists and tree companies. 11. Herb Spiral - A spiral uniformly fills a space and maximizes the amount of material within that space, while keeping the overall footprint relatively small. The herb spiral, located close to the entrance of the farm teaches visitors about plants as medicine, and shows a quick easy way to grow cooking and medicinal herbs in small spaces —perfect for urban and suburban landscapes. 12. Main Access Road - This mulched road is approximately 14 feet wide, more than appropriate for large trucks. Access is available off of D Street (entrance at one street south of Copeland St) and is utilized by the dredging facility, the owner of the adjacent property to the east, and the urban farm. Access is requested for local deliveries of mulch and compost 13. Windbreak/Shelterbelt- Windbreaks are used to reduce wind speed, ideally allowing 40-70% of the wind to pass through. Petaluma has significant prevailing winds coming from the S/SW throughout most of the year, which proposes threats to the farm because it can dry out the soil quickly (increasing water usage), blow over young crops, and provide discomfort to workers. The proposed windbreak consists of Black Acacia, Black Locust, Ceanothus, and Lavatera. We will start planting the Black Locust and Black Acacia at 10-15 feet apart so that they compete for height and provide a dense screen quickly (both trees have rapid growth rates). We will then thin them out, and use the thinned wood as harvested lumber — both species provide profitable lumber. Ceanothuses are extremely hardy native plants which require minimal water and Farm Design Narrative Page 2 of 4 Appendix C - Petaluma Bounty Urban Farm atMcNear Peninsula Farm Design Narrative thrive in windy conditions. All proposed species are nitrogen fixers, making them beneficial to the.sbil. Windbreaks protect an area approximately 2 times as long as the windbreak is high. 14. Water Harvesting & Storage -The Livery Stable has a roof footprint of approximately 2540 ft2. This footprint, in combination with Petaluma's annual rainfall, can harvest approximately 40,848 gallons of water per year. This. significant amount of water greatly conserves water usage from off -site sources, recycling an-ons,ite resourceback into the system. It is also great educational tool to model how. much rain water could be harvested for use in urban and suburban areas. In combination with dense plantings, multi -tiered food . . production, and irrigation techniques, the Urban Farm will be a model of conservative water usage. The design proposes 2 water storage tanks on the south/southwest side of the museum, situated in an inconspicuous yet easily .accessible view. 15. fruit and Nut Trees - The main access road is lined with fruit and nut trees, which will provide a major source of food and income for the urban farm. The trees are designed in guilds- communities of beneficial plants and fungi working together to provide abundance. The differing sized trees, shrubs, and ground covers displayed on the map illustrate this idea. For examples of fruit and nut trees grown in the design, see Table A. 16. Food Forest - A forest garden is an edible ecosystem, a consciously designed community of mutually beneficial plants and animals intended for human food production. Food forest gardening uses the overarching strategy of ecosystem mimicry to achieve the practical goals of high, diverse yields of food and other products; a self -renewing, self -fertilizing, self -maintaining garden; and healthy ecosystem function. A healthy abundant food forest provides food, fuel, fiber, fodder, fertilizer, "farmaceuticals, and fun! The design layout of the food forest in relationship with the annual crops throughout the area provides additional wind protection and creates miniclimates suitable to growing a variety of plants. 17. Greenhouse - The greenhouse is situated approximately 50 ft away from the multi -purpose building, at a central location with easy access to the road. It is designed to be 24 ft x 15 ft. The plastic sheeting and aluminum attachments will be donated by Bob Daley of Sundance Supply. An outside nursery will be adjacent to the greenhouse to sustain young plants before they are transplanted to the farm. 18. Compost Pile - One of two compost piles in the design plan. Central location to southern planting area, easily accessible to large garden area and adjacent to branching and keyhole pathways (4.5 feet wide to allow for large garden carts and small tractors if necessary) 19. Edible, Native Windbreak - Earth mounds (10-15 feet tall) provide a visual buffer to the housing communities across the Petaluma river, while providing a cozy symmetry to the north shore of the land. The mounds will act as a water battery, storing water in its swales and will therefore need minimal if any irrigation. Ceanothus and red osier dogwood will be planted on the southernmost point of the mound, as they are both wind tolerant, native plants. Fruit trees and Farm Design Narrative Page 3 of Appendix C - Petaluma Bounty Urban Farm at McNear Peninsula Farm Design Narrative other natives will be planted from there (moving in toward the farm), (apples, figs, pears, lemons), benefiting from the wind break provided by the ceanothus and dogwood, and providing further windbreaks to the low -growing annuals in the interior of the farm. apples, figs, plums, pears, lemons, etc_ 20. Medicine Wheel - The garden bed, planted with medicinals, herbs, and teas, is oriented toward each of the 8 directions - honoring life, natural cycles and the abundance that the garden has to offer. It also serves as an educational tool about native cultures and a gathering space for story telling and medicine gathering. Crops grown here will be used for value-added products (tinctures, salves, teas, medicine, lotions) providing health to the community and profits for the farm. 21. Earthen Mushroom Hut - Mushrooms are an integral component to healthy ecosystems, and are extremely medicinal to the soil and human health. This earthen mushroom but will be made of cob and timber and will provide a shady, moist spot for stacks of inoculated mushroom logs. Mushrooms are a high profit market and the design intends for shitake, oyster, reishi (medicinal only), and chicken of the woods cultivars. Farm Design Narrative Page 4 of 4 13 H Fl xb n R 0 e 1 2 3 4 PROPOSED USE OF A PORTION OF THE MC NEAR PENINSULA 5 FOR THE PETALUMA BOUNTY URBAN FARM PROJECT 6 7 s WHEREAS, the City of Petaluma is currently developing Streamer Landing 9 Park on the McNear Peninsula; and to t 1 WHEREAS, the Recreation, Music and Parks Commission has received a 12 proposal from Petaluma Bounty to create an urban farm on a 13 portion of the park site; and 14 15 WHEREAS, the goal of Petaluma Bounty is to improve nutrition and health 16 of Petaluma residents through education and making available affordable and 17 nutritious food and programs; and 18 t9 WHEREAS, the proposed urban farm with its stated goals meets a long term 20 desire of the Recreation, Music and Parks Commission who 21 recommends approval of the project to the City Council. 22 23 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the 24 City of Petaluma hereby: approves the concept of the Bounty 25 Project developing an urban farm on a portion of the McNear 26 Peninsula, with Petaluma Bounty representatives to work with City 27 staff and representatives of Jericho Products and develop a 28 workable plan of action. Once the plan of action is agree upon a 5- 29 year lease with three five year options is to be developed for City 30 Manager's approval.