Farms, Forests, & Food

Farms, forests and foods are the theme of the 44th annual Farm Tour presented by Idaho Forest Group on June 16th.

The tour provides an educational opportunity to discover the inner workings of local farms and forests with local experts. This year’s tour explores southern Bonner County with tours to BLM Lands and Garfield Bay with local Fire Safe project manager and long-time forester Don Gunter explaining the forests and fires, with a history on the fire of 1910. The tour then travels to the WaterLife Discovery Center, also known as the “fish hatchery,” to view this outdoor aquatic education center surrounded by forested wetlands and abundant in wildlife. Last on the itinerary, guests visit privately-owned elk and horse ranch Gabriel Creek Ranch to discover the business of raising elk, rabbits, chickens and goats for meat, dairy, soap, and eggs.

The event is hosted by the Chamber’s Ag & Forestry Committee each year to educate about the farming and forestry industries in the area. This is a family-friendly event, packed with information and activities for all ages.

“We are pleased with the momentum building for this annual Farm Tour with some new faces and new organization involvement,” said committee chairman Doug Lynch.

New this year the tour provides more sampling of locally grown foods and fair trade flare. The tour begins with organic, fair trade coffee at Evans Brothers Coffee Roasters, and the Cattle Women’s Association serves a feast for lunch, including locally produced Woods meat and salad greens provided by local food cooperative Six Rivers Market.

“We especially thank the many businesses and organizations who support this event and the volunteers involved,” Lynch said.

The Farm Tour is sponsored by Harvest Sponsor Horizon Credit Union, Ag & Forestry Cooperator Sponsors Bonner County Farm Bureau and Northwest Farm Credit Services, and other participating sponsors and partners including the Cattle Women’s Association, Evans Brothers Coffee Roasters, Six Rivers Market and Mountain West Bank.

The all-day tour from 8:30 am to 4 pm costs $25 per person and $10 for children 15 and under, and after June 10th registration increases to $30. Tour costs include transportation, light morning snack, and lunch. Seating is limited, so attendees are encouraged to register early.

To register, call (208) 263-2161 or visit www.SandpointChamber.com.