| |  | | Welcome to the MESA ecoExchange Newsletter | | May 2011 | | Hello [member_name_first],
Despite late snows, the growing season has finally begun. It's also a time of change at MESA as we begin our 15th season with current programs poised for growth spurts and exciting new projects in development.
In this edition, we celebrate a young farmer whose untimely passing has inspired the planting of trees and seeds to heal the earth (see Stand for Sam). We also feature: the hilarious (and culturally astute) reflections from Yaku Yuquilema, a recently arrived Steward from Ecuador; an introduction of a Bay Area Host, Terra Bella Family Farm; plans for a new exchange program for Americans (CITA); and updates from MESA alumni brought to us by Michelle Roses who completed her Communications Internship by traveling to Peru. Take a survey to help MESA launch reciprocal training for US agrarians, make a donation to plant trees for Sam, or just enjoy this latest edition of ecoExchange!
Yours in Sustainability,
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| Spotlight on MESA's Successful PERU Program |  | Michelle with MESA graduate Marvila Quispe (2006 &2009) and family showing quinoa varieties. | | | | In March MESA's intrepid Latin American Communications and Steward Resources intern, Michelle Roses, traveled throughout Peru visiting Program representatives, Steward alumni, and Home Country projects.
Over the past seven years, 124 Peruvian farm Stewards and dozens of sustainable U.S. farms have benefited greatly through MESA's thriving partnership with El Huerto, based at La Molina Univerity in Lima.
Michelle writes on her travels and filed a complete report on the many projects that MESA's Peruvian alumni have been developing. Read more. | MESA Explores New Educational Program
MESA is preparing to launch a new pilot program for American farmers and students. The Certificate of International Training in Agroecology (CITA) integrates practical and academic training within a local and global context to jumpstart a career in sustainable food systems. Please take our survey to give us feedback. Read more. | | Stand for Sam
In early April we received the inconceivable news from cherished board member and longtime MESA host Scott Murray that his son, Sam, had died suddenly, just four days after celebrating his 19th birthday.
Sam's many friends are organizing a tree planting project called Stand for Sam. We urge you to donate to this tree-planting effort in his memory. Read more. | | Urban Adamah Hosts Cob Oven Building Workshop as a MESA Fundraiser
James "Sid" Saunders and Tali Weinberg are two amazingly talented Stewards participating in MESA's Professional Networking Program. Sid, Tali and the Urban Adamah Farm crew invite you for a day of inspiring instruction on how to build an insulated wood fired cob oven with all local and natural materials! Read more. Donate or register. | | 2011 Orientation
This year from March 27th through April 1st, MESA hosted 27 Stewards from Cambodia, Ecuador, Peru, and Thailand at the Hidden Villa Hostel with the theme A Personal Adventure, a Global Challenge.
We packed in a tight schedule this year: farm tour, workshops, presentations, and film screenings. Enjoy the slideshow, and read more. | | Julio "Yaku" Yuquilema:
"How do you say..."
When Julio first emailed the group, we knew we had to share his writing. His free-form and candid style is humorous and insightful.
Get an intimate view of MESA Steward experience and an interesting perspective on American farm-intern culture. Read more. | | Featured Host Farm:
Terra Bella Family Farm
Meet Terra Bella Farm, one of MESA's newest Bay Area Host Partners and the only certified organic farm in Pleasanton, CA!
Terra Bella has grown from a one-acre backyard in 2005 to now serving three weekly farmers markets, two local restaurants and 300 CSA members. Sopon "Au" Pinjai is Terra Bella's MESA Steward this year. Read more. | | Mark Cain:
On Hosting Young Farmers
Longtime MESA Host, Mark Cain of Dripping Springs Garden, wrote a recent article for Growing for Market sharing sage observations and time-tested advice on the benefits and challenges of hosting international and US interns.
Out of our MANY great MESA Hosts, Mark and Michael, owners of Dripping Springs Farm, stand out as maestros, creating long-lasting relationships and a successful growing season- twenty-seven years and counting! Read more (pdf). | | | |
| | CONTENTS: | | | | MESA UPDATES: | | | | FEATURED STEWARD BLOG: | | | | | | HOST FARM NEWS: | | |
| | FARMER RESOURCES: | | | |  |
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