cow.jpgWell that got your attention, didn’t it? (And you’ll notice we don’t have any manure pictures…well maybe if you look reeeeeally closely at that field…)

This is a joint venture between Colorado Springs Utilities and Ranch Foods Direct to benefit Project COPE. Project COPE provides utilities payment assistance to families and individuals struggling financially due to a personal crisis or emergency. Project COPE is the only local organization that dedicates its entire funding to utilities payment assistance year-round.

Here are the pertinent details:

When: Oct 15, 2011 – 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: Pinello Ranch, 4940 S. Hwy 85/97, Colorado Springs, 80911 (MAP)
What: 75 tons of aged, antibiotic-free manure from Ranch Foods Direct
Cost/Donation: $20 per truckload OR $5 for a five gallon bucket. Cash, check, and credit cards accepted. All proceeds will be matched by Colorado Springs Utilities.

How: Bring a truck, trailer, garbage cans, or five gallon buckets to get as little or as much as you would like. You can even email info@ranchfoodsdirect.com to reserve manure (when have you ever had the opportunity to reserve manure?).

Why: Organic manure, like the material found on Callicrate’s Kansas ranch, is an excellent addition to soils, providing the nutrients needed for healthy, sustainable gardens and landscapes. Manure increases the soil’s water-holding capacity and promotes healthy populations of soil-building microorganisms.

What Else: Hormone and antibiotic-free bacon samples will be served starting at 8:00 with Callicrate beef burgers served starting at 11:00.

Submitted by Carey Harrington, Certified Colorado Gardener