99th ESA Annual Meeting (August 10 -- 15, 2014)

FT 17

Davis Picnic in the Park and Tour of Village Homes Sustainable Development, Davis, CA

“Picnic in the Park” is the Wednesday afternoon Davis Farmers Market and social event in Central Park (http://www.davisfarmersmarket.org/picnic).  The Market was founded in 1975 (one of the largest and oldest continuously operated in the U.S.) promotes family farms, local food production, and sustainable agriculture and is well-known as a local food mecca and a cultural mainstay in Davis.  Farm-to-market foods include certified organic produce, meats, chicken, fish, seafood, wine, local eggs, honey, fresh baked goods, flowers, plants and gifts.  Everything sold in the market must be grown or made by the seller. Bring your money to purchase dinner.  The Wednesday market includes various kinds of hot meals, beer and other drinks, along with a funky band to listen to as you enjoy a relaxing dinner-picnic in the grass.

Following dinner, we will tour Village Homes, a model solar community in Davis (http://www.villagehomesdavis.org/home).  Mike and Judy Corbitt brought together others interested in designing sustainable ecological development in the early 1970s, with construction beginning in 1975 on the 70 ac subdivision, which includes 23 ac in greenbelts, orchards, vineyards, vegetable gardens and an emphasis on edible landscaping. Village Homes was designed to encourage energy conservation (house orientation, construction, and narrow streets; bike lanes throughout), natural drainage, and other sustainable development features, combined with a sense of community among residents.  Those who would enjoy a warm evening swim in the Olympic size pool can bring their suits, and those who don’t want to swim can enjoy relaxing in the adjacent amphitheater.