Photo by Ken Etzel

Photo by Jack Taylor

Photo by Ken Etzel

Photo by Kate Rutherford

At Farm To Crag, we know it’s hard to grow things! We believe that if everyone just tried to grow a few things in their backyard, windowsill, or balcony, the world would be a better place. We are incredibly inspired by Michaela Kiersch as a climber AND gardener, so we asked her to tell us a bit about her garden :)

The third annual Farm To Crag Yosemite Gathering was full of joy, delicious food, hard work, thoughtful conversations, learning, and some perfect Yosemite granite.

The many varieties of fresh spring nettles can be found near waterways - be careful not to sting yourself - wearing gloves helps or “in a pinch” the top of the nettle leaf is sting-free and can be gently folded upon itself and plucked without being stung. Cooking the nettle removes the sting and makes the vitamins K, A, B, and C, flavonoids, amino acids, protein, and strengthening minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, and zinc, all readily available.

A few years ago, while running at Chautauqua Park in Boulder, I crossed paths with a woman who offered me a homemade chocolate chip cookie. She had baked dozens of cookies and was sharing them with people she encountered on the trail. It was a small gesture, sure, but the act of making something from scratch to share with strangers has stuck with me.