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Conservation You Can Taste: How Heritage Grains, Beans & Fruit Revivals Have Helped Rebuild Local Food Economies

OAKLAND, CALIF. — An Oakland restaurant launches a series of lectures and community talks based on co-owners Bob and Maggie Klein’s 40-year interest and involvement in agricultural practices. Their Oliveto Restaurant & Cafe hosts a new series, Oliveto Commons, with discussions on food, and creating a platform for pro-environment activists, local farmers, urban gardeners, scientists, and concerned citizens. Kicking off this new series of events on March 1, 2015 is Gary Nabhan, recipient of the MacArthur Genius Award for his role in the heirloom seed and local food movements. Nabhan is an orchard keeper, seed saver, pollinator, habitat restoration ecologist and Ecumenical Franciscan Brother who’s written 26 books. His efforts with the Renewing America’s Food Traditions Alliance brought back dozens of fruits, vegetables, livestock breeds and seeds on the verge of extinction. He says there continues to be much work to be done, and the public’s awareness is crucial in the effort to save our healthy food sources! Cost: $15, optional Sunday Supper Prix Fixe menu featuring native ingredients highlighted in one of Nabhan’s books is available following the discussion. See oliveto.com