Sustainability Tip of the Week #STOTW
Fall is in full swing here in Rochester. It is the season for apple picking, pumpkin carving, and most importantly—Halloween! Fall is a great time to get outdoors before the snow comes and do some fun activities that are perfect for the whole family or a few friends.
Go apple picking!
Apple picking is not only a fun weekend activity, but it also helps support the local economy, small business owners, and sustainable food. There are many places in Rochester to pick apples, and for an extremely low price. Normally you can fill a whole bag of any kind of apples your heart desires, or even a small barrel! Use the apples you pick to make fresh homemade applesauce, apple pie, or just use them as a quick healthy snack.
Carve a pumpkin
Going pumpkin picking is also a great way to get some fresh air and get into the Halloween spirit. The hunt for the perfect pumpkin can be tough, but definitely worth it in the end. Once you find the perfect one, you can either paint it or carve it. If you carve it, make sure to take out all the pumpkin seeds and cook them for a tasty snack. Compost the materials that you carve to make some fertilizer for next summer. If you don’t feel like decorating, you can always make a tasty pumpkin pie! Pumpkin picking in your local community also supports small, local farmers.
Go on a hayride or cornmaze
After the growing season is over most farmers usually clear their land and prepare it for the next season. However, some corn farmers utilize their fields and corn crops to create fun and especially confusing corn mazes. Going to a corn maze is a great way to get some fresh air and support the local economy. Taking a hayride is also a nice fall activity and provides a relaxing ride usually with some great scenery.
Written by Alyssa Lemire, Class of 2017
Photo thanks to Ponce Photography, Pixabay