Read this article on the health benefits of strawberries

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/leo-galland-md/strawberries-for-weight-loss_b_859578.html?icid=maing-grid7|aim|dl3|sec1_lnk3|63346

OPEN HOUSE AT PAYNES PRAIRIE VISITORS CENTER TOMORROW

Hi prairie volunteers and friends,

Tomorrow, Tuesday, May 17, we will be having two Open Houses at the Visitor Center

Volunteers and staff: 11am-12pm

General public: 1pm-3pm (volunteers and staff are encouraged to attend one of the sessions).



We will be displaying models and drafts of the new exhibits planned for the center, and are looking for your feedback.

This open house will give you a chance to preview the future of Paynes Prairie’s Visitor Center and provide the comments that will guide us further.



The format will be like a science fair, with models and exhibit panels set up, you will receive an introduction, then circulate through the exhibit area and have the opportunity to discuss each area with a member of the design team, or staff that have been involved in the development process. So, you can arrive anytime during the Open House, just give yourself enough time to circulate through the areas.



We hope to see you there! Your feedback is really important.

-Andi





Andi Christman

Park Services Specialist

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park



100 Savannah Blvd.

Micanopy, FL 32667



Office (352)466-4966

Email: Andrea.Christman@dep.state.fl.us

FRUIT TREES, SEEDS, AND EDIBLE SALE THIS WEDNESDAY

The Edible Plant Project (www.edibleplantproject.com) will hold a sale this Wednesday, May 11 from 4-7pm at the Union Street Farmers Market.

SLOW FOOD GAINESVILLE SHOWS OFF CEDAR KEY'S CLAM INDUSTRY

We participated in a tour of the Cedar Key clam industry beginning with the clam research facility at the FWC Marine Lab and ending with a wonderful potluck featuring local clams. Thanks to Russ and Peg Hall for hosting us all and cooking up some fabulous clams. Many thanks as well to Leslie Sturmer from IFAS for her talk about the local clam industry and the tour of her "clam shack" research lab.

If you are interested in learning more about Slow Food Gainesville:

1. www.slowfoodgainesville.org

2. sign up for their Google group at bottom of their web page

3. Look for their group on Facebook

4. Or come to my blog (www.jimmyconner.blogspot.com) as I post their missives and have a link for them as well.


For more information on this aquaculture industry: http://shellfish.ifas.ufl.edu/

Link to article in the Gainesville Sun on Steamers' closing

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20110506/articles/110509622

STEAMERS' CLOSES, TASTY BUDDHA ADDS A STORE

I am very sorry to read a tweet from the Gainesville Sun that Steamers has closed for good. According to the article, the restaurant, in business in Gainesville since the early 80's, is owned by the same people who own Buddha Belly on 16th Ave. BB will change its name to Tasty Buddha and a second store will open under the same name in the old Cabana Cove location behind Garden Gate Nursery on 43rd Street.

Steamers did not have a long term lease and needed to be upgraded. The owner is quoted in the tweet as saying he did not want to renovate considering his lease is presently month to month.

Many students have enjoyed the loose burgers there and, more recently, the stir fried dishes served in generous quantities. My wife and I ate there on Sunday, their last day, and no one mentioned the impending closing.

Steamers will be missed and has been one of my go to local treats for years. Bon voyage, Steamers.