Join the conversation with Liza Marron as she shares her incredible journey from working on a buffalo ranch to becoming a school board president and County Commissioner. Explore the creation of the San Luis Valley Local Foods Coalition and the importance of building resilient communities. Hear about the Jewish influence in the community and the development of local food co-ops. Dive into the adventurous life of an outlaw cowboy and reflections on relationships and personal growth.
Local Foods Coalition founder shares community insights and leadership journey.
San Luis Valley's resilient local food system triumphs amidst COVID-19 challenges.
Importance of sustainable agriculture and regenerative farming in the unique agricultural heritage of the region.
Deep dives
Liza Marin's Retirement from San Luis Valley Local Foods Coalition
The podcast episode features Liza Marin, who recently retired from running a nonprofit she founded in the San Luis Valley. Marin's journey started with a discussion at a New Year's Eve party, where she mentioned stepping away from her leadership role. This transition marked a significant moment for her after years of dedication to the nonprofit. The conversation with Marin delves into her deep connection to the community and the challenges and triumphs she experienced while leading the organization.
San Luis Valley's Resilient Local Food System during COVID-19
Amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the San Luis Valley's local food system demonstrated remarkable resilience. With local institutions and restaurants closing, the Valley Roots Food Hub swiftly adapted from wholesale to retail to meet the community's needs. The shift highlighted the strength of local food chains compared to vulnerable long supply chains that faltered during the crisis. The episode showcases how maintaining a sovereign food system can ensure food security during unpredictable times.
Importance of Sustainable Agriculture in San Luis Valley
The podcast explores the significance of sustainable agriculture in the San Luis Valley, emphasizing practices such as cover cropping and soil health. Local initiatives like the Rio Grande Farm Park aim to educate on regenerative farming and support farmers with resources and energy. The discussion also touches on supporting family farms and ranches, fostering a resilient and diverse food system that reflects the region's unique culture and agricultural heritage.
Life's Adventures and Family Legacy
The podcast explores the speaker's adventurous spirit, sharing experiences of hitchhiking in the 70s, marrying an outlaw, and breaking societal conventions. Growing up with traditional, suburban parents, she felt compelled to seek adventure and independence, leading to a life different from her family's. Despite facing challenges and rebellious acts like growing weed, the speaker's drive for exploration and personal decision-making shaped her unconventional path.
Family Relationships and Spiritual Views
The speaker reflects on her parents' contentment and contrasts their conservative lives with her own quest for adventure. Open to various spiritual beliefs, she discusses her perception of life after death as a unity with a higher power. Recalling her father's loss of faith and her mother's spiritual experience during her birth, the speaker finds comfort in the idea of individual identity merging back into a collective essence, emphasizing unity and the continuation of spirit.
We’ve all heard the adage: “Think globally, act locally.” Liza embodies that perspective. She came to the San Luis valley about 30 years ago to work on a buffalo ranch with her husband. Since then, she’s lived a lot of life in this valley. Raising kids, horses, dogs, working as school board president and County Commissioner, and founding and running the San Luis Valley Local Foods Coalition are just a few of the things that have kept her busy over the years. Everyone around here knows her and admires her energy, intelligence, and positive approach to things. I’m really glad to be able to share this wonderful woman with you.
This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe
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