These crocuses are growing in the garden of the husband-wife owners of Stahlbush Island Farms, Bill and Karla Chambers.  They still live right here on the farm!

Crocuses in the garden

Crocuses up-close

Brilliant color to bring in the spring

A shot from the side

Here is a photo recap of the blue heron gathering on the farm.

Great blue heron up close in the wetlands below the rookery

A close gathering of the blue herons high in the tree top

Blue herons taking flight

Blue herons at dusk hanging out in their nests

Cute little ducks that also like the marsh

Vibrant colors and farming scenes are inspiring a new conversation about nutrition.  Karla S. Chambers, a prominent figure in the food world, is the Co-owner of Stahlbush Island Farms.  Stahlbush is an environmentally friendly farm and food processor committed to sustainable agriculture and exceptional quality in Corvallis, Oregon.  Stahlbush was recently named the 2013 Sustainable Plant of the Year by Food Engineering Magazine and Business of the Year by the Corvallis Chamber of Commerce. Stahlbush is unique in that it is a vertically integrated food company.  As the farmer and the processor, Stahlbush is able to let food fully ripen on the vine to achieve peak ripeness, vibrant colors, and full-bodied flavors.  The food is harvested and freshly frozen on the farm within 48 hours, sealing in a fresh-picked flavor.  The Stahlbush “frozen is fresher” concept has become very popular among the company’s consumers that are trying to incorporate fruits and vegetables into the diets of picky eaters.

“Never tried frozen until Stahlbush. My family eats more veggies now then they ever did,” said Paige Gill.

“Our grand children don’t usually eat their dinner. However they ate your corn and had seconds. I must say your corn is the best I have ever had,” said J.D.

Stahlbush has selected 6 beloved products: Blueberries, Butternut Squash, Marion Blackberries, Spinach, Strawberries and Super Sweet Corn for a special distinction, The Family’s Private Reserve. The collection was hand-picked by the Chambers family.  Each package will feature an original painting by Karla S. Chambers with a special introduction.  The move was inspired by the wine industry’s use of art to convey the message of quality, sophisticated flavors, and unique style.  The new packaging prompted the largest art magazine, Art World News, to do a feature on the “Synergy of Organic Food & Art,” in October.

The packaging is just one way that Stahlbush is using art to tell a story.  Chambers paints using the colors of Stahlbush’s perfectly ripe produce: deep blueberry blues, strawberry reds, Marion blackberry purples, pumpkin oranges, and corn yellows.

“I love color,” Chambers said.  Being able to showcase the bounty of Stahlbush on a canvas offers a unique opportunity to spread the message that color and nutrition go hand in hand.

“It’s as simple as looking at what is on your plate.  A variety of color equals a well-balanced meal,” Chambers said.

The idea really hit home when Chambers’ youngest son Joe was dining with some friends.  He looked at the plates of his companions.  They were all various shades of brown from fried foods and french fries.  The plates were in stark contrast to his mother’s multi-colored salad.  He looked at her and said, “I get it.”

Since that day, Chambers’ plan to create a children’s education and art program has become a serious endeavor.  The program will use her brightly colored paintings and Stahlbush’s colorful foods and resources as tools to help children understand the role that colors play in both the art and nutrition worlds.

“I think this program has the potential to spread nationwide,” says Chambers.

Childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and tripled in adolescents in the span of 30 years.   Art programs in schools have all but disappeared, leaving a gap in creative expression.  A program that addresses both of these needs could be very powerful Chambers says.

Chambers will be painting at Expo West in Anaheim, California on March 8 to 10, where over 60,000 people will see the connection between her paintings and the food displayed at the booth.

Stahlbush Island Farms was recently nominated for Edible Portland’s Local Hero Award.  The Local Hero Awards celebrate outstanding contributions to our regional food community.  The award is won through community votes.  Stahlbush was nominated for our sustainable agricultural practices, achievements and recent awards, namely the Sustainable Plant of the Year and Business of the Year.  Please click on the following link to cast your vote: http://ow.ly/hJkJR!

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, we thought it would be fun to compile a list of our favorite RED foods!

1. Strawberry Cream Pie: This no-bake pie is easy to make and it’s gluten free.

2. Sparking Strawberry Sipper: This delicious drink debuted around this time last year…and we’re still in love!

3. Strawberry Jam: Ah the sweet taste of homemade strawberry jam, guaranteed to make your special someone feel extra special.

4. Three Berry Crisp: Crisps are the easiest recipe to make and they always turn out divine.

5. Cranberry Almond Muffins: A wonderful treat that makes the house smell divine.

6. Pumpkin Cranberry Delight Cheesecake:  An amazing gluten-free cheesecake recipe with a splash of color.

7. Pumpkin Granola with Raspberry Sauce:  Start the morning off right with some homemade pumpkin granola and raspberry sauce.

8. Raspberry Chocolate Chip Scones: A match made in heaven…raspberries and chocolate!

9. Chocolate Raspberry Smoothie: If baking’s not your thing, then we have the recipe for you! All you need is a blender and an appetite.

10. Strawberry Citrus Smoothie:  This tangy, sweet smoothie is the perfect combination for a mid-day pick-me-up.

On January 16, Denton Plastics Inc. presented the Environmental Stewardship award to Stahlbush Island Farms!  In 2012, Stahlbush saved over 714 barrels of oil, 253,190 kWh of energy, and 1315 cubic yards of landfill space through recycling 87,700 pounds of plastic.  We are so proud of this award!

Stahlbush Island Farms was named Celebrate Corvallis’ 2013 Business of the Year on Friday night!  Celebrate Corvallis is an annual event from the Corvallis Chamber of Commerce that honors outstanding accomplishments from businesses, citizens, and organizations.  Stahlbush Island Farms was commended for the recent Sustainable Plant of the Year award by Food Engineering Magazine.  Stahlbush was also recognized for its yearly donation of over 1 million servings of healthy food to local food banks.  The award was accepted by Carl Chambers, the oldest son of co-owners Bill and Karla Chambers.  Carl manages Stahlbush’s largest organic farm in Medford, Oregon.