Oasis for Animals answers cat queries at Tilth market

RECORD STAFF Lean how to use semi-wild feral cats for rodent control on the farm Sunday, May 19 at the South Whidbey Tilth Farmers’ Market.

May 17, 2013 6:30 pm
Feral cats that claim barns as their home help farmers fend off rodents and other critters that eat their crops.
Feral cats that claim barns as their home help farmers fend off rodents and other critters that eat their crops.

RECORD STAFF

Lean how to use semi-wild feral cats for rodent control on the farm Sunday, May 19 at the South Whidbey Tilth Farmers’ Market.

Jean Favini of Oasis for Animals will be available to describe the program to introduce healthy, sterilized cats to outdoor homes such as a farm, horse stable and warehouses. After a short, secure confinement onsite, adopted feral cats accept their new home and Oasis will assist getting the cats settled.

Favini will explain how they trap, neuter and return feral or free-roaming cats for the community, as well as provide regular transports to the Northwest Organization for Animal Help’s low-cost spay and neuter clinic for owned cats. Also there will be a few friendly, adoptable cats on site. For more information and updates about Oasis for Animals, visit its Facebook page or its website at www.oasisforanimals.org or call 360-321-4142.

Singer-songwriter Russell Clepper performs live during market hours 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Clepper is known for masterful guitar picking and hauntingly beautiful original ballads.

More than just a market, the Tilth Sustainability campus includes picnic tables, a children’s play area and wooded pathways to stroll. There’s plenty of parking, clean restrooms and dogs on leash are welcome. It is located at 2812 Thompson Road off Highway 525 about two miles from Freeland before Bayview. Look for the scarecrow. For information, contact Market Manager Lynae Slinden at market@southwhidbeytilth.org or call 360-632-4451 or visit www.southwhidbeytilth.org/market.

The market accepts SNAP cards, participates in the Farmers Market Nutrition Program and is a member of the Washington State Farmers Markets Association. Local farmers have vegetable plant starts for the home gardener, lots of fresh spinach, lettuce, arugula, leeks, rhubarb and more. New crafters include Jim Warren’s wooden game boards and Jodi Cable’s pottery. Check out the handmade fiber artists who also have raw and dyed fiber for sale. Be tempted by vendors of fragrant handmade soap, photography and rustic furniture.

Enjoy Southeast Asian as well as African cuisine served hot onsite as well as hot organic coffee, chilled lemonade and more.