Hello fellow cooperators,
Welcome to our second January newsletter!
In this issue:
We’re focusing on local and community news, including an exciting update on the Buffalo Mountain Town Forest proposal: a chance to celebrate the landscape that gives our co-op its name.
Gardeners, it’s seed ordering time! We’ve got detailed information about this year’s FEDCO group order process, including some important changes to how ordering works.
And a heartfelt thank you to everyone who’s taken time to share feedback through our customer survey program. Your voices help shape the co-op we’re building together, and we’re grateful for every response.
Read on to learn more!
FEDCO SEEDS, TUBERS, AND ORGANIC SUPPLIES 2026
Buffalo Mountain Market Group Order Information
It’s time to think about gardening and seed ordering! FEDCO has updated their group ordering system for 2026. Here’s how to participate:
BEFORE YOU RECEIVE THE GROUP NUMBER:
- Go to fedcoseeds.com and create an account or sign in
- Browse the catalog and add items to your cart – Seeds, tubers, and organic supplies all go in one cart together
- Keep your cart saved – Don’t check out yet! Wait for the group number announcement
ONCE YOU RECEIVE THE GROUP NUMBER (coming soon):
- Enter the group number at checkout to join our group order
- Complete your purchase – You’ll pay directly at checkout with shipping included (seeds ship free)
- Submit your order by January 30th
What You’ll Save:
- Automatic 5% discount for all group members
- Additional discounts if you’re also a personal FEDCO member
Delivery:
- Seeds → Delivered to the coop for pickup
- Other items → Shipped directly to your home
Need Help?
Paper catalogs are available at the co-op in the cafe seating area. If you need assistance ordering online, contact Judy Carpenter at 802-533-2379 or fi************@***il.com – we can meet and place your order together.
Also please email Judy if you are ordering and want to receive the group number.
NOFA WINTER CONFERENCE
The NOFA-VT 2026 Winter Conference: Seeding the Future is Feb 14-15 at Saint Michael’s College in Colchester! Join farmers, gardeners, and others who care about a better food system to share knowledge and sow the seeds of a more just and resilient future. The conference will feature a keynote conversation with Ira Wallace, 40+ workshops on Saturday, “intensive” all-day workshops on Sunday, a children’s conference, music, art, seed swap, and more community-building activities. More info and registration (sliding scale): nofavt.org/conference.
BUFFALO MOUNTAIN TOWN FOREST PROPOSAL
Right now the town of Hardwick has a rare opportunity to acquire 329 acres on Buffalo Mountain as a community forest owned by the town. The acquisition of this land will be largely paid for with grants, through the Trust for Public Land, and the Northern Rivers Land Trust, which will cover over 95% of the costs. Once under town ownership, activity and uses on the land would be directed and managed by the town under a stewardship committee, as approved by the Select Board. We could have hiking and nature trails, mountain biking or back-country skiing, rock-climbing, picnic spots, and yes, logging, sugaring and hunting are all permissible if the town decides to! Existing snowmobile and atv trails will continue as before. There is a high conservation value to this forest, in the heart of our town, and it would further strengthen bio-diversity and wildlife corridors.
The full proposal can be seen on the Conservation Commission web page on the town website: https://hardwickvt.gov/government/committees-commissions/conservation-commission/
As the proposal moves ahead, we want to hear from you, to share your ideas and any concerns about the project. Come to the January 24 meeting to learn more. Then there will be a floor vote on Town Meeting Day about supporting this extraordinary opportunity, so there is another reason to attend Town Meeting this year! Residents who have an interest in serving on the steering committee are invited to attend the January 24 meeting, or contact us. Folks from all interests are invited to get involved. Have an idea? Bring your idea!
The informational meeting will be held January 24, 2-4pm at the Parker Ladd Room at the Jeudevine Library in Hardwick. It will be recorded by HCTV. For more info, contact Rachel Kane at 472-5512 or rm*****@***il.com.