Jackie O poops on my salad.
CLICK ON THE PICTURE OF JACKIE O for the VIDEO
The Girdwood Alaska Backpackers Inn has an exciting common room that features a Little Martin guitar, a unique custom log bar with matching stools, two colorful handmade hula hoops, and a bookshelf that features a plethora of reading from Rod McKuen poetry to a book of black and white photos of Jacqueline Kennedy. Out of all features, the aquaponics project usually draws a crowd.
A lot of our guests are entertained by curiosity, nature, and knowledge. One guest commented about aquaponics, ”It has all the entertainment thrills of a sports bar full of television screens. It just doesn’t have the deep fried onion rings.” Another guest wanted to know why I named the fish after Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. To me it’s obvious — Jackie O was so elegant that I want GABI guests to envision her, instead of a dirty little fish from tropics, defecating on their spinach .
The components of aquaponics include botany, horticulture, hydroponics, and photosynthesis.
Guests are encouraged to spend several days at GABI to learn about aquaponics. Below is a list of different ways to have fun with aquaponics devised by Sean Mullen, Cornell University:
1. Identify components of the biotic and abiotic environment
2. Learn to differentiate between heterotrophic and autotrophic organisms
3. Understand nutrient cycling (nitrogen cycling in particular)
4. Measure levels of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate
5. Measure plant growth
6. Construct graphs of nutrient levels and plant growth rates (can supply crayons, sharpies, and butcher paper)
7. Generate a poem about the impact of nutrients on plant growth and we’ll post it on our blog.
A play pen of horny rabbits is the only educational system that could possibly be more entertaining then aquaponics. Besides giving hostelers something to do when not exploring the Chugach Mountains, aquaponics…
1. Can inspire people to further their education as seen in the below video.
2. Will improve a person’s health. Doctors have known for years that simply placing an aquarium in a waiting room will lower patients’ blood pressure and anxiety while they wait to receive prescriptions for their anxiety and high blood pressure.
3. Can give a glimpse into what life will be like on Mars. Until McDonalds opens a restuarant on Mars, planetary pioneers are going to have to eat something. Nasa thinks aquaponics could be the answer.
4. Will provide a source of light and fresh vegetables during the long cold dark Alaskan winter.
For the past couple of years, I have had a desire to become a farmer. The aquaponics project has allowed me to start a small spinach, bamboo and basil farm. Here are some pictures of Weirdo’s Farm.
Weirdo's Farm and Cafe
Weirdo's Farm and Cafe side view
Weirdo's fish are named Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
growing basil, spinach, broccoli, strawberries, bamboo
spinach and broccoli
Jackie O says, children who eat spinach will grow up Weird and Strong
There are many different aquaponic systems. Because of space limitations and issues of aesthetics, Weirdo’s Farm is somewhat patterned off Earth Solutions aquaponic systems and an article found at Aquaponics.com.
As the farm evolves, I will be adding more pictures and video.
People who have been Honored at Weirdo’s Farm and Cafe:
Edward Kennedy 1939 to 2009
Weirdo’s Farm and Cafe for one day is renaming the fish to Edward Kennedy. In honor of his memory and senate accomplishments.
Today, Aug 26, 2009 former “Senator Edward Kennedy will be pooping on your salad.”
Weirdo’s Farm and Cafe for one day is renaming the fish to Dr. Bobby Torrey M.D. In honor of his birthday and urology skills.
Today, Sept 4, 2009 “Bobby Torrey will be pooping on your salad.”
Weirdo’s Farm and Cafe for one day is renaming the fish to Marty Camberlango. In celebration of the 2009 City Garden fall harvest brunch.
Today, Sept 11, 2009 “Marty Camberlango will be pooping on your salad.”
Who do you think should be HONORED at Weirdo’s Farm and Cafe? Leave your suggestion in the comment box.
7 responses so far ↓
synaptoman // August 26, 2009 at 6:29 am |
Looking great, well done !
Synaptoman
Thank You Hostelling International « Girdwood Alaska Backpackers Inn // September 17, 2009 at 7:31 pm |
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John Alonge // December 28, 2009 at 3:46 am |
Bravo on the whole Jackie O poop thing. Sounds like enlightened thinking and some good old fashioned manual labor went into the project. The Wine Heretic would be proud to poop in some salads! Happy New Year!
hostelgirdwood // December 31, 2009 at 5:54 pm |
Dear Wine Heretic, unfortunately you will not be able to poop in this model. The owners of the hostel have decided to replace Weirdo’s Farm with a vending machine. Amy and I were able to sell Weirdo’s Farm and the Can of Worms Composter to a family interested in eco friendly fun. After the 2009/2010 snowboard season at Mt. Alyeska we will be looking for a new location to start up Weirdo’s Farm. Looking forwards to a Wine Heretic salad!!!