Gratitude Gourmet

Happy November! Join us for free programs at the Don Edwards SF Bay National Wildlife Refuge, including opportunities to volunteer and give back!

Learn more and sign up at sfbayws.org/events-calendar. We hope to see you!

The Journey from Cacao Tree to Delicious Chocolate - Vegan Recipes News Before chocolate ever reaches the confectioner's hands, it begins its life on one of the most fascinating plants on Earth: the cacao tree.

Plant Baby Plant’s invitation is not just to raise a garden, but to raise a ruckus. New York: Thank you for welcoming our Founder, Robin Wall Kimmerer, in reciprocity and care during Climate Week NYC. We’re grateful to @atmos and @willowonearth for hosting a beautiful evening of story, song, science, and spirit that was the Enchanted Forest. #PlantBabyPlant

🎃 In 19th-century Ireland and Scotland, people carved turnip lanterns to ward off evil spirits during the Ancient Celtic festival Samhain (pronounced “sow-in”). Samhain was celebrated as a Harvest festival from October 31 to November 1. During this time, the Celts believed the veil between the living and the dead was thinnest, allowing spirits of the dead to return to their homes; pagan gods could walk among mortals; the Devil could be summoned to aid in divination; and evil spirits would cause mischief. Bonfires and lanterns were lit to drive away the evil spirits. Lanterns were often carved out of turnips or squash. This would be the precursor to America’s jack-o’-lanterns made from pumpkins. Samhain also featured disguises/costumes, bonfires, offerings, and divination rituals and games. Over time, some of the practices were adopted and merged with All Hallows’ Eve and eventually became Halloween.

Five Sustainable Ways to Recycle Your Halloween Pumpkin Don’t let your Halloween pumpkin go to waste! Do your part to reduce waste by recycling it in one of these five eco-friendly ways.

wishing you a beautiful and wholesome Samhain a little ahead of schedule ✨🎃

as always thank you for all of your love and support! You guys are the best 💜

love Lilly xx

The vegan movement has lost one of its most influential voices.

Howard Lyman, a fourth-generation cattle rancher who became a vegan and devoted much of his life to advocating for animals, has died at 88.

He knew the cattle industry from the inside. He had spent years raising cattle and operating a large feedlot before a life-changing health crisis prompted him to reconsider his life and the way he viewed food.

He eventually became vegan, not only for his own health, but because he came to recognize that animals didn't need to suffer and die for us.

Known as the "Mad Cowboy," Howard became a powerful advocate for veganism, authoring books, speaking across the country, and bringing important conversations about animal agriculture into the mainstream.

His 1996 appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show helped bring national attention to concerns about mad cow disease and cattle feed practices.

He demonstrated that people can change, that firsthand experience can become a catalyst for compassion, and that even those who once participated in animal agriculture can become some of its strongest critics.

His life and advocacy made a difference for countless animals and inspired generations of people to question what they had always been taught.

Rest in peace, Howard. Thank you for using your voice for the animals 💚