 This year Earth Day takes place on April 22 with estimates of 1 billion people in 174 countries participating in activities, making it the largest secular civic event in the world. To see what's going on in your corner of the world visit www.earthday.net
With the thoughts of saving the world in my head the story of Lonesome George came to mind and the Galpagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador. Help to reduce your carbon footprint by shopping your local farmers market to pick up fresh veggies and fruits to make the stuffed avocado recipe from Ecuador.
I am fortunate to be on the advisory committe for Tamales by the Bay, a great event this Sunday, April 26th in San Francisco that will bring together the finest tamale and margarita makers around. Plus, it benefits the Benchmark Institute, a nonprofit organization
that teaches advocates in nonprofits how to use the law to help low-income
communities. How could I say no? Get your tickets at www.tamalesbythebay.org
Cheers,
Darlene
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Lonesome George
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Lonesome George or Solitario Jorge is very popular tortoise who receives 50,000 visitors annually. It's believed he was named after a character played by American comedic actor George Gobel from his 1950's TV show. So, why is such a popular tortoise named Lonesome George? Sadly, he is the sole survivor of the Pinta Island Tortoises, one of eleven subspecies of Galápagos tortoise native to the Galápagos Islands. The Guinness Book of World Records has named him the "rarest living creature." In 1971, once discovered he was whisked off to the Charles Darwin Research Station on the island of Santa Cruz where he is housed with two closely related  females found on the neighboring island of Isabela. Alas after 37+ years he is still a bachelor waiting for "the right one." Now is not the time to be picky. So, where did his kindred disappear? In the seventeenth century, pirates began to use the Galápagos islands as a base for resupply and repairing vessels before attacking Spanish colonies in South America. The tortoises were a great find for the pirates who collected and stored them on board ships where they could survive for up to a year without food or water. This provided them with valuable fresh meat to eat and the tortoise urine and water stored in their neck bags to drink. The pirates also introduced many foreign creatures to the islands such as rats, pigs and goats who proved to be extremely damaging to the ecosystem destroying native vegetation and spreading disease.
With the burden of extinction resting upon his shell researchers made a grave effort to to get Lonesome George in tip-top shape for mating. Veterinarians, nutritionists and a sex expert was brought in to help him with the ladies. I'm not making this up. (Perhaps, Tantalizing Tortoises Magazine & Videos?) Now probably 90 years old with his libido intact he finally made his move which become apparent when his roommates laid 13 eggs last summer. Unfortunately none of them hatched and George's kind are a day closer to extinction.
Lonesome George still alive and hoping for fatherhood has become a cause célčbre for conservationists around the world who want people to be aware of their effect on the environment and its consequences.
More About Charles Darwin Foundation >
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| The Galápagos Islands
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Galápagos Islands (Official name: Archipiélago de Colón; other Spanish names: Islas de Colón or Islas Galápagos)
 "Galápago" means saddle in Spanish. The name comes from the Galápagos tortoise shell that resembled an old Spanish saddle.
Ecuador annexed the Galápagos Islands on February 12, 1832 and is now part of Ecuador's national park system.
It is one of the few places in the world without an indigenous population. In 1959, less than 2,000 people called the islands their home, current estimates place the population at 40,000.
The group consists of 13 main islands, 6 smaller islands, and 107 rocks and islets. The oldest of the islands are about 5 million years old and the youngest are still in the process of being formed.
Charles Darwin during his five week stay was fascinated by the
natural history of the archipelago. His observations and collections contributed to the inception
of Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection.
Charles Darwin Research Station established on the Santa Cruz island in 1964 has over one hundred scientists, educators, volunteers, research students
and support staff.
Because of Charles Darwin Foundation's long-standing commitment of training residents to
become leaders in science and conservation, 90%
of its staff are Ecuadorian.
In the effort to preserve and protect the Galapagos, access to the islands is restricted and regulated. Individuals are not allowed to bring food, pets or plants to the Islands.
The islands are famed for their vast number of endemic species of
birds and other unique creatures including the Giant Tortoises, Marine Iguanas, Darwin's
Finches and Blue-Footed Boobies.
In 1978 the islands were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is a place of either cultural, physical or natural significance to the common heritage of humanity.
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The Farmers
Market Guide
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 Farmers markets are a great way to get outside and take a stroll while picking up the locally grown, farm
fresh produce, picked at pefection from the growers themselves. Today, there are more than 4,600
farmers markets operating throughout the nation. The US Department of Agriculture maintains a list of Farmers Markets across the USA in their online Farmers Market Guide.
There are so many benefits to shopping at farmers markets including saving money on your food bill and picking up seasonal fruits and vegetables to add to your favorite recipes or invent new ones. Since, California grows about 80% of all fruits and vegetables in the U.S., its growing season is everybody's season. To see what's in season when <Click Here>
Find your local Farmers Market
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Ecuadorian
Stuffed Avocados
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 Avocados, native to the Caribbean, Mexico, South and Central America, are extremely nutritious albeit fattening.But, its good fat and full of nearly 20 vitamins and minerals making it a great food choice.
INGREDIENTS:
3 large, ripe avocados
3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
1 cup chopped ham or other meat such as chicken crab, tuna or shrimp.
1 cup mayonaise or to taste
salt & pepper to taste
Lettuce leafs for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS:
Combine the chopped meat and hard-boiled eggs with enough mayonnaise to bind ingredients. Refrigerate until ready to use. Just before serving cut avocado in half and remove pit and peel. Add filling to avocado and place on top of lettuce on plate. Sprinkle with lemon or lime juice for flavor and to prevent discoloration.
Darlene's Tips:
Fill with corn, carrots, raisins and shredded jicama for a veggie style. Cut the calories by substituting a vinaigrette for mayonnaise.
Add 2 chopped chipotle chilies to your mayo for some extra spice.
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