People You Need to Know: Mali Dyck

Mali Dyck

As the person in charge of two of Nevada City’s newest and biggest non-profit organizations, Mali Dyck finds herself on the leading edge of the area’s sustainability movement.

 As the person in charge of two of Nevada City’s newest and biggest non-profit organizations, Mali Dyck finds herself on the leading edge of the area’s sustainability movement. The Nebraska native just finished her first season as the manager of the now two-year-old Farmers Market and as the excutive director oversaw the development of the APPLE Center for Sustainable Living on Commercial Street.

 What makes the Nevada City Farmers Market successful and what can be done to make it more successful?

 Our success is the result of the NCFMA founders’ vision for a beautiful, comfortable and fun community environment. In the planning stages, they visited many Northern California markets for ideas. As a result, the board has a very clear vision for the market which the public has responded to very positively. First, it’s a community gathering place each and every week with live music, kids’ activities, and an interesting place to sit and enjoy the morning. Second, the quality of produce, art and prepared food is off the charts. Discerning shoppers appreciate our quality, locality, and organic standards. Continued success = marketing: the Market is young and many residents haven’t been there yet. Our goal is to grow.

 The Center for Sustainable Living went from concept to reality in about six months this year. How did it happen so quickly? What happens there?

 We were very fortunate to find a funder so quickly. The business plan wasn’t even complete when we gave it to Bill Finley and he saw enough to convince him that Reinette Senum and I were the real deal. From there it has grown exponentially every day by demand of the community.

  The Center acts a catalyst for our community to launch into the new green future. The Center is here to coordinate individual activities so we aren’t duplicating efforts and so we can learn from each other. The Center also offers information to the general public on what they can do to live a more sustainable lifestyle through workshops, exhibits, a library, and by just having a place to come in and talk with others.

Are you surprised that a small town like Nevada City can support a 21-week farmers’ market season and a Sustainable Living Center? It seems both operations need quite a few volunteers and supporters to survive.

 Nevada City never ceases to amaze me: the beauty, the people, the sense of community that is here blows me away. 

  As for supporting the Farmers Market, people need to eat more than 21 weeks out of the year. We really need a year-round market! But, in fact Nevada City supports two farmers markets a week during the growing season (Growers Market on Tuesdays as well). Our volunteers are some of the most reliable people I’ve ever worked with. They’re all so proud of how beautiful the market is each and every week.

 I think our size is perfect for a Sustainable Living Center – small enough to get things done but large enough to have real, model challenges/solutions that can be used to help other communities. The community support as been great so far. We have 66 members, 20+ volunteers and 800+ on our mailing list. We’re hosting our second volunteer orientation on Nov. 14 for those who want to get more involved.

 You were born and raised in Nebraska and earned your degree at the University of Nebraska. When you go back home, how do you describe Nevada City and the area to your family and friends?

 Well, I don’t go to Nebraska very often. I try to convince my family and friends to come here instead. But I do believe that the creative people here are what make Nevada City special. The natural beauty and historic preservation (including the lack of big box retail) are just bonuses. I love being able to shop locally, walk down narrow streets, and eat incredible food.

 Do you expect this area will continue to be a leader in the green movement?

 I think we will continue to work toward a greener future as so many communities are doing and not a moment to soon. We all have to be leaders if we’re going to face the global issues that effect us all, like peak-oil and climate change. Within our communities, every one of us can be a leader in this movement by doing our part at home, work and school. Need ideas?  Visit the APPLE Center.