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Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable and the Mustangs
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I met my first wild horse in a movie theatre in Greenwich Village in 1963.
The story behind Wild Grounds Coffee
By Paul Katzeff, Co-Founder & Roastmaster Emeritus
He was on the wrong end of a lasso being held by Clark Gable. The horse was bucking and raising up on his hind legs, pulling desperately away from his capture. Marilyn Monroe was pulling on Clark’s hand pleading for the horses freedom. Clark was determined to get his horse and another payday. The Name of the Movie was The Misfits and was about three Aging Cowpokes who once made their living capturing Mustangs and selling them into the slaughter houses for meat. In this movie they complained about how the horses were no longer in abundance , hard to find and it was impossible to make a decent days pay capturing the ‘things’. Maralyn was as beautiful as the horses eyes, fierce now but with long lashes and deep deep soft eyes. Marilyn was beautiful but it was the Mustang, fighting for her freedom, that stole my heart,
Today, 58 years later there is a similar story playing out on the millions of square miles of rangeland between the western slope of the Rocky Mountains and the Eastern slope of the Sierra Nevadas. Today it is not aging cowboys in Pick up trucks and lassos , but Federal Agents in Helicopters rounding up entire herds of free horses and burros and their children, often in the chaos separating family members or driving the horses to their death in the frenzy. Hay Feds, what’s the problem?
The round ups gather the horses into corals so they wont compete for the space grassland feed out there on the range. Thet range is for the Beef Cattle ! Our government leases our citizen owned land to cattle ranchers they can make money selling beef to our meat eating society of which I must admit , I am one. The cost of feeding jailed Mustangs is estimated to be in the billions. And why, when the 1970 Congress afforded Mustangs America’s protection, has all the Bureau of Land Management continued to harass the best symbols of freedom we have ?
A horse has eyes that tell a story. Each of us who have looked into the eyes of a Mustang will never forget the moment , never.
Yes, it happened for me long ago in a movie theatre but last October, on the way from Northern California to Phoenix to play baseball , I pulled my car onto a a sandy dirt road to nowhere and drove into the dessert just to see what was out there on that dirt road to nowhere. About five miles in, there they were ! Three magnificent free roaming Mustangs …and they were looking at me from a hill about a home runs distance away. I stopped, my heart jumping , I exited my car and laid down on the very hot sand and stared back. Finally, the circle was complete. I saw them alive and free.
Who belongs on that land we, as citizens own but have delegated the responsibility for their safety to The Bureau of Land Management to secure ? And why has the BLM chosen to represent the Cattle Industry and not our Mustangs?
When I discovered that others of my kind were fighting for them too, we joined the American Wild Horse Campaign and created a coffee package to tell coffee lovers whose side we were on. As with our other Cause Coffee programs, we wanted to empower our customers to help raise funds and awareness for this important work.
Horse and stuntman in the 1960 film "The Misfits"
Every time you purchase a package of AWHC coffee, Thanksgiving Coffee Company donates $3.00 to the AWHC.
When we are a bit further past this COVID-19 Pandemic we are planning a visit, jointly with AWHC staff, to visit and see these magnificent spirits up close. I hope you will be able to come with us. Until then, buy their coffee and know you are on the bus with us. And let me use that old expression , “The steak is as good as the sizzle “ when I say that the coffee inside the package is as good as it gets. You be the judge.
Wild Grounds Coffee
supports the American Wild Horse Campaign
The American Wild Horse Campaign (AWHC) is dedicated to preserving American wild horses and burros in viable free-roaming herds for generations to come, as part of our national heritage.
Since 2004, this organization has been raising awareness and making change for America’s wild horses. Thanksgiving Coffee Company has partnered with them to create Wild Grounds, a cause coffee to save the wild horses.
Recommended Reading
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![Earth Day Event in Fort Bragg 2024]()
Earth Day Event in Fort Bragg
The Noyo Food Forest is having their annual Earth Day celebration this Saturday at the Learning Garden. This four hour event is a fundraiser for the Farm-to-School and Youth Intern programs that the Noyo Food Forest operates year-round. We partner with the Noyo Food Forest throughout the year, and we especially love being a part of this annual event in Fort Bragg.
15th Annual Earth Day Event
Saturday, April 20, 12 - 4 PM
At the Learning Garden at Fort Bragg High School on Dana Street.This Earth Day event is free and geared toward everyone in the family. There will be live music, and you can participate by putting down a bid for the silent auction, paying entry to bouncy houses, and tasting goodies from local chefs. This is one of the most fun events that happens in the city of Fort Bragg every year. Local organizations and nonprofits are a big part of this event, and you’ll see booths and representatives from the Noyo Marine Science Center, the Mendocino Land Trust, our Mendocino County state parks and many more important parts of the coastal community.
Thanksgiving Coffee will be serving up samples of our Bee Bold Blend, our new Nitro Coffee, and the Noyo Food Forest will be selling 12oz bags, as well. All the proceeds benefit the Noyo Food Forest and their important work here in our community. We are very happy to be a part of this awesome event. For more information, visit the Noyo Food Forest Earth Day page on their website, and RSVP on Facebook to share with your friends. Join us on April 20 – see you at the Learning Garden.
Thanksgiving Coffee Company
Partnership with the Noyo Food ForestLearn more about how we support our Mother Earth
Earth Day Event in Fort Bragg 2024
read more -
![Beyond The Bean: Buzzing with Biodiversity]()
Beyond The Bean: Buzzing with Biodiversity
Your morning coffee can be more than just a boost—it can drive positive change. With our Smithsonian Bird Friendly® certification and our Bee Bold Alliance initiative, we're turning your daily coffee ritual into a force for good. Here's how we're making waves in the world of sustainable agriculture while serving up exceptional coffee.
Butterfly on coffee leaf, Soppexxcca Coop, Nicaragua
Cultivating Natural Ecosystems
Our coffee farming goes beyond conventional methods. We nurture complete ecosystems where coffee plants thrive alongside native flora and fauna. A single coffee tree can support over 100 insect species, enhancing biodiversity on our farms.
coffee beans ripening in the understory of the forest canopy
Our Environmental Commitments
Our commitment to biodiversity is reflected in two key initiatives:
AT ORIGIN
Smithsonian Bird Friendly ® Certification: This certification is literally the environmental gold standard in the sustainable coffee industry. As holders of the Smithsonian Bird Friendly® certification since 2015, we adhere to the most comprehensive, science-based standards in the coffee industry. This certification requires:
- Multiple layers of native tree canopy providing crucial wildlife habitat
- USDA Organic certification as a foundation, ensuring chemical-free farming
- Regular third-party inspections verifying our environmental impact
- Documented support of migratory birds and local biodiversity
Did you know? A single coffee tree on a certified farm can support over 100 distinct insect species!
AT HOME
The Bee Bold Alliance: This is our initiative to restore biodiversity and support local food security through pollinator protection. The vision is to create a regenerative ecology network in our community for comprehensive pollinator protection. Here are the key principles guiding our path forward:
- Protecting the Soil: We're working toward eliminating harmful pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides from our farming practices. This transition aims to create healthier environments for pollinators while maintaining productive coffee cultivation.
- Watershed Stewardship: Our growing commitment includes developing better water conservation practices, reducing fertilizer usage, and implementing responsible waste management systems.
- Fostering Pollinator Forage: We're exploring ways to integrate more flowering plants throughout our local farms, aiming to provide year-round nutrition that supports healthy pollinator populations.
- Honoring Indigenous Wisdom: We're beginning to build relationships with Native/First Nation peoples in our growing regions, seeking to learn from their traditional knowledge and collaborate on sustainable solutions for the future.
We're reaching out to neighboring farms and communities, inviting them to join us in protecting pollinators. This initiative is beginning to form, and we believe that together, we can create meaningful change.
The Impact of Your Coffee Choice
We believe in the power of collective action. Here are ways you can participate in this journey:
-
Choose coffee that aligns with your environmental values
-
Cultivate native wildflowers in your garden or community spaces
-
Consider natural pest management practices
-
Create undisturbed areas in your garden to provide natural habitats
-
Learn about pollinator-friendly plants suitable for your local ecosystem
Moving Forward Together
We're at an exciting point in our environmental journey, where your choice of coffee can help shape future agricultural practices. Our Bird Friendly® certified coffee demonstrates our established commitment to environmental stewardship, while our developing Bee Bold Coffee initiative shows where we're heading. By choosing these products, you're not just selecting quality coffee—you're supporting the evolution of sustainable and pollinator-friendly agriculture.
Sold outSold outSold outSold outSold outSold out
Join us on this journey toward biodiversity conservation through sustainable agriculture. Your support through choosing our Bird Friendly® certified coffee and Bee Bold Coffee helps create positive environmental change, one cup at a time.
Lavender Grace is the Sustainable Ecology Consultant for Thanksgiving Coffee Company
Beyond The Bean: Buzzing with Biodiversity
read more -
![Decaf - What is the Process?]()
Decaf - What is the Process?
The benefits of really good, decaffeinated coffee, created by clean processes, are that the flavor, body and unique aroma are all maintained. Let’s shed some light on how this is done and how our decaf coffee is part of a more environmentally friendly and sustainable method for positive impacts on both product quality and what we stand for as an artisan coffee roaster.
Mountain Water Process
Mountain Water Decaffeination Process: The mountain water decaffeination process, also known as the "direct method," is a method of decaffeinating coffee that uses pure water from the glaciers of the highest mountain in Mexico, Pico de Orizaba.
Here are some key points about this process:
- Green coffee beans are soaked in water to extract the caffeine and the flavor compounds.
- The water solution is then passed through activated charcoal filters to remove the caffeine while retaining the flavor components.
- The beans are immersed in the caffeine-free water to reabsorb the lost flavors and oils before drying.
Citlaltepetl o Pico de Orizaba, Mexico
Environmental Effects of Mountain Water Decaffeination Process:
Water Usage: The mountain water decaffeination process requires a significant amount of water, especially as it involves repeated soaking and rinsing of coffee beans. This can potentially strain local water resources in regions where this method is utilized.
Chemical Usage: While the mountain water process is generally considered more environmentally friendly than some chemical decaffeination methods, some plants use small amounts of chemicals in the filtration process, mostly Methylene Chloride. Proper disposal and management of these chemicals are crucial to minimize environmental impact. Descamex is Thanksgiving Coffee’s source for this process. They are Fairtrade and organic certified and have developed a method that is 100% chemical free.
Energy Consumption: The energy required for maintaining the water at specific temperatures, running filtration processes, and drying the beans post-decaffeination all contribute to the carbon footprint of the mountain water decaffeination process.
Swiss Method
Swiss Water Decaffeination Process: The Swiss water decaffeination process is also a popular method for removing caffeine from coffee beans. This process is entirely chemical-free and relies on solubility and osmosis.
Here's how it works:
- Green coffee beans are soaked in hot water to dissolve the caffeine and flavor compounds.
- This water is passed through an activated charcoal filter to remove caffeine, leaving behind the water with the soluble flavor components.
- The beans are then soaked in this flavor-charged water, allowing them to reabsorb the flavors without the caffeine.
Swiss Water Decaffeination Process
Comparison
Decaffeination Method: While both processes use water, the mountain water process directly utilizes water from the mountain glaciers, whereas the Swiss water method continuously filters and reuses water.
Use of Chemicals: The Swiss water process is entirely chemical-free, making it a popular choice for those seeking natural decaffeination methods, whereas the mountain water process may use small amounts of chemicals (methyl chloride) in the filtration process.
Origin: The mountain water process originates in Mexico, utilizing pure glacier water, while the Swiss water process derives its name from the company that pioneered this technique in Switzerland.
Environmental Impact: The Swiss water process is often touted for its low environmental impact due to its lack of chemicals, while the mountain water process may have a slightly higher impact depending on the chemicals used.
In conclusion, both the mountain water and Swiss water decaffeination processes offer unique approaches to decaffeinating coffee beans, each with its own advantages and environmental considerations.
Thanksgiving Coffee Now Uses Swiss Water Process
Thanksgiving Coffee had used the Mountain Water Process in the past due to the quantity of the green coffee beans we source from Central and South America for a lower carbon footprint. However in our quest to search out the most innovative and sustainable practices for coffee production we are leaning into the Swiss water process for our future decaf processing.
So whether you are caffeine sensitive or want to enjoy your coffee anytime day or night we have you covered with amazing tasting, well-crafted decaffeinated coffee.
Sold outSold outSold outSold outSold outSold out
Lavender Grace is a Creative Consultant for Thanksgiving Coffee Company
Decaf - What is the Process?
read more
Earth Day Event in Fort Bragg
The Noyo Food Forest is having their annual Earth Day celebration this Saturday at the Learning Garden. This four hour event is a fundraiser for the Farm-to-School and Youth Intern programs that the Noyo Food Forest operates year-round. We partner with the Noyo Food Forest throughout the year, and we especially love being a part of this annual event in Fort Bragg.
15th Annual Earth Day Event
Saturday, April 20, 12 - 4 PM
At the Learning Garden at Fort Bragg High School on Dana Street.
This Earth Day event is free and geared toward everyone in the family. There will be live music, and you can participate by putting down a bid for the silent auction, paying entry to bouncy houses, and tasting goodies from local chefs. This is one of the most fun events that happens in the city of Fort Bragg every year. Local organizations and nonprofits are a big part of this event, and you’ll see booths and representatives from the Noyo Marine Science Center, the Mendocino Land Trust, our Mendocino County state parks and many more important parts of the coastal community.
Thanksgiving Coffee will be serving up samples of our Bee Bold Blend, our new Nitro Coffee, and the Noyo Food Forest will be selling 12oz bags, as well. All the proceeds benefit the Noyo Food Forest and their important work here in our community. We are very happy to be a part of this awesome event. For more information, visit the Noyo Food Forest Earth Day page on their website, and RSVP on Facebook to share with your friends. Join us on April 20 – see you at the Learning Garden.
Thanksgiving Coffee Company
Partnership with the Noyo Food Forest
Learn more about how we support our Mother Earth
Earth Day Event in Fort Bragg 2024
read more
Beyond The Bean: Buzzing with Biodiversity
Your morning coffee can be more than just a boost—it can drive positive change. With our Smithsonian Bird Friendly® certification and our Bee Bold Alliance initiative, we're turning your daily coffee ritual into a force for good. Here's how we're making waves in the world of sustainable agriculture while serving up exceptional coffee.
Butterfly on coffee leaf, Soppexxcca Coop, Nicaragua
Cultivating Natural Ecosystems
Our coffee farming goes beyond conventional methods. We nurture complete ecosystems where coffee plants thrive alongside native flora and fauna. A single coffee tree can support over 100 insect species, enhancing biodiversity on our farms.
coffee beans ripening in the understory of the forest canopy
Our Environmental Commitments
Our commitment to biodiversity is reflected in two key initiatives:
AT ORIGIN
Smithsonian Bird Friendly ® Certification: This certification is literally the environmental gold standard in the sustainable coffee industry. As holders of the Smithsonian Bird Friendly® certification since 2015, we adhere to the most comprehensive, science-based standards in the coffee industry. This certification requires:
- Multiple layers of native tree canopy providing crucial wildlife habitat
- USDA Organic certification as a foundation, ensuring chemical-free farming
- Regular third-party inspections verifying our environmental impact
- Documented support of migratory birds and local biodiversity
Did you know? A single coffee tree on a certified farm can support over 100 distinct insect species!
AT HOME
The Bee Bold Alliance: This is our initiative to restore biodiversity and support local food security through pollinator protection. The vision is to create a regenerative ecology network in our community for comprehensive pollinator protection. Here are the key principles guiding our path forward:
- Protecting the Soil: We're working toward eliminating harmful pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides from our farming practices. This transition aims to create healthier environments for pollinators while maintaining productive coffee cultivation.
- Watershed Stewardship: Our growing commitment includes developing better water conservation practices, reducing fertilizer usage, and implementing responsible waste management systems.
- Fostering Pollinator Forage: We're exploring ways to integrate more flowering plants throughout our local farms, aiming to provide year-round nutrition that supports healthy pollinator populations.
- Honoring Indigenous Wisdom: We're beginning to build relationships with Native/First Nation peoples in our growing regions, seeking to learn from their traditional knowledge and collaborate on sustainable solutions for the future.
We're reaching out to neighboring farms and communities, inviting them to join us in protecting pollinators. This initiative is beginning to form, and we believe that together, we can create meaningful change.
The Impact of Your Coffee Choice
We believe in the power of collective action. Here are ways you can participate in this journey:
-
Choose coffee that aligns with your environmental values
-
Cultivate native wildflowers in your garden or community spaces
-
Consider natural pest management practices
-
Create undisturbed areas in your garden to provide natural habitats
-
Learn about pollinator-friendly plants suitable for your local ecosystem
Moving Forward Together
We're at an exciting point in our environmental journey, where your choice of coffee can help shape future agricultural practices. Our Bird Friendly® certified coffee demonstrates our established commitment to environmental stewardship, while our developing Bee Bold Coffee initiative shows where we're heading. By choosing these products, you're not just selecting quality coffee—you're supporting the evolution of sustainable and pollinator-friendly agriculture.
Join us on this journey toward biodiversity conservation through sustainable agriculture. Your support through choosing our Bird Friendly® certified coffee and Bee Bold Coffee helps create positive environmental change, one cup at a time.
Lavender Grace is the Sustainable Ecology Consultant for Thanksgiving Coffee Company
Beyond The Bean: Buzzing with Biodiversity
read more
Decaf - What is the Process?
The benefits of really good, decaffeinated coffee, created by clean processes, are that the flavor, body and unique aroma are all maintained. Let’s shed some light on how this is done and how our decaf coffee is part of a more environmentally friendly and sustainable method for positive impacts on both product quality and what we stand for as an artisan coffee roaster.
Mountain Water Process
Mountain Water Decaffeination Process: The mountain water decaffeination process, also known as the "direct method," is a method of decaffeinating coffee that uses pure water from the glaciers of the highest mountain in Mexico, Pico de Orizaba.
Here are some key points about this process:
- Green coffee beans are soaked in water to extract the caffeine and the flavor compounds.
- The water solution is then passed through activated charcoal filters to remove the caffeine while retaining the flavor components.
- The beans are immersed in the caffeine-free water to reabsorb the lost flavors and oils before drying.
Citlaltepetl o Pico de Orizaba, Mexico
Environmental Effects of Mountain Water Decaffeination Process:
Water Usage: The mountain water decaffeination process requires a significant amount of water, especially as it involves repeated soaking and rinsing of coffee beans. This can potentially strain local water resources in regions where this method is utilized.
Chemical Usage: While the mountain water process is generally considered more environmentally friendly than some chemical decaffeination methods, some plants use small amounts of chemicals in the filtration process, mostly Methylene Chloride. Proper disposal and management of these chemicals are crucial to minimize environmental impact. Descamex is Thanksgiving Coffee’s source for this process. They are Fairtrade and organic certified and have developed a method that is 100% chemical free.
Energy Consumption: The energy required for maintaining the water at specific temperatures, running filtration processes, and drying the beans post-decaffeination all contribute to the carbon footprint of the mountain water decaffeination process.
Swiss Method
Swiss Water Decaffeination Process: The Swiss water decaffeination process is also a popular method for removing caffeine from coffee beans. This process is entirely chemical-free and relies on solubility and osmosis.
Here's how it works:
- Green coffee beans are soaked in hot water to dissolve the caffeine and flavor compounds.
- This water is passed through an activated charcoal filter to remove caffeine, leaving behind the water with the soluble flavor components.
- The beans are then soaked in this flavor-charged water, allowing them to reabsorb the flavors without the caffeine.
Swiss Water Decaffeination Process
Comparison
Decaffeination Method: While both processes use water, the mountain water process directly utilizes water from the mountain glaciers, whereas the Swiss water method continuously filters and reuses water.
Use of Chemicals: The Swiss water process is entirely chemical-free, making it a popular choice for those seeking natural decaffeination methods, whereas the mountain water process may use small amounts of chemicals (methyl chloride) in the filtration process.
Origin: The mountain water process originates in Mexico, utilizing pure glacier water, while the Swiss water process derives its name from the company that pioneered this technique in Switzerland.
Environmental Impact: The Swiss water process is often touted for its low environmental impact due to its lack of chemicals, while the mountain water process may have a slightly higher impact depending on the chemicals used.
In conclusion, both the mountain water and Swiss water decaffeination processes offer unique approaches to decaffeinating coffee beans, each with its own advantages and environmental considerations.
Thanksgiving Coffee Now Uses Swiss Water Process
Thanksgiving Coffee had used the Mountain Water Process in the past due to the quantity of the green coffee beans we source from Central and South America for a lower carbon footprint. However in our quest to search out the most innovative and sustainable practices for coffee production we are leaning into the Swiss water process for our future decaf processing.
So whether you are caffeine sensitive or want to enjoy your coffee anytime day or night we have you covered with amazing tasting, well-crafted decaffeinated coffee.
Lavender Grace is a Creative Consultant for Thanksgiving Coffee Company
Decaf - What is the Process?
read more
Listen to the Farmers of Namanyonyi
Thanksgiving Coffee recently participated in a study called “The Farmers Thriving Index” conducted by 60 decibels who tracks social impact measurements on the ground directly from the farmers themselves. The primary goal was to confirm the findings we had discovered and to validate our shift in focus to “Health and Happiness” as the best way to support our coffee farmers at the Namanyonyi cooperative in Uganda.
85% of the Farmers Report Improved Health
The findings of this report have exceeded our initial report on our Clean Water Project by showing that 85% of the Farmers interviewed report improved household health because of the water filters, and 78% report a reduction in healthcare costs.
Members of the Namanyonyi Community of Shalom Interfaith Cooperative during a clean water training in Uganda
A total Shift in the Way We Support Farmers
This is a huge moment for us as it confirms what our Co-founder Paul Katzeff has be developing over the past several years. The concept is that when the health of the family is increased, the wealth of the household simultaneously increases as well. This study proved that 78% of the Namanyonyi coffee farmers income has been freed from health care costs. That is a huge change, and a big influx of money that can be invested into the wellbeing of the family, rather than going to doctors and medicines.
This is a total shift from the way our company looked at supporting farmers in the past. We thought that if we paid more for the beans it would translate into a better lifestyle for the farmers. Unfortunately, this was not the case, and after 30 years we can now prove this new concept.
Results from Farmers Thriving Index , pg 14
Potential for Entire Industry Shift
Simply Put: Focus on the Health and Happiness of Coffee Farmers
1. Identify the major health challenges and their regions. (For the Namanyonyi Co-op in Uganda this is Clean Water)
2. Increase family wellness and you reduce the costs of healthcare. (78% of the household income was freed up for the Namanyonyi farmers)
The Farmers Thriving Index Report has now confirmed what we had been working towards. The report gave us the ability to hear directly from the farmers themselves and how the effects of clean water.
Learn More
The Namanyonyi co-op study was also included in a larger index with a focus on farmers nationwide in Uganda, as well as Rwanda. To learn more about the national findings you can read it here in the Daily Coffee News.
2024 Coffee Farmer Thriving Index
It is our hope that the coffee industry will learn to shift towards the common good of all farmers with health and happiness for all.
Enjoy the Delicious Peace coffees grown by the Namanyonyi Co-op
Lavender Grace is the Sustainability Consultant for Thanksgiving Coffee Company