Upcoming events and classes

 

Greetings all, Happy autumn all. Lots of good stuff taking place in the region. Folks can sign up for the BRPN e-newsletter here, and view this email as a webpage. Send us announcements here, and post questions, ideas or resources on the BRPN on Facebook here.  Sending all of you rest, regeneration and community. Christine and Terry Blue Ridge Permaculture Network  www.blueridgepermaculture.net   1.  Farfields Farm Upcoming Gathering Please join us for a Harvest Celebration with music by Holy River Sunday, October 23 from 3-8 pm at Farfields Farm 40 Farfields Lane Afton, VA Suggested Donation $15-$35 3-6 pm Activities Include: Apple Pressing Fire Cider Making Demonstration Cob Oven Squash Roast Nut Tasting Farm Tour 6:30-8 pm Music Please bring your own picnic dinner, beverages, plates, utensils and cups Registration is Required at:  https://FarfieldsFarmHarvestCelebration.eventbrite.com  2.  Pollinators and Forest Gardening episode of the Yes! We Rise podcast There is endless wisdom to be learned from the forests. As we listen, observe, and experiment, we can support and create thriving ecosystems that also happen to be delicious! In this episode of The Yes! We Rise Podcast, we’re focusing on plants, gardening like a forest, and planting for pollinators. We’re going to do a deep dive and share how edible forest gardens work and what you can do to create a simple forest garden that builds soil and increases the health of the ecosystems around us. We can grow delicious food while sustaining and replenishing the incredible land that has given us so much. Listen and learn more at the link: https://yeswerise.org/edibleforestgarden 3. Agrarian Commons updates   Recent Land Acquisitions The 73-acre land donation from Dan and Callie Walker into the Central Virginia Agrarian Commons is complete! "For my husband and I it just clicked,” said Callie Walker. The Agrarian Commons model gave Walker and her husband confidence that their land would be managed equitably and responsibly. When land is donated to the Agrarian Commons by folks like the Walkers, farmers and communities benefit from low-cost, long-term access to farmable land.  >>> Continue Reading     Job Opportunities    Would you like to join our team or do you know someone who would? Agrarian Trust is hiring for the following positions: Farmland Tenure Education Specialist Director of People Agrarian Commons Regional Coordinator  Would you support the growth of Agrarian Trust organizational capacity through your contribution?  Donate Please help us to build Agrarian Trust into a sustainable and diverse organization with the capacity needed to take on this challenging, exciting, and impactful work.    Current Land Acquisition Over 60% of the $426,250 goal has been raised and we only need $168,127 more to fully fund the Southwest Virginia Agrarian Commons land acquisition project, giving Cam Terry long-term equitable land security and tenure for his family and farming business. Donate now to help make this project happen so that the USDA defined food desert of Roanoke can take a profound step towards food sovereignty and security. Give now to secure this land   Land and Food Justice in the News Former President and First Lady Barack and Michelle Obama's production company has just put out a story featuring the work of the Agrarian Commons! In it's most shared episode yet, host Heather C. McGhee of The Sum of Us podcast by Higher Ground Productions tells the story of the Little Jubba Central Maine Agrarian Commons. "White people own 98% of U.S. farmland, said Duron Chavis, a board member of the new Central Virginia Agrarian Commons (CVAC) nonprofit, which supports farmers of color. “The gap we’re trying to fill is the land control, land ownership, land tenure gap that Black and Brown communities face not only in Virginia but across the nation,” he said. “Our work is to upset that inequity and put land back into the hands of the most marginalized in our community.” >>> Continue Reading 4.  Virginia Association of Biological Farming update   VABF’s Farm Conference in January is shaping up! There’s more to come - so stay tuned.  Registration opens October 1st. For a sneak peek, we are very excited to share that Dr. Elaine Ingham will be our featured keynote speaker on Saturday! If you don’t know Elaine, she is the pioneer and expert in soil biology. Her soil food web insight and research is known worldwide and she has worked with some of the most prestigious organizations in the horticultural and agriculture industries.  Contact Terry Connell, Conference Coordinator, at coordinator@vabf.org with questions.  https://vabf.org/2023-virginia-biological-farming-conference-2/    5. Click here to secure your spot We are reaching out to make sure you reserve your ticket to the 2022 Wild and Scenic Film Festival hosted by the Living Earth School on Nov. 16, 2022 in Charlottesville, VA at the Violet Crown Cinema, as well as on demand from your home. Tickets are selling so don’t miss out! 2 ticket options are available: > In person @ the Violet Crown Cinema in downtown Charlottesville on November 16, 2022 at 7:00 pm.            OR > At home on demand from Nov. 16-20, 2022 (watch with the whole family). The theme this year is Representation Matters. As Living Earth expands into the nonprofit world, we are focused on bringing nature to more of our community. This series speaks to how healing nature is to people. Films about people standing up for their land, people bucking the trend of typical gender roles and finding new ones that suit them, nature as a way to deal with mental health, or nature simply being accessible for someone in a wheel chair. This is a series of inspiring people working hard to make nature more accessible, adding their skills and voice to create the more beautiful world we all know is possible.  So please join us in November to celebrate together!  This event is a fundraiser for Living Earth to help us bring the healing qualities of nature to more people in our community. This past summer/fall we had great success providing scholarships to many kids for our mentored nature connection programs. And they say they can’t wait to come back. It takes a community to make this happen.    https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wild-and-scenic-film-festival-2022-live-event-tickets-423616306777Get your tickets now!

Copyright © 2022 Blue Ridge Permaculture Network, All rights reserved.  You are receiving this email as you signed up on our contact list or expressed interest in the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network or permaculture classes.  Our mailing address is:  Blue Ridge Permaculture Network 1 Permaculture Way Charlottesville, VA 22901

Upcoming regional classes and events

 

Greetings all, Happy summer all. Lots of good stuff taking place in the region. Folks can sign up for the BRPN e-newsletter here, and view this email as a webpage. Send us announcements here, and post questions, ideas or resources on the BRPN on Facebook here.  Sending all of you rest, regeneration and community. Christine and Terry Blue Ridge Permaculture Network  www.blueridgepermaculture.net   1.  Farfields Farm Upcoming Classes Sunday, July 10 from 1-3:30 -- Wildcrafting Art Supplies with Elise Lauterbach Craft your own wild ink, pigments, pens and brushes from bamboo, walnut hulls, feathers, flowers and more.  Join us in learning to craft basic art supplies with objects found in nature. Elise Lauterbach begins this workshop with a walk to gather supplies on the land, so please dress accordingly. After the walk, we'll use what we've gathered (along with instructor-provided supplies) to craft wild ink, pigments, pens, and brushes. Then we'll use our supplies to create art interpreting the landscape. Participants will take home a variety of supplies they've crafted themselves, and the knowledge to make many more. All are welcome! Registrants younger than 14 need to be accompanied by an adult. If the accompanying adult is solely assisting their child, there is no cost to the adult. If adult wants to work on their own project, please each pay the fee.  Registration is required. The class fee is a sliding scale of $50-$75.    https://FarfieldsFarmWildcraftingArtSupplies.eventbrite.com   Thursday, July 14 from 4-6 pm  -- Gathering in the Gardens: Herbal Make and Take   Join us in the Medicinal Gardens to harvest fresh herbs and craft your own Calendula-infused oil! Calendula’s delightful, resinous blooms have been used medicinally for centuries. Come learn more with us about Calendula’s properties, usage, and cultivation. Bring your curiosity, and we’ll provide the rest! Children are welcome to attend with adult participants! Herbal teas and light snacks will be provided. Event takes place rain or shine Suggested donation: $10-15  “Gatherings in the Garden" is a series of bi-monthly hands-on events focused on the culture of plants and herbal medicine, aimed at creating a strong community network to build local resilience through knowledge-sharing and sociality.  https://FarfieldsMakeandTake.eventbrite.com   Sunday, July 31 from 1-4 pm -- Beginning Botanical Art and Illustration with Celeste Johnston This workshop will teach the history and traditions of botanical art and illustration as well as how to draw a chosen botanical subject with instruction as to which specific details to include and techniques of the best paper, pencils and other supplies to use. Participants will leave with a small accurate botanical drawing that can be rendered into watercolor at home. Celeste Johnston has two years of education in Horticulture and Flower Design from Northern VA Community College, is certified in Botanical Art and Illustration from the Corcoran College of Art and Design and Geroge Washington University, has taught at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, and is currently teaching at the Virginia Museum of Fine Art in Richmond, VA. Celeste is the founding member of the Central VA Botanical Artists and a Council Member of VMFA. She lives in the Northern Neck of VA where she is a teacher and gallery artist at the Arts Center of Montross. Participants should feel free to bring their own drawing paper or notebooks and pencils, but all necessary supplies will be provided. Registration is required. Class Fee is a Sliding Scale of $35-$50. https://FarfieldsFarmBotanicalIllustration.eventbrite.com 2. Shenandoah Permaculture Institute Permaculture Design Course From SPI -- the Fall Permaculture Design Course is on the horizon.   This course will once again be based out of 1Tribe Farm in Mt. Sidney, VA, with 1 weekend hosted by ShireFolk Farm in Palmyra, VA.  Emilie, Ryan and Trevor will be teaching their signature mix of SPI's real-world, hands-on, practical Permaculture, complete with farm tours, skill sessions, site visits and design work.   Fall Dates: September  2, 3, 4;   September 24, 25;  October 8, 9;  and November 12, 13 Here's the link to the webpage for information and registration. Shenandoah Permaculture Institute shenperminstitute@gmail.com 3. The Yes! We Rise Podcast Christine is excited to share the We Rise podcast, which shares stories and strategies to inspire action to build collective resilience and community transformation. It would be great if you’d subscribe to the podcast, leave a rating and review today (especially on Apple podcasts) and follow the podcast on social media. Information about each episode with links to listen can be found at our website: www.yeswerise.org. Sign up for our email list at this link, and check us out on Instagram and Facebook. You can listen to the podcast on your favorite platform (links):    Apple     Google Play      Stitcher     Spotify     Thanks so much for sharing information about the podcast with others!  The We Rise podcast  Instagram: www.instagram.com/yeswerise Facebook: www.facebook.com/WeRisepodcast Website: www.yeswerise.org Sign up for our email list: http://eepurl.com/hzDrHf  4. Central Virginia Agrarian Commons Exciting news! The Central Virginia Agrarian Commons has secured an agreement to acquire 5.12 acres of urban farmland so that the Black farmers who have founded Petersburg Oasis CommUNITY Farm can obtain a 99-year leasehold to grow food for their community and to teach elementary school, high school, and college students to do the same. Located within a food desert with high rates of poverty and food insecurity, the Petersburg Oasis CommUNITY Farm is situated across the street from an elementary school serving over 500 students who are 90 percent BIPOC and 91 percent economically disadvantaged.  This location provides this project the opportunity for incredible social, health, and economic impact for the local community.  Please give generously to help raise the $141,853 needed to acquire this 5.12 acres of urban farmland as the Central Virginia Agrarian Commons' first farmland acquisition project!  Give now Duron Chavis, the project lead, launched the Richmond Noir Farmers Market and various urban farms, orchards, and vineyards,  and continues teaching and leading new and beginning farmers. Tyrone Cherry III, who is also helping to lead this project, is the founder of Petersburg League of Urban Growers, and is hired by Virginia Tech to teach agriculture to college and elementary school students.  Give now Revitalizing the Hood with Urban Agriculture: Duron Chavis at TEDx 5. Deep Belonging - DREAMWORK, RETREATS, and COURSES. Read on for more!  1-ON-1 DREAMWORK SESSIONS (& a special offer!) 1-on-1 Deep Dreamwork sessions! For anyone who has previously participated in a Deep Belonging program (dreamwork, retreat, mentoring, or course), I'm offering a 50% discount on 1 session of dreamwork if you submit a Google Business Review (use this link t submit the review: https://g.page/r/CWt65cEvTflEEB0/review). Of course, I hope that you will give us 5 stars! If you have a less than favorable rating, I would prefer to receive that directly and not on the business profile.  RETREATS & COURSES First retreat of the year — the Deep Psyche Daylong — has been rescheduled to Saturday, July 16 due to Covid. This retreat will be held @ Soft Front Studio in Floyd, VA. We JUST added our first course for 2022 (more to come!).  4-day retreat — Re-membering the Wild Earth — in Floyd, VA from Friday-Monday, September 23-26. We will likely be holding this at a new location, which we are very excited about!  6. Living Earth School  Living Earth Adult Foundations (LEAF) Nine Empowering Weekends in Community and Nature One weekend per month Sept 2022 – May 2023 If the program is marked as FULL, please do register for the waiting list (no cost, by going through the regular registration process). We WILL be offering spots to folks on the waiting list, so please do sign up. In this world of technology and choice, we find ourselves busier than ever. Many of us feel alienated from the core of life, moving faster than feels healthy, wondering if we are connected to what is truly important. Yet it has not always been this way. Even in this modern world there is a surefire way to return to ourselves with clarity and strength: nature connection. Living Earth Adult Foundations—LEAF—is an invitation to remember the most vibrant parts of yourself. For one weekend a month, you have a chance to disconnect from phones and to-do lists, and reconnect to the peace of staring into a fire, the rejuvenation of sleeping under the stars, the inspiration of learning the plants you can eat on the landscape, the joy of laughing and learning with a community of like-minded people. Our mission is to bring nature connection into your life in a powerful way. We explore skills that build competence and confidence, expand awareness, and create a thriving community of passionate students of life and the natural world. Graduates say that LEAF has made them more resilient in the face of life’s struggles and sorrows. They say it gave them the courage to make big life changes. They say they laughed more than they expected, and felt quickly comfortable with the group. They say it helped them feel more at home in their own backyards and more comfortable exploring wild places. Nature connection practices can empower us to feel more grounded and potent in our lives, or as Ryan Eliason says “to become an unstoppable force for good.” REGISTER NOW

💫💫💫

Job postings, events, and resources 🌱

Greetings all,

Happy autumn all. Lots of good stuff taking place in the region. Folks can sign up for the BRPN e-newsletter here, and view this email as a webpage. Send us announcements here, and post questions, ideas or resources on the BRPN on Facebook here.  Sending all of you resilience and regeneration. 

Christine and Terry,
Blue Ridge Permaculture Network 
www.blueridgepermaculture.net  

1. 

Executive Director, Project GROWS (Staunton, Virginia) positions

Project GROWS is an educational nonprofit 10-acre farm with a mission to improve the health of children, youth, and families in the Central Shenandoah Valley through food production, agricultural and environmental education, and by creating accessible food systems for all. The ideal candidate is a self-starter, passionate about food access and farm-based education, and understands the unique needs of underserved youth and families in the Shenandoah Valley. The ideal candidate will have outstanding communication skills, an entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to strong fiscal management, a deep knowledge of organizational leadership, fundraising and grant writing, and significant aptitude for leadership in a growing organization. Learn more: https://www.projectgrows.org/get-involved/internships-jobs

Director of Farming

The Director of Farming oversees the diverse agricultural production that is central to Project GROWS’ mission and day-to-day operations. This is a salaried position starting at $37,740, assuming approximately 40 hours/week with some seasonal fluctuation. Benefits include health insurance, two weeks accrued time off (plus the week between December 24 and January 1st), federal holidays, share of farm produce, and the opportunity to work with an engaged and supportive team. This position may require occasional weekend and/or evening work during the growing season and for special events. View Job Description

Learn more: https://www.projectgrows.org/get-involved/internships-jobs


2.

The Collective Resilience: We Rise Podcast! 

Christine is excited to share the Collective Resilience: We Rise podcast launch, which shares stories and strategies to inspire action to build resilience and community transformation. It would be great if you’d subscribe to the podcast, leave a rating and review today (especially on Apple podcasts) and follow the podcast on social media. Information about each episode with links to listen can be found at our website: www.yeswerise.org. Sign up for our email list at this link, and check us out on Instagram and Facebook. You can listen to the podcast on your favorite platform (links):  
 Apple     Google Play      Stitcher     Spotify

   . 

Thanks so much for sharing information about the podcast with others! We are so excited!

Collective Resilience: We Rise podcast 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collectiveresiliencewerise/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollectiveResilienceWeRise 
Website: www.yeswerise.org
Sign up for our email list: http://eepurl.com/hzDrHf 

3.

Job Announcement at TJSWCD - Agricultural Conservation Program

The Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District, located in Charlottesville, Virginia, is recruiting for one position for either an Agricultural Conservation Technician, Agricultural Conservation Specialist, or Senior Agricultural Conservation Specialist, depending on qualifications and experience. https://www.tjswcd.org/job-postings/

The position involves agriculture conservation work in Albemarle, Fluvanna, Louisa, and Nelson Counties.  A strong background in farm economics and pasture management is a plus.

TJSWCD Employment Application

Applicants will need to submit a completed application, resume, cover letter, and at least three current references to Anne Coates at anne.coates [@] tjswcd.org

The Job Descriptions and the Announcement are also on our Website.

https://www.tjswcd.org/job-postings/


4.
Sharondale Farm workshops
Saturday, October 30, 9am-12pm
Saturday, November 6, 9am-12pm
 
Learn how to grow several different types of mushrooms using low-tech, low-cost methods in your garden or woodlot. Get hands-on experience inoculating logs for mushroom cultivation, as well as methods for annual, perennial, container and forest gardens. 

Discussions will include: 

Selecting mushroom species
Biology and ecology of fungi
Using mushrooms for personal and ecological health
Evaluating your growing substrates and conditions
Seasonal planning for mushroom harvests
How fungi are integral to healthy organic gardening practices
We will have spawn and tools available for sale at the end of the day. 
Register Now at this link!


5.
Forrest Green Farm events and cool stuff
 

Saturday events:
 Free samples of our 3 new flavors of Sparkling Herbal Tea and 1 returning favorite!
 FGF fall raffle worth over $100 (details in event page)
 FGF will also be having an end of season plant sale! 50% off all trees, shrubs and native plants. 20% off all fall veggie starts. 30% off all Echo Valley garden decorations.
The cut flower garden is still going strong so we are doing one more weekend of cut your own flowers with a special price of $5 per bouquet. Enjoy a last taste of summer flowers! The Zinnias look awesome.

More details about Saturdays events here - https://www.facebook.com/events/312316350700134?ref=newsfeed

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
 

🦃 It is Turkey sign up time! Sign up now to reserve your pasture raised holiday turkey. Our turkeys are raised here on our farm from day old poults.  Our turkeys are truly pasture raised on our pastures which means they are moved each day to a fresh patch of grass. Here they are able to feed on fresh grass and insects. We move our turkeys and uniquely designed portable houses throughout our pastures and along the woods edge where they love to eat the freshly fallen fall leaves and acorns. Our turkeys are also supplemented with only non-GMO feed, fresh greens, and vegetables from our gardens and greenhouses. LIMITED QUANTITIES AVAILABLE! 

Sign up here - https://www.forrestgreenfarm.com/home/reserve-your-holiday-turkey/

🥬 Winter CSA is now full for 2021. 

🐮Due to the overwhelming response to the last homeschool farm tour day we have made another date! Join us Friday October 22nd for a Regenerative Agriculture Farm Tour.
Join Rob on a pasture walk to see the pasture raised laying hens, broiler chickens, turkeys, mob grazed 100% grass fed cows, and livestock guardian dogs. Great for all ages! During this educational tour, you’ll get to hear our story, learn about regenerative agriculture, and learn how we raise our animals, vegetables and herbs to create a ecological and sustainable working farm. For the older kids, we will discuss the importance of supporting local food producers and how that impacts your local economy. Also, how supporting small farms insures food security, fresher food and reduces emissions.
This tour is a 2 hour walking farm tour.
Sign up here- https://www.forrestgreenfarm.com/classes/homeschool-day-at-the-farm/

Upcoming Classes 
 2021 Deer Processing Workshop November 7 (2 spots left!)  - https://www.forrestgreenfarm.com/classes/deer-processing-workshop-🦌/
2022 Mushroom Log Workshop - https://www.forrestgreenfarm.com/classes/mushroom-logs/
2022 Whole Living Course - https://www.forrestgreenfarm.com/classes/whole-living-class/

🍁Fall Wellness 🍁
Come out and stock up on FGF herbal teas, elderberry syrup, vitamins, tinctures, bone broth and more! We have got you covered ;)  

https://www.forrestgreenfarm.com/fgfblog/ 


6. 

Kat Maier of Sacred Plant Traditions
Book News - Release Date - November 26

We are so excited to share that Kat Maier's Energetic Herbalism is available to order and will have a ship date of November 26!
                               

https://www.katmaierherbalism.com/  

We Rise podcast launch, SPI permaculture course, and regional events

 Greetings all,

Happy spring. Lots of good stuff taking place in the region. Folks can sign up for the BRPN e-newsletter here, and view this email as a webpage. Send us announcements here, and post questions, ideas or resources on the BRPN on Facebook here.  Sending all of you resilience and regeneration. 

Christine and Terry,
Blue Ridge Permaculture Network 
www.blueridgepermaculture.net  

1. 

The Collective Resilience: We Rise Podcast Launch! 

      

Christine is excited to share the Collective Resilience: We Rise podcast launch, which shares stories and strategies to inspire action to build resilience and community transformation. It would be great if you’d subscribe to the podcast, leave a rating and review today (especially on Apple podcasts) and follow the podcast on social media. Information about each episode with links to listen can be found at our website: www.yeswerise.org. Sign up for our email list at this link, and check us out on Instagram and Facebook. You can listen to the podcast on your favorite platform (links):  
 Apple     Google Play      Stitcher     Spotify

    .  
 

Thanks so much for sharing information about the podcast with others! We are so excited!

Collective Resilience: We Rise podcast 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collectiveresiliencewerise/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollectiveResilienceWeRise 
Website: www.yeswerise.org
Sign up for our email list: http://eepurl.com/hzDrHf 

2.
Shenandoah Permaculture Institute Presents
FALL 2021 PERMACULTURE DESIGN CERTIFICATE COURSE

The course will be held at farms throughout the Shenandoah Valley region of Virginia, with a home base at 1 Tribe Farm in Mount Sidney, VA.

The course will be held over 9 days during 4 weekends in 2021. The dates are September 3, 4, & 5, September 18,19, October 2,3, andNovember 6,7. Course days will run from 9am-6:00pm unless otherwise noted.

REGISTRATION AND INFORMATION:
http://www.shenandoahpermaculture.com/fallpdc.html
Or contact Trevor at shenperminstitute@gmail.com 

TUITION:
Early Registration (through June 30th): $975
Regular Registration (after June 30th): $1,175

ABOUT:
Permaculture is an ethically based design approach to creating sustainable human communities. Although rooted in agriculture, permaculture design also touches on ecological restoration, community development, urban planning, energy systems, and architecture.

WHO SHOULD TAKE THE COURSE:
Anyone interested in developing a productive, efficient, and ecologically sustainable landscape, including backyard gardens, farms, homesteads, and communities. Permaculture Design applies to projects of all sizes and scales. No prior knowledge or experience is required!

COURSE INSTRUCTORS:
This course will be taught by SPI's core teaching team - Emilie Tweardy, Ryan Blosser, and Trevor Piersol, along with guest instructors. The teaching team brings a deep background of experience in regenerative farming, homesteading, permaculture design, and education. For full instructor bios please visit shenandoahpermaculture.com. 

COURSE HIGHLIGHTS:
-Tour some of the region's most successful and innovative permaculture sites including: 1 Tribe Farm, Dancing Star Farm, ShireFolk Farm, and Wild Rose Orchard
-Learn hands-on skills on real working farms 
-Participate in a group permaculture design project 
-Connect to a thriving community of permaculture designers and homesteaders
-SPI's special Permaculture curriculum is tailored specifically to the Mid-Atlantic bio-region


3.
Shenandoah Permaculture Institute Presents
FALL 2021 PERMACULTURE DESIGN CERTIFICATE COURSE
Teaching Apprenticeship Information - DUE TOMORROW!

Shenandoah Permaculture Institute is now accepting applications for a Teaching Apprentice for our Fall 2021 PDC!

The goal of the apprenticeship is to train new permaculture educators. Through the program you will receive mentoring from SPI's teaching team and be given opportunities to teach select modules during the PDC. You will also participate fully in the PDC in a teacher/student role where you can observe and focus on pedagogy.

EXPECTATIONS
-Attend the entire 4-weekend PDC course
-Attend 2 planning meetings prior to the course (virtual)
-Teach 2 1-hour modules during the course, under guidance of the teaching team
-Assist with setup and cleanup of the course before, during, and after class days
-You will receive $200 and a Teaching Certificate upon completion of the apprenticeship

QUALIFICATIONS
-All applicants must have already earned a PDC certificate, have a strong interest in teaching, and be able to provide for their own travel and lodging during the course. Experience in applied permaculture and/or education is a plus

APPLICATION
-Please answer the following questions and email to Trevor at shenperminstitute@gmail.com.
1) Your name and where you live 2) What is your permaculture background and experience? Where and when did you receive your PDC training? If you have done any permaculture design work please email a photo/copy 3) Why are you interested in being a Teaching Apprentice? How will this program help you achieve your goals? 4) What education/teaching experience do you have?  Application deadline: July 1st, 2021
Questions please contact Trevor at shenperminstitute@gmail.com


4.
Soul Fire Farm is a BIPOC*-centered community farm committed to ending racism and injustice in the food system. We raise and distribute life-giving food as a means to end food apartheid. With deep reverence for the land and wisdom of our ancestors, we work to reclaim our collective right to belong to the earth and to have agency in the food system. We bring diverse communities together on this healing land to share skills on sustainable agriculture, natural building, spiritual activism, health, and environmental justice. We are training the next generation of activist-farmers and strengthening the movements for food sovereignty and community self-determination. *BIPOC = Black, Indigenous, and People of Color
AWESOME publications page: https://www.soulfirefarm.org/media/publications/ 


5.
Deep Belonging Collective

Deep Belonging Collective (DBC) is a project recently launched with an amazing group of humans. DBC emerged to support folks in reconnecting with their inner guidance, remembering their deepest potentials as integral members of the Earth community, and reclaiming a functional cosmological orientation. 

Fundamentally, DBC is about tending connections: connections to the wild Earth and cosmos, to our full selves, and to our communities. DBC is committed, not to solving problems, but to remembering this connectedness. To support this work of remembering, DBC offers on-line programs, in-person nature-based immersions, and 1-on-1 mentoring. 

We are committed to offering our programs in the spirit of NOTAFLOF (No One Turned Away For Lack Of Funds) in an attempt to make them widely available.  The attached flyer includes some details on our 2021 schedule of on-land offerings, and more info can be found on our website. 


6.

Breathe in the summer mountain air of western Highland County and visit the Allegheny Farm, our educational campus. Tour the Farm: Learn about our whole-system practices that enhance environmental, personal, and community health. Explore the Fellowship: Meet Fellows, discuss their community work, and learn about our experiential curriculum. Discover Allegheny Mountain Institute: Explore the ways we support schools, hospitals, and organizations to integrate farming, nutritious vegetables, and related education into food systems and outreach initiatives. Taste the Difference: Enjoy farm-fresh snacks and purchase vegetables and eggs grown and cultivated on the Allegheny Farm. Address: 2599 Bear Mountain Road, Hightown, VA Read more at the AMI website: https://www.amifellows.org/

7. 
Living Earth School programs

The Living Earth School is a nature-based educational organization, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of central Virginia in the Charlottesville area.  Our programs draw from both ancient and modern wisdom to help empower students to become better caretakers, mentors, and leaders. We are part of a larger national movement to help people reconnect with the natural world, creating meaningful relationships and experiences. 

Learn about the programs available at: https://livingearthva.com/


8.
Farfields Farm Apothecary and Nursery

Farfields is an agroecological farmstead project that aims to serve the community with nourishing food and nursery plants while building soil and fostering the health of the ecosystems within which they are embedded. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Afton, there is a native plant nursery, pastured laying hens, vegetable and medicinal gardens, mushroom logs, ponds, woodlands, and wildlife. Agro-forestry efforts include an organic, log-grown shiitake mushroom yard, as well as a multitude of wild-simulated plantings and Forest Farming classes. Farfields also helps support the Botanica Mobile Clinic.

Learn more at: farfieldsfarm.square.site/


9.
Agrarian Commons Toolkit

As believers in the commons, we are excited and grateful to be able to share an incredible resource with you. In the past year, our Agrarian Commons development team has collaborated with Vermont Law School’s Center for Agriculture and Food Systems to create an Agrarian Commons Toolkit.

The guide outlines bylaws, land stewardship standards, and equitable lease-building. It also includes summaries of discussions with lawyers, farmers, and other practitioners who participated in creating the legal documents. 

While focused on Agrarian Commons, the guide is meant to be used to assist those looking to establish similar legal structures, such as community-based stewardship of land, or equitable leases based on long-term tenure and regenerative practices. 

This resource is grounded in community land sovereignty and equitable land tenure. Our hope is that it can be a resource for communities interested in community-held land, in and outside of the Agrarian Commons model. It’s meant for anyone who wants to use it, from farmers leaning into collective ownership and governance to those seeking guidelines for an equitable lease. Please share it with members of your own intellectual and land-tending commons!