Greetings all,
Below is an amazing collection of upcoming springtime permaculture and
sustainability events in the central Virginia bioregion, including a few great
mushroom workshops this weekend and some great job and internship openings. If you know anyone else that would like to
sign up for this newsletter, they can sign up here. If you have an
announcement, email us at blueridgepermaculture@gmail.com for the next monthly e-newsletter. Click here to view this email as a webpage. Happy Spring!
Best,
Christine and the BRPN team
www.blueridgepermaculture.net
www.blueridgepermaculture.net
1.
Thursday, March 28th, 2013 in
Charlottesville, VA
Cultivating Community: A Dialogue of Farms, Health and Food
A panel discussion about growing local food.
Piedmont Virginia Community College, Charlottesville, VA
7:30pm in the V. Earl Dickinson Theater
A panel comprised of diverse local farmers, growers and food-sourcers will discuss growing and our community. We aim to address all of the reasons you may be interested in farming, from your own home’s food supply, the ecological impact of farming, the business side, nutrition, or strengthening local food networks. There are deep traditions and of country and family, plus new innovations that are transforming the industry. Come draw them out.
Moderated by Christine Muehlman Gyovai of Dialogue and Design Associates.
Cultivating Community: A Dialogue of Farms, Health and Food
A panel discussion about growing local food.
Piedmont Virginia Community College, Charlottesville, VA
7:30pm in the V. Earl Dickinson Theater
A panel comprised of diverse local farmers, growers and food-sourcers will discuss growing and our community. We aim to address all of the reasons you may be interested in farming, from your own home’s food supply, the ecological impact of farming, the business side, nutrition, or strengthening local food networks. There are deep traditions and of country and family, plus new innovations that are transforming the industry. Come draw them out.
Moderated by Christine Muehlman Gyovai of Dialogue and Design Associates.
2.
Shiitake and Oyster
Mushroom Workshop at Sourwood Farm
Saturday March 16 12pm - 5pm near Charlottesville, VA
This workshop will cover the basics of Shiitake and Oyster
mushroom cultivation. How to select and harvest logs, mushroom
biology, inoculation methods, mushroom log care and harvesting. The
primary focus and fun of the workshop will be inoculating pre-harvested logs
for participants to take home.
Cost:
$50 ($75 for a couple) This includes one
Oyster or Shiitake log to take home
$100 ($120 for a couple) this includes 5 Oyster
or Shiitake logs to take home (that comes out to $12.50 ea. for the extra logs
which I sell for $25 retail)
Workshop will be rain or shine as inoculation area is under
cover. Please bring raincoat/umbrella to view the mushroom log
yard.
It is recommended to wear work clothes and bring gloves as
we will be working with hot wax and logs. (ear plugs will be
provided)
For more info please visit:
3.
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Growing Woodland Mushrooms~ Offered twice March 16th
and March 23rd
at Sharondale Farm
Learn about the biology,
ecology, and outdoor cultivation of several woodland mushrooms including
shiitake, oyster, and reishi. Hands-on demonstrations include simple
methods for mushroom cultivation on logs and woodchips. Discussions
will include post-harvest handling, cooking, medicine making and marketing of
mushrooms. Limited spaces available for March 16th or March 23rd,
9a-12pm. Sharondale Farm, Cismont, VA (http://www.sharondalefarm.com/)
Growing Garden Mushrooms~ April 20th
Learn simple methods for
growing mushrooms as garden allies on straw and compost. Hands-on
demonstrations include: preparing materials by composting, pasteurizing
and fermenting; and inoculation methods for several species of
mushrooms including: Garden Giant, Oyster, and Almond Portobello. Limited
spaces available. 9a-12pm. Sharondale Farm, Cismont, VA (http://www.sharondalefarm.com/)
Sharondale Farm is excited to
offer a Mushroom Cooking Class and Farm Lunch on March 23 and April 20 from 12:30
- 2. We'll fire up the earth oven (pizza!) and Angel will prepare three
seasonal dishes, each featuring one of our farm fresh mushrooms and other
garden goodies. In addition to a tasty lunch, you'll learn nutritional
basics about mushrooms and come away with some culinary inspiration.
March 23 and April 20
12:30 pm - 2pm
Cost: $30 per person*
Save $5 when you register for
a mushroom growing workshop and the lunch.
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4.
Heart Root Herbs Internships in Nelson County, VA
I am currently looking for an
intern or 2 to work at Heart Root Herbs at Shannon Farm in Nelson
County 2 days per week starting ASAP. Duties will include all aspects of
growing, harvesting, and processing medicinal herbs and produce.
Compensation includes a wonderful learning experience, lunch, and herbs and
veggies. To learn more please contact Terry at tygerlilley@gmail.com or call 434-296-3963.
5.
Veggie Garden Interns in Central Virginia
Innisfree Village Gardens is now
seeking 3 Garden Interns to assist with the seasonal needs of vegetable
operation to support a 50+ member CSA. Compensation includes a $400/month
stipend, room in family style accommodations and farm fresh meals. Come join a
rich, varied community life into which interns are welcomed wholeheartedly.
Positions begin in mid/late March for a minimum 3-month commitment.
Contact the Innisfree Village
Gardens at 434-823-5646 for more information.
Vegetable Garden
Vegetable Garden
6.
Community Supported
Agriculture (CSA) at Radical Roots Farm!
Certified Organically Grown produce direct form our farm
to your table, every week!
Community Supported Agriculture cultivates and nurtures a beneficial partnership among farmers, community members and the land. CSA members join our farm in a mutual commitment for the season: Farmers produces nutritious, organic food while the members share in the risks and benefits of the production and harvest.
When joining Radical roots CSA, you purchase a share of the harvest before the growing season begins. Your investment helps to cover the up-front operating costs and in return you receive all the bounty of the harvest.
Community Supported Agriculture cultivates and nurtures a beneficial partnership among farmers, community members and the land. CSA members join our farm in a mutual commitment for the season: Farmers produces nutritious, organic food while the members share in the risks and benefits of the production and harvest.
When joining Radical roots CSA, you purchase a share of the harvest before the growing season begins. Your investment helps to cover the up-front operating costs and in return you receive all the bounty of the harvest.
7.
New Branch Farm
Seasonal CSA
Sign up for a weekly share in the season that fits your
schedule and needs:
Spring - 13 weeks
Autumn - 12 weeks
Winter - 8 weeks
For more information about our CSA: see http://www.newbranchfarm.com/Welcome.html
8.
Spring Wellness
Festival! March 22-24, 2013 at Common Ground Healing Arts
The change of seasons is a perfect time to take charge of
your health and well being, and Common Ground is excited to support you in
that! All sessions in our three-day wellness festival are offered to the public
on a donation basis. Our team of talented presenters are donating their time,
and all donations go directly to benefit equal access to the healing arts at Common
Ground. You can register in
advance to guarantee your space, and walk ins will be accommodated
if space is available. Ample parking is available in the onsite garage in
Charlottesivlle, VA
9.
WEBINAR: How to
Start a Seed Library
Imagine if your public library didn't just check out books — but also packets of seeds. Join this free webinar to learn how to start a seed library! At a seed library, patrons can check out seeds for free. They then grow the fruits and vegetables, harvest the new seeds, and "return" those seeds so the library can lend them out to others.
Imagine if your public library didn't just check out books — but also packets of seeds. Join this free webinar to learn how to start a seed library! At a seed library, patrons can check out seeds for free. They then grow the fruits and vegetables, harvest the new seeds, and "return" those seeds so the library can lend them out to others.
On March 27, the Center for a New American Dream presents
a free webinar about how to start a seed lending program at
your public library. Topics will include funding models, obtaining starter
seeds, patron orientation, and more. The webinar features speakers from seed
libraries around the country.
Register
for this webinar to learn how to start a similar project at your
local library!
Webinar: How to Start a Seed Library at Your Public
Library
Date: Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Time: 2:00pm-3:00pm Eastern (11:00am-12:00pm Pacific)
Cost: Free -- Note: If you miss the webinar, the recording will be available to view on this page starting April 1. Have questions? Please e-mail us.
Date: Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Time: 2:00pm-3:00pm Eastern (11:00am-12:00pm Pacific)
Cost: Free -- Note: If you miss the webinar, the recording will be available to view on this page starting April 1. Have questions? Please e-mail us.
10.
FORREST GREEN
FARM - March Workshops in central VA
GREENHOUSE/HOOPHOUSE CONSTRUCTION WORKSHOP- March
23, 2013 - $100 Time: 9am to 5pm
Structures for growing healthy food and sustainability
The key to our design is a small manageable size and
extremely strong galvanized hoops.
Size - The small size (7’ inside height) has many
advantages most importantly being, it
is efficient to heat (for winter growing) and to cool (for
summer growing).
Hoops - Hand formed for a unique structural quality with
Hot Dipped Galvanized thick
wall (.133”) tubing. Most kits on the market are made of
16 ga. (.065”) or 18
ga. (.049”) tubing.
Topics covered:
• Site considerations - Learn how to use a sun chart
• Foundation layout and ground slope
• Types of greenhouse designs
• Frame design and build
• Hoop design and form
• Different plastic greenhouse coverings
• Different techniques for securing film
• Cooling and heating techniques (we use woodstoves)
This is a hands-on workshop with a unique opportunity to
actually see and
participate in constructing a greenhouse.
Tasks performed during workshop:
• Ground post layout and sink into the ground
• Baseboard installation
• Bend hoops on site and install
• We will actually remove the old and replace the
greenhouse film on one of our greenhouses
Food and drinks will be available throughout the day.
WHOLE LIVING FROM THE GROUND UP - 6
month course - starts in May and has a few spots left.
11.
Zeitgeist Day 2013 Symposium - Fri. 3/15
“Crime, War & Poverty SOLVED using a Technical
Approach to Global Resource Management” -- Recognized as one of the largest
grassroots social movements in the world with Chapters in over 100 Countries,
The Zeitgeist Movement announces its 5th annual ‘Zeitgeist Day’ (“ZDay”) global
awareness campaign. The 2013 symposium will also showcase speakers covering the
most current understandings in the areas of: Human Values, Real Economy,
Applied Science, Technological Unemployment and Global Sustainability. Featured
will be a lecture discussing how worldviews are unknowingly put and kept in
place, followed by presentation that demonstrates new paradigm technologies and
solutions, followed by a Q&A session giving the audience a chance to ask
relevant questions.
When: Friday, March 15, 2013, 7-10pm
Where: Random Row Books, 315 W Main St, Charlottesville
12.
SACRED PLANT
TRADITIONS
Seventh Annual Gaia Gathering for Women
May 3-5
Please join us (once again) for what is becoming a
treasured tradition here in Charlottesville and beyond. Great classes on herbal
wisdom, homesteading, fiber arts and more. This year we have incredible music
and entertainment as well as our usual Beltane celebration.
Six Week Introduction to Herbal Healing
Spring Session:
April 16 - May 21, 2013
Tuesdays 10am – noon, Or (NEW THIS YEAR!) 6:30 - 8:30pm
Tuesdays 10am – noon, Or (NEW THIS YEAR!) 6:30 - 8:30pm
This six week series is great for beginners as well as
those who want to deepen their knowledge and use of herbal medicine. This
course will include history, herbal actions, apothecary practices, recipes,
sacred use of plants and more. The weeks fly by as we spend time in the
classroom, the kitchen, the lab and best of all, the garden. We will learn how
to identify basic back yard medicines as well as those cultivated in the
garden. We will learn harvest techniques, how to dry and preserve our
medicines.
Fee $250 (Deposit: $50).
Fee includes all materials & text.
Fee includes all materials & text.
13.
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Calling all Friends of Betty!
WHAT: Help Betty
Grow Kick-off!
WHEN: Thursday
March 28, 2013 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm
WHERE: The Haven
at First and Market (112 Market Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902)
WHY: It will be
fun! And you'll be able to VOTE for your favorite program that you feel
best serves our community.
Your donations will enable Betty to continue to provide
high-quality environmental programming in Charlottesville and Albemarle.
|
14.
Soils 201 Workshop – Thurs. 3/21
From Local Food
Hub: What do you need to understand about soils to be a good steward? In
this class we will explore the physical, biological, and chemical properties of
soils. We will look at soil fertility and what you can do as a manager to
improve your soil’s health and productivity. All of this taught from a
layperson’s perspective, aimed at practitioners.
When: Thursday, March 21, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: Maple Hill Farm
Cost: $25
Instructor: Ellen Polishuk
RSVP: info@localfoodhub.org | (434) 286-2176
http://localfoodhub.org/workshops/workshop-soils-201/
When: Thursday, March 21, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: Maple Hill Farm
Cost: $25
Instructor: Ellen Polishuk
RSVP: info@localfoodhub.org | (434) 286-2176
http://localfoodhub.org/workshops/workshop-soils-201/
15.
TOM TOM FOUNDERS
FESTIVAL in Charlottesville, VA
A 4 day festival in downtown Charlottesville featuring
innovative talks, concerts, block parties, pitch competitions & creative
expositions.
April 11-14 2013
16.
Bring It! Youth Organizing Weekend – March 22-24
From the Wayside
Center for Popular Education: The Bring It! Youth Organizing Weekend is an
intensive, 2-day introduction to social movement work and organizing skills. Designed
for new organizers generally in the age range of 18-24, the weekend will cover
big picture questions like “What is a social movement” and “How do I leverage
power through organizing” all the way down to nitty gritty workshops on how to
run meetings, use art in activism, and getting your message out.
More info: http://www.waysidecenter.org/bring-it-spring-2013-youth-organizing-weekend/
More info: http://www.waysidecenter.org/bring-it-spring-2013-youth-organizing-weekend/
17.
Women’s Bike Nights, Spring 2013
Women’s Bike nights are FREE! First 1/2 hour of class will
start with a bike topic. Remaining class time will be open shop time to women
only. We will work on each other’s bikes and learn from one another.
April 9th: tires and tubes
April 16th: lubing and greasing
April 23rd: brakes
April 30th: gears
May 7th: evaluating your bearing adjustments
May 14th: bike part craft/ celebrate bike to work week
April 9th: tires and tubes
April 16th: lubing and greasing
April 23rd: brakes
April 30th: gears
May 7th: evaluating your bearing adjustments
May 14th: bike part craft/ celebrate bike to work week
When: Tuesdays, April 9 to May 14th, 5-7 p.m.
Where: Community Bikes, 405 Avon Street
Questions: email shellbellding@gmail.com or call 434-882-1516
Where: Community Bikes, 405 Avon Street
Questions: email shellbellding@gmail.com or call 434-882-1516
18.
Permaculture
Gardener Position in Northern Virginia
PAID Position
available now
I am an adorable four years old permaculture edible
landscaping biodynamic garden in Vienna, Virginia seeking a companionable
gardener to continue my nurturance. This can be flexible in time yet must be
regular enough and reliable to my somewhat seasonal needs. There is also
opportunity to take time-lapse photos of me or in other ways document how
prolific and pest resistant I am. There are also fruit trees to tend. The three
mushroom guilds are in the back on the way to the trails that go to Difficult
Run floodplain and nature sanctuary.
I am on about a third of an acre out of two acres that also include a house and cottage. Currently my plant guilds include a dozen kinds of hot peppers, asparagus, fennel, elderberry, multiple bearing berry plants, sweet potatoes, yams, garlic, ginger, saffron, dates, magenta spreen, okra, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, acorn squash, grapes, rosemary, mint, sorrel, Echinacea, spring onions, onion grass, marsh mallow, kale cultivars, dill, flowers among others.
Sky Jaffe started me four years ago after his apprenticeship at the Commonweal Regenerative Design Institute in Bolinas, California where he worked with Penny and James Livingston-Stark. Sky also led a permaculture project at Willie Smits’s North Sulawesi, Indonesia reclamation center, returning through Hawaii to survey permaculture ‘on island’.
If you are a biodynamic gardener who wants to become a permaculturalist or if you are a permaculturalist and wants to add biodynamic skills please contact Russ Jaffe (703.851.1800 or rjaffe@rmjholdings.com). This is a paid, flex time regular about 10 hour per week position in Vienna, Virginia. Compensation is based on experience and productivity.
I am on about a third of an acre out of two acres that also include a house and cottage. Currently my plant guilds include a dozen kinds of hot peppers, asparagus, fennel, elderberry, multiple bearing berry plants, sweet potatoes, yams, garlic, ginger, saffron, dates, magenta spreen, okra, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, acorn squash, grapes, rosemary, mint, sorrel, Echinacea, spring onions, onion grass, marsh mallow, kale cultivars, dill, flowers among others.
Sky Jaffe started me four years ago after his apprenticeship at the Commonweal Regenerative Design Institute in Bolinas, California where he worked with Penny and James Livingston-Stark. Sky also led a permaculture project at Willie Smits’s North Sulawesi, Indonesia reclamation center, returning through Hawaii to survey permaculture ‘on island’.
If you are a biodynamic gardener who wants to become a permaculturalist or if you are a permaculturalist and wants to add biodynamic skills please contact Russ Jaffe (703.851.1800 or rjaffe@rmjholdings.com). This is a paid, flex time regular about 10 hour per week position in Vienna, Virginia. Compensation is based on experience and productivity.
19.
Common Good City
Farm in DC
While you’re gazing at your calendars and dreaming of the
outdoors, look at our terrific line up of Growing Gardens workshops.
You can learn how to identify, harvest and use Springtime Herbs in the
first workshop on April 27th. Spots are filling up fast,
reserve yours here: http://bit.ly/RruTJ4
For gardeners starting your own seeds for your gardens,
now is the time to get your brassicas (kale, collard, broccoli, cauliflower),
alliums (onions, leeks) and various greens such as lettuce and swiss chard
sown. We recommend allowing seedlings to grow at least 4 weeks in the
greenhouse and 1 week ‘hardening off’ outdoors before transplanting them in the
ground. The “hardening off” period is crucial for seedling survival – it
is a time when the plants get acclimated to temperature fluctuations and wind,
but can still be moved back indoors in the event of a hard frost or extreme
weather.
At the Just Food Conference 2013, our farmer
Anita will co-lead a workshop showing how our partnership with the mobile
market of Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food and Agriculture is improving access
to fresh food and nutrition education in underserved areas, or “food
deserts,” in Washington DC and surroundings.
And on the topic of fresh food in our neighborhood, Cause
DC is hosting a dinner to benefit Common Good City Farm on March 26th
at 7PM. 100% of the ticket price supports our programs for low-income DC
residents. Our delicious, organic produce is on the menu,
and Anita and Cause DC chefs answer your questions. Sponsors include Profish,
Fells Point, and Even’Star Farms. Tickets are on sale at
www.causedc.org/store
20.
*In Staunton, free!
Food Regulations for Entrepreneurs, Wednesday March 20, 6
PM*
Whether you are getting ready to sell your food at your
local farmers
market, making products for catering or wholesale, or
opening up a new
restaurant or other food space, make sure you know the
food safety
regulations and best practices for running a food business
with our Food
Regulations Class! Kate Weakley from the Virginia
Department of Agriculture
& Consumer Services (VDACS) will lead this informative
class and answer
your questions on topics like kitchen inspections,
packaging and labeling,
how to keep food safe when selling at the farmers market,
and much more!
You can also get some helpful literature from VDACS to
guide you in the
process of opening and running your food business!
Location: 10 Byers St.,
Staunton, VA 24401 Price: FREE! Please RSVP to justin@stauntonfund.com if
you plan to attend.
21.
Edible Landscaping purchase opportunity - purchase
either a bulk share
or individual plants!
This year, purchase a bulk share of edible landscape
plants for you yard!
(Also available individually)
This is by far the most economical way to plant your food forest!
There are enough plants here to nicely integrate into your yard. Over the
years, most of these plants will
increase in yield and you will gain many friends!
All of these plants will produce fruit for 10 or more
years, if cared for appropriately. The strawberry and raspberry will also
expand into the size bed you prepare for them, so be prepared!
If one share is too much, share with your friend. What great
gifts your leftovers could make!
Each full share contains the following:
· 30 Asparagus Roots
· 80 Strawberry Plants
· 6 Raspberry Plants
· 6 Blueberry Plants (multi variety)
· 4-6 Fruit Trees (multi variety)
22.
Director, Hull Springs Farm
Longwood University
Full-Time, Administrative and Professional Faculty, Exempt
Position #FA368
Longwood University is an institution of higher learning
dedicated to the development of citizen leaders who are prepared to make
positive contributions to the common good of society. In support of this
mission we invite qualified applicants to apply for the position of Director of
Hull Springs Farm. Current work at Hull Springs Farm, a 662 acre waterfront
property in Virginia’s Northern Neck, is guided by a mission to manage and
develop the site as a compelling model of conservation and stewardship to
educate the students of Longwood University, other institutions, and the
greater community about their role in creating a more sustainable planet. The
successful candidate will have a unique opportunity to play a critical role in
Hull Springs Farm’s development as a premier education, research, and
conservation center for the University, the Commonwealth, and the Chesapeake
Bay watershed.
Link to official announcement: http://www.longwood.edu/assets/hr/FA368_Director_Hull_Springs_Farm.pdf
23.
Exploring Best Food Safety Practices and GAP (Good
Agricultural Practices) Certification for Beginning Farmers
Virginia Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coalition Project
- Webinar Series, No. 2
Wednesday, March 20, 3:00 - 4:00 pm
This Webinar will be presented by Wythe Morris,
Virginia Cooperative Extension Agent, Commercial Horticulture
To participate in this webinar, please go to: http://connect.ag.vt.edu/vabeginningfarmergap
Local and regional food systems that connect farmers to
nearby markets are continuing to grow throughout Virginia and the U.S. Because
of this, many farmers are experiencing a wider array of marketing opportunities
such as through farmers markets, restaurants, grocery stores, schools,
colleges, universities, and hospitals. Through a 2011-2012 survey of Virginia
beginning farmers and ranchers, respondents indicated that they had lower levels
of knowledge about food safety and good agricultural practices (GAP)
certification compared to other production practice needs. Virginia beginning
farmer respondents also indicated that they were utilizing numerous direct and
intermediate marketing channels for distribution and sale of their products.
The purpose of this webinar is to help Virginia beginning farmers and ranchers
and other agricultural service providers understand the policies, regulations,
and processes that allow for safe food production, distribution, and
consumption. Please join us for a presentation by Mr. Wythe Morris, Virginia
Cooperative Extension Agent in Commercial Horticulture as he describes best
food safety practices and the GAP certification process. Following this
presentation, you will have an opportunity to ask Wythe your questions as he
helps guide you through safe food production and certification. For more
information about the webinar or questions, please contact webinar organizers
Matt Benson (mcbenson@vt.edu) or Kim
Niewolny (niewolny@vt.edu).
Recordings of past webinars can be found on the project
website: http://www.vabeginningfarmer.aee.vt.edu/webinar/Archive/webinar-archive.html
.
24.
16th
Annual Certificate Permaculture Design Course Online
Cycle 16 of the Elfin Permaculture annual course online
begins April 14. Enrollment has begun. To allow for other projects, we
may, at the conclusion of Cycle 16, discontinue annual offerings of this
program for some years, or permanently. To accommodate students enrolled
in our deliberate track, which involves students during two of our-six month
course cycles, we will have some sort of program for Cycle 17, but we may well
accept only non-certificate students not submitting designs. The decision
will be made during, or shortly following, Cycle 16.
The Elfin Permaculture Design Course Online is singularly rigorous
and complete, with 21 course modules of one week or more, most covering
multiple topics. Full details of the course structure and content may be read
in the course preregistration package, which is a free download at http://www.barkingfrogspermaculture.org/preregistration.pdf
