Upcoming Events 

November 2016

Greetings all,
 Below is an amazing collection of upcoming events in the central Virginia bioregion!  Folks can sign up for the BRPN e-newsletter here.  Send us announcements to: blueridgepermaculture@gmail.com, or click here to view this email as a webpage. And check out the BRPN on Facebook here.

Best,
Christine and the BRPN team
www.blueridgepermaculture.net 


1.  
Hebron Hill Crowdfunding campaign for healing and retreat sanctuary

Thank you so much for your interest in our efforts to foster healing and resilience by carving out a sanctuary of rest and renewal for others. Our crowdfunding campaign is live at www.igg.me/at/hebronhill!  Hebron Hill will feature permaculture gardens and active farming as part of their retreat program.  Please share widely, contribute what you can, and enjoy choosing from a great array of great perks available for every level of giving.
As you know, this project is very near and dear to my heart. Loving and losing my daughter forever changed me. She has been the greatest teacher of my life. Above all, she taught me the power of love. I have also learned the beauty of being fully present in the moment, the power of self-compassion, the necessity of believing the we can do hard things, the joy of giving to others, and the importance of listening to my gut.
In my bones, I know that opening up Hebron Hill as a space of solace for others is the right thing to do. Not everyone has access to a space that fosters healing and resilience but with your help, we’ll be able to offer this experience to many in need. Thank you for standing behind this vision and being a part of our journey.
www.HebronHillFarm.com
Learn more and support our efforts here!


2.
Urban Farm Intern - Staunton, Virginia
The Allegheny Mountain Institute is hiring a Farm Intern for the AMI Urban Farm at Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind in Staunton, VA. The Urban Farm Intern will work under the mentorship of the Farm Manager to carry out all aspects of fruit and vegetable production, including crop planning, planting, harvesting, post-harvest processing, and sales. He/she will receive extensive training in market garden production techniques, organic methods, and permaculture design and will have the opportunity to take on significant responsibility. This is a paid full-time educational internship from February 1, 2017 through November 30, 2017. To apply go to https://form.jotform.com/62944595846170

Garden Education Intern - Staunton, Virginia
The Allegheny Mountain Institute is hiring a Garden Education Intern for the Urban Farm at Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind in Staunton, VA. The Garden Education Intern will work closely with AMI Urban Farm staff to carry out on-farm classes, work study programs, Farm to School nutrition education, workshops, and events. He/she will receive extensive training in garden-based education from experienced horticulture educators and have the opportunity to collaborate on curriculum and lesson planning. In addition, the Garden Education Intern will participate in weekly farm operations including planting, harvesting, and post-harvest processing. This is a paid full-time educational internship from February 1, 2017 through November 30, 2017. To apply go to https://form.jotform.com/62944187768170


3.
Food Film Forum event Thursday Nov. 30th
The UVa Food Collaborative will host a Food Film Forum event Thursday Nov. 30, featuring 6 short films that highlight various community food system topics from seeds to climate change to our own Westhaven. There will be 6 expert panelists to lead discussion.

Location is 153 Campbell Hall, just up the steps from Culbreth Theatre, with free parking in the Culbreth garage (130 Culbreth Rd). Food provided by UVa Dining. 5:30 for food, 6:00 for films and 7:00 for panel/audience discussion.
 Moderator is Tanya Denckla Cobb from the Institute of Environmental Negotiation. Admission Free and open to all; any small donation welcome.


4.
Sacred Plant Traditions
Epigenetics, Methylation and the Alchemy for Understanding Mental Health
Saturday – Sunday, December 10-11

Join Phyllis D. Light, MA, Herbalist, for a weekend class devoted to natural approaches to mental health issues. She’ll divide the subject into subtopics for an easier understanding of the complex factors that may influence mental health disorders. We’ll talk about relationships, neurotransmitters, epigenetics, and methylation. In addition, Phyllis will discuss the role of herbs, foods, supplements, and lifestyle changes that can help return balance to mind, body, and spirit.    $225 for both days
 Registration and More Information


5.
Living Earth School - Winter Homeschool Program!
Learn to thrive in all seasons with our Winter Homeschool Program!
If survival and living off the land is your thing, then join us for some Wintery Homeschool Adventures and put your skills to the test! Our winter location will be held in Afton.

Join us for: Fire making, crafting, hanging out in our tipi, making our own winter-hardy shelters, tracking animals through snow and winter mud, finding springs in the forest and making warming tea over the fire...the possibilities are endless. Learn to live and feel at home in wintery conditions and gain confidence in your skills.  Ages: 10 and up
Dates: Wednesdays: Jan 4, 11, 18, 25, Feb 1, 8, 15, and 22 -- 10am-4pm
Location: at our Afton base camp
There are very limited spaces for this class, so register now! Once it's full, it's full. We're super excited for this wintery opportunity! Act fast to get in on the early bird discount- see you there!
Register Here!


6.
WILDERNESS FIRST AID
Register Now!

December 10 and 11th, 2016 – – – 8:30AM – 6:30PM both days.
One Forest will be hosting instructor Matt Rosefsky for a weekend Wilderness First Aid certification course. This class is for Adults and focused youth 12+  No prior experience required.  This versatile class can give a wide variety of people an important skill set.  Whether you are a nurse, hiker, parent, or someone that just likes to be prepared this class is for you!

http://www.one-forest.com/groups-events/adults/wilderness-first-aid


7.
Growing Food, Building Community
AMI Fellowship Program: 2017 Applications Available

Allegheny Mountain Institute (AMI) is seeking inspiring individuals to participate in the sixth cohort of our AMI Fellowship program. The 18-month Fellowship prepares and empowers individuals to become teachers and ambassadors for a more vibrant and accessible local food system.  The Fellowship is a program of AMI, an educational non-profit organization with the mission to cultivate healthy communities through food and education.

Applications are due by February 1, 2017 and are available at: www.alleghenymountaininstitute.org
 For more information and questions, please visit www.alleghenymountaininstitute.org, the Allegheny Mountain Institute Facebook page or email us at info@alleghenymountainschool.org.


8.
From our friends at Transition Cville
********************
Saturday 11/19 Vinegar-Making Workshop
10am-noon at Monticello
Most people are unaware of the rich traditions of using vinegar in cooking, as a food preservative, and even as a wholesome beverage. Making vinegar at home is quite simple. Join wine-maker and master-chef Gabriele Rausse in reviewing the basic principles of vinegar-making, and then learn how to use it in preparing vegetables and meat and in concocting delicious aromatized dressings.  $24.  Register at  https://www.monticello.org/site/visit/events/vinegar-making-workshop.

********************
Saturday 11/19 Beer Brewing Basics
11am-12:30pm at Fifth Season Gardening, 900 Preston Ave.
Have you ever wanted to brew your own beer but feel a little intimidated by the prospect? Well this is the perfect chance to see the brewing process de-mystified and broken down into easy-to-replicate steps. Come and learn the basics and some proven techniques that will make your first brew one to brag about! Free.  http://fifthseasongardening.com/upcoming-classes-charlottesville

********************
Saturday 11/26 Small Business Saturday
All Day Downtown
Get a jump on your holiday shopping with Charlottesville’s local businesses. Get everything you need to be holiday-season-ready. Celebrate Small Business Saturday—shop small but think big!

********************
Saturday- Sunday 11/26-27  Felt Vest Making
9am-5pm at The Living Energy School, Afton
In this class you will learn to make a wool felted vest, perfect for winter time. First you will make a large piece of felt, using the traditional wet felting and rolling method.  Then you will cut out the vest and sew it up, adding bottoms and ties. Style and function all in one!  $225.  Register at http://livingearthva.com/event/felt-vest-making/?instance_id=1002.

********************
Saturday 12/3 Primitive & Survival Skills Workshop
10am-1pm at the Scheier Natural Area
Come join Steve Pullinger for one of the most popular workshops at the Scheier Natural Area.   You will learn about shelter, fire, and other useful skills.  Free.  Please register at  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RCSPrimitiveWorkshop.

********************
Thursday 12/8 Film Screening:  "SEED:  The Untold Story"
7:30-9:30pm at the Regal Cinema, Stonefield
The Farm Stand of Louisa is hoping to host this feature-length documentary following passionate seed keepers protecting a 12,000-year old food legacy.  Gathr® screenings can only happen if a minimum number of people reserve tickets before a screening request expires.  If the minimum number of reservations is not met, the screening does not take place and no one is charged.  See the trailer at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7fjRZQJXmc.  Sign up for tickets at https://www.facebook.com/events/1794168630830934/.

********************
Evolution Glass:  Recycled Glass Reimagined
Evolution Glass is looking to repurpose even more recycled glass into beautiful tables and countertops.  To do this they need another kiln, glass crusher, and other equipment.  You can help make all this a reality by participating in their crowd-funding campaign:  https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/evolution-glass-recycled-glass-reimagined#/.

********************
Home Energy Check-Ups are Checking Out
The Home Energy Check-Up program - having a LEAP Building Analyst check out your home for $20 - will end Dec. 24.  Get on LEAP's schedule before prices go up!  http://leap-va.org/schedule-your-home-energy-check-up-with-leap/

Transition worldwide is creating awesome local economies that care for people and the environment... and hopefully saving humanity from climate change while we're at it. It ain't easy, but it's FUN!

info@transitioncville.org
www.transitioncville.org
www.facebook.com/transitioncville


9. From our friends at VABF

Tricycle Gardens – 2017 Urban Agriculture Fellowship Application
Richmond, VA
Information and Application (PDF)

Tricycle Gardens is pleased to accept applications for the 2017 Certificate in Urban Agriculture program now through January 15, 2017. The comprehensive, immersive training program is offered within Tricycle’s 11 month-long Urban Agriculture Fellowship program. Beginning in February 2017, a small cohort of Urban Ag Fellows will spend between 15-20 hours each week participating in dynamic classroom instruction, outdoor classroom discussions, demonstrations and practice. Urban Ag Fellows gain hands-on experience in urban farming and non-profit food access programming on Tricycle’s two Urban Farms, an urban orchard, and in Tricycle’s mission programs. The goal of the program is to provide experiential and technical training that enables a graduate to go on to starting their own small, urban farm, a small business in the field of urban agriculture, or support the work of creating healthier food systems in our local community. An information packet and application are available for download at www.tricyclegardens.org. For more information, please contact Tricycle Gardens Urban Agriculture Certificate Program Manager at 804-231-7767 or fellowship@tricyclegardens.org.


2017 Virginia Biological Farming Conference -  January 10-11, 2017

Register Now >

Join us January 10-11 for Virginia's premier gathering of farmers, gardeners, and supporters as the Virginia Association for Biological Farming (VABF) and Virginia State University (VSU) collaborate to bring you knowledgeable speakers, informative sessions, amazing local food, and wonderful networking opportunities!  Conference information can be found at vabf.org/conference. Information on speakers, sessions, and opportunities to be involved is updated weekly.

Pre-Conference Workshops are offered on Monday, January 9th.

Enjoy Membership Rates!
Join VABF or renew your membership starting at $40. For more information about memberships, visit vabf.org.

Lodging
This year come we are thrilled to offer an amazing venue for conference, the historic Homestead Resort located in the mountains of Hot Springs, Virginia. Rooms start at only $89/night! Bring your family, friends, and co-workers to conference this year and experience the Southern hospitality and elegant charm that have made The Homestead a premier destination for 22 U.S. presidents dating back to the 18th century. For additional information about The Homestead, visit their website.

Questions?  Email our conference registrar, Jacqueline, at conference@vabf.org or call 434-735-0139.

Exhibitors & Sponsors register here: https://vabfvsu2017exhibit.eventbrite.com/

Facebook Event page: 2017 Virginia Biological Farming Conference

Upcoming Events 

October 2016

Greetings all,
 Below is an amazing collection of upcoming events in the central Virginia bioregion!  Folks can sign up for the BRPN e-newsletter here.  Send us announcements to: blueridgepermaculture@gmail.com, or click here to view this email as a webpage. And check out the BRPN on Facebook here.

Best,
Christine, Terry, and the BRPN team
www.blueridgepermaculture.net 


1.  
Shape-shifting, Sensuality, and Slowing down: Connecting with the Spirits of Nature
November 10-13 in Berkeley Springs, WV

This is a 4-Day immersive and experiential retreat offered by Wild Spirit Healing Arts that will focus on ways we can shift from simply exerting our will in how we live, work and create on the Earth to the practices that allow us to work and live harmoniously with the wise and loving Spirit of the Earth. This workshop will teach methods for connecting with the spirits of nature for healing and to inform our decisions and is especially suited for people who work with the land in any way. However, we all ARE nature and this retreat can provide sublime encouragement and deep resources for anyone who wants to live with a more expansive, embodied, cooperative connection to Life.

For details on workshop topics, flow, and registration, please visit the Wild Spirit Healing Arts website: http://www.wildspirithealingarts.com/workshops.html.

The workshop is limited to the first 13 participants. Register by Oct 22^nd for an early bird discount.


2.
The 2017 North American Agroforestry Conference in Blacksburg, VA June 27-29, 2017

Please consider attending or submitting an abstract for the 2017 North American Agroforestry Conference to be held on Virginia Tech's campus from June 27-29, 2017. The conference is accepting submissions for oral presentations, posters, panels, and special topic sessions. Many permaculture systems include agroforestry practices and the Association for Temperate Agroforestry welcomes your ideas and experience. Abstract submissions are due December 9, 2016.

Come and join to learn about the latest advances in agroforestry research, practice, outreach, and policy; see innovative on-the-ground systems with agroforestry farmers; share your agroforestry experience, skills, and knowledge; and participate in pre-conference training and tours


3.
Stay tuned for future Permaculture Design Courses and events with the Shenandoah Permaculture Institute at: www.shenandoahpermaculture.co


4.
MEDICINE MAKERS GATHERING at Forrest Green Farm
October 29th, 2016  10-4
Harvesting Roots and Preparing For Winter
Projects planned for October Gathering:

• harvesting roots of burdock to take home ( use in soups,stir-fry, tincture, dry, pickle etc.)
• Make Burdock Pickles (pint Jar)
• Wild Cherry & Immune Boosting Cough Syrup (pint size)
• 1 Herb Honey (1/2 pint size)(your choice but traditionally we do elecampane honey sticks)
• 1 Hawthorne Heart Tonic Tincture ( 1/2 pint size)
• 1 Elderberry, Sumac, Ginger, Elixir (quart size)
• 1 Horseradish Cold & Flu Vinegar AKA Fire Cider (pint size)

Click Here for more and info


WINTER CSA at Forrest Green Farm:
Sign up now for November - January Session
Several options available for Forrest Green Farm's leafy greens, chicken, eggs, and teas.
Click Here for more info and pricing


5.
Learn how to grow great garlic in your own backyard with the Allegheny Mountain Institute:
Garlic is a delicious and versatile plant with incredible health properties and is normally planted in the late fall here in Virginia. Garlic expert Julianne McGuinness will share tips and advice on growing garlic, including a hands-on planting demonstration and discussion. The workshop will also include a tasting of different types of both hardback and softneck garlic.

Workshop will be held at the AMI Urban Farm
 at VSDB
on the campus of Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind,
located at 113 New Hope Rd in Staunton, VA. (MAP)
  


Workshop fee is $15.
Click here to register online with Staunton Parks and Recreation
Please register by November 4
 
For more information, contact Trevor at
trevor@alleghenymountainschool.org, or 540-886-0160


6.
From our friends at Transition Cville:
Tuesday 10/25 Cville TimeBank Orientation
5pm at the Northside Library
Everyone has something to give, and the TimeBank is a way to trade services and build community at the same time.  Potential members set up a profile on the member portal, and attend an orientation prior to having their Timebank account authorized.  Once your account is authorized, you can begin browsing current offers and requests – and post your own!  A second session is offered Tuesday, Nov. 8, 6pm at Mary Williams Center in the Jefferson School City Center.  cvilletimebank.com/membership-information/ 

********************
Wednesday 10/26  Medicine Maker Series:  Syrups, Oxymels and Fire Cider
6-9pm at The Elderberry, 1917 Commonwealth Dr.
Not a tea drinker and/or wanting to avoid alcohol-based herb preparations? Try an oxymel (a concoction of vinegar and honey)! Do you have lovely flowers in bloom that you want to preserve and enjoy throughout the winter? Try a honey! In this class you will learn how to make and oxymels, syrups and vinegars and their uses. You will experiment with making the above concoctions using a variety of herbs from heavy roots to flowers and leaves. The best part is the tasting!  $25. www.elderberryherbals.com/calendar/

********************
Thursday 10/27  Retrospective:  Waterpenny Farm
4-6pm at Albemarle County Office Bldg., Rm 235, 401 McIntire Rd.
Led by Eric Plaksin and Rachel Bynum of Waterpenny Farm in Rappahannock County, this workshop will share best practices and lessons learned from a small, diversified farm. An informal presentation and discussion will provide an excellent opportunity to learn from two talented farmers who have weathered the challenges of farm start-up to growing their business into a thriving operation that reflects their commitment to land stewardship.  $10.  RSVP to Adrianna@localfoodhub.org.

********************
Thursday 10/27  Remarkable Trees of Virginia with Jeff Kirwan
7-9pm at Ivy Creek Natural Area
Jeff Kirwan, professor emeritus at Virginia tech will talk about the “Remarkable Trees” project that resulted in the 2008 book, “The Remarkable Trees of Virginia,”  a stunningly beautiful presentation of the collaboration between the noted garden writer Nancy Ross Hugo and the photographer Robert Llewellyn.  Jeff will speak about the project and the program now called the Virginia Big Tree Program and Remarkable Trees Program.

********************
Saturday 10/29  Growing Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms
9am-noon at Sharondale Farm, Cismont
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.   Discussions will include biology and ecology of fungi, using mushrooms for personal and ecological health, and methods for cultivating shiitake, oyster, lion’s mane, reishi, and other mushrooms in wood, straw, and compost.  $75.  Sign up at www.sharondalefarm.com/workshops/.

********************
Saturday 10/29  Persimmon Festival
9:30am-3:30pm at Edible Landscaping, Afton
The persimmon is becoming a well respected addition to sustainable planting in every state in the US.  Large delicious fruits and a gorgeous tree. Tour the unique collection and savor some of the best persimmons from the world over. This is a great time for planting, and the festival offers tours and lectures, plus all plants are 20% off of regular prices.   Complete schedule of events at  ediblelandscaping.com/.

********************
Saturday 10/29  Introduction to Cheesemaking
11-noon at Fifth Season Gardening
If you’ve ever been curious about making cheese at home, join in for this free cheese-making demonstration. You'll learn all the basics of turning milk into cheese, PLUS you’ll get to sample some yummy treats as well!  Free.  fifthseasongardening.com/upcoming-classes-Charlottesville

********************
Tuesday 11/1  350.org Central Virginia Membership Meeting
6:30-8:30pm at the EcoVillage, 480 E. Rio Rd.
Come out to the Central Virginia chapter of this national movement and find out what you can do to help stop climate change.

********************
Thursday 11/3 Clean Energy Forum:  Exploring Wind and Solar
8:30am-12:30pm at the Paramount Theater
The Conservation and Beautification Committee of the Garden Club of Virginia presents a Conservation Forum on wind and solar energy.  This dynamic forum will feature speakers and panelists from government, private industry groups, and others.  $30.  www.theparamount.net/2016/garden-club-of-virginias-58th-conservation-forum-presents-clean-energy-exploring-wind-and-solar/

********************
Friday 11/4 Master Gardener Information Session
noon-1pm at the Northside Library
Enjoy gardening?  Want to know what volunteer services Master Gardeners provide the public?  Interested in applying for the Master Gardener Training Program?  Attend an information session to learn more!    piedmontmastergardeners.org/events/fall-information-session-1/

********************
Friday 11/4 Green Grannies of Charlottesville Rock the Vote
5:30pm at the central fountain of the Downtown Mall
The Green Grannies and other local environmental groups will gather to sing for climate action at the polls.  Come support them and help make climate action a top priorotiy for voters on Election Day!

********************

Sunday 11/6 Property Rights Revival
1-5pm at the Rockfish Gap Community Center, Afton
Come out and revive the spirit of the Constitution!  Music, refreshments, dynamic speakers, and games for kids.   Join the Friends of Nelson and other citizens, groups, organizations, and property owners along the routes of the ACP & MVP for a super-charged, foot-stomping, and exhilarating day of rejuvenation - celebrating and honoring our constitutional property and citizen rights! Bring the kids too ... they are our future!   friendsofnelson.com/calendar-event/property-rights-revival/

********************

Sunday 11/6 Casa Alma Open House
4-6:30pm at 911 Nassau St.
Casa Alma, Charlottesville's Catholic Worker community, sponsors an open house and community supper on the first Sunday of each month. Tours of this urban homestead and Q&A are from 4-5pm then food preparation and set-up from 5-6pm, with supper at 6pm.  All are welcome! Contact Laura at cvillecw@gmail.com for more information. 

********************
Saturday 11/12 - Sunday11/13 Herbal First Aid Kit
9am-5pm at the Living Earth School, Afton
Using herbs for first aid has been practiced as long as humans have been roaming this planet.  In this class you will learn some beginning herbal first aid techniques, including a basic wound salve and a bug bite/skin irritation salve, basic tincture making, Elderberry syrup, and how to make a poultice.  You will also make a bag to hold your first aid makings and a smaller pouch to hold your other first aid supplies such as bandages.  $225.  Register at  http://livingearthva.com/event/herbal-first-aid-kit-making-virginia/?instance_id=998.

********************
Saturday 11/12 - Sunday11/13 Artisans Studio Tour
10am-5pm at various studios
For one weekend every fall, artisans in Central Virginia open their doors for you to explore their working spaces. This fall see where they create; learn why they create; and examine how they create. It's a fun, unique opportunity and a great way to spend
a fall weekend!   Free.  www.artisanstudiotour.com/about/



********************
Sunday 11/13 Homebrew for Hunger
1-5pm at Fifth Season Gardening, 900 Preston Ave.
Come by to sample a wide variety of craft beers from local homebrewers and area craft breweries.  Whether you enjoy brewing your own, or just drinking the good stuff, this is a great opportunity to mix and mingle with folks who really know their beer.  With over 100 hand crafted beers flowing, Homebrew for Hunger Charlottesville is the place to be for beer lovers. You can also try small batches from craft brewers from across the region.  All proceeds will go to the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.  $30.  homebrewforhunger.com/charlottesville/

********************
Visualizing Electric Vehicle Sales
Check out this fun graphic discovered by EnergizeCharlottesville! on the progress of EV sales:  energy.gov/maps/visualizing-electric-vehicle-sales.

Help wanted. Share your skills!
Transition worldwide is creating awesome local economies that care for people and the environment... and hopefully saving humanity from climate change while we're at it. It ain't easy, but it's FUN!

info@transitioncville.org
www.transitioncville.org
www.facebook.com/transitioncville


7.
From Common Good City Farm in DC
Next Saturday, October 29th, we will be combining our annual Season Closing Party with the LeDroit Park Civic Association to host a fun community day in the park.  Activities begin at 10am in The Park at LeDroit and include music & performances, crafts, Halloween costumes (for all ages & dogs, too), and opportunities for community members to provide input into future improvements to the park.  From 11 am-1 pm, Common Good City Farm will join in on the fun and celebrate an amazing 2016 growing season with a free cookout, cooking demo, soap making demo, and pumpkin painting.

The good news is, although the farm is "closing" for the season, we will be holding pop up Farm Stands into November.  Please check our website and social media outlets for Farm Stand announcements.

We hope to see you on the farm October 29th!


8.
Community Voices Presents Anthony Flaccavento
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA - October 24, 7 pm

Anthony Flaccavento is an organic farmer, innovator and sustainable development pioneer from Abingdon, Virginia. He will be the featured Community Voices speaker on Monday, October 24, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at the Alexander Black House, 205 Draper Rd., Blacksburg, VA. Following the talk, he will be selling and signing copies of his recently-released book, Building a Healthy Economy From the Bottom Up (University of Kentucky Press, 2016).

Anthony Flaccavento will participate in an informal luncheon roundtable discussion on October 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Room C of the Graduate Life Center, 155 Otey Street. The roundtable will include a light lunch that is available for $5, or attendees may bring their own. Please, RSVP to Regina Naff by Friday, October 21 at noon to sign up for lunch (regina50@vt.edu and/or 540-231-6775).

For more information, interview requests, or if you need accommodations for the public presentation, please contact Andy Morikawa at the Virginia Tech Institute for Policy and Governance: andymorikawa@vt.edu or (540) 230-1492 mobile.
The Community Voices fall series is sponsored by School of Performing Arts; Department of Landscape Architecture; Virginia Tech Graduate School; School of Public and International Affairs; Department of Agricultural, Leadership, and Community Education; Office of Associate Vice President of Engagement; College of Architecture and Urban Studies; Department of Political Science; and the Institute of Policy and Governance.


9.
Making the Food System more Just and Diverse - a public seminar by Karen Washington
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA - October 25, 11 am - 12 noon

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Diversity Council at Virginia Tech is excited to host food justice advocate and farmer, Karen Washington, from Rise and Root Farm
Karen Washington’s free, public seminar will be held on October 25th at 11 am in the Fralin Life Science Auditorium on the Virginia Tech Campus.

Karen Washington is a community activist, community gardener advocate, farmer, board member of the New York Botanical Gardens, and James Beard Foundation Leadership Award recipient.  She has worked with Bronx neighborhoods for nearly 30 years to turn empty lots into community gardens; co-founded the Black Urban Growers (BUGS) organization for growers in both urban and rural settings; and has traveled globally to talk about the importance of social justice and community resilience in our food and farming systems.

To learn more about Karen and her work, please visit:
www.nytimes.com/2014/09/21/realestate/urban-farmings-grande-dame-karen-washington.html?_r=1
http://www.riseandrootfarm.com/karen-washington/

Please see the attached flyer for more details. Thank you.


10.
Dine for a Cause - Anthony Flaccavento on Small Town Economic Success
Floyd, VA - October 25, dinner at 6, presentation starts at 7

Floyd, Virginia – Anthony Flaccavento, author of the new book, Building a Healthy Economy from the Bottom Up, will be the keynote speaker at SustainFloyd’s annual “Dine for a Cause” at the Floyd EcoVillage this Tuesday evening, October 25 at 6 p.m.  The evening features a beans and rice dinner and is free of charge. Contributions to SustainFloyd are welcomed.  There will also be a cash bar featuring wine and beer.  The event will take place at the Celebration Hall at the Floyd EcoVillage, behind Wall Residences, 718 Franklin Pike SE, Floyd

Everyone is invited. You do not need to be a member of SustainFloyd to attend “Dine for a Cause.”  There will be an opportunity to purchase signed copies of Flaccavento’s new book.

For more information, contact SustainFloyd at info@sustainfloyd.org, 540-745-7333


11. From our friends at VABF
Retrospective of Waterpenny Farm - Local Food Hub 2016 Workshop Series
Charlottesville - October 27, 4 - 6 pm

Don't miss our last workshop of the year!! Led by Eric Plaksin and Rachel Bynum of Waterpenny Farm in Rappahannock County, this workshop will share best practices and lessons learned from a small, diversified farm. An informal presentation and discussion will provide an excellent opportunity to learn from two talented farmers who have weathered the challenges of farm start-up, growing their business into a thriving operation that reflects a deep commitment to land stewardship.

Waterpenny Farm is a 10-acre vegetable farm in Rappahannock County, VA. Since their first growing season in 2000, Eric and Rachel have been committed to running their farm in harmony with the environment, using sustainable growing practices, with all organic inputs and no chemical pesticides or fertilizers. Their market outlets include farmers' markets, a CSA program, and on-farm sales, with a customer base that extends from the local community into the Washington DC / Northern VA  region.

LOCATION: Room 235, Albemarle County Office Building, 401 McIntire Road, Charlottesville - Please note this is NOT the County Office Building on 5th Street!

COST: $10

QUESTIONS? Email Adrianna Vargo, Director of Grower Services, at adrianna@localfoodhub.org .

Click here to RSVP


12.
Whole Farm Planning Program
Greene County Extension Office, October 27 and November 3, 6 - 8 pm 
        - or - Louisa County Extension Office,  November 9 and 17, 6 - 8 pm

Are you interested in starting or growing a farming enterprise?  Do you want to learn from other new and beginning farmers?  Come join us as we create a group of like-minded beginning farmers.  Participants in this workshop will have the opportunity to later become part of a group that will meet and further explore topics of interest.  Program participants will also receive a copy of the entire whole farm planning curriculum.

There will be two sets of workshops- one in Greene County October 27 and November 3 from 6 pm - 8pm and one in Louisa County November 9 and 17 from 6 pm - 8 pm.

 http://offices.ext.vt.edu/greene/whats-new/whole-farm-planning-flyer.pdf

13.
Winter Conferences - Save the Dates
2017 Virginia Biological Farming Conference 
January 9 (pre-conference) -10-11 I(general conference) - Hot Springs, VA
Registration opens October 15 at http://vabf.org/conference/
Flyer attached

2017 Organic Agriculture Research Symposium
January 25-26 - Lexington, KY  - Held in conjunction with Southern SAWG Conference 
Scholarships available (apply by January 5), and the call for abstracts for presentations remains open through October 15.

2017 Practical Tools and Solutions for Sustaining Family Farms - the 2017 Conference of the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group
January 25-26 (pre-conference events, including OARS), and Jan 27-28 (general conference)
http://www.ssawg.org/january-2017-conference/

Upcoming events

Greetings all,
 Below is an amazing collection of upcoming events in the central Virginia bioregion!  Folks can sign up for the BRPN e-newsletter here.  Send us announcements to: blueridgepermaculture@gmail.com, or click here to view this email as a webpage. And check out the BRPN on Facebook here.

Best,
Christine and the BRPN team
www.blueridgepermaculture.net


1.  
2016 North American Permaculture and Building Resilient Communities Convergence, September 14-18, at the beautiful Solar Living Institute in Hopland, CA (2 hours north of San Francisco).

This Convergence is a combined effort of the 2nd Annual North American Permaculture Convergence and the 11th Northern California Permaculture Convergence. It will bring together an estimated 500 permaculture designers, social and environmental justice activists, community organizers, educators, speakers, individuals and organizations from not only Northern California, but the greater United States, Canada, Mexico, countries from the Caribbean, Central America and beyond. We’ll gather together for an inspirational five days of intensive focus with a common goal: to design, build, and strengthen regenerative communities and habitats, in accordance with nature, for humans, plants, animals, the greater bioregion, and the Earth at large.

More Information Below, or visit: www.permacultureconvergence.com or www.northamericanpermaculture.org


2.
Heritage Harvest Festival
Friday - Saturday 9/9 - 9/10 -- 9am-6pm at Monticello
The 10th Annual Heritage Harvest Festival is hosted by the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, and Seed Savers.  It celebrates Jefferson’s legacy in a fun, affordable, family-oriented, educational event promoting gardening, sustainability, local food, and the preservation of heritage plants.  $15.  Find out more and sign up for workshops here:  www.heritageharvestfestival.com/events/.


3.
Plant Immersion & Forest Gardening - Sept. 16 – 18, 2016
Come spend the weekend tucked away on Africa Mountain in Linden, VA. Learn about all things plants with Wayne Weiseman of the Permaculture Project LLC, and Susan Leopold, Executive Director of United Plant Savers.
Topics include: Basic botany, biology and chemistry of Plants, Field identification, Habitat in context, Keystone Species, Native/Common uses of wild plants, Plants in gardening and farming systems, Guilds and food, Forests as forage systems, Medicinal plants in the forest, Hands-on demonstration and discussion of forest farming medicinals, Plant food preparation, and much more!
Cost: $240 // $205 for United Plant Savers Members

More info. and registration: https://unitedplantsavers.givezooks.com/events/plant-immersion-forest-gardening


4.
From the VA Association of Biological Farming:

Multispecies Grazing and Pasture Management
Flint Hill, VA and Sperryville, VA -  Tuesday September 20, 3:00 - 6:00 pm
The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) and Future Harvest / CASA will present a tour of Bean Hollow Grassfed, and Heritage Hollow Farms , two of Virginia's most innovative grazing operations.  Mike Sands (Bean Hollow) has worked witn NRCS and PEC to demonstrate the soil health and other benefits of multispecies grazing systems, and Mike and Molly Peterson (Heritage Hollow) now manage nearly 1,000 acres of grazing lands.   For more information, visit www.futureharvestcasa.org, or contact Joanna at 617-945-4883, joanna@futureharvestcasa.org.
Register at: https://www.futureharvestcasa.org/field-school/upcoming-field-events/multi-species-grazing-and-pasture-management .

Local Food Hub Events:
Fall Production Walk at Bellair Farm
Charlottesville, VA - Thursday September 22, 2:00 - 4:00 pm

Bellair's farm manager, Jamie Barrett, will lead an informal tour and discussion about happenings on the farm. A wide range of topics will be explored, including weed and pest control, disease prevention and management strategies, crew management, harvest techniques, equipment choices, livestock management, budgets, and more! The tour will take place at Bellair Farm, 5375 Bellair Farm, Charlottesville, VA 22092.  Registration is $10.  Click here to RSVP.
Learn more about Bellair Farm here.
Questions? Email Adrianna Vargo, Director of Grower Services, at adrianna@localfoodhub.org .

Cover Crops for Vegetable Growers
Charlottesville, VA - Thursday September 29, 4:00 - 6:00 pm
Led by Pam Dawling, Garden Manager of Twin Oaks Community Farm in Louisa County, VA and author of Sustainable Market Farming.
During this workshop, Pam will discuss the importance of including cover crops in your farm and garden, including:

• Choosing and using cover crops to feed and improve the soil, smother weeds, and prevent soil erosion;
• Selecting cover crops to make use of opportunities year round: early spring, summer, fall and going into winter; and,
• Fitting cover crops into the schedule of vegetable production while maintaining a healthy crop rotation.

Location: Room B, Albemarle County Office Building, 1600 5th Street, Charlottesville, VA
Please note this is NOT the County Office Building on McIntire!
Registration  $10,  Click here to RSVP.
Questions? Email Adrianna Vargo, Director of Grower Services, at adrianna@localfoodhub.org .

Oct 27: Retrospective: Waterpenny Farm
Charlottesville, VA - Thursday October 27, 4:00 - 6:00 pm
Led by Eric Plaksin and Rachel Bynum of Waterpenny Farm in Rappahannock County, this workshop will share best practices and lessons learned from a small, diversified farm. An informal presentation and discussion will provide an excellent opportunity to learn from two talented farmers who have weathered the challenges of farm start-up, growing their business into a thriving operation that reflects a deep commitment to land stewardship.
DATE: Thursday, October 27
TIME: 4:00 6:00 p.m.
Location: Room 235, Albemarle County Office Building, 401 McIntire Road, Charlottesville
Please note this is NOT the County Office Building on 5th Street!
Registration: $10  Click here to RSVP
Questions? Email Adrianna Vargo, Director of Grower Services, at adrianna@localfoodhub.org .


5.
From the Virginia Native Plant Society

Jefferson Chapter Meeting: Ivy Creek Survey and Herbarium
September 14^th, 7:30 pm, Ivy Creek Natural Area, 1780 Earlysville Rd, Charlottesville
We are very excited to have our own Jefferson Chapter members Tana Herndon and Tim Williams kick off our meetings this fall with a program focusing on the most recent Ivy Creek plant survey and ongoing efforts to develop an Ivy Creek Herbarium to formally authenticate the survey’s findings.  This is your chance to learn about recent discoveries here at Ivy Creek of a number of quite unusual plants for our area of the Piedmont.  Tim will also describe what is involved in constructing a herbarium and explain its value as a physical record of Ivy Creek's plant diversity.  Sample herbarium sheets will be available to view. 

Virginia Native Plant Society, Jefferson Chapter


6.
The Living Earth School is a nature-based educational organization, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of central Virginia in the Charlottesville area.

2016 ADULT COURSES
LEAF, Living Earth Adult Foundations
Be a part of a growing global movement that is re-connecting with nature, empowering lives, and embracing healthy community. Come join together with others who are in love with life!
September 2016 – May 2017. One weekend a month, Saturday-Sunday.
Dates: 9/10-11, 10/1-2, 11/12-13, 12/10-11, 1/7-8, 2/11-12, 3/11-12, 4/8-9, 5/13-14
http://livingearthva.com/event/empowering-adult-nature-connection-class/?instance_id=952

• Charlottesville Tracking Club Feb 20 – May 22
• Wooden Bow Making April 23 – 24
• Wild Edible Plants Sept 25, 2016; Nov 20, 2106; April 30, 2017
NEW! Moon Tribe for Women May 27 – 30

2016 YOUTH COURSES

• Once a Month programs Feb-May & Sept-Dec
• Weekly homeschool Programs Spring/Fall, New: Winter!
• Family Program March 5
• Rites of Passage May 26 – 28
• Summer Camps 

http://livingearthva.com/


7.
Earth Village Education Courses

• Wilderness Gourmet: 2 Day Cooking Class - Learn how to make a wilderness kitchen and a delicious full, meal too!.  Sept. 17 – 18, 2016 - From 10am until 5pm Each Day

• Trees and Chainsaws: Their Care and Use - Embrace your inner lumberjack!  Sept. 17, 2016 - From 10am until 5pm

• Deerskin to Buckskin: a 3-Day Class about Hide Tanning - Transform a deer hide into beautiful, strong, velvety-soft buckskin--a fabric that’s perfect for making moccasins, bags, clothing, and more.  Sept. 23-25, 2016 - From 10am until 5pm all three days

• Making Art from the Landscape: Wild-Crafted Pens and Inks - Create your own natural art supplies from the land with Nick Neddo, celebrated author of The Organic Artist.  October 8, 2016 - From 10am until 5pm

• Making Art from the Landscape: Wild-Crafted Paints and Paintbrushes - Create your own natural art supplies from the land with Nick Neddo, celebrated author of The Organic Artist.  Oct. 9, 2016 - from 10am until 5pm

• Wilderness Photography and Awareness - Learn and explore all of your camera’s settings, expand your awareness of the natural world, and take your photography to the next level.  Oct. 15, 2016 - from 11am until 7pm

• Wet-Felting Wool - Make your own Tote Bag - By combining wool and water in this ancient art form you can make your own sturdy tote bag!  Oct. 22, 2016 - from 10am until 5pm Saturday

• Eco Printing and Dyeing Workshop - Art, nature and science-- bring them together by creating with natural dyes and eco printing. Oct. 23, 2016 - from 10am until 5pm Sunday

• Bow Making: Carve a Wooden Longbow
  • Craft a beautiful and functional bow with your own two hands. Oct. 27 – 20, 2016 - From 10am until 5pm all four days
• FREE CLASS: Emergency Shelter - How to Build a Debris Hut -Knowing how to build shelter in the wilderness could save your life!  Nov. 6, 2016 - From 12 Noon until 4 PM Sunday

• Cordage Making With Natural Fibers - Turn plants into rope. How, what, where, when and why. It's that simple! Nov. 20, 2016 - From 12 noon until 4 pm

• Making Bone Tools - Leave behind plastic and other fabricated materials; learn how to use bone to make beautiful and functional tools. Nov. 27, 2016 - From 10am until 5pm 

http://earthvillageeducation.org/class-schedule/


8.
Sacred Plant Traditions in Charlottesville
2016 Classes
Year I: Foundations of Herbalism – Six Month Day Program
Sept 13, 2016 – March 14, 2017
September 21, 2016: Maintaining a Botanical Dispensary with Lorna Mauny-Brodek
September 22, 2016: Percolation and Advanced Herbal Preparations with Lorna Mauny-Brodek

http://sacredplanttraditions.com/


9.
From our friends at Transition Cville:

********************
Friday 9/9 Cville TimeBank Orientation
10am at the Central Library
Everyone has something to give, and the TimeBank is a way to trade services and build community at the same time.  Potential members set up a profile on the member portal, and attend an orientation prior to having their Timebank account authorized.  Once your account is authorized, you can begin browsing current offers and requests – and post your own!  A second session is offered at 6pm on Tuesday, Sept. 13, at the Mary Williams Center in the Jefferson School City Center.  cvilletimebank.com/membership-information/ 

********************
Friday 9/9 Pipeline Field Tour
1pm at Starr Hill Brewery, 5391 Three Notch'd Rd.
Wild Virginia will lead a tour of impacted lands along the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline route for the VCN Environmental Assembly. The tour will end at the Starr Hill Brewery to recap what was learned between 3 and 3:30 p.m.  $30.  Register at www.vcnva.org/virginia-environmental-assembly/.


********************

Friday - Saturday 9/9 - 9/10 Virginia Environmental Assembly
All day, at UVA
Registration is now open for the Virginia Conservation Network's annual Environmental Assembly! Bringing together conservation leaders from across Virginia, the Environmental Assembly provides a forum for discussion on key environmental issues and an opportunity to strategize with like-minded individuals about the best ways to tackle threats to our natural environment.  This year's Assembly will feature a lively evening reception, plenty of educational workshops, breakout sessions, and engaging field trips -- including a pipeline hike led by Wild Virginia, a kayaking trip down the Rivanna River led by Rivanna Conservation Alliance, and a sustainable winery tour at Barboursville Vineyards.  $30.  Register at www.vcnva.org/virginia-environmental-assembly/.

********************
Saturday 9/10 FleaVILLE Pop-up Market
10am-3pm at IX Art Park
FleaVILLE is a monthly pop-up market showcasing the best and brightest of Charlottesville's creative community. The market brings together a carefully curated mix of modern makers offering handcrafted and vintage goods including jewelry, apparel, art, home goods and antique furniture. The aim is to create a dynamic space where the community can come together to shop, eat, and celebrate Virginia's vibrant local arts scene.  www.flea-ville.com/new-events/

********************
Sunday 9/11 "Prost for Prose" Book reading
4:30pm at Starr Hill Brewery, 5391 Three Notch'd Rd.
Wild Virginia, Over the Moon Bookstore, and Starr Hill Brewery are teaming up to present an evening of great beer and fine literature. Local author Ben Kessler will be reading from "Rivers of Wind", his new collection of essays on the language of nature and the nature of language.  Stick around for a pint and a facilitated conversation about our relationship with the natural world, and pick up a signed copy of the book.  A portion of all book sales will go to Wild Virginia to help fight the Atlantic Coast Pipeline and keep our wild lands healthy and free.   salsa4.salsalabs.com/o/51365/p/salsa/event/common/public/index.sjs?event_KEY=7095&okay=true

********************
Tuesdays 9/13 - 11/22 Charlottesville Area Tree Stewards Training
8:30am at Ivy Creek Natural Area
Classes are taught by certified arborists, foresters, tree and forestry experts, and tree stewards, and will cover tree ID, tree assessment, riparian buffers, forest ecology, invasive plants, and much more.  $125.  Register at charlottesvilleareatreestewards.org/become-a-tree-steward/.

********************
Wednesday 9/14 Forest Defense Task Force Recruitment
6pm at Starr Hill Brewery, 5391Three Notch'd Rd.
Virginia's national forests belong to you!  Come learn how you can help protect these forests and how you can become part of Wild Virginia's Forest Defense Task Force - no experience is necessary.  This is one of the events in the Cheers for Charity event series at Starr Hill Brewery.  Enjoy a pint while you learn about their work - every pint sold gives $1 to Wild Virginia!  Register at salsa4.salsalabs.com/o/51365/p/salsa/event/common/public/index.sjs?event_KEY=7096&okay=true.

********************
Thursday 9/15 Speaker:  Climate Scientist Michael Mann
6pm at Charlottesville City Hall
The Sierra Club has invited Michael Mann to come to Charlottesville to speak about his new book, "The Madhouse Effect."  There will be a reception from 6-7pm (location to be decided), with the speaker beginning at 7pm in the Council Chambers.

********************
Friday 9/16 "No Pipeline!" Benefit Concert - Will Overman Band
7-9pm at Starr Hill Brewery, 5391 Three Notch'd Rd.
Enjoy great beer, good times and excellent music provided by the Will Overman Band.  They will be performing for Wild Virginia and to help stop destructive pipelines in our region. Don't miss the fun!   www.facebook.com/events/1567341833570915/

********************
Saturday 9/17 Symposium:  "From Your Backyard to the Blue Ridge"
8:30am-1pm at The Market at Grelen, 15091 Yager Rd., Somerset
This symposium is organized by the Rapidan River Master Gardeners, and includes two speakers.  David Roos will lecture on "Don't Clean Up in the Fall, Plant Instead!", and Doug Coleman will deliver "Reading the Land:  the Importance of Ecosystem and Peserving the Native Plants".  Register before Sept. 2 and pay $30, or with lunch, $36.40.  For questions or to register email rapidanrivermg@gmail.com.

********************
Tuesday 9/20 350 Central VA Annual Meeting
6:30-8:30pm at Friends Quaker Meeting House, 1104 Forest St.
The local chapter of the national 350.org meets in September to prioritize goals, objectives, and leadership for the next year.  Come out to be part of the climate solution.  350 Central Virginia works in cooperation with Appalachian Voices, The Piedmont Chapter of the Sierra Club, The Chesapeake Climate Action Network, The Charlottesville Eco Village, The Healthy Foods Coalition, and Wild Virginia,  http://350centralvirginia.org/

********************
Thursday 9/29 Renewable Energy Conference
9:15am-12:30pm at City Space, 100 5th St.
Leadership in Energy Advancement and Development (LEAD) Series presents
"Renewable energy takes off in the Commonwealth: Where do you fit into Current Initiatives and Opportunities in the Virginia Renewable Energy Market?"  Learn more about current initiatives and financing incentives in the growing commercial and utility scale renewable energy industry throughout the Commonwealth, as well as network and interact with industry, utility, policy and financing leaders.  $25.  Register here http://www.va-rea.org/#!product-page/cotp/854b2721-c739-219c-f122-a4e2a93b5558.

********************

Wednesday 8/31:  City Schoolyard Garden 5% Day at Whole Foods
Whole Foods has promised to donate 5% of every dollar of the day's profit to City Schoolyard Garden. Your support truly makes the difference in supporting efforts to provide garden based learning experiences for youth in Charlottesville city schools. So save all your grocery shopping for this special day in August.

********************

Volunteer Mechanic Nights at Community Bikes
5-7pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and 2-5pm Saturdays at 405 Avon St.
Ongoing, Charlottesville Community Bikes seeks Volunteers.  No mechanical experience necessary.  Come on in during the above open shop times and talk to a current volunteer.
www.cvillecommunitybikes.com/

********************

Community Bikes Women/Trans/Femme Nights
5-8pm, every other Sunday at 405 Avon St.
WTF Night is a safe space for people who identify as women, trans, or femme to volunteer, work on their bikes, or learn bike repair.  https://www.facebook.com/events/1112465568843314/

********************

Rivanna Solid Waste To Accept Paint Going Forward

Accepted on a daily basis and our hours at Ivy are Tuesday through Friday – 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday – 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Sundays and Mondays. (with a few exceptions: we will not accept during out Household Hazardous Waste Day collections, which this fall will be Sept 30 and Oct 1^st). 

Rivanna Solid Waste Authority's (RSWA) Ivy Materials Utilization Center is now offering free paint collection in order to better serve their customers' needs and to eliminate long lines at their popular fall and spring Household Hazardous Waste days.  For complete details, please visit RSWA's Paint Collection page at www.rivanna.org/paint-collection/.

Help wanted. Share your skills!
Transition worldwide is creating awesome local economies that care for people and the environment... and hopefully saving humanity from climate change while we're at it. It ain't easy, but it's FUN!

info@transitioncville.org
www.transitioncville.org
www.facebook.com/transitioncville


Skill Share, 2nd Monday of each month.  Locations can vary, so check our website or Facebook page.
Transition Cville on Facebook | Forward to a friend

Updated event below

Correction to one event below with a new date and location:

“We Are the Ones: Linking Social and Ecological Justice to Design a World for All”

Pandora Thomas is a teacher, writer, designer, and speaker.  She works domestically and internationally designing programs and curriculum at the intersection of social and ecological justice, sustainability, permaculture, and youth and women’s leadership. Through stories and multimedia presentations, this interactive talk will inspire you to deepen your commitment to creating a more sustainable and just world for all! This event is co-sponsored by Vine and Fig and the Northeast Neighborhood Association.

Thursday, June 16^th at 6PM, Lucy F. Simms Continuing Education Center, 620 Simms Ave, Harrisonburg, VA 22802

Contact Jonathan McRay (jdmcray@gmail.com) with any questions

Upcoming Events

Greetings all,

 Below is an amazing collection of upcoming events in the central Virginia bioregion!  Folks can sign up for the BRPN e-newsletter here.  Send us announcements to: blueridgepermaculture@gmail.com, or click here to view this email as a webpage. And check out the BRPN on Facebook here.

Best,
Christine and the BRPN team
www.blueridgepermaculture.net  

 
1.   

10-Day Permaculture Design Certificate Course in Central Virginia

Hosted by Shenandoah Permaculture Institute

August 12th - 21st, 2016

Join SPI for this unique 10-day intensive Permaculture Design Certificate course in beautiful Palmyra, VA.  We have the unique opportunity of working with ShireFolk Farm's nearly 64 acres of woodland and pasture to learn hands-on skills, Permaculture Principles, and design methodology.

Topic covered include: Permaculture Ethics and Principles, Design Process, Mapping, Landscape Ecology, Zone and Sector Analysis, Social Permaculture, Edible Forest Gardening, Integrated Livestock Systems, Water Harvesting, Earthworks, Soil Management, Greenhouse Design, Natural Building, Herbal Medicine, Mushroom Cultivation, and more!

For more information and to register please visit:

http://www.shenandoahpermaculture.com/pdcs.html

Questions? Contact: shenperminstitute@gmail.com

2.

Mid-Atlantic Permaculture Convergence

• Saturday, June 18, 2016
• 9:00am  6:00pm
  
  

Get your tickets today for this inspiring day of connection, conversation, and collaboration featuring hands-on workshops, informative presentations, and powerful community-building.

Highlights include...

• A keynote address from Michael Judd exploring his personal journey and his perspectives on professional practices in permaculture. 
• A live recording of a round-table conversation for an episode of The Permaculture Podcast with Scott Mann.
• An introduction to fermentation with food preservation instructor Diane Blust of Chicory Hill Farm.
• Exploring the role of animals in permaculture with Nicole Luttrell of Deeply Rooted Design & Wild Song Farm. 
• A look at broad acre agriculture for permaculture practitioners with Ethan Strickler. 
• An exploration of what it means to "Live in the Gift" with Seppi Garret of Seppi's Place. 
• Tree identification walks with Shawn Walker of Trees 101
• Diving in to whole system design learning with Jen Mendez of PERMIE KIDs.

Tickets available here. 

3.

From the Living Earth School near Charlottesville, VA

Don't miss your chance to get your early bird discount, which ends on JUNE 1st! Does your life seem too busy, and it is hard to slow down? Immerse yourself in the rhythm of the seasons, make everlasting connections with nature, and bond with a group of kindred spirits! If this sounds like what you are needing, join Living Earth Adult Foundations, LEAF!

What is LEAF? LEAF is a 9 month adult course focusing on nature connection, earth skills (including friction fire, shelter building, wild edible plants, and much more), community building, and a love of life! LEAF meets one weekend per month from Sept 2016 through May 2017

Check out the LEAF webpage to learn more!

It's very important work that's nourishing many lives. I don't want this class to end. I want to be that student that never graduates. -Lilia, LEAF 2016

There are just a few spots left in Summer Camps, so make sure to sign up now!

Available camps:

     Day Camp 1 Explorers, June 13-17

     Wilderness Quest, June 18-24  

     Ancient Ways, July 24-29

Sign up here!  

4.

From the VA Native Plant Society – Jefferson Chapter

Field Trip: The Farm at Sunnyside

Sunday afternoon, June 5.  Sam Quinn, Conservation Manager at The Farm at Sunnyside and our May 2015 speaker, will give us a tour. 

The Farm at Sunnyside goes beyond the organic label to take a more quantitative approach toward measuring the interactions between agriculture and wild species. Sam will show us how The Farm builds and maintains healthy populations of pollinators, crop pest predators and other important wildlife by managing the property as habitat. You can either meet us at the Farm at Sunnyside, 27 Sweetwater Ln, Washington, VA, at 2:00 p.m. or carpool with us from Charlottesville. (Mapquest has the best directions to the farm: Mapquest web site is http://www.mapquest.com/) To carpool, meet at 12:30 in front of the Food Lion at 1740 Timberwood Blvd., in the strip mall just southeast of the intersection of Proffit Road and Rt. 29. The tour will take roughly 2 - 2 ½ hours.

--

Virginia Native Plant Society, Jefferson Chapter

Facebook page

5.

“We Are the Ones: Linking Social and Ecological Justice to Design a World for All”

Pandora Thomas is a teacher, writer, designer, and speaker.  She works domestically and internationally designing programs and curriculum at the intersection of social and ecological justice, sustainability, permaculture, and youth and women’s leadership. Through stories and multimedia presentations, this interactive talk will inspire you to deepen your commitment to creating a more sustainable and just world for all!

Wednesday, June 15^th at 7PM, Our Community Place, 17 E Johnson St, Harrisonburg, VA 22802

Contact Jonathan McRay (jdmcray@gmail.com) with any questions

6.

Sacred Plant Traditions presents

ROSITA ARVIGO: Mayan Cosmology

June 24 – 26, 2016 in Charlottesville, VA

                        Very Special Weekend at Camp Albemarle

Join us once again for an amazing weekend with Rosia Arvigo in the exploration and experience of Mayan Cosmology. Last year’s class was so remarkable in the depth and breath of material covered and ceremonies celebrated. This year we are adding diverse and rarely taught topics on Mayan healing practices.

Sacred Plant Traditions - 434.295.3820

www.SacredPlantTraditions.com

7.

Radical Roots Farm Organic CSA

Radical Roots CSA starts on May 30th in Harrisonburg & June 1st in Charlottesville and June 18th in Burke (Fairfax County).  Reserve your share today, as space is limited. 

Benefits of our CSA:
-Everything is certified organic.  　
-10% off ALL season at our market stand. 
-Newsletter reminder on the day of pick up. 
-Your vegetables are harvested the day of your delivery.
-Knowing you are supporting a local, certified organic farm with a smaller footprint and less fuel miles.　
-Sustainable farming practices 
-Solar power: our 4 kilowatt system generates clean energy.
-Farmer to consumer connection.
-Local food supports the local economy!

http://radicalrootsfarm.com/

8.

 From our friends at Earth Village Education (a nonprofit education center located near Marshall, Virginia, that teaches classes about nature awareness, homesteading skills, and self-reliance/resilience). See their complete class schedule (including classes later this year about nature art, shoe-making, long-bow carving, and much more) at http://earthvillageeducation.org/class-schedule/

---------------------------------------

Saturday, June 4 - Sunday, June 12: Wilderness First Responder Course

8 am - 5 pm all nine days; $685 - $850 sliding scale.

This is a nationally recognized, 80-hour program that trains participants to respond to emergencies in remote settings. Taught by the NOLS Wilderness Medicine Institute, the course includes standards for urban, wilderness, and extended care situations, plus adult CPR certification. Register at http://earthvillageeducation.org/event/wfr/

---------------------------------------

Sunday, June 19: Father’s Day Special: “Rugged Skills” for the Whole Family!

2 pm - 8 pm; $25 per adult, $10 per child.

In honor of Father’s Day, bring the whole family for a fun-filled afternoon outside learning “rugged skills!” Enjoy demonstrations, activities, and games that teach good old-fashioned life skills inspired by outdoor adventure, wilderness survival, and homesteading. Discover and practice how to throw tomahawks, build one-match fires, filet and cook fish, and much more! We’ll end the class with hot dogs and marshmallows over the fire. Register at http://earthvillageeducation.org/event/fathersday2016/

---------------------------------------

Saturday, June 25: Stalking, Movement, and Natural Camouflage Class

10 am - 5 pm; $60 - $120 sliding scale.

If you want to hunt more effectively, take better wildlife photographs, or simply learn to blend into the forest and observe animals at close range, this class is for you! By using the stalking and natural camouflage techniques taught in this workshop, you can become invisible in the woods. Register at http://earthvillageeducation.org/event/stalk2016/

---------------------------------------

Sunday, June 26: Making Honey Wines/Meads and Healthy Homemade Sodas

1 pm - 5 pm; $40 - $80 sliding scale.

Discover the art and science of brewing honey wines and lacto-fermented sodas! Through the magic of fermentation, learn how to use wild-gathered ingredients (flowers, wild edible plants) or commonly found pantry ingredients (spices, tea, chocolate) to make delicious and nutritious beverages. Register at http://earthvillageeducation.org/event/mead6-16/

---------------------------------------

Saturday, July 9: Primitive Fire Making Class (make fire by rubbing sticks together!)

10 am - 5 pm; $60 - $120 sliding scale.

The ability to make fire is one of the most important of all wilderness skills. This class will cover the basics of how to build fires, maintain them, and fully utilize them in primitive living situations. Then, you’ll learn how to “make fire by rubbing sticks together” using two different methods: the bowdrill and the handdrill. Register at http://earthvillageeducation.org/event/fire7-16/

9.

From our friends at Transition Cville

Monday 5/30 Farm and Herb Festival

10am-4pm at Forrest Green Farm, 2317 Evergreen Rd., Louisa

Tours, plant walks, essential oils, demos, vendors, and activities for kids.   You'll also get to meet their miniature Herefords!  www.forrestgreenfarm.com/whole-living-year-1/festivals/

********************

Thursday 6/2 Krazy Kraut Workshop
5-6:30pm at Bellair Farm, 5375 Bellair Farm

Learn about the joys of fermented foods!  Join Farmstead Ferments in this workshop and bring a quart-sized mason jar to take home some of your own kraut.    bellairfarm.com/event/krazy-kraut-workshop/

********************

Saturday 6/4 Clean the Bay Day

9am-noon at 4 locations in Charlottesville

You are invited to help save the Bay by picking up shoreline, waterway, and watershed litter during the 28th Annual Clean the Bay Day.    Every year since 1989, thousands of volunteers of all ages have dedicated their time to clear debris from Virginia’s urban, suburban, and rural trails, shorelines and waterways.  This is the eighth year that the Charlottesville/Albemarle area and Rivanna Master Naturalists has participated in this annual event!   The Rivanna Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists, The Chesapeake Bay Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, the City of Charlottesville and The Rivanna Conservation Alliance are sponsoring this event.  Register for locations in Charlottesville at www.cbf.org/clean-the-bay-day/locations-registration?srctid=1&erid=53002053&trid=f2ae6982-0aa4-4c4f-ba33-6a2a41216b4d.

********************

Sunday 6/5 Casa Alma Open House

1-4pm at 911 Nassau St.

Join this urban homestead oasis for light refreshments, tours, and Q&A.  All are welcome.  casa-alma.org/

********************

Wednesday 6/8 Cville TimeBank Orientation

6pm at the Main Street Market, 418 W. Main St.

Everyone has something to give, and the TimeBank is a way to trade services and build community at the same time.  Potential members set up a profile on the member portal, and attend an orientation prior to having their timebank account authorized.  Once your account is authorized, you can begin browsing current offers and requests – and post your own!   cvilletimebank.com/membership-information/ 

********************

Saturday 6/11 Seed Saving Workshop

9:30am-noon at Monticello

Explore the Monticello flower and vegetable gardens with Lily Fox-Bruguiere to learn about essential seed-saving techniques — including identification, collection, cleaning and storing. Participants will take home seeds harvested from the Monticello gardens during this workshop.  $24.  Register at www.monticello.org/site/visit/events/seed-saving-workshop.

********************

Saturday 6/11 Bats:  Be Afraid!

7pm at the Nature Foundation, Wintergreen

Join Bat Specialist Bonnie Miles as she puts a face on bats, why you want them in your backyard and the threats they face.  You will see bats in a new light and have a greater appreciation for the contributions this tiny animal makes. Afterwards, you will head outdoors to listen for bat calls. This program is appropriate for children ages 8 and up with adult. Advanced registration required. $3/Member, $6/Non-Member.  Register here  twnf.org/apriljune-2016/bats-be-afraid-june-11-7pm-1#.Vz-F2PkrIUQ.

********************

Sunday 6/12  "Rivers of Wind" Book Discussion with Ben Kessler

5-6:30pm at EcoVillage Charlottesville, 480 Rio Rd. E.

Ben Kessler is a naturalist, artist, gardener, teacher, activist, and permaculturalist from Afton, VA.  His new collection of essays, "Rivers of Wind: Reflections on Nature and Language", has just been published by ICRL Press. Come and gather around the fire circle for a conversation with Ben about the past, present and future of our beautiful planet. All are welcome to stay afterward for the weekly Ecovillage potluck at 6:30pm.  More about Rivers of Wind: "In the midst of ecological catastrophe, indigenous persecution, and the attempted mechanization of the living world, the beauty of the earth remains defiantly vibrant. The voice of the world still speaks in tongues of wind and water, feather and flame, whether we listen or not. Alternately lyric and scientific, critical and moving, Kessler examines the relationships between nature and language, colonial and native cultures, and extinction and memory, and so presents a unique vision of our place in an ancient, fragile living world."  Free.

********************

Tuesday 6/14  Transition Skill Share:  Fishing 101

5:30-7:30pm at Darden Towe Park

John Schablein is an expert local fishing guide and owner of Albemarle Angler Fly Fishing. He will lead us through the basics of fly rods, casting, and catching fish. As the weather gets warmer and trout season turns into smallmouth bass season, John knows where and how to find the best catch.  This is a very special opportunity to learn from a professional guide. We will pass the hat to show our appreciation – $5-$15 donation suggested. The workshop is limited to a maximum of 20 participants. Please sign up on Facebook or email info@transitioncville.org so we can provide the right amount of equipment.  www.facebook.com/events/1006735552708172/

********************

Local Grower in Search of Land

Local grower in search of land to lease within the city of Charlottesville to start an urban farm.  Brian is interested in pieces of land with at least 1/4 acre of growing space, and is looking for a total of about 1 acre.  He will be growing as a for profit business, and at some point potentially serving as an educational hub for the community.  He can be reached via email at bmoss18@gmail.com.

info@transitioncville.org

www.transitioncville.org

www.facebook.com/transitioncville