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.
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 14th, 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
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
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:
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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/
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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/.
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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/.
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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/
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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
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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/.
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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.
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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.
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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/
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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.
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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/
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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.
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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.
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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/
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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/
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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 1st).
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.
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