Upcoming Events
February 2017
Greetings all,
Happy early spring! 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. Undoing Racism in the Food System: The Work of Soul Fire Farm7PM, March 20
th University Commons 178 Theater
Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, VA
Soul Fire Farm, Grafton, NY is a black-owned organic farm committed to dismantling the oppressive structures that malign this food system and reclaiming our ancestral right to belong to the earth and have agency in the food system. We have trained hundreds of new farmers of color in a culturally-relevant program that integrates ancestral spirituality and trauma healing. Our farm also provides 80 families with weekly doorstep deliveries of fresh farm produce and provides food to incarcerated people and their loved ones through the Prison Bus Project. Join us to find out why Malcolm X believed that “land is the basis of all freedom, justice, and equality.” Leah Penniman is a nationally-recognized educator, farmer, and food justice activist from Soul Fire Farm in Grafton, NY.
2.Farm Manager Position AvailableThe Urban Agriculture Collective of Charlottesville is seeking applicants for the position of Farm Manager. The Farm Manager is responsible for overseeing and ensuring the success of UACC’s Food Production & Distribution program. Applicants should have multiple years of experience working on a small vegetable farm or market garden, the ability to work collaboratively with people of all ages and backgrounds, and a penchant for social justice. This is a year-round position with room for growth that offers a unique opportunity for the right person to manage an expanding urban food production and distribution system.
Applications are available through UACC’s website at www.uaccville.wordpress.com on our “Employment” page. Applications can also be requested by contacting the UACC Operations Director by email or phone.
UACC Operations Director: Todd Niemeier
todd.uacc@gmail.com, 434-989-0150
3.Sustainable: the future of our food system determines the future of mankind -a NEW documentary presented by UVA Sustainability, UVa Food Collaborative, and UVA DiningTuesday, February 28, Newcomb Hall Theatre (on the Lower Level)
This event is FREE and open to the public.
Food 5:00 -- Film 5:30 -- Forum 7:00
Parking at the Newcomb Garage.
Forum Discussion with Professor Randy Lutter, Dr Megan McGroddy and Professor Brad Brown
QUESTIONS? CONTACT
abo9xa@virginia.edu or
434-978-4805https://www.facebook.com/events/130834694100789/#4.9th Annual Berry Production and Marketing ConferencePetersburg, VA - March 9, 2017, 8:00 am - 3:30pmVirginia State University 9th Annual Berry Production and Marketing Conference. This year’s conference features Dr. Britt Burton Freeman, Director of the Center for Nutrition Research at Illinois Institute of Technology. Dr. Freeman conducts nutritional research with berry crops, and in particular, blackberry. Her research information is widely used in the industry to promote the health benefits of berries among consumers. In addition to other topics, a group of berry growers will share their own production and marketing experiences in a round-table discussion with the participants.
The conference is scheduled for March 9, 2017 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Gateway Dining facility of the Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia.
Register online:
https://goo.gl/forms/2GuDBLY9XrPbZUXn25.FORREST GREEN FARM CLASSES and EVENTS NEAR LOUISA, VASoil & Seeding Intensive- March 25th 12-5pm
Learn about the importance of healthy soil, all about seeding and caring for your new seedlings. You will take home your own flat of 72 seeded cells, that have the potential to become 72 plants for your garden!
Whole Living 1: From the Ground Up- April 30th 12-6pm (12 classes, April-October)
Make this the year that you improve your health! This is a hands-on course in both gardening and herbal medicine skills. You will work on deepening your knowledge and connection with the plants over a growing season. Through the use of this knowledge, you will learn how to make quality medicine from the plants. You will take home 60+ projects! The herbs in combination with whole foods will provide you with a foundation for healthier living and fulfillment of a more self-sufficient lifestyle.
Whole Living 2: More Herbs- April 23rd 12-6pm (7 classes, April-October)
There will be a strong focus on the energetics of the herbs, understanding tissue states, wild & cultivated plant identification in the gardens and fields, hands-on medicine making to include more advanced formulation for specific ailments, expanding on your knowledge to empower you to use the herbs safely and with confidence to nourish and heal yourself, your family, and friends.
Whole Living 3- April 22nd 12-6pm (7 classes, April-October)
Whole Living 3 classes are divided into two topics for each session. Three hours will be spent on Herbarium studies and three hours on body systems overview and the herbs to support and heal imbalances in the body. There will be two hands on medicine making projects each class that will correlate with the body system being learned.
6th Annual Herb & Farm Festival on Memorial Day- May 29th
Free events & classes throughout the day, local vendors and children activities. 2017 details coming soon!
http://www.forrestgreenfarm.com 6.
From our Friends at Transition Cvillle
Saturday 2/25 Cheese Making11am-noon at Fifth Season Gardening, 900 Preston Ave.
You will go step-by-step through the process of making one of your favorite foods — cheese! Plus, you’ll get to take home a recipe booklet compliments of Fifth Season Gardening, so you can expand your cheese-making repertoire at home. Refreshments will follow the class. Please let them know if you plan on attending so they can be sure to have materials for everyone.
www.facebook.com/events/1803683006547666/********************
Sunday 2/26 Backyard Growing Workshop2-5pm at the EcoVillage, 480 E. Rio Rd.
Join Amy at the EcoVillage for an in-depth workshop on growing your own food. This is the first of ten hands-on workshops that will walk you through the entire growing season -- February through November. This month, the focus will be working with the unique conditions of your yard (including shade), creating beds, and building rich, healthy soil with free community resources. Visit
https://www.cvillebackyardfarmers.com/growing-classes to register and for more info.. No fixed payment -- donations only.
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Monday 2/27 Walking the Seasons: Spring5:30-6:30pm at The Elderberry, 1917 Commonwealth Dr.
Join Heather Wetzel, AHG in this class as you explore seasonal wellness for Spring including: imbalances such as allergies and liver detoxing, diet, lifestyle, and herbal remedies for optimal health. Free.
www.elderberryherbals.com/event/walking-seasons-spring-2/********************
Sunday 3/5 or Friday 3/10 StreamWatch Volunteer Training10am-4pm at Ivy Creek Natural Area
Have you ever wanted to learn about the quality of the streams in your community by getting into the waterway to analyze what aquatic life lives there? Come learn about how to conduct benthic water monitoring and how you can become an RCA/StreamWatch Certified Water Quality Monitor. Contact: Jessica Dodds–
jessicadodds@rivannariver.org mobile: 540-223-8599.
www.rivannariver.org/event/rivanna-conservation-alliances-streamwatch-volunteer-introductory-benthic-water-quality-monitoring-training-at-ivy-creek/********************
Saturday 3/11 Orchard Planning9am-4pm at 217 Fredericksburg Ave., Louisa
Want to learn how to grow food on trees in the Mid Atlantic, with no spray and minimum effort? There are numerous varieties of fruits and nuts that will produce prodigious quantities of tasty food without toxic chemical sprays. Many of these plants thrive on neglect, and tolerate drought and mediocre soil. For the most part, they are not the kinds of fruits you buy in the grocery store. If you want your own productive orchard, you can't just buy trees from commercial nurseries, you have to know what to plant! The folks at Living Energy Farm will share their many years of knowledge. Cost is $30, but no one turned away for lack of funds. Contact
livingenergyfarm@gmail.com to register.
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Wednesday 3/15 Film: "Facing the Surge"7pm at the Central Library, McIntire Room
"Facing the Surge" documents the tangible costs of sea level rise for the people of Norfolk, VA. Norfolk is home to the largest naval base in the country and to thousands of hard-working Americans struggling to adapt to the rising tides and an uncertain future. But "Facing the Surge" is not a film about loss and inaction. It tells the stories of citizens from across the United States as they step forward to raise awareness and push their government to solve climate change. This 25 minute movie will be followed by a discussion of the effects of climate change in Virginia and around the world. Sponsored by the Piedmont Group of the Sierra Club. Free.
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Annual Bake 'N Bike Valentine Scone SaleNow in its 13th year, this is a local Valentine's Day tradition in Charlottesville. During this unique event, costumed bicycling volunteers deliver freshly baked heart-shaped, chocolate chip scones with a valentine to people all over Charlottesville. All proceeds go to Charlottesville Community Bikes, a non-profit program to promote environmentally-sound transportation, recycle bicycles, and make cycling accessible. Place your order by
February 12!
form.jotform.com/70134157273148 Also: they are looking for additional volunteers so consider offering your skills!
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Cville TimeBank's Repair Cafe' Returns!Back away from that trash can! The landfill doesn’t need that broken toaster, that buttonless shirt, that unreliable vacuum, or that creaky chair. But you do—so get it fixed at the Repair Café. Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 18, and then Join the Repair Cafe' mailing list to find out more about the next event and how YOU can help make it happen:
ctbrepaircafe.wordpress.com/.
7.LIVING EARTH SCHOOL NEAR CHARLOTTESVILLEMoon Tribe for Girls ~Girl's Initiation~This weekend getaway is a rite of passage coming-of-age ceremony, honoring each girl for who she is and who she is becoming. The Moon Tribe is for girls ages 11-14 years old, or any girl that seems ready. Ages: 11-14 Dates: May 26- 29
Times: Friday 6pm to Monday at noon (potluck with moms)
http://livingearthva.com/event/moon-tribe-girls-rite-of-passage-virginia/Adult Programs – Long Bow -or- Arrow and Quiver WorkshopBuild your own wooden long bow, or make an arrow and quiver set if you've already attended the long bow workshop!
Dates: March 18-19. Ages: 14+
http://livingearthva.com/event/building-wooden-long-bow-class-virginia/?instance_id=1040Leather Working WorkshopMake your own customized leather shoes, or a beautiful backpack or satchel. Durable, functional, and stylish!
Dates: May 6-7. Ages: 16+
http://livingearthva.com/event/leather-shoe-making-class-virginia/?instance_id=1027Youth Programs -
Once a month Saturday ProgramsForest Dwellers- northern VAFall Dates: Saturdays- Feb 18, March 11, April 22, May 13
Location: Warrenton, VA
Red Arrow Boys- Charlottesville for ages 8-15Fall Dates: Saturdays- Feb 25, March 25, April 29-30 (0vernight), May 20
Location: Belvedere neighborhood
Woodland Girls- Charlottesville for ages 8-15Fall Dates: Saturdays- Feb 25, March 25, April 29-30 (0vernight), May 20
Location: Belvedere neighborhood
http://livingearthva.com/youth-courses/kids-once-a-month-programs-in-virginia/Homeschool ProgramsCharlottesville Homeschool for ages 7-18Fall Dates: 10 Wednesdays -- March 8, 15, 22, 29, April 5, 12, 26, May 3, 10, 17-18 (0vernight). Location: Belvedere neighborhood
Goochland Homeschool for ages 7+Fall Dates: 8 Tuesdays -- March 14, 21, 28, April 4, 11, 25, May 1-2 (overnight), 9. Location: Leakes Mill Park
Harrisonburg Homeschool for ages 7-14Fall Dates: 8 Thursdays -- March 16, 23, 30, April 6, 13, 27, May 4, 11
Location: Massanutten (Western Slope)
http://livingearthva.com/youth-courses/nature-homeschool-programs-in-va/www.livingearthva.comlivingearthva@gmail.com8.Sacred Plant Traditions Weekend Foundations of Herbalism ProgramMarch 18 - November 19 2017 This years class is forming with artists, nurses, farmers and amazing folks honed in skills of their own yet understanding it is time to learn how to create their home apothecary and take their relationships with plants to the next level. If you have been savoring this class but have not made the move to explore, maybe 2017 is your year! Community seems to be the number one medicine for these times:) especially community steeped in honor and respect of all sentient beings.
Owning and Understanding White Privilege with Dr. Archana Pathak, Ph.D.
Sunday March 26 10am-5pm
In this workshop white people will focus on healing ourselves and healing our world, owning our white privilege and reclaiming whiteness from white supremacy. Utilizing an integrated heart/spirit/mind approach to understanding and dismantling privilege, the workshop will include group discussion, social justice action step planning, role playing, and much more.
Social Justice & Cultural CompetencyTuesdays 6:30 - 8:30
March 14, 21 & 28
Join Drs. Pamela McFadden and Bob Covert for this special training on intercultural competency. The focus of the training is uncovering unconscious and implicit biases and increasing ease when interacting with difference. The sessions are designed to build community and provide a safe environment to discuss difficult topics regarding racism, classism, ableism, sexism and heterosexism.
http://www.sacredplanttraditions.com 9.Virginia Native Plant Society, Jefferson Chapter: lots going on!Virginia Native Plant Society Workshop: “Understories: Small Communities and Secret Agents”Saturday, March 4
th, 9:15 am- 3:30 pm, University of Richmond Jepson Hall Auditorium, Ryland Circle
John Townsend on Bryophytes! Manuela Dal Forno on Lichens! Mary Jane Epps on Plant-Fungal Interactions! Jason Davis uncovers "How Plants Hijack Animal Physiology to Rule the World!" More on the program and registration:
http://vnps.org/workshop-2017-under-stories-small-communities-and-secret-agents/Virginia Native Plant Society MeetingWednesday, March 8, 7:30 pm, Ivy Creek Natural Area, 1780 Earlysville Rd, Charlottesville
Bernice and Armand Thieblot will update us on their fascinating and extensive project developing the Quarry Gardens, located in Schuyler. From an abandoned soapstone quarry, they have developed their vision of restoration of the site using native plants to create a striking and lovely garden. The Quarry Gardens will open in April. Come get a preview and the story behind their creation.
Native Plant WalkSaturday, March 18, 9:00am Ivy Creek Natural Area, 1780 Earlysville Rd, Charlottesville. Cosponsored by Ivy Creek Natural Area. Meet at the kiosk near the parking lot.
Virginia Native Plant Society MeetingWednesday, April 12
th, 7:30 pm, Ivy Creek Natural Area, 1780 Earlysville Rd, Charlottesville
Details soon: all welcome as usual!
Native Plant WalkApril 15
th, 9 am, Ivy Creek Natural Area, 1780 Earlysville Rd, Charlottesville. Cosponsored by Ivy Creek Natural Area. Meet at the kiosk near the parking lot.
Jefferson Chapter Virginia Native Plant SocietyAnnual Native Plant Sale!Sunday, April 30th, 1:00-3:00 pm, the Barn at Ivy Creek Natural Area, 1780 Earlysville Road, Charlottesville, VA
Choose from over 50 species of native perennials, trees, shrubs, and wetland plants. There will be a large selection of spring wildflowers and groundcovers including trillium, Virginia bluebells, Dutchman’s breeches, wild geranium, Mayapple, Jacob’s ladder, wild blue phlox, heuchera, spring beauty, and wild ginger. Later season species turtlehead, purple coneflower, blue flag iris, scarlet bee balm, oxeye sunflower, goldenrod, asters, and more. Most Perennials will be $ 4.50 each; most trees and shrubs $ 7 each. Cash and checks accepted.
Plants and volunteer needed: on Saturday 3:00-6:00 pm and for on Sunday morning beginning at 10:30.
Proceeds support Jefferson Chapter’s educational and conservation efforts.
Virginia Native Plant Society Meeting: Tom Wiebolt on Mo StevensWednesday, May 10, 7:30 pm, Ivy Creek Natural Area, 1780 Earlysville Rd, Charlottesville
Tom Wieboldt, Charlottesville native and recently retired botanist at Virginia Tech will speak about the life and accomplishments of Charles “Mo” Stevens, his mentor and colleague in field botany. Mo traveled over Albemarle County and the entire state of Virginia seeking out notable habitats for plants, and annotating USGS topographic maps with his finds. The value of his work today and in the future is noteworthy as a record of plant locations during the time when Mo was exploring the state. Now and in the future, we can compare locations then with locations now: are the populations still in the same area, have they moved, etc. Other friends and colleagues of Mo’s will join Tom in recounting Mo’s achievements and telling noteworthy stories about Mo—and there are many (achievements AND stories).
http://vnps.org/10.Radical Roots CSA in Central VASpring is just around the corner and your farmers are busy sowing seeds and planning the abundance of the coming season. Register now with a $100 deposit to get 18 weeks of fresh, organic and thoroughly loved food.
CSA starts May 29th.
www.radicalrootsfarm.com11.Building and Loving Where you LiveWednesday, March 22, from 6:30 to 8:00 PM
at the Crozet Library, 2020 Library Avenue
Anthony Flaccavento (
Building a Healthy Economy from the Bottom Up: Harnessing Real-World Experience for Transformative Change), and Melody Warnick (
This is Where You Belong: The Art and Science of Loving the Place You Live) will discuss their works on developing one’s home and community.
A Virginia Festival of the Book program!12.NOW HIRING! Allegheny Mountain Institute Village Manager The AMI Village Manager serves as a residential leader, mentor and mediator to the AMI Fellows. This is a seasonal position, managing the day-to-day operations of the Village Campus, Kitchen and Fellowship schedule at our Highland County Campus. Working closely with the Education Director and Farm Manager, and reporting to the Education Director, the Village Manager assists with farm planning and management, curriculum development and instruction, and in planning and facilitating educational sessions, workshops, and field trips. The ideal candidate will have at least one season of experience working on a vegetable farm, experience living in an intentional community, and be comfortable mentoring and teaching peers. Work hours may fluctuate and are dependent on the time of year and organizational needs.
For a complete Village Manager job description and AMI application, please visit
www.alleghenymountaininstitute.org.
TO APPLY: Please send a single compiled .pdf file that includes a cover letter, resume, AMI application form, and at least 3 professional references to:
jessa@alleghenymountainschool.org13.Local Food Hub -- Associate Director of Philanthropy Local Food Hub is a nonprofit organization that partners with Virginia farmers to increase community access to local food. It provides the support services, infrastructure, and market opportunities that connect people with food grown close to home. Local Food Hub depends on outside support for approximately two-thirds of its budget, and seeks an Associate Director of Philanthropy to join its small but dynamic team. The position is based near the Local Food Hub warehouse in Ivy, Virginia. The Associate Director of Philanthropy works with the Executive Director on all aspects of fundraising, including strategic planning, grant submissions, special events, donor cultivation, and annual gift appeals. The successful candidate will have excellent writing and communications skills and a proven track record in fundraising.
Flexible working environment, competitive salary and benefits. Qualified candidates please send cover letter and resume to
jobs@localfoodhub.org.
14.Camp Light Summer Camp 2017!Our application process is officially open from January 9th through April 28, 2017. Campers ages 6-17 can apply to attend one of our four day sessions in June or July. We will be holding five weeks of camp for children with special needs diagnoses, and two weeks of camp for children classified as at risk youth. Last year, we saw 115 campers with over 40 different diagnoses, like autism, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, adhd, and many others. We will also be looking for awesome people wanting to volunteer with us as counselors, aides, nurses, and many other roles during summer camp. Our goals are to help campers develop or improve social and interpersonal skills, elevate self-esteem, inspire them to be creative, and provide opportunities for campers to learn and play in a natural and safe environment.
www.campLIGHT.org
