Greetings All,
Below is a great collection of info on upcoming permaculture and sustainability events in the near future in the central Virginia bioregion, including our Spring 2012 BRPN Permaculture Design Course, a rainwater harvesting and straw bale workshop, and a Food Security Summit.
If you know anyone else that would like to sign up for this newsletter, or if you have an announcement, email Christine at christinegyovai@gmail.com for the next update, which are sent monthly.
Best,
Christine and the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network team
www.blueridgepermaculture.net
1. Spring 2012 BRPN Permaculture Design Course
We are pleased to announce our winter - spring 2012 Permaculture Design Course: Sustainability Strategies for the Blue Ridge, over four weekends near Charlottesville, Virginia.
This Permaculture Design Course lays the foundation for understanding and working with natural systems to design sustainable environments that produce food, shelter, and energy. It also provides participants with models of community development and extension by which they can create networks of support for themselves and empower others to do the same. The course provides tools to help design and develop urban or rural properties or neighborhoods in a sustainable manner, revitalize local communities, and restore ecological balance.
Permaculture promotes land use systems that work with natural rhythms and patterns to create regenerative cultivated ecosystems. Participants will learn how to design and build gardens, homes, and communities that model living ecosystems. By understanding patterns in nature, students will learn how to grow food, manage water catchment and storage, utilize renewable energy and build community.
The ecological design course covers themes such as: ecological systems understanding, organic food production, natural soil improvement, watershed restoration, water conservation and management, edible forest gardening, native medicinal plants, natural habitat restoration, healthy buildings and human settlements, community and consensus building strategies, renewable energy systems, sustainable community development, local economics, and ecological planning and design methods.
This 72-hour certificate course, presented by the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network, will be offered over four weekends with leading permaculture teachers including Emily Axelbaum, Christine Gyovai, Dave Jacke, Hub Knott, Terry Lilley, Dave O’Neill, and guests (teacher bios on the website). The course will be held near Charlottesville, Virginia, at Montfair on the following dates:
Dates: Jan. 13-16, Jan. 27-29, Feb. 18-20, and March 3-4, 2012.
The cost for this course will be a sliding scale, including a discount for early registration. If you register by November 15 the sliding scale is $895-$1200. After November 15 the sliding scale is $995-$1200. A few work trade positions are available for partial tuition; inquire soon about work trade guidelines and availability. The work-trade application deadline ends on December 1st, 2011, and limited scholarships may be available, inquire for details. To register please visit the BRPN website for a registration form, or contact Terry Lilley at tygerlilley@gmail.com or 434-296-3963.
www.blueridgepermaculture.net
2. Gathering stories from PDC Alumni!
Thanks to all the past participants of the PDC course for making the BRPN what it is. For ages past, cultures have shared their stories of experience to the community. Elders of those communities have said the sharing of stories is key to making them stronger and more resilient. It was a daily practice, a core routine, that storytelling was done. It is in this light, that we are asking former BRPN alumni to share (as well people who have taken PDCs with other organizations).
Our Winter 2012 PDC is around the corner and we are hoping to collect stories from alumni to share on the BRPN website (examples: http://www.blueridgepermaculture.net/members.html) and in the course binder for the upcoming class. We are looking more specifically for stories about how you are implementing permaculture into your life and what affect your study of permaculture has had on you. Your story can be shared in a few paragraphs or so and feel free to send any photos of your work or land or life that go along with your story. We not only love to hear how it is going out there for you, but we also know that it inspires others. So thank you in advance for taking the time to tell your story.
Your stories and any questions can be sent to Emily Axelbaum, emilyaxe@gmail.com.
3.
Rainwater Harvesting Forum & Tour
November 17, 2011
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
CitySpace – 100 5th St., NE, Charlottesville
Registration Cost: $15 (lunch provided)
For architects, engineers, contractors, builders, plumbing engineers, code officials, and others interested in rainwater harvesting design and codes.
FOR MORE INFO & TO REGISTER (by Nov. 14th):
http://www.cwp.org/our-work/training/other.html
Sponsored By:
Center for Watershed Protection
Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District
City of Charlottesville
American Society of Civil Engineers – Blue Ridge Branch
Prince Charitable Trusts
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
*Please forward this announcement to others who may be interested.
4.
2nd VIRGINIA FOOD SECURITY SUMMIT
Connecting our Farms, Food, Health, and Environment
REGISTER NOW! RESERVE YOUR SEAT AT THE TABLE!
DEC 5 & 6th ARE RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER!
On December 5 & 6th 2011, Virginia’s farm, food, health and environment advocates will meet in one place to plan for the future of food security in Virginia. Your voice is important! Please join us for this gathering of farmers, chefs, grocers, health workers, planners, and community leaders from across the state! Register Now
At the 2nd Virginia Food Security Summit YOU will:
• Hear national and state leaders discuss trends in our food system
• Help launch the Virginia Farm to Table plan, our first statewide strategic food security plan
• Develop ideas and spark action for increasing access to healthy, nutritious food in Virginia
• Meet people who come from all corners of our food system
• Learn from food system innovators from across Virginia
• Showcase your own work in a poster
WHEN: Monday, December 5, 2011 & Tuesday, December 6, 2011
WHERE: Summit Opening – Monday, December 5
Jefferson Scholars Foundation Hall
112 Clarke Court, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Summit Plenary – Tuesday, December 6
UVa Alumni Hall
211 Emmet Street South, Charlottesville, VA 22903
AGENDA: See online agenda here!: http://virginiafoodsummit.org/agenda/
Dec 5th - Crystal Ball Roundtable & Reception (only $15, includes reception!): featuring Fred Kirschenmann of the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, Ken Meter of the Crossroads Resource Center, Renard Turner of Vanguard Ranch, Kathleen Merrigan (invited), USDA Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, and Todd Haymore (invited), Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry
Dec 6th (only $45, includes lunch and reception!) - Launching the Virginia Farm to Table Plan, Implementation Workshop, Showcasing Food System Innovation Across Virginia, and Networking Poster Reception
LOW REGISTRATION FEE!! Advance registration is available online.
SCHOLARSHIPS: Thanks to a generous donation from an anonymous donor, scholarships are available to ensure that the Summit is open to all who wish to attend! Register and apply for a scholarship here.: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07e51ojqcle81e734f&oseq=
NETWORKING POSTER SESSION: If you would like to reserve space at the networking poster session to feature your community food project or program, contact us: http://virginiafoodsummit.org/contact/
WHO SHOULD COME:
• Farmers
• Agriculture and public health policy makers
• Hunger prevention people
• Land and farm conservationists
• Food buyers for schools, hospitals, institutions
• Food distributors
• CSAs
• Farmers’ market coordinators
• Farm and food co-ops
• Chefs and restaurateurs
• Nutrition and child obesity specialists
• Planners
• Academics and students
• Cooperative Extension
• Sustainable Community Groups
• Economic Development Groups
Hosted by
The University of Virginia, UVa Food Collaborative, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, Virginia Food System Council, Virginia State University School of Agriculture, Virginia Tech Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Washington and Lee University, Piedmont Environmental Council
http://virginiafoodsummit.org/register/
5.
Straw Bale Work Day
A hands on experience in natural building home construction
Saturday, November 12, 2011
9:00AM-5:00PM
Roanoke, VA
$60 Registration
Led by Steve Kemble of MUDSTRAWLOVE
natural building trainers out of Asheville, NC
(www.mudstrawlove.com). Steve has over 20 years experience in natural building and
is the author of How to Build Your Elegant Home with Straw Bales.
You will contribute to a work in progress: the straw bale wall construction of a home in Roanoke. A natural, sustainable product, straw bales provide high efficiency insulation all year. No experience required; bring your interest and commitment to a day of learning, building, and fun.
Registration fee includes lunch and refreshments. You will be learning from a pioneer in designing, building and teaching the various forms of natural building. For more information or to register, contact sissy.kegley@verizon.net
6.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Small Flock Poultry Class held at Sweet Peeps Farm in Greene Co.
We will cover the basic management of small flock poultry and have a show and tell around the farm looking at layers, heritage turkeys and more!
$10 for the class
You will receive directions and additional details about the class once you register with John Thompson at 434-591-1950 or jthomp75@vt.edu
This class is part of a series of classes designed to educate homeowners on how to live more fully from the land. The series provides basic information and production options and is designed to
help first time producers and farmers as well as long time producers. You will also leave with a greater knowledge of resources available to assist in planning, marketing, and crop production. You will be provided with resources to assist in decision making, and you will gain awareness of where to find additional information and assistance.
Cathryn Kloetzli
Extension Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources
Virginia Cooperative Extension
Albemarle County Office
460 Stagecoach Road
Charlottesville, VA 22902
(434) 872-4580
Fax: (434) 872-4578
Serving the counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene & Louisa
7.
Virginia Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coalition Hiring a 2nd Farm Mentor Coordinator
Farm Mentor Coordinator Position
The Farm Mentor Coordinators will work under the direct supervision of the Virginia Tech Project Management Team and Project Director of the Virginia Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coalition Project. The individual will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the proposed activities to support the development and growth of the farm mentor network that is to be integrated throughout the 3 year project. Major activities and responsibilities include: farmer recruitment and coordination, database management, and mentor-mentee curriculum development and training. Additionally, these individuals will work collaboratively with the Virginia Tech Management Team and Project Coalition to support the development and implementation of classroom, online, and on-farm educational activities and events. The work schedule will vary. It may involve seasonal variability based on curriculum implementation and farm mentor schedules, at which time appropriate adjustments would be made to the work week.
Required Qualifications:
Strong organization, communication, and interpersonal skills; Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively with others; Experience with training farmers and/or gardeners in classroom and/or field settings; Ability to work independently; Ability to manage detailed, complex tasks with good results; Familiarity with whole farm planning; and, Experience working with a diversity of agricultural stakeholders and practices (e.g., women, minority, small-scale, farmers with disabilities).
Role and Position Category:
Agricultural Specialist III, Part time. Hourly Wage Staff, limited to 1500 hrs/year.
Advertised Pay Range:
Commensurate with education and experience.
Applications will be reviewed starting October 28th, 2011. - APPLY ASAP!
For more information:
Please see the Virginia Tech Human Resources website for job posting #0111091: https://listings.jobs.vt.edu/applicants/jsp/shared/position/JobDetails_css.jsp
Also see the attached PDF job announcement.
Questions about the position may be directed to Kim Niewolny at niewolny@vt.edu or 540.231.5784.
8.
Farm Manager = The Farm at Sunnyside
Located 70 miles west of Washington, DC in Rappahannock County, VA, the Farm at Sunnyside produces certified organic fruits and vegetables for sale through local farmers' markets, and on-farm CSA, and select wholesale outlets. The farm has substantial infrastructure and equipment and a core team of dedicated staff. Adjacent to Shenandoah National Park, the property seeks to integarte agricultural and environmental concerns in a sustainable and mutually reinforcing fashion.
The Farm at Sunnyside is looking for a farm manager to lead its ongoing development. The succesful candidate should be committed to building an integrated organic farm that grows the highest quality nutritious produce; enhances its natural resource base; provides a healthy, rewarding and productive work environment; and is financially profitable. The position offers a competitive compensation package, including the potential to build long-term equity.
For more information or to apply, please contact Ellen Polishuk at farmerellen@loudounwireless.com, or 38369 John Wolford Rd, Purcellville, VA 20132; tel. 703-727-2996.
9.
Excellent film near Charlottesville:
7pm – Dec. 13, 2011
(540)456-8020
Blue Mountain Brewery
9519 Critzers Shop Rd., Afton.
(540) 456-8020.
Enjoy a three course dinner and watch the film, The Last Mountain , an excellent film about mountaintop removal mining and people working to stop it, on a big screen. Reservations required.
http://www.c-ville.com/Event/Music_Events_Calendar/Brew_View
10.
Attention Researchers and Agricultural Service Providers
CALL FOR POSTERS
We are pleased to announce the Call for Posters for our Practical Tools and Solutions for Sustaining Family Farms Conference. Our mission is “To empower and inspire farmers, individuals, and communities in the South to create an agricultural system that is ecologically sound, economically viable, socially just, and humane. Because sustainable solutions depend on the involvement of the entire community, Southern SAWG is committed to including all persons in the South without bias.”
Our Practical Tools and Solutions for Sustaining Family Farms Conference attracts over 1,200 farmers and advocates every year and provides a great opportunity for researchers to disseminate research results and for service providers to share program outcomes (separately we offer trade show tables for organizations, agencies and businesses to distribute materials, demonstrate or sell services/products, and/or interact with target audiences. See our website for details about trade show exhibits).
Poster content should be aimed at providing practical tools and solutions for sustaining family farms and creating local food systems.
Those interested in displaying a poster(s) at this event must first submit a brief abstract for each poster. Members of the Southern SAWG Scientific Committee will review all submitted abstracts and make decisions regarding acceptance.
We invite abstracts for posters that focus on issues related to sustainable agriculture including, but
not limited to, the following topics:
- organic or sustainable commercial production of vegetable crops, field crops, poultry, livestock, forest crops, fish, cut flowers, value-added products or other specialty crops;
- business & risk management;
- direct or alternative marketing strategies;
- local food systems;
- climate change impacts on agriculture;
- sustainable energy;
- youth in agriculture;
- community development
Please email all abstracts for review to: poster@ssawg.org by December 1, 2011.
Accepted posters will be notified within 2 weeks and registration materials will be provided at that time.
Abstract Details
Abstracts are due by December 1, 2011.
Abstracts should be in the following format: one-half page; single-space; title; author(s); institution or organization; and contact information (address, phone number, email address). You may submit more than one abstract, although not all may be accepted for poster display. Members of the Southern SAWG Scientific Committee will review all submitted abstracts and make decisions regarding acceptance.
Poster Details
Upon acceptance of your abstract, a poster registration form with payment options will be sent to you via email. Your $150.00 poster registration will be due January 6, 2012. Conference registration ($165) is separate, if you wish to participate in the conference (see our website for conference program). We cannot accept purchase orders or vouchers. Personal or institutional checks or credit card information must accompany your registration form.
The poster size should not exceed 46” x 36” (or 36”x46”). High-quality printing is requested.
Posters must be received by Noon, January 19, 2012. The poster can be either delivered or shipped to us in Little Rock. Southern SAWG staff will install posters for display onsite. Researchers are welcome to take their poster at the end of the event. However, we cannot return any posters that wereshipped to us.
Posters will be on display at The Peabody Hotel-Little Rock in our Trade Show area during regular trade show hours January 20-21, 2012.
Abstracts will then be posted on Southern SAWG website (www.ssawg.org) for one year, to reach those who could not attend the conference.
Timeline and Registration
December 1, 2011- abstract submission due (send via email to poster@ssawg.org )
December 9, 2011- abstract acceptance notification and registration material provided
January 6, 2012 - $150 early-bird poster registration due; $225 if payment is received after January 6.
January 19, 2012 – poster received at conference facility by Noon
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
upcoming events
Greetings All,
Below is a great collection of info on upcoming permaculture and sustainability events in the near future in the central Virginia bioregion, including our Spring 2012 BRPN Permaculture Design Course, apprentice teacher opportunities, and a chance to feature your project on the BRPN website.
If you know anyone else that would like to sign up for this newsletter, or if you have an announcement, email Christine at christinegyovai@gmail.com for the next update, which are sent monthly.
Best,
Christine and the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network team
www.blueridgepermaculture.net
1. Spring 2012 BRPN Permaculture Design Course
We are pleased to announce our winter - spring 2012 Permaculture Design Course: Sustainability Strategies for the Blue Ridge, over four weekends near Charlottesville, Virginia.
This Permaculture Design Course lays the foundation for understanding and working with natural systems to design sustainable environments that produce food, shelter, and energy. It also provides participants with models of community development and extension by which they can create networks of support for themselves and empower others to do the same. The course provides tools to help design and develop urban or rural properties or neighborhoods in a sustainable manner, revitalize local communities, and restore ecological balance.
Permaculture promotes land use systems that work with natural rhythms and patterns to create regenerative cultivated ecosystems. Participants will learn how to design and build gardens, homes, and communities that model living ecosystems. By understanding patterns in nature, students will learn how to grow food, manage water catchment and storage, utilize renewable energy and build community.
The ecological design course covers themes such as: ecological systems understanding, organic food production, natural soil improvement, watershed restoration, water conservation and management, edible forest gardening, native medicinal plants, natural habitat restoration, healthy buildings and human settlements, community and consensus building strategies, renewable energy systems, sustainable community development, local economics, and ecological planning and design methods.
This 72-hour certificate course, presented by the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network, will be offered over four weekends with leading permaculture teachers including Emily Axelbaum, Christine Gyovai, Dave Jacke, Hub Knott, Terry Lilley, Dave O’Neill, and guests (teacher bios on the website). The course will be held near Charlottesville, Virginia, at Montfair on the following dates:
Dates: Jan. 13-16, Jan. 27-29, Feb. 18-20, and March 3-4, 2012.
The cost for this course will be a sliding scale, including a discount for early registration. If you register by November 15 the sliding scale is $895-$1200. After November 15 the sliding scale is $995-$1200. A few work trade positions are available for partial tuition; inquire soon about work trade guidelines and availability. The work-trade application deadline ends on December 1st, 2011, and limited scholarships may be available, inquire for details. To register please visit the BRPN website for a registration form, or contact Terry Lilley at tygerlilley@gmail.com or 434-296-3963.
www.blueridgepermaculture.net
2. Apprentice Teachers for Spring Permaculture Design Course
The Blue Ridge Permaculture Network is now accepting applicants for two apprentice teaching positions for the Winter-Spring 2012 PDC. Please see the website for more details on how to apply: http://www.blueridgepermaculture.net/courses.html. Applications should be submitted by October 24, 2011. We are looking forward to hearing from you!
3. Gathering stories from PDC Alumni!
Thanks to all the past participants of the PDC course for making the BRPN what it is. For ages past, cultures have shared their stories of experience to the community. Elders of those communities have said the sharing of stories is key to making them stronger and more resilient. It was a daily practice, a core routine, that storytelling was done. It is in this light, that we are asking former BRPN alumni to share (as well people who have taken PDCs with other organizations).
Our Winter 2012 PDC is around the corner and we are hoping to collect stories from alumni to share on the BRPN website (examples: http://www.blueridgepermaculture.net/members.html) and in the course binder for the upcoming class. We are looking more specifically for stories about how you are implementing permaculture into your life and what affect your study of permaculture has had on you. Your story can be shared in a few paragraphs or so and feel free to send any photos of your work or land or life that go along with your story. We not only love to hear how it is going out there for you, but we also know that it inspires others. So thank you in advance for taking the time to tell your story.
Your stories and any questions can be sent to Emily Axelbaum, emilyaxe@gmail.com.
4.
Good to Go Foods' of Roanoke, VA offers monthly programs in growing, harvesting, preparing and preserving the abundance of Southwest Virginia. Cooks' Collaborative brings folks together to share cooking skills and the fruits of our work. Star City Culture Club helps participants learn and share traditional fermentation skills: making breads, cheese, yogurt, cultured vegetables, tempeh, and medicinal libations.
Nancy is available for cooking classes, food writing and research, recipe development, and free-lance, natural foods and/or vegetarian chef services. She would love to entertain and inspire your group or class on almost any topic related to growing, preparing, and preserving vegetables and herbs. Phone Nancy Maurelli at 540/345-3405 to register/receive location details or check out the Good to Go Foods listing at LocalHarvest.org.
5.
Sacred Plant Traditions - Foundations of Herbalism Program
This is the heart and soul of our teachings here at SPT. These programs are for those wishing to help their friends and families maintain health, deepen their plant knowledge or begin the training as a community herbalist. The curriculum is dynamic, contemplative and provides a sense of community as we move through the seasons learning each step of the process. The course of study is one weekend per month beginning March of 2011.
It is time to register for our Nine-Month Foundations Program beginning March of 2012!
www.sacredplanttraditions.com
6.
Cville CSF, a CSA for fish started by students in the School of Architecture at U. Va., will begin its fall season this Saturday! The community-supported fishery is a subscription program that features responsibly-raised catfish, rainbow trout, and freshwater prawns from south-central Virginia, brought on a biweekly basis by one of the farmers to the Charlottesville Farmers' Market. All of the fish is raised without hormones or antibiotics and on land free of pesticides and herbicides. The farmers take great pride in their fish, and have expressed their deep gratitude for the guaranteed market the CSF model
provides.
For our fall season, we offer shares of catfish, trout, and prawns individually, as well as shares that mix and match the three species. Our brochure is attached to this email, which describes all of our share options in detail. Each share consists of six pickups over the course of twelve weeks, but if anyone expects to miss a week, we offer reduced subscriptions, as well. Please feel free to either email me or Doug Dickerson (dickerson.douglas@gmail.com) or go to our website: cvillecsf.com. There you can find a profile of the farmers, as well as purchase shares online. We ask that all orders be received by this coming Friday, but any latecomers are welcome as well!
If you're looking for local fish and would like to help support small farm communities, please consider joining us!
7.
Transition C'ville/Albemarle
When: Mon, October 17, 6pm – 9pm
Where: Unitarian Church - 717 Rugby Road (map) in Charlottesville
Description: TRANSITION CHARLOTTESVILLE/ALBEMARLE Transition Charlottesville/Albemarle is a group of individuals attempting to discover ways to help our communities adapt and thrive in response to climate change, peak oil, and a challenging economy. For more information goto http://transitioncville.org/ and http://transitionus.org/transition-101 We meet the third Monday of each month at the Unitarian Church 717 Rugby Road 6:30 P.M. – Pot Luck meet and greet newcomers – powerpoint introduction 7-8:30 P.M. Meeting
http://www.transitioncville.org
8.
Thursday, October 13th, 6pm
Green Drinks Charlottesville
Brookeville Restaurant (225 West Main St, above Escafe)
Several of us went last week, shared a local brew, and met others working and organizing to keep our communities groovy and green. We hope you’ll join us this time around!
http://www.greendrinks.org/index.php?city=Charlottesville&country=USA
9.
October 21-23, come out and share our local sustainability efforts at the Roanoke Outdoor Circus.
The Urbiculture Foundation will be organizing local sustainability people who want to help spread the word. Whether you have a cool sustainable demo, information or want to help the road crew, let us know!
We have jobs for setting up, taking down, providing information at the tables and more. We’re looking for creative ideas, too.
http://urbiculture.org/2011/10/10/contact-us-about-the-sustainable-living-roadshow-in-roanoke/
10
Common Good City Farm in D.C.
Upcoming Events & Workshops
Common Good City Farm is an urban farm and education center growing food for low-income residents in Washington, DC and providing educational opportunities for all people that help increase food security, improve health, and contribute to environmental sustainability.
Sat. 10/22: Workshop (Free) "Protecting Watersheds: Rain Gardens in our Landscapes"
1:30pm. Learn about the relevance of rain gardens. Website below
Mon. 10/24: International Food Day & Free Movie Screening
6:30pm to 8:30pm. The new documentary "A Community of Gardeners" explores seven community gardens in DC. Website below
Thu. 10/27: Suckers at DC9 — A Concert Benefit.
Brooklyn band "Suckers" at DC9 Nightclub. Ticket proceeds benefit Common Good. Website below
Sat. 10/29: Harvest Festival
11am to 2pm. A free event celebrating the fall and a great growing season. Learn more & RSVP >>
http://www.commongoodcityfarm.org
11.
2011 Governor's Conference on Energy Post-Conference Event
Registration Form: Green Building Tour
October 19, 2011 • 8:30 am–12:30 pm
Co-hosted by VSBN and James River Green Building Council
REGISTRATION AND EVENT INFORMATION
Meet at the Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 West Broad Street, Richmond, at 8:30 am to go by bus to the three Green Building tour locations. This tour will feature the Moseley Architects office, an historic building renovated to high performance standards; the Virginia Commonwealth University Cary Street Gymnasium, another historic building now featuring 21st century systems; and the McGuire Veterans Hospital, a major institutional campus, which features existing building upgrades, as well as new construction. The tour group is limited to 20 participants.
http://www.vsbn.org/registrationform_20111019.html
12.
Two excellent PBS programs dealing with sustainable agriculture. They are archived on the PBS site and you can stream either one on your PC.
The first, "The Botany of Desire" has a racy title and is quite fascinating, but actually covers the origins of some of the world's most popular plants, the need for biodiversity and preservation of native species, and the problems and risks created by modern industrial farming. The link below is a 5 minute trailer, which then gives you the option of watching the entire 1:55 hour program or selected chapters by topic. The trailer is here: http://video.pbs.org/video/1220836827/
The second is "Silence of the Bees". The dwindling populations of native honeybees around the world is alarming -- Especially since the stinkbug invasion the past two years has led to widespread use of systemic pesticides in the US that are banned in Europe due to their observed link to Colony Collapse Disorder. The gardening websites I frequent now have threads raving about the benefits of Ortho Flower Fruit and Vegetable Spray which contains neonicotinoid neurotoxins.
According to the product label, this chemical is toxic to humans, just not as toxic as it is to insects. It is a systemic insecticide, meaning it is absorbed into the capillary system of the plant - you can't get rid of it by washing, peeling, etc., but you can pass it on to your baby if you are pregnant or nursing. It is also exuded into the nectar and pollen -- thus poisoning all pollinating insects, not just honeybees. Don't get me started.
Albert Einstein once said, "If the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe then man would only have four years of life left. No more bees, no more pollination, no more plants, no more animals, no more man."
Anyway, this link gives you the option of watching the entire program or selected segments:
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/silence-of-the-bees/introduction/38/
Finally, if you follow Dr. Mercola as I do, here's a link to his article discussing the health implications of the above topics (also be sure to check out the readers' comments following the main article):
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/09/25/why-are-the-bees-disappearing.aspx?e_cid=20110925_SNL_Art_1
13.
Elfin Permaculture Announces
15th Annual Permaculture Design Course Online
After a one-year sabbatical, Elfin Permaculture's Annual Permaculture Design Course Online resumes, beginning Jan. 9, 2012. The course benefits from experience gleaned during a decade and a half of Elfin Permaculture online courses, and about 30 years of permaculture teaching by the lead instructor, Dan Hemenway.
The certificate course runs six months and includes the following learning approaches:
• Extensive reading in books, papers, both in print and on the course CD-ROM;
• 21 modules of at least one week, mainly presented on the CD, representing the formal presentations of course instructors;
• At least four reports from each student, including a full permaculture design report[1];
• Class discussion, via email, of readings and reports, as well as questions and issues raised by students or instructors;
• The opportunity to participate in student study groups where interested students can pursue any agreed-upon topic for as long as they wish (independently of the course schedule);
• Support for students by three instructors: Dan Hemenway, course designer leader; Cynthia Hemenway CNM, designer and discussion leader for a special week on Design for Health, and Robert Waldrop, founder of the Oklahoma Food Cooperative and leader of several online discussion groups, our course moderator and discussion leader. You may read further background of our instructors on our web site. In practice, Robert will lead most discussion groups and review early design work and Dan will review more complete design drafts and provide deep backup throughout, as needed. Cynthia focuses mainly on the Design for Health module and serves as further deep back up for Dan.
The online course consists of three consecutive sections, plus work on a permaculture design which students undertake throughout the cycle in which they are registered. Samples of student design work are included in the course CD. We offer several registration options to accommodate people in varied circumstances including a non-certificate track, certificate training in one six-month cycle, and a two year ‘deliberate track’ that enables a student to participate in two consecutive course cycles and take ample time to prepare the design report for certification.
Registration is limited because of the time required to review and critique individual designs. (See below for registration limits.) Because students may enroll in a fast track or deliberate track, each with different design report deadlines, we can accommodate more students.
To review information about the course methodology, content, certification requirements, tuition & fees, registration process, scholarship policies, reading list & cost, and assignment schedule, download the free course preregistration package from our web site, www.barkingfrogspermaculture.org
To download only the package without visiting our site, go to http://www.barkingfrogspermaculture.org/preregistration.pdf
ANNUAL LETTER – Barking Frogs Permaculture Center
All of the projects described in our 2010-2011 letter http://www.barkingfrogspermaculture.org/2011letter.htm continue at Barking Frogs Permaculture Center. Therefore we will tack changes to the course announcement, and avoid sending this to you separately.
14. Form your Team for the 2nd Annual Wayside Cup
Wayside Center for Popular Education (1100 Mill Pond Rd, Faber, VA 22938)
How it works: Teams of 4 to 6 dedicated movement builders raise money and show up at the Center in Faber, VA to compete in an all day extravaganza of friendly competition in an activist field day and have an awesome time! There will be fun prizes and incentives along the way and the winning team will take home the Wayside Cup and return to defend it next year. For more information visit http://waysidecenter.org/2011waysidecup.php.
Contact Joanie at freeman.joanie@gmail.com to sign up!
Below is a great collection of info on upcoming permaculture and sustainability events in the near future in the central Virginia bioregion, including our Spring 2012 BRPN Permaculture Design Course, apprentice teacher opportunities, and a chance to feature your project on the BRPN website.
If you know anyone else that would like to sign up for this newsletter, or if you have an announcement, email Christine at christinegyovai@gmail.com for the next update, which are sent monthly.
Best,
Christine and the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network team
www.blueridgepermaculture.net
1. Spring 2012 BRPN Permaculture Design Course
We are pleased to announce our winter - spring 2012 Permaculture Design Course: Sustainability Strategies for the Blue Ridge, over four weekends near Charlottesville, Virginia.
This Permaculture Design Course lays the foundation for understanding and working with natural systems to design sustainable environments that produce food, shelter, and energy. It also provides participants with models of community development and extension by which they can create networks of support for themselves and empower others to do the same. The course provides tools to help design and develop urban or rural properties or neighborhoods in a sustainable manner, revitalize local communities, and restore ecological balance.
Permaculture promotes land use systems that work with natural rhythms and patterns to create regenerative cultivated ecosystems. Participants will learn how to design and build gardens, homes, and communities that model living ecosystems. By understanding patterns in nature, students will learn how to grow food, manage water catchment and storage, utilize renewable energy and build community.
The ecological design course covers themes such as: ecological systems understanding, organic food production, natural soil improvement, watershed restoration, water conservation and management, edible forest gardening, native medicinal plants, natural habitat restoration, healthy buildings and human settlements, community and consensus building strategies, renewable energy systems, sustainable community development, local economics, and ecological planning and design methods.
This 72-hour certificate course, presented by the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network, will be offered over four weekends with leading permaculture teachers including Emily Axelbaum, Christine Gyovai, Dave Jacke, Hub Knott, Terry Lilley, Dave O’Neill, and guests (teacher bios on the website). The course will be held near Charlottesville, Virginia, at Montfair on the following dates:
Dates: Jan. 13-16, Jan. 27-29, Feb. 18-20, and March 3-4, 2012.
The cost for this course will be a sliding scale, including a discount for early registration. If you register by November 15 the sliding scale is $895-$1200. After November 15 the sliding scale is $995-$1200. A few work trade positions are available for partial tuition; inquire soon about work trade guidelines and availability. The work-trade application deadline ends on December 1st, 2011, and limited scholarships may be available, inquire for details. To register please visit the BRPN website for a registration form, or contact Terry Lilley at tygerlilley@gmail.com or 434-296-3963.
www.blueridgepermaculture.net
2. Apprentice Teachers for Spring Permaculture Design Course
The Blue Ridge Permaculture Network is now accepting applicants for two apprentice teaching positions for the Winter-Spring 2012 PDC. Please see the website for more details on how to apply: http://www.blueridgepermaculture.net/courses.html. Applications should be submitted by October 24, 2011. We are looking forward to hearing from you!
3. Gathering stories from PDC Alumni!
Thanks to all the past participants of the PDC course for making the BRPN what it is. For ages past, cultures have shared their stories of experience to the community. Elders of those communities have said the sharing of stories is key to making them stronger and more resilient. It was a daily practice, a core routine, that storytelling was done. It is in this light, that we are asking former BRPN alumni to share (as well people who have taken PDCs with other organizations).
Our Winter 2012 PDC is around the corner and we are hoping to collect stories from alumni to share on the BRPN website (examples: http://www.blueridgepermaculture.net/members.html) and in the course binder for the upcoming class. We are looking more specifically for stories about how you are implementing permaculture into your life and what affect your study of permaculture has had on you. Your story can be shared in a few paragraphs or so and feel free to send any photos of your work or land or life that go along with your story. We not only love to hear how it is going out there for you, but we also know that it inspires others. So thank you in advance for taking the time to tell your story.
Your stories and any questions can be sent to Emily Axelbaum, emilyaxe@gmail.com.
4.
Good to Go Foods' of Roanoke, VA offers monthly programs in growing, harvesting, preparing and preserving the abundance of Southwest Virginia. Cooks' Collaborative brings folks together to share cooking skills and the fruits of our work. Star City Culture Club helps participants learn and share traditional fermentation skills: making breads, cheese, yogurt, cultured vegetables, tempeh, and medicinal libations.
Nancy is available for cooking classes, food writing and research, recipe development, and free-lance, natural foods and/or vegetarian chef services. She would love to entertain and inspire your group or class on almost any topic related to growing, preparing, and preserving vegetables and herbs. Phone Nancy Maurelli at 540/345-3405 to register/receive location details or check out the Good to Go Foods listing at LocalHarvest.org.
5.
Sacred Plant Traditions - Foundations of Herbalism Program
This is the heart and soul of our teachings here at SPT. These programs are for those wishing to help their friends and families maintain health, deepen their plant knowledge or begin the training as a community herbalist. The curriculum is dynamic, contemplative and provides a sense of community as we move through the seasons learning each step of the process. The course of study is one weekend per month beginning March of 2011.
It is time to register for our Nine-Month Foundations Program beginning March of 2012!
www.sacredplanttraditions.com
6.
Cville CSF, a CSA for fish started by students in the School of Architecture at U. Va., will begin its fall season this Saturday! The community-supported fishery is a subscription program that features responsibly-raised catfish, rainbow trout, and freshwater prawns from south-central Virginia, brought on a biweekly basis by one of the farmers to the Charlottesville Farmers' Market. All of the fish is raised without hormones or antibiotics and on land free of pesticides and herbicides. The farmers take great pride in their fish, and have expressed their deep gratitude for the guaranteed market the CSF model
provides.
For our fall season, we offer shares of catfish, trout, and prawns individually, as well as shares that mix and match the three species. Our brochure is attached to this email, which describes all of our share options in detail. Each share consists of six pickups over the course of twelve weeks, but if anyone expects to miss a week, we offer reduced subscriptions, as well. Please feel free to either email me or Doug Dickerson (dickerson.douglas@gmail.com) or go to our website: cvillecsf.com. There you can find a profile of the farmers, as well as purchase shares online. We ask that all orders be received by this coming Friday, but any latecomers are welcome as well!
If you're looking for local fish and would like to help support small farm communities, please consider joining us!
7.
Transition C'ville/Albemarle
When: Mon, October 17, 6pm – 9pm
Where: Unitarian Church - 717 Rugby Road (map) in Charlottesville
Description: TRANSITION CHARLOTTESVILLE/ALBEMARLE Transition Charlottesville/Albemarle is a group of individuals attempting to discover ways to help our communities adapt and thrive in response to climate change, peak oil, and a challenging economy. For more information goto http://transitioncville.org/ and http://transitionus.org/transition-101 We meet the third Monday of each month at the Unitarian Church 717 Rugby Road 6:30 P.M. – Pot Luck meet and greet newcomers – powerpoint introduction 7-8:30 P.M. Meeting
http://www.transitioncville.org
8.
Thursday, October 13th, 6pm
Green Drinks Charlottesville
Brookeville Restaurant (225 West Main St, above Escafe)
Several of us went last week, shared a local brew, and met others working and organizing to keep our communities groovy and green. We hope you’ll join us this time around!
http://www.greendrinks.org/index.php?city=Charlottesville&country=USA
9.
October 21-23, come out and share our local sustainability efforts at the Roanoke Outdoor Circus.
The Urbiculture Foundation will be organizing local sustainability people who want to help spread the word. Whether you have a cool sustainable demo, information or want to help the road crew, let us know!
We have jobs for setting up, taking down, providing information at the tables and more. We’re looking for creative ideas, too.
http://urbiculture.org/2011/10/10/contact-us-about-the-sustainable-living-roadshow-in-roanoke/
10
Common Good City Farm in D.C.
Upcoming Events & Workshops
Common Good City Farm is an urban farm and education center growing food for low-income residents in Washington, DC and providing educational opportunities for all people that help increase food security, improve health, and contribute to environmental sustainability.
Sat. 10/22: Workshop (Free) "Protecting Watersheds: Rain Gardens in our Landscapes"
1:30pm. Learn about the relevance of rain gardens. Website below
Mon. 10/24: International Food Day & Free Movie Screening
6:30pm to 8:30pm. The new documentary "A Community of Gardeners" explores seven community gardens in DC. Website below
Thu. 10/27: Suckers at DC9 — A Concert Benefit.
Brooklyn band "Suckers" at DC9 Nightclub. Ticket proceeds benefit Common Good. Website below
Sat. 10/29: Harvest Festival
11am to 2pm. A free event celebrating the fall and a great growing season. Learn more & RSVP >>
http://www.commongoodcityfarm.org
11.
2011 Governor's Conference on Energy Post-Conference Event
Registration Form: Green Building Tour
October 19, 2011 • 8:30 am–12:30 pm
Co-hosted by VSBN and James River Green Building Council
REGISTRATION AND EVENT INFORMATION
Meet at the Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 West Broad Street, Richmond, at 8:30 am to go by bus to the three Green Building tour locations. This tour will feature the Moseley Architects office, an historic building renovated to high performance standards; the Virginia Commonwealth University Cary Street Gymnasium, another historic building now featuring 21st century systems; and the McGuire Veterans Hospital, a major institutional campus, which features existing building upgrades, as well as new construction. The tour group is limited to 20 participants.
http://www.vsbn.org/registrationform_20111019.html
12.
Two excellent PBS programs dealing with sustainable agriculture. They are archived on the PBS site and you can stream either one on your PC.
The first, "The Botany of Desire" has a racy title and is quite fascinating, but actually covers the origins of some of the world's most popular plants, the need for biodiversity and preservation of native species, and the problems and risks created by modern industrial farming. The link below is a 5 minute trailer, which then gives you the option of watching the entire 1:55 hour program or selected chapters by topic. The trailer is here: http://video.pbs.org/video/1220836827/
The second is "Silence of the Bees". The dwindling populations of native honeybees around the world is alarming -- Especially since the stinkbug invasion the past two years has led to widespread use of systemic pesticides in the US that are banned in Europe due to their observed link to Colony Collapse Disorder. The gardening websites I frequent now have threads raving about the benefits of Ortho Flower Fruit and Vegetable Spray which contains neonicotinoid neurotoxins.
According to the product label, this chemical is toxic to humans, just not as toxic as it is to insects. It is a systemic insecticide, meaning it is absorbed into the capillary system of the plant - you can't get rid of it by washing, peeling, etc., but you can pass it on to your baby if you are pregnant or nursing. It is also exuded into the nectar and pollen -- thus poisoning all pollinating insects, not just honeybees. Don't get me started.
Albert Einstein once said, "If the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe then man would only have four years of life left. No more bees, no more pollination, no more plants, no more animals, no more man."
Anyway, this link gives you the option of watching the entire program or selected segments:
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/silence-of-the-bees/introduction/38/
Finally, if you follow Dr. Mercola as I do, here's a link to his article discussing the health implications of the above topics (also be sure to check out the readers' comments following the main article):
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/09/25/why-are-the-bees-disappearing.aspx?e_cid=20110925_SNL_Art_1
13.
Elfin Permaculture Announces
15th Annual Permaculture Design Course Online
After a one-year sabbatical, Elfin Permaculture's Annual Permaculture Design Course Online resumes, beginning Jan. 9, 2012. The course benefits from experience gleaned during a decade and a half of Elfin Permaculture online courses, and about 30 years of permaculture teaching by the lead instructor, Dan Hemenway.
The certificate course runs six months and includes the following learning approaches:
• Extensive reading in books, papers, both in print and on the course CD-ROM;
• 21 modules of at least one week, mainly presented on the CD, representing the formal presentations of course instructors;
• At least four reports from each student, including a full permaculture design report[1];
• Class discussion, via email, of readings and reports, as well as questions and issues raised by students or instructors;
• The opportunity to participate in student study groups where interested students can pursue any agreed-upon topic for as long as they wish (independently of the course schedule);
• Support for students by three instructors: Dan Hemenway, course designer leader; Cynthia Hemenway CNM, designer and discussion leader for a special week on Design for Health, and Robert Waldrop, founder of the Oklahoma Food Cooperative and leader of several online discussion groups, our course moderator and discussion leader. You may read further background of our instructors on our web site. In practice, Robert will lead most discussion groups and review early design work and Dan will review more complete design drafts and provide deep backup throughout, as needed. Cynthia focuses mainly on the Design for Health module and serves as further deep back up for Dan.
The online course consists of three consecutive sections, plus work on a permaculture design which students undertake throughout the cycle in which they are registered. Samples of student design work are included in the course CD. We offer several registration options to accommodate people in varied circumstances including a non-certificate track, certificate training in one six-month cycle, and a two year ‘deliberate track’ that enables a student to participate in two consecutive course cycles and take ample time to prepare the design report for certification.
Registration is limited because of the time required to review and critique individual designs. (See below for registration limits.) Because students may enroll in a fast track or deliberate track, each with different design report deadlines, we can accommodate more students.
To review information about the course methodology, content, certification requirements, tuition & fees, registration process, scholarship policies, reading list & cost, and assignment schedule, download the free course preregistration package from our web site, www.barkingfrogspermaculture.org
To download only the package without visiting our site, go to http://www.barkingfrogspermaculture.org/preregistration.pdf
ANNUAL LETTER – Barking Frogs Permaculture Center
All of the projects described in our 2010-2011 letter http://www.barkingfrogspermaculture.org/2011letter.htm continue at Barking Frogs Permaculture Center. Therefore we will tack changes to the course announcement, and avoid sending this to you separately.
14. Form your Team for the 2nd Annual Wayside Cup
Wayside Center for Popular Education (1100 Mill Pond Rd, Faber, VA 22938)
How it works: Teams of 4 to 6 dedicated movement builders raise money and show up at the Center in Faber, VA to compete in an all day extravaganza of friendly competition in an activist field day and have an awesome time! There will be fun prizes and incentives along the way and the winning team will take home the Wayside Cup and return to defend it next year. For more information visit http://waysidecenter.org/2011waysidecup.php.
Contact Joanie at freeman.joanie@gmail.com to sign up!
Saturday, August 27, 2011
upcoming events
Greetings All,
Below is a great collection of info on upcoming permaculture and sustainability events in the near future in the central Virginia bioregion, including Jon Young and the Meet Yer Eats Farm Tour next weekend. We already have a good start to our crew - but we need a few more folks for the BRPN table at the upcoming Heritage Harvest Fest (see below for more info).
If you know anyone else that would like to sign up for this newsletter, or if you have an announcement, email Christine at christinegyovai@gmail.com for the next update, which are sent monthly.
Best,
Christine and the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network team
www.blueridgepermaculture.net
1.
BRPN at Heritage Harvest Festival on Sept. 17
Calling all Blue Ridge Permaculture Network folks!!!
We are going to have a booth at the September 17th Heritage Harvest Festival at Monticello. We are looking for permaculture folks to sign up to help at the BRPN booth and talk permaculture, regeneration and local resources. Contact Christine at christinegyovai@gmail.com to sign up. Thank you!!!
http://heritageharvestfestival.com/
2.
Heritage Harvest Festival
Permaculture Workshops will be offered with BRPN's Christine Gyovai and Terry Lilley at the Heritage Harvest Festival, held at Monticello on Sept. 16-17th, 2011.
Stop by and see the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network table, with permaculture demonstrations, at this year's Heritage Harvest Festival. For more info, see: http://heritageharvestfestival.com
Introduction to Permaculture – Regeneration and Perennial Polycultureswith Christine Gyovai
Friday, 9:00 – 11:15 a.m., Woodland Pavilion, Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center
Learn how to create more sustainable homes, neighborhoods, and communities using the principles of permaculture—an ecological design method that uses observation and patterns in nature. This method also employs strategies to improve soil, grow food, create edible forest gardens and perennial polycultures, harvest water, utilize renewable energy and regenerative building techniques. Participants will leave the workshop energized with permaculture tools that can be implemented in their home and community. $15
Lecture: Introduction to Permaculture – Regeneration and Renewal with Christine Gyovai
Saturday, 3:15 – 4:15 p.m., Woodland Pavilion, Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center
Permaculture is a design system for creating sustainable human settlements. By learning from natural ecosystem dynamics we can apply the same patterns to create gardens that function like a forest and home water systems that function like a wetland. From this introduction participants can take home some permaculture principles and put them into action. $10
For more info, see: http://heritageharvestfestival.com
3.
September 3 – 4, 2011
Reclaiming Our Natural Connections
and Building Community Resiliency with Jon Young
Sat. 9am - Sun. 3pm/ Free Evening Talk Friday Sept. 2 @6pm
Have you heard of The Last Child in the Woods and Nature Deficit Disorder? Are you curious about ways to increase the health and vitality of children and families, especially ways to unplug from media and get outside? Do you wonder about how to build and sustain community? If so, come to an evening talk and weekend workshop that promotes connecting with nature and community building, through timeless indigenous approaches such as storytelling, relationship and sustainability. Hear about an international movement that looks at ways to connect with nature and people, to live in balance with modern culture and the outdoors. Living Earth School is thrilled to bring our long time mentor Jon Young to Charlottesville, to share his inspiring words and vision. It is truly a not to miss weekend. Jon’s work and the work of The Living Earth School, is the kind of work that builds hope and creates a better place for our children and their children. This vision not only gives us the resilience to survive but to thrive in the years to come.
Our weekend is held at beautiful Camp Albemarle nestled among river, field and mountains. The program is held for adults and families are welcome, as there will be a children’s program for ages 5-8 and 9+ (space for children is limited).
Cost is a sliding scale of $200-$250 per adult, $75-$125 per child (food, camping and instruction included).
Jon Young is a national treasure and leader in the field of deep nature connection. His "Cultural Mentoring" approach to developing deep nature connection, holistic human awareness and advance peacemaking skills has spawned over 100 local deep nature connection organizations and initiatives in the U.S. and Europe. Inspired by his childhood mentoring with famous tracker and author Tom Brown, Jr., Jon is co-author of a new book on nature connection mentoring, "Coyote’s Guide to Connecting with Nature," and currently works at the Regenerative Design Institute on the RDNA program. Visit his website at http://www.regenerativedesign.org
For more information, see: http://www.livingearthva.com/adult.html#john_young
4.
Meet Yer Eats Farm Tour in Central Virginia
With Market Central
September 5, 2011
10 AM y 4 PM
19 Farms to visit
$15 per car in advance
$25 per car after September 1
marketcentralonline.org
http://www.marketcentralonline.org/market_central_site/Farm_Tour_2011.html
5.
Sacred Plant Traditions
Six Week Series - Introduction to Herbal Medicine
Fall Session Thursdays: Sept 22 - October 27, in Charlottesville, VA
This six week series is great for beginners as well as those who want to deepen their knowledge and use of herbal medicine. This course will include history, herbal actions, apothecary practices, recipes, sacred use of plants and more. The weeks fly by as we spend time in the classroom, the kitchen, the lab and best of all, the garden. We will learn how to identify basic back yard medicines as well as those cultivated in the garden. We will learn harvest techniques, how to dry and preserve our medicines.
Fee $225 (Deposit: $50).
Fee includes all materials & text.
Fall Session: Thursday Morning Classes, 10am - 12:30pm
www.sacredplanttraditions.com
________________________________________
Sacred Plant Traditions Special Guest Teacher Sheila Guarnajia.
Weight Management, Blood Sugar and Traditional Wisdom.
Sept 28 or 29, 2011 in Charlottesville, VA
Join us for a very special class with Acupuncturist Sheila Guarnajia. Sheila's gift for simplifying complicated issues is perfect for this class where there are so many myths and misguided diets confusing our communities and culture as a whole. In this class Sheila will give basic tenets of Chinese traditional wisdom for working with nourishment and foods for our body types. She will address metabolic syndrome, low and high blood sugar and how to navigate some basic disease proccesses related to these topics.
This class is part of SPT's clinical training so some background in health will be helpful. This class is not on our website so please call Heather to inquire about registration.434-295-3820
Class runs from 9am - 4pm and the fee is only $85.
Same class is offered Weds, September 28 and Thursday, the 29th
www.sacredplanttraditions.com
6.
Edible Ecosystems Emerging: Food Forestry for the 21st Century-
A 9-Day Forest Garden Design Intensive
With Dave Jacke, Matthew English, and Friends.
At Spiral Ridge Permaculture Gardens
and The Farm Community Center
Summertown, Tennessee
September 23-October 2, 2011
Forest ecosystems exhibit many beneficial properties we humans would be wise to emulate in our culture, agriculture and horticulture: they maintain, renew, fertilize and propagate themselves without human inputs; they build, store, and conserve clean air, clean water, nutrients, soil quality, and biodiversity; and they exhibit stability, resilience, and adaptability. These qualities emerge from the dynamics of the forest as a whole system, not from any one or more of the elements that comprise the forest alone. To design productive edible ecosystems that express these same qualities, we must understand forest structures, functions, patterns, and processes and use this knowledge wisely.
In this nine-day intensive course, you will dive deeply into the vision, theory, and practice of designing wholesome, dynamic, and resilient edible ecosystems using temperate deciduous forests as models. Dave Jacke and his teaching team will offer lectures, site walks, and experiential exercises to help you understand how the architecture, social structure, underground economics, and successional processes of natural forests apply in the design of edible ecosystems of all kinds. You'll learn a variety of ecological design processes while designing a range of food-producing ecologies at our host farm. We'll also engage with issues of garden management, economics, and the deep paradigmatic shifts required to succeed at cocreating “humanatural” landscapes and cultures. You will leave inspired and empowered to design food forests at home for yourself, and your friends, neighbors and clients.
Sliding scale (covers tuition and food): $1,100-$1,400. Amounts paid over $1,100 will go into the scholarship fund. Partial scholarships will likely be available. Contact the below for lodging information (some options on site, some off).
Sponsored by: Spiral Ridge Permaculture Gardens
Location: Spiral Ridge Permaculture Gardens and
The Farm Community Center, Summertown, TN.
To register or for info: 931-964-2375
www.spiralridgepermaculture.com
spiralridgepermaculture@gmail.com
-------------
Dave Jacke
Dynamics Ecological Design
308 Main St. #2C • Greenfield, MA • 01301
603-831-1298 • davej@edibleforestgardens.com
7.
FORREST GREEN FARM
Hours Thursday thru Sunday 9-5
We are a small, family farm located in Louisa, Virginia. Our family is committed to supplying you with the best naturally and ecologically grown medicinal and culinary herb plants, dried herbal mixes and teas, vegetables, grass-fed beef, pastured chicken eggs, pastured poultry (whole birds), and horse hay. Another specialty of Forrest Green Farm is our registered Polled Miniature Herefords. We offer classes on gardening and healthy living. Our classes focus on growing for the future by teaching about natural and sustainable methods of growing herbs and vegetables for healthier, self-reliant living.
NOW REGISTERING: www.forrestgreenfarm.com/wholeliving.html
2011 Winter Whole Living From the Ground Up: Topics Covered: Tool and garden
equipment maintenance (from hand tools to tractors), Winter clothing – how to dress to be comfortable and prepared for outdoor weather, Woodstoves, (selection, use, maintenance), Firewood (wood selection, harvesting, and storage), Cutting tools use and care (Chainsaws, saws, and knives), Mushroom logs (hands-on to inoculate and take one home), Wild edibles (fall, winter, and spring), Animal care in winter (chicken, cows, horses, birds), Greenhouse growing in winter, Extending the growing season (techniques and tips), Herb & Vegetable Gardening from seed: ordering seed, starting from seed, greenhouse growing, storing left over seed, planting seed in trays for pot production as well as direct seeding in the garden, Sprouts, Nature connection – building connections and spirituality with nature, Winter Solstice Celebration, Tracking, Shelters and fire starting, Campfire cooking & cast iron cookware (care & how to use), Compass and orienteering, Seasonal foods, Jelly making in the winter, Food storage (realistic
healthy approach to eliminate waste), Herbal care for your family in the winter, Hunting (safety, equipment, and ethical techniques), Wild game processing, Smoking and dehydrating jerky
2012 Whole Living From the Ground Up: Topics Covered: Herb & Vegetable Gardening
from seed, planting seed in trays for pot production as well as direct seeding in the garden, transplanting techniques, garden beds: soil preparation using the no-till sheet layered technique, how & when to till if necessary, herb & vegetable growing: planting, tending, harvesting, and preserving, herbal medicine harvesting: learning the proper part of the herb to harvest, when to harvest, and the best ways to prepare medicine with the herb, general garden care: through the season (watering, weeding, fertilizing),fertilization – organic methods and crop rotation, organic pest control and insect identification, companion planting, vermicomposting, seed saving, making garden structures: support in the garden, cover crops & natural mulches, plant journey: basic botany for gardeners, plant identification, in depth look at 20+ herbs, nature journaling, ethical wildcrafting, herbal medicine making: as we go through the seasons we will harvest herbs at the
proper times to make teas, tinctures, salves, oils, vinegars, herbal honey, aromatherapy, herbs for the medicine chest, herbs as food: delightful culinary dishes, medicinal herbs in everyday food for medicine, seasoning mixes, herbal body care, cordials, syrups, elixirs, fermented foods, whole nourishing foods and eating seasonally.
www.forrestgreenfarm.com
8.
Transition C'ville/Albemarle
When: Mon, September 19, 6pm – 9pm
Where: Unitarian Church - 717 Rugby Road (map)
Description: TRANSITION CHARLOTTESVILLE/ALBEMARLE Transition Charlottesville/Albemarle is a group of individuals attempting to discover ways to help our communities adapt and thrive in response to climate change, peak oil, and a challenging economy. For more information goto http://transitioncville.org/ and http://transitionus.org/transition-101 We meet the third Monday of each month at the Unitarian Church 717 Rugby Road 6:30 P.M. – Pot Luck meet and greet newcomers – powerpoint introduction 7-8:30 P.M. Meeting
http://transitioncville.org
9.
Virginia Food Security Summit – Connecting Our Farms, Food, Health and the Environment
Save-the-Date – Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Alumni Hall, 211, Emmet St. South
University of Virginia Charlottesville, VA
Hosted by UVa, Virginia Food Systems Council, VA Cooperative Extension, VA Tech, and Washington and Lee University
www.virginia.edu/ien/foodsummit2011
email:VAFoodSummit2011@gmail.com
10.
Save the Date
Ninth Annual Small Farm Family Conference
November 1-2, 2011 - Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, 150 Slayton Avenue, Danville, Virginia 24540
Virginia State University has begun planning for its Ninth Annual Small Farm Family Conference. This year's event will take place at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Danville - the same place that the last two Virginia Biological Farming Conferences were held.
Watch for additional details in future e-mail and/or the fall issue of Virginia Biological Farmer.
11.
Calls for Posters and Vendors
Southern SAWG Conference - Practical Tools and Solutions for Sustaining Family Farms
January 18-21 - Little Rock, AR
The Southern SAWG Conference planning committee is developing an excellent program for this year's Conference. Keep an eye on our newly refurbished web site, www.ssawg.org, for conference details and registration as they become available this fall.
At this time, we are issuing a Call for Posters. A poster is an excellent way to communicate research findings with practical application to sustainable or organic farming systems, and technical assistance or other services available for family farms.
See attached pdf file 2012 Call for Posters - final for more information, including a directions and an application form.
If you would like to display a poster at the Southern SAWG Conference (where it will be seen by some 1,200 farmers, educators, advocates, and other agricultural professionals that share a commitment to sustainable agriculture and food systems), submit a half-page abstract for consideration no later than December 1, to poster@ssawg.org. Your abstract will be reviewed by the Southern SAWG scientific committee, and you will be notified by mid-December whether your poster has been accepted.
NOTE - you do not need to attend the Conference yourself in order to display a poster - though it would be much more fun and rewarding if you do!
The Conference organizers are also inviting Vendors to display their goods and services through the Trade Show. See attached pdf file tradeshowvinvite12-finalAug11 for more information and registration form.
http://www.ssawg.org/
12. (FROM VABF)
The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity Act of 2011
Ask your Senators and Representatives to co-sponsor this Bill
When Congress returns from recess at the end of this month, Senator Tom Harkin and Representative Tim Walz are planning to introduce a Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity Act of 2011, to mandate substantial program support and assistance to new and beginning farmers and ranchers. One thing this Act would do is to continue and expand the successful Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) in the next Farm Bill. Among the many projects funded by BFRDP is the Virginia Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coalition Project, of which VABF is a partner organization. In addiiton to BFRDP, Harkin and Walz' new Act would provide additional support to beginning farmers in many other ways, such as set-asides in existing conservation and marketing programs for beginning farmers and ranchers and socially disadvantaged producers, improved access to USDA savings and credit programs, and making beginning producers an explicit priority for the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI). An outline of the bill can be found here:http://sustainableagriculture.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/BRF-Bill-2-pager-Aug-2011-revised.pdf
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition and its member organizations are seeking to get as many Senators and Representatives as we can to co-sponsor the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity Act of 2011. I have contacted Virginia's two Senators and my own Representative to ask them for their co-sponsorship. The more of us on this list who can also do so, the better. I have heard that as few as seven or eight calls on a specific bill or issue will get a Senator or Representative's attention, and can impel them to take action that they might not otherwise have taken. So - your call or letter can make a big difference - especially for those of you who are beginning farmers or ranchers (less than 10 years in the profession) and would directly benefit from any of the current or proposed new programs in this Act.
To contact Senator Mark Warner, call 202-224-2023 and ask to speak with his agricultural aide Nicholas Devereux. After an initial call, you can follow up with an e-mail to him at Nicholas_Devereux@warner.senate.gov.
To contact Senator Jim Webb, call 202-224-4024 and ask to speak with his agricultural aide Trevor Dean. After an initial call, you can follow up with an e-mail to him at Trevor_Dean@webb.senate.gov.
I have already given them the following information, but in case my e-mail gets lost in the huge volume they must be receiving on 1000 different topics, you could mention that Senators should contact Senator Tom Harkin's staff person Mark Halverson at 202-224-3254 to co-sponsor the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity Act.
To contact your Representative, if you do not have his/her telephone number in DC, call the Capitol switchboard 202-225-3121, and when you get your Representative's office, ask for the staff person who works with agricultural issues. Representatives should contact Tim Walz's staff person Leah Rosales at 202-225-2472 to co-sponsor the bill.
Below is a great collection of info on upcoming permaculture and sustainability events in the near future in the central Virginia bioregion, including Jon Young and the Meet Yer Eats Farm Tour next weekend. We already have a good start to our crew - but we need a few more folks for the BRPN table at the upcoming Heritage Harvest Fest (see below for more info).
If you know anyone else that would like to sign up for this newsletter, or if you have an announcement, email Christine at christinegyovai@gmail.com for the next update, which are sent monthly.
Best,
Christine and the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network team
www.blueridgepermaculture.net
1.
BRPN at Heritage Harvest Festival on Sept. 17
Calling all Blue Ridge Permaculture Network folks!!!
We are going to have a booth at the September 17th Heritage Harvest Festival at Monticello. We are looking for permaculture folks to sign up to help at the BRPN booth and talk permaculture, regeneration and local resources. Contact Christine at christinegyovai@gmail.com to sign up. Thank you!!!
http://heritageharvestfestival.com/
2.
Heritage Harvest Festival
Permaculture Workshops will be offered with BRPN's Christine Gyovai and Terry Lilley at the Heritage Harvest Festival, held at Monticello on Sept. 16-17th, 2011.
Stop by and see the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network table, with permaculture demonstrations, at this year's Heritage Harvest Festival. For more info, see: http://heritageharvestfestival.com
Introduction to Permaculture – Regeneration and Perennial Polycultureswith Christine Gyovai
Friday, 9:00 – 11:15 a.m., Woodland Pavilion, Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center
Learn how to create more sustainable homes, neighborhoods, and communities using the principles of permaculture—an ecological design method that uses observation and patterns in nature. This method also employs strategies to improve soil, grow food, create edible forest gardens and perennial polycultures, harvest water, utilize renewable energy and regenerative building techniques. Participants will leave the workshop energized with permaculture tools that can be implemented in their home and community. $15
Lecture: Introduction to Permaculture – Regeneration and Renewal with Christine Gyovai
Saturday, 3:15 – 4:15 p.m., Woodland Pavilion, Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center
Permaculture is a design system for creating sustainable human settlements. By learning from natural ecosystem dynamics we can apply the same patterns to create gardens that function like a forest and home water systems that function like a wetland. From this introduction participants can take home some permaculture principles and put them into action. $10
For more info, see: http://heritageharvestfestival.com
3.
September 3 – 4, 2011
Reclaiming Our Natural Connections
and Building Community Resiliency with Jon Young
Sat. 9am - Sun. 3pm/ Free Evening Talk Friday Sept. 2 @6pm
Have you heard of The Last Child in the Woods and Nature Deficit Disorder? Are you curious about ways to increase the health and vitality of children and families, especially ways to unplug from media and get outside? Do you wonder about how to build and sustain community? If so, come to an evening talk and weekend workshop that promotes connecting with nature and community building, through timeless indigenous approaches such as storytelling, relationship and sustainability. Hear about an international movement that looks at ways to connect with nature and people, to live in balance with modern culture and the outdoors. Living Earth School is thrilled to bring our long time mentor Jon Young to Charlottesville, to share his inspiring words and vision. It is truly a not to miss weekend. Jon’s work and the work of The Living Earth School, is the kind of work that builds hope and creates a better place for our children and their children. This vision not only gives us the resilience to survive but to thrive in the years to come.
Our weekend is held at beautiful Camp Albemarle nestled among river, field and mountains. The program is held for adults and families are welcome, as there will be a children’s program for ages 5-8 and 9+ (space for children is limited).
Cost is a sliding scale of $200-$250 per adult, $75-$125 per child (food, camping and instruction included).
Jon Young is a national treasure and leader in the field of deep nature connection. His "Cultural Mentoring" approach to developing deep nature connection, holistic human awareness and advance peacemaking skills has spawned over 100 local deep nature connection organizations and initiatives in the U.S. and Europe. Inspired by his childhood mentoring with famous tracker and author Tom Brown, Jr., Jon is co-author of a new book on nature connection mentoring, "Coyote’s Guide to Connecting with Nature," and currently works at the Regenerative Design Institute on the RDNA program. Visit his website at http://www.regenerativedesign.org
For more information, see: http://www.livingearthva.com/adult.html#john_young
4.
Meet Yer Eats Farm Tour in Central Virginia
With Market Central
September 5, 2011
10 AM y 4 PM
19 Farms to visit
$15 per car in advance
$25 per car after September 1
marketcentralonline.org
http://www.marketcentralonline.org/market_central_site/Farm_Tour_2011.html
5.
Sacred Plant Traditions
Six Week Series - Introduction to Herbal Medicine
Fall Session Thursdays: Sept 22 - October 27, in Charlottesville, VA
This six week series is great for beginners as well as those who want to deepen their knowledge and use of herbal medicine. This course will include history, herbal actions, apothecary practices, recipes, sacred use of plants and more. The weeks fly by as we spend time in the classroom, the kitchen, the lab and best of all, the garden. We will learn how to identify basic back yard medicines as well as those cultivated in the garden. We will learn harvest techniques, how to dry and preserve our medicines.
Fee $225 (Deposit: $50).
Fee includes all materials & text.
Fall Session: Thursday Morning Classes, 10am - 12:30pm
www.sacredplanttraditions.com
________________________________________
Sacred Plant Traditions Special Guest Teacher Sheila Guarnajia.
Weight Management, Blood Sugar and Traditional Wisdom.
Sept 28 or 29, 2011 in Charlottesville, VA
Join us for a very special class with Acupuncturist Sheila Guarnajia. Sheila's gift for simplifying complicated issues is perfect for this class where there are so many myths and misguided diets confusing our communities and culture as a whole. In this class Sheila will give basic tenets of Chinese traditional wisdom for working with nourishment and foods for our body types. She will address metabolic syndrome, low and high blood sugar and how to navigate some basic disease proccesses related to these topics.
This class is part of SPT's clinical training so some background in health will be helpful. This class is not on our website so please call Heather to inquire about registration.434-295-3820
Class runs from 9am - 4pm and the fee is only $85.
Same class is offered Weds, September 28 and Thursday, the 29th
www.sacredplanttraditions.com
6.
Edible Ecosystems Emerging: Food Forestry for the 21st Century-
A 9-Day Forest Garden Design Intensive
With Dave Jacke, Matthew English, and Friends.
At Spiral Ridge Permaculture Gardens
and The Farm Community Center
Summertown, Tennessee
September 23-October 2, 2011
Forest ecosystems exhibit many beneficial properties we humans would be wise to emulate in our culture, agriculture and horticulture: they maintain, renew, fertilize and propagate themselves without human inputs; they build, store, and conserve clean air, clean water, nutrients, soil quality, and biodiversity; and they exhibit stability, resilience, and adaptability. These qualities emerge from the dynamics of the forest as a whole system, not from any one or more of the elements that comprise the forest alone. To design productive edible ecosystems that express these same qualities, we must understand forest structures, functions, patterns, and processes and use this knowledge wisely.
In this nine-day intensive course, you will dive deeply into the vision, theory, and practice of designing wholesome, dynamic, and resilient edible ecosystems using temperate deciduous forests as models. Dave Jacke and his teaching team will offer lectures, site walks, and experiential exercises to help you understand how the architecture, social structure, underground economics, and successional processes of natural forests apply in the design of edible ecosystems of all kinds. You'll learn a variety of ecological design processes while designing a range of food-producing ecologies at our host farm. We'll also engage with issues of garden management, economics, and the deep paradigmatic shifts required to succeed at cocreating “humanatural” landscapes and cultures. You will leave inspired and empowered to design food forests at home for yourself, and your friends, neighbors and clients.
Sliding scale (covers tuition and food): $1,100-$1,400. Amounts paid over $1,100 will go into the scholarship fund. Partial scholarships will likely be available. Contact the below for lodging information (some options on site, some off).
Sponsored by: Spiral Ridge Permaculture Gardens
Location: Spiral Ridge Permaculture Gardens and
The Farm Community Center, Summertown, TN.
To register or for info: 931-964-2375
www.spiralridgepermaculture.com
spiralridgepermaculture@gmail.com
-------------
Dave Jacke
Dynamics Ecological Design
308 Main St. #2C • Greenfield, MA • 01301
603-831-1298 • davej@edibleforestgardens.com
7.
FORREST GREEN FARM
Hours Thursday thru Sunday 9-5
We are a small, family farm located in Louisa, Virginia. Our family is committed to supplying you with the best naturally and ecologically grown medicinal and culinary herb plants, dried herbal mixes and teas, vegetables, grass-fed beef, pastured chicken eggs, pastured poultry (whole birds), and horse hay. Another specialty of Forrest Green Farm is our registered Polled Miniature Herefords. We offer classes on gardening and healthy living. Our classes focus on growing for the future by teaching about natural and sustainable methods of growing herbs and vegetables for healthier, self-reliant living.
NOW REGISTERING: www.forrestgreenfarm.com/wholeliving.html
2011 Winter Whole Living From the Ground Up: Topics Covered: Tool and garden
equipment maintenance (from hand tools to tractors), Winter clothing – how to dress to be comfortable and prepared for outdoor weather, Woodstoves, (selection, use, maintenance), Firewood (wood selection, harvesting, and storage), Cutting tools use and care (Chainsaws, saws, and knives), Mushroom logs (hands-on to inoculate and take one home), Wild edibles (fall, winter, and spring), Animal care in winter (chicken, cows, horses, birds), Greenhouse growing in winter, Extending the growing season (techniques and tips), Herb & Vegetable Gardening from seed: ordering seed, starting from seed, greenhouse growing, storing left over seed, planting seed in trays for pot production as well as direct seeding in the garden, Sprouts, Nature connection – building connections and spirituality with nature, Winter Solstice Celebration, Tracking, Shelters and fire starting, Campfire cooking & cast iron cookware (care & how to use), Compass and orienteering, Seasonal foods, Jelly making in the winter, Food storage (realistic
healthy approach to eliminate waste), Herbal care for your family in the winter, Hunting (safety, equipment, and ethical techniques), Wild game processing, Smoking and dehydrating jerky
2012 Whole Living From the Ground Up: Topics Covered: Herb & Vegetable Gardening
from seed, planting seed in trays for pot production as well as direct seeding in the garden, transplanting techniques, garden beds: soil preparation using the no-till sheet layered technique, how & when to till if necessary, herb & vegetable growing: planting, tending, harvesting, and preserving, herbal medicine harvesting: learning the proper part of the herb to harvest, when to harvest, and the best ways to prepare medicine with the herb, general garden care: through the season (watering, weeding, fertilizing),fertilization – organic methods and crop rotation, organic pest control and insect identification, companion planting, vermicomposting, seed saving, making garden structures: support in the garden, cover crops & natural mulches, plant journey: basic botany for gardeners, plant identification, in depth look at 20+ herbs, nature journaling, ethical wildcrafting, herbal medicine making: as we go through the seasons we will harvest herbs at the
proper times to make teas, tinctures, salves, oils, vinegars, herbal honey, aromatherapy, herbs for the medicine chest, herbs as food: delightful culinary dishes, medicinal herbs in everyday food for medicine, seasoning mixes, herbal body care, cordials, syrups, elixirs, fermented foods, whole nourishing foods and eating seasonally.
www.forrestgreenfarm.com
8.
Transition C'ville/Albemarle
When: Mon, September 19, 6pm – 9pm
Where: Unitarian Church - 717 Rugby Road (map)
Description: TRANSITION CHARLOTTESVILLE/ALBEMARLE Transition Charlottesville/Albemarle is a group of individuals attempting to discover ways to help our communities adapt and thrive in response to climate change, peak oil, and a challenging economy. For more information goto http://transitioncville.org/ and http://transitionus.org/transition-101 We meet the third Monday of each month at the Unitarian Church 717 Rugby Road 6:30 P.M. – Pot Luck meet and greet newcomers – powerpoint introduction 7-8:30 P.M. Meeting
http://transitioncville.org
9.
Virginia Food Security Summit – Connecting Our Farms, Food, Health and the Environment
Save-the-Date – Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Alumni Hall, 211, Emmet St. South
University of Virginia Charlottesville, VA
Hosted by UVa, Virginia Food Systems Council, VA Cooperative Extension, VA Tech, and Washington and Lee University
www.virginia.edu/ien/foodsummit2011
email:VAFoodSummit2011@gmail.com
10.
Save the Date
Ninth Annual Small Farm Family Conference
November 1-2, 2011 - Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, 150 Slayton Avenue, Danville, Virginia 24540
Virginia State University has begun planning for its Ninth Annual Small Farm Family Conference. This year's event will take place at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Danville - the same place that the last two Virginia Biological Farming Conferences were held.
Watch for additional details in future e-mail and/or the fall issue of Virginia Biological Farmer.
11.
Calls for Posters and Vendors
Southern SAWG Conference - Practical Tools and Solutions for Sustaining Family Farms
January 18-21 - Little Rock, AR
The Southern SAWG Conference planning committee is developing an excellent program for this year's Conference. Keep an eye on our newly refurbished web site, www.ssawg.org, for conference details and registration as they become available this fall.
At this time, we are issuing a Call for Posters. A poster is an excellent way to communicate research findings with practical application to sustainable or organic farming systems, and technical assistance or other services available for family farms.
See attached pdf file 2012 Call for Posters - final for more information, including a directions and an application form.
If you would like to display a poster at the Southern SAWG Conference (where it will be seen by some 1,200 farmers, educators, advocates, and other agricultural professionals that share a commitment to sustainable agriculture and food systems), submit a half-page abstract for consideration no later than December 1, to poster@ssawg.org. Your abstract will be reviewed by the Southern SAWG scientific committee, and you will be notified by mid-December whether your poster has been accepted.
NOTE - you do not need to attend the Conference yourself in order to display a poster - though it would be much more fun and rewarding if you do!
The Conference organizers are also inviting Vendors to display their goods and services through the Trade Show. See attached pdf file tradeshowvinvite12-finalAug11 for more information and registration form.
http://www.ssawg.org/
12. (FROM VABF)
The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity Act of 2011
Ask your Senators and Representatives to co-sponsor this Bill
When Congress returns from recess at the end of this month, Senator Tom Harkin and Representative Tim Walz are planning to introduce a Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity Act of 2011, to mandate substantial program support and assistance to new and beginning farmers and ranchers. One thing this Act would do is to continue and expand the successful Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) in the next Farm Bill. Among the many projects funded by BFRDP is the Virginia Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coalition Project, of which VABF is a partner organization. In addiiton to BFRDP, Harkin and Walz' new Act would provide additional support to beginning farmers in many other ways, such as set-asides in existing conservation and marketing programs for beginning farmers and ranchers and socially disadvantaged producers, improved access to USDA savings and credit programs, and making beginning producers an explicit priority for the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI). An outline of the bill can be found here:http://sustainableagriculture.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/BRF-Bill-2-pager-Aug-2011-revised.pdf
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition and its member organizations are seeking to get as many Senators and Representatives as we can to co-sponsor the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity Act of 2011. I have contacted Virginia's two Senators and my own Representative to ask them for their co-sponsorship. The more of us on this list who can also do so, the better. I have heard that as few as seven or eight calls on a specific bill or issue will get a Senator or Representative's attention, and can impel them to take action that they might not otherwise have taken. So - your call or letter can make a big difference - especially for those of you who are beginning farmers or ranchers (less than 10 years in the profession) and would directly benefit from any of the current or proposed new programs in this Act.
To contact Senator Mark Warner, call 202-224-2023 and ask to speak with his agricultural aide Nicholas Devereux. After an initial call, you can follow up with an e-mail to him at Nicholas_Devereux@warner.senate.gov.
To contact Senator Jim Webb, call 202-224-4024 and ask to speak with his agricultural aide Trevor Dean. After an initial call, you can follow up with an e-mail to him at Trevor_Dean@webb.senate.gov.
I have already given them the following information, but in case my e-mail gets lost in the huge volume they must be receiving on 1000 different topics, you could mention that Senators should contact Senator Tom Harkin's staff person Mark Halverson at 202-224-3254 to co-sponsor the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity Act.
To contact your Representative, if you do not have his/her telephone number in DC, call the Capitol switchboard 202-225-3121, and when you get your Representative's office, ask for the staff person who works with agricultural issues. Representatives should contact Tim Walz's staff person Leah Rosales at 202-225-2472 to co-sponsor the bill.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
upcoming events
Greetings All,
Below is a great collection of info on upcoming permaculture and sustainability events in the near future in the central Virginia bioregion, including great events this weekend.
If you know anyone else that would like to sign up for this newsletter, or if you have an announcement, email Christine at christinegyovai@gmail.com for the next update, which are sent monthly.
Best,
Christine and the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network team
www.blueridgepermaculture.net
1.
BRPN at Heritage Harvest Festival on Sept. 17
Calling all Blue Ridge Permaculture Network folks!!!
We are going to have a booth at the September 17th Heritage Harvest Festival at Monticello. We are looking for about 10 awesome permaculture folks to sign up to help at the BRPN booth and talk permaculture, regeneration and local resources. Contact Christine at christinegyovai@gmail.com to sign up. Thank you!!!
http://heritageharvestfestival.com/
2.
Edible Ecosystems Emerging: Food Forestry for the 21st Century-
A 9-Day Forest Garden Design Intensive
With Dave Jacke, Matthew English, and Friends.
At Spiral Ridge Permaculture Gardens
and The Farm Community Center
Summertown, Tennessee
September 23-October 2, 2011
Forest ecosystems exhibit many beneficial properties we humans would be wise to emulate in our culture, agriculture and horticulture: they maintain, renew, fertilize and propagate themselves without human inputs; they build, store, and conserve clean air, clean water, nutrients, soil quality, and biodiversity; and they exhibit stability, resilience, and adaptability. These qualities emerge from the dynamics of the forest as a whole system, not from any one or more of the elements that comprise the forest alone. To design productive edible ecosystems that express these same qualities, we must understand forest structures, functions, patterns, and processes and use this knowledge wisely.
In this nine-day intensive course, you will dive deeply into the vision, theory, and practice of designing wholesome, dynamic, and resilient edible ecosystems using temperate deciduous forests as models. Dave Jacke and his teaching team will offer lectures, site walks, and experiential exercises to help you understand how the architecture, social structure, underground economics, and successional processes of natural forests apply in the design of edible ecosystems of all kinds. You'll learn a variety of ecological design processes while designing a range of food-producing ecologies at our host farm. We'll also engage with issues of garden management, economics, and the deep paradigmatic shifts required to succeed at cocreating “humanatural” landscapes and cultures. You will leave inspired and empowered to design food forests at home for yourself, and your friends, neighbors and clients.
Sliding scale (covers tuition and food): $1,100-$1,400. Amounts paid over $1,100 will go into the scholarship fund. Partial scholarships will likely be available. Contact the below for lodging information (some options on site, some off).
Sponsored by: Spiral Ridge Permaculture Gardens
Location: Spiral Ridge Permaculture Gardens and
The Farm Community Center, Summertown, TN.
To register or for info: 931-964-2375
www.spiralridgepermaculture.com
spiralridgepermaculture@gmail.com
-------------
Dave Jacke
Dynamics Ecological Design
308 Main St. #2C • Greenfield, MA • 01301
603-831-1298 • davej@edibleforestgardens.com
3.
Transition Charlottesville/Albemarle
Presents the 2nd in the ongoing series of Reskilling Workshops
Refilling cartridges & making business cards
When: Saturday July 23st , 2011
Where: Virginia Organizing 703 Concord Ave. C'ville
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
Class limited to 12 people
Call (434) 987-1026 to make a reservation.
Bring your empties - each participant will have a chance to refill their cartridge
Future Workshops
3rd – solar oven & recipe cards August
4th – backyard chickens September
www.transitioncville.org
4.
July 16th, 5:30 p.m. Local Organic Potluck and Video, Social Hall, Unitarian Church
You are invited to a local, organic potluck, to be followed by a showing of "Cover Crops and Compost Crops in Your Garden," a 60-minute DVD featuring Virginia permaculturist Cindy Conner. Please bring a dish of local and/or organic food to share. Sponsored by the Green Sanctuary and cosponsored by Transition Charlottesville Ablemarle.
Located at Thomas Jefferson MemorialUnitarian Church at 717 Rugby Road. Charlottesville.
For more information please call Deborah at 296-9637. Free and open to the public.
5.
Sacred Plant Traditions classes
The Art of Fermentation
One-Day Class: July 23
10am – 2:30pm
Learn to make delicious lacto-fermented foods in this hands-on workshop. Fermentation is a traditional way of food preparation that not only preserves the harvest but also yields greater nourishment, a healthier digestive system, and thus increased vitality. We will make kimchi, brined garlic, lacto-fermented beets and ginger carrots, all of which can be easily incorporated into meals. We will also make some fermented and cultured beverages including kombucha, honey wine and sodas that are actually good for you. There will be a wide array of samples and you will leave with the skills necessary to begin lacto-fermenting foods at home.
This class will be taught by community herbalist, Suzanna Stone
Herbal teas will be provided at all the one day workshops. Please pack a bag lunch.
Fee for the class is $75. Deposit $30.
www.sacredplanttraditions.com
Six Week Introduction to Herbal Healing
Fall Session, Thursdays
September 22 - October 27
10 am - 12:30pm
This six week series is great for beginners as well as those who want to deepen their knowledge and use of herbal medicine. This course will include history, herbal actions, apothecary practices, recipes, sacred use of plants and more. The weeks fly by as we spend time in the classroom, the kitchen, the lab and best of all, the garden. We will learn how to identify basic back yard medicines as well as those cultivated in the garden. We will learn harvest techniques, how to dry and preserve our medicines.
Fee $225 (Deposit: $50).
Fee includes all materials & text.
www.sacredplanttraditions.com
6.
FOOD PRESERVATION RESOURCES
Thanks to a grant from the Farmers Market Coalition and the Ball Canning Jar company, Market Central is offering several events this summer in our "Discover You Can!" program. We have classes, market demos and such scheduled throughout the summer, and would invite you to check out the full schedule on our website: www.marketcentralonline.org. The jam class on 7/24 is full (wow!) but there are spots available in the 7/23 pickle class. Still to come is online registration for a water bath canning basics class on 8/20 with Leni Sorenson (think: peaches and tomatoes) - but there are many programs to spur your interest, including a collaborative class with the Local Food Hub on August 13.
Plus: save the date for a 'Canner's Celebratory SWAP', to be held Sunday, September 25th at the Haven. Details forthcoming.
At this moment, I have a room full of promotional materials, and want to share them far & wide -- well, at least further and wider than my dining room! -- and I'm sure I have many times more than needed for our purposes at the market. I'd love to get them into the hands of individuals/groups who will most benefit, which is why I'm posting to this list. I have thousands of copies of a nicely done, concise brochure on the basics of water bath canning, (courtesy of Ball) and this brochure includes several delicious looking recipes and tips. Additionally, I have thousands of 1.50 off coupons for Ball jars and 2.00 off their 'Canning Discovery Kit'. Yes, you heard me right: thousands. If you have a church group or civic organization that could put these coupons and brochures to good use, please let me know. I'll have them at the City Market at the Market Central booth - please stop by and pick up a handful, or a gross! Or email me, and I'll rendezvous to get them in your hands.
Thank you, thank you! and cheers to all you home canners out there!
Kathy Kildea
Market Central
P.O. Box 6459
Charlottesville, VA 22906
434.531.3957
marketcentral@bnsi.net
www.marketcentralonline.org
7.
Virginia Food Security Summit – Connecting Our Farms, Food, Health and the Environment
Save-the-Date – Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Alumni Hall, 211, Emmet St. South
University of Virginia Charlottesville, VA
Hosted by UVa, Virginia Food Systems Council, VA Cooperative Extension, VA Tech, and Washington and Lee University
www.virginia.edu/ien/foodsummit2011
email:VAFoodSummit2011@gmail.com
8.
September 3 – 4, 2011
Reclaiming Our Natural Connections
and Building Community Resiliency with Jon Young
Sat. 9am - Sun. 3pm/ Free Evening Talk Friday Sept. 2 @6pm
Have you heard of The Last Child in the Woods and Nature Deficit Disorder? Are you curious about ways to increase the health and vitality of children and families, especially ways to unplug from media and get outside? Do you wonder about how to build and sustain community? If so, come to an evening talk and weekend workshop that promotes connecting with nature and community building, through timeless indigenous approaches such as storytelling, relationship and sustainability. Hear about an international movement that looks at ways to connect with nature and people, to live in balance with modern culture and the outdoors. Living Earth School is thrilled to bring our long time mentor Jon Young to Charlottesville, to share his inspiring words and vision. It is truly a not to miss weekend. Jon’s work and the work of The Living Earth School, is the kind of work that builds hope and creates a better place for our children and their children. This vision not only gives us the resilience to survive but to thrive in the years to come.
Our weekend is held at beautiful Camp Albemarle nestled among river, field and mountains. The program is held for adults and families are welcome, as there will be a children’s program for ages 5-8 and 9+ (space for children is limited).
Cost is a sliding scale of $200-$250 per adult, $75-$125 per child (food, camping and instruction included).
Jon Young is a national treasure and leader in the field of deep nature connection. His "Cultural Mentoring" approach to developing deep nature connection, holistic human awareness and advance peacemaking skills has spawned over 100 local deep nature connection organizations and initiatives in the U.S. and Europe. Inspired by his childhood mentoring with famous tracker and author Tom Brown, Jr., Jon is co-author of a new book on nature connection mentoring, "Coyote’s Guide to Connecting with Nature," and currently works at the Regenerative Design Institute on the RDNA program. Visit his website at http://www.regenerativedesign.org
For more information, see: http://www.livingearthva.com/adult.html#john_young
9.
Stone Barns to Santa Cruz: The Role of Institutions in Local Food
5th Annual Local Food Project at Airlie Conference
Monday August 8 (all day) - Airle Conference Center, Warrenton, VA.
Harvest Dinner and Dialogue - Sunday August 7 at 7:00 pm
This year's conference will concentrate on the important contributions institutions can make in advancing a healthier food system. The conference will highlight successful models of institutional farm projects, food purchasing, farmer training and community outreach.
Featured presenters at the Stone Barns to Santa Cruz conference include Jill Isenbarger and Jack Algiere of the Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture (Pocantico Hills, New York) and Patricia Allen and Christof Bernau of the Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems (CASFS) at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Breakout sessions throughout the day will focus on a range of local food topics with applications to almost any institutional setting.
See: http://www.airlie.com/dine/images/LFP_CONF_BROCHURE.pdf to VIEW CONFERENCE BROCHURE WITH PRESENTATIONS, WORKSHOPS & SCHEDULE!
For more information contact: Pablo Elliott, Director at 540-347-1300, ext 3163 or pelliott@airlie.org
10.
Appalachian Gothic Farm to Fork Gala - to benefit Appalachian Sustainable Development
Bristol Motor Speedway, July 27, 5:00 - 9:00 pm
Join us for a farmer's market under the stars featuring the creativity of raising, cooking and sampling fantasic, locally grown foods and regional artistic creations. Connect with local farmers and regional artists, purchase locally grown foods and hand-spun artwork, taste magnificent tapas prepared by Chef George, and enjoy great wines and local brews...all for a great cause!
Tickets are $20 if you prepay. Tickets are $25 at the door.
Tickets can be purchased at http://www.asdevelop.org or you can call us at 276-623-1121. Dress is casual.
11.
Mad City Chickens - a one time movie screening
Sunday July 17, 2:00pm - Byrd Theater, 2908 West Cary Street, Richmond, VA 23221
Advanced tickets on sale NOW! Seating is limited for this one-time Richmond showing. Tickets will only be available at the door on a first come, first served basis.
Mad City Chickens is a sometimes serious, sometimes whimsical look at the people who keep urban chickens in their backyards. From chicken experts and authors to a rescued landfill hen or an inexperienced family that decides to take the poultry plunge—and even a mad professor and giant hen taking to the streets—it’s a humorous and heartfelt trip through the world of backyard chickendom.
Please join us after the show for a Post-Movie Party and Book Signing by Pat Foreman, Author of City Chicks, Chicken Tractor and numerous other books. 4:30 - 6:00pm Ellwood’s Café 4 N. Thompson Street
The ordinances in Richmond and surrounding localities are outdated and unfair to folks who wish to raise a few hens (no roosters) in urban localities for food and fun. Join us and help us to spread the word about our wonderful egg-laying friends!
12.
Cob Over Building Workshop Saturday in Roanoke
Join Us This Saturday, July 16th Learn how and help us build a community oven, made from cob.
We’ll be leaving at 9:00am from the Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op parking lot (behind the store) and carpooling to Charlie and Sonia’s permaculture homestead. Learn how to do a silt test, the many uses and types of cob, make your own brick and help build an oven. All are welcome, you can share with your friends.
Optional: stay for pizza after the workshop! Returning: 1:00pm, back to the parking lot. (returning later if opting for pizza)
More details: http://katuahschool.com/2011/07/04/cob-building-workshop/
13.
Common Good City Farm in DC - Upcoming Events
Farm-to-Street Party
July/16/2011
Celebrate local food at Washington DC’s first ever Farm-to-Street Party! Enjoy scrumptious dishes made with ingredients from local farms, local craft beer and wine. Engage with local entrepreneurs, chefs and non-profit organizations.
Growing Gardens Workshop Drip...drip - Drip Irrigation for the Patio & Small Garden
July/16/2011
Saturday, July 16: Drip...drip - Drip Irrigation for the Patio & Small Garden. 8:00am-10:00am. A hands on workshop for your own drip irrigation system.
SEE THE WEBSITE BELOW FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
http://www.commongoodcityfarm.org/events
14.
Do you want to be involved in making Charlottesville-Albemarle a more livable community?
Join the Many Plans, One Community Livability Partnership!
We are currently forming a Livability Partnership, made up of representatives from a wide array of community groups, to provide input into the planning process.
Please find a letter with detailed information about the Partnership as well as a sign-up form attached, or on our website: http://1-community.org/PDF/Partnership%20Invite%20Lttr%206.22.pdf
If you have any questions about Many Plans, One Community please let us know by contacting Summer Frederick, Project Manager, at sfrederick@tjpdc.org or Mandy Burbage, Planner II, at aburbage@tjpdc.org.
15.
We own 14 acres in Rappahannock County, Va., with a spacious 4BR house built in
1907 and a log cabin built in 1790. Located at the foot of Old Rag Mountain, a mile from Shenandoah National Park and right on the banks of the Hughes River, which originates in the Park.
We’re looking to rent the land, house, and/or cabin land to like-minded people who are into sustainable gardening, homesteading, healthy living and mutual benefit. We are oriented to flexible, affordable terms and are up for any deal as long as it’s win-win.
Property is very rural and magical, and conveniently situated midway between Washington DC and Charlottesville VA -- just about 1.25 hours from each. It
includes:
• 2+ acres of farming/ gardening bottomland (some needs clearing)
• Hillside land suitable for fruit trees and shade crops
• 4BR/1.5BA house, 2500 sf, with 2 porches and a large basement
• 2-over-2 log cabin with recently renovated kitchen and bathroom
• Excellent well water
• Large bamboo grove
Besides being ideal for sustainable growing, this is a wonderful place for writers and musicians, with a world-class resident muse who has already inspired myriad songwriters and writers. Nearby towns of Sperryville and Little Washington are hotspots for music, writing, live theater, great food.
If interested contact Kay at kk@infowomen.org.
Below is a great collection of info on upcoming permaculture and sustainability events in the near future in the central Virginia bioregion, including great events this weekend.
If you know anyone else that would like to sign up for this newsletter, or if you have an announcement, email Christine at christinegyovai@gmail.com for the next update, which are sent monthly.
Best,
Christine and the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network team
www.blueridgepermaculture.net
1.
BRPN at Heritage Harvest Festival on Sept. 17
Calling all Blue Ridge Permaculture Network folks!!!
We are going to have a booth at the September 17th Heritage Harvest Festival at Monticello. We are looking for about 10 awesome permaculture folks to sign up to help at the BRPN booth and talk permaculture, regeneration and local resources. Contact Christine at christinegyovai@gmail.com to sign up. Thank you!!!
http://heritageharvestfestival.com/
2.
Edible Ecosystems Emerging: Food Forestry for the 21st Century-
A 9-Day Forest Garden Design Intensive
With Dave Jacke, Matthew English, and Friends.
At Spiral Ridge Permaculture Gardens
and The Farm Community Center
Summertown, Tennessee
September 23-October 2, 2011
Forest ecosystems exhibit many beneficial properties we humans would be wise to emulate in our culture, agriculture and horticulture: they maintain, renew, fertilize and propagate themselves without human inputs; they build, store, and conserve clean air, clean water, nutrients, soil quality, and biodiversity; and they exhibit stability, resilience, and adaptability. These qualities emerge from the dynamics of the forest as a whole system, not from any one or more of the elements that comprise the forest alone. To design productive edible ecosystems that express these same qualities, we must understand forest structures, functions, patterns, and processes and use this knowledge wisely.
In this nine-day intensive course, you will dive deeply into the vision, theory, and practice of designing wholesome, dynamic, and resilient edible ecosystems using temperate deciduous forests as models. Dave Jacke and his teaching team will offer lectures, site walks, and experiential exercises to help you understand how the architecture, social structure, underground economics, and successional processes of natural forests apply in the design of edible ecosystems of all kinds. You'll learn a variety of ecological design processes while designing a range of food-producing ecologies at our host farm. We'll also engage with issues of garden management, economics, and the deep paradigmatic shifts required to succeed at cocreating “humanatural” landscapes and cultures. You will leave inspired and empowered to design food forests at home for yourself, and your friends, neighbors and clients.
Sliding scale (covers tuition and food): $1,100-$1,400. Amounts paid over $1,100 will go into the scholarship fund. Partial scholarships will likely be available. Contact the below for lodging information (some options on site, some off).
Sponsored by: Spiral Ridge Permaculture Gardens
Location: Spiral Ridge Permaculture Gardens and
The Farm Community Center, Summertown, TN.
To register or for info: 931-964-2375
www.spiralridgepermaculture.com
spiralridgepermaculture@gmail.com
-------------
Dave Jacke
Dynamics Ecological Design
308 Main St. #2C • Greenfield, MA • 01301
603-831-1298 • davej@edibleforestgardens.com
3.
Transition Charlottesville/Albemarle
Presents the 2nd in the ongoing series of Reskilling Workshops
Refilling cartridges & making business cards
When: Saturday July 23st , 2011
Where: Virginia Organizing 703 Concord Ave. C'ville
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
Class limited to 12 people
Call (434) 987-1026 to make a reservation.
Bring your empties - each participant will have a chance to refill their cartridge
Future Workshops
3rd – solar oven & recipe cards August
4th – backyard chickens September
www.transitioncville.org
4.
July 16th, 5:30 p.m. Local Organic Potluck and Video, Social Hall, Unitarian Church
You are invited to a local, organic potluck, to be followed by a showing of "Cover Crops and Compost Crops in Your Garden," a 60-minute DVD featuring Virginia permaculturist Cindy Conner. Please bring a dish of local and/or organic food to share. Sponsored by the Green Sanctuary and cosponsored by Transition Charlottesville Ablemarle.
Located at Thomas Jefferson MemorialUnitarian Church at 717 Rugby Road. Charlottesville.
For more information please call Deborah at 296-9637. Free and open to the public.
5.
Sacred Plant Traditions classes
The Art of Fermentation
One-Day Class: July 23
10am – 2:30pm
Learn to make delicious lacto-fermented foods in this hands-on workshop. Fermentation is a traditional way of food preparation that not only preserves the harvest but also yields greater nourishment, a healthier digestive system, and thus increased vitality. We will make kimchi, brined garlic, lacto-fermented beets and ginger carrots, all of which can be easily incorporated into meals. We will also make some fermented and cultured beverages including kombucha, honey wine and sodas that are actually good for you. There will be a wide array of samples and you will leave with the skills necessary to begin lacto-fermenting foods at home.
This class will be taught by community herbalist, Suzanna Stone
Herbal teas will be provided at all the one day workshops. Please pack a bag lunch.
Fee for the class is $75. Deposit $30.
www.sacredplanttraditions.com
Six Week Introduction to Herbal Healing
Fall Session, Thursdays
September 22 - October 27
10 am - 12:30pm
This six week series is great for beginners as well as those who want to deepen their knowledge and use of herbal medicine. This course will include history, herbal actions, apothecary practices, recipes, sacred use of plants and more. The weeks fly by as we spend time in the classroom, the kitchen, the lab and best of all, the garden. We will learn how to identify basic back yard medicines as well as those cultivated in the garden. We will learn harvest techniques, how to dry and preserve our medicines.
Fee $225 (Deposit: $50).
Fee includes all materials & text.
www.sacredplanttraditions.com
6.
FOOD PRESERVATION RESOURCES
Thanks to a grant from the Farmers Market Coalition and the Ball Canning Jar company, Market Central is offering several events this summer in our "Discover You Can!" program. We have classes, market demos and such scheduled throughout the summer, and would invite you to check out the full schedule on our website: www.marketcentralonline.org. The jam class on 7/24 is full (wow!) but there are spots available in the 7/23 pickle class. Still to come is online registration for a water bath canning basics class on 8/20 with Leni Sorenson (think: peaches and tomatoes) - but there are many programs to spur your interest, including a collaborative class with the Local Food Hub on August 13.
Plus: save the date for a 'Canner's Celebratory SWAP', to be held Sunday, September 25th at the Haven. Details forthcoming.
At this moment, I have a room full of promotional materials, and want to share them far & wide -- well, at least further and wider than my dining room! -- and I'm sure I have many times more than needed for our purposes at the market. I'd love to get them into the hands of individuals/groups who will most benefit, which is why I'm posting to this list. I have thousands of copies of a nicely done, concise brochure on the basics of water bath canning, (courtesy of Ball) and this brochure includes several delicious looking recipes and tips. Additionally, I have thousands of 1.50 off coupons for Ball jars and 2.00 off their 'Canning Discovery Kit'. Yes, you heard me right: thousands. If you have a church group or civic organization that could put these coupons and brochures to good use, please let me know. I'll have them at the City Market at the Market Central booth - please stop by and pick up a handful, or a gross! Or email me, and I'll rendezvous to get them in your hands.
Thank you, thank you! and cheers to all you home canners out there!
Kathy Kildea
Market Central
P.O. Box 6459
Charlottesville, VA 22906
434.531.3957
marketcentral@bnsi.net
www.marketcentralonline.org
7.
Virginia Food Security Summit – Connecting Our Farms, Food, Health and the Environment
Save-the-Date – Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Alumni Hall, 211, Emmet St. South
University of Virginia Charlottesville, VA
Hosted by UVa, Virginia Food Systems Council, VA Cooperative Extension, VA Tech, and Washington and Lee University
www.virginia.edu/ien/foodsummit2011
email:VAFoodSummit2011@gmail.com
8.
September 3 – 4, 2011
Reclaiming Our Natural Connections
and Building Community Resiliency with Jon Young
Sat. 9am - Sun. 3pm/ Free Evening Talk Friday Sept. 2 @6pm
Have you heard of The Last Child in the Woods and Nature Deficit Disorder? Are you curious about ways to increase the health and vitality of children and families, especially ways to unplug from media and get outside? Do you wonder about how to build and sustain community? If so, come to an evening talk and weekend workshop that promotes connecting with nature and community building, through timeless indigenous approaches such as storytelling, relationship and sustainability. Hear about an international movement that looks at ways to connect with nature and people, to live in balance with modern culture and the outdoors. Living Earth School is thrilled to bring our long time mentor Jon Young to Charlottesville, to share his inspiring words and vision. It is truly a not to miss weekend. Jon’s work and the work of The Living Earth School, is the kind of work that builds hope and creates a better place for our children and their children. This vision not only gives us the resilience to survive but to thrive in the years to come.
Our weekend is held at beautiful Camp Albemarle nestled among river, field and mountains. The program is held for adults and families are welcome, as there will be a children’s program for ages 5-8 and 9+ (space for children is limited).
Cost is a sliding scale of $200-$250 per adult, $75-$125 per child (food, camping and instruction included).
Jon Young is a national treasure and leader in the field of deep nature connection. His "Cultural Mentoring" approach to developing deep nature connection, holistic human awareness and advance peacemaking skills has spawned over 100 local deep nature connection organizations and initiatives in the U.S. and Europe. Inspired by his childhood mentoring with famous tracker and author Tom Brown, Jr., Jon is co-author of a new book on nature connection mentoring, "Coyote’s Guide to Connecting with Nature," and currently works at the Regenerative Design Institute on the RDNA program. Visit his website at http://www.regenerativedesign.org
For more information, see: http://www.livingearthva.com/adult.html#john_young
9.
Stone Barns to Santa Cruz: The Role of Institutions in Local Food
5th Annual Local Food Project at Airlie Conference
Monday August 8 (all day) - Airle Conference Center, Warrenton, VA.
Harvest Dinner and Dialogue - Sunday August 7 at 7:00 pm
This year's conference will concentrate on the important contributions institutions can make in advancing a healthier food system. The conference will highlight successful models of institutional farm projects, food purchasing, farmer training and community outreach.
Featured presenters at the Stone Barns to Santa Cruz conference include Jill Isenbarger and Jack Algiere of the Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture (Pocantico Hills, New York) and Patricia Allen and Christof Bernau of the Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems (CASFS) at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Breakout sessions throughout the day will focus on a range of local food topics with applications to almost any institutional setting.
See: http://www.airlie.com/dine/images/LFP_CONF_BROCHURE.pdf to VIEW CONFERENCE BROCHURE WITH PRESENTATIONS, WORKSHOPS & SCHEDULE!
For more information contact: Pablo Elliott, Director at 540-347-1300, ext 3163 or pelliott@airlie.org
10.
Appalachian Gothic Farm to Fork Gala - to benefit Appalachian Sustainable Development
Bristol Motor Speedway, July 27, 5:00 - 9:00 pm
Join us for a farmer's market under the stars featuring the creativity of raising, cooking and sampling fantasic, locally grown foods and regional artistic creations. Connect with local farmers and regional artists, purchase locally grown foods and hand-spun artwork, taste magnificent tapas prepared by Chef George, and enjoy great wines and local brews...all for a great cause!
Tickets are $20 if you prepay. Tickets are $25 at the door.
Tickets can be purchased at http://www.asdevelop.org or you can call us at 276-623-1121. Dress is casual.
11.
Mad City Chickens - a one time movie screening
Sunday July 17, 2:00pm - Byrd Theater, 2908 West Cary Street, Richmond, VA 23221
Advanced tickets on sale NOW! Seating is limited for this one-time Richmond showing. Tickets will only be available at the door on a first come, first served basis.
Mad City Chickens is a sometimes serious, sometimes whimsical look at the people who keep urban chickens in their backyards. From chicken experts and authors to a rescued landfill hen or an inexperienced family that decides to take the poultry plunge—and even a mad professor and giant hen taking to the streets—it’s a humorous and heartfelt trip through the world of backyard chickendom.
Please join us after the show for a Post-Movie Party and Book Signing by Pat Foreman, Author of City Chicks, Chicken Tractor and numerous other books. 4:30 - 6:00pm Ellwood’s Café 4 N. Thompson Street
The ordinances in Richmond and surrounding localities are outdated and unfair to folks who wish to raise a few hens (no roosters) in urban localities for food and fun. Join us and help us to spread the word about our wonderful egg-laying friends!
12.
Cob Over Building Workshop Saturday in Roanoke
Join Us This Saturday, July 16th Learn how and help us build a community oven, made from cob.
We’ll be leaving at 9:00am from the Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op parking lot (behind the store) and carpooling to Charlie and Sonia’s permaculture homestead. Learn how to do a silt test, the many uses and types of cob, make your own brick and help build an oven. All are welcome, you can share with your friends.
Optional: stay for pizza after the workshop! Returning: 1:00pm, back to the parking lot. (returning later if opting for pizza)
More details: http://katuahschool.com/2011/07/04/cob-building-workshop/
13.
Common Good City Farm in DC - Upcoming Events
Farm-to-Street Party
July/16/2011
Celebrate local food at Washington DC’s first ever Farm-to-Street Party! Enjoy scrumptious dishes made with ingredients from local farms, local craft beer and wine. Engage with local entrepreneurs, chefs and non-profit organizations.
Growing Gardens Workshop Drip...drip - Drip Irrigation for the Patio & Small Garden
July/16/2011
Saturday, July 16: Drip...drip - Drip Irrigation for the Patio & Small Garden. 8:00am-10:00am. A hands on workshop for your own drip irrigation system.
SEE THE WEBSITE BELOW FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
http://www.commongoodcityfarm.org/events
14.
Do you want to be involved in making Charlottesville-Albemarle a more livable community?
Join the Many Plans, One Community Livability Partnership!
We are currently forming a Livability Partnership, made up of representatives from a wide array of community groups, to provide input into the planning process.
Please find a letter with detailed information about the Partnership as well as a sign-up form attached, or on our website: http://1-community.org/PDF/Partnership%20Invite%20Lttr%206.22.pdf
If you have any questions about Many Plans, One Community please let us know by contacting Summer Frederick, Project Manager, at sfrederick@tjpdc.org or Mandy Burbage, Planner II, at aburbage@tjpdc.org.
15.
We own 14 acres in Rappahannock County, Va., with a spacious 4BR house built in
1907 and a log cabin built in 1790. Located at the foot of Old Rag Mountain, a mile from Shenandoah National Park and right on the banks of the Hughes River, which originates in the Park.
We’re looking to rent the land, house, and/or cabin land to like-minded people who are into sustainable gardening, homesteading, healthy living and mutual benefit. We are oriented to flexible, affordable terms and are up for any deal as long as it’s win-win.
Property is very rural and magical, and conveniently situated midway between Washington DC and Charlottesville VA -- just about 1.25 hours from each. It
includes:
• 2+ acres of farming/ gardening bottomland (some needs clearing)
• Hillside land suitable for fruit trees and shade crops
• 4BR/1.5BA house, 2500 sf, with 2 porches and a large basement
• 2-over-2 log cabin with recently renovated kitchen and bathroom
• Excellent well water
• Large bamboo grove
Besides being ideal for sustainable growing, this is a wonderful place for writers and musicians, with a world-class resident muse who has already inspired myriad songwriters and writers. Nearby towns of Sperryville and Little Washington are hotspots for music, writing, live theater, great food.
If interested contact Kay at kk@infowomen.org.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
upcoming events
Greetings All,
Below is a great collection of info on upcoming permaculture and sustainability events in the near future in the central Virginia bioregion, including a local food listening session tonight. If you know anyone else that would like to sign up for this newsletter, or if you have an announcement, email Christine at christinegyovai@gmail.com for the next update, which are sent monthly.
Best,
Christine and the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network team
www.blueridgepermaculture.net
1
Virginia Farm-to-Table
Listening Session- An Opportunity for Public Input
As part of a grant-funded study by the Virginia Food System Council, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, Virginia State University and UVA’s Institute for Environmental Negotiation
THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2011 at 6:00-7:30PM
Registration and Refreshments at 5:45pm
JABA, 674 HILLSDALE DRIVE, CHARLOTTESVILLE, 22901
(Behind Fashion Square Mall)
What do YOU think?
• What does a healthy, safe food system look like to you?
• What are the challenges, opportunities and priorities for strengthening Virginia’s local food system?
• What is needed to increase production, distribution and consumption of local food?
Who should attend?
• Consumers
• Farmers, food entrepreneurs, chefs & restaurants
• Anyone interested in sustainable community health and nutrition
• Local government, community planners, and economic development officers
• Environmental conservation groups, farmland protection agencies
• Farm and food cooperatives
This is a listening session to gather your input about Virginia’s food system; we will not attempt to reach consensus at this meeting, but rather record your opinions and input. Information gathered will be used to develop a state farm-to-table plan by the Virginia Food System Council.
For more information, contact
Judy Berger, jberger@jabacares.org, or Lynda Fanning, lef5h@virginia.edu
2.
Workshop - Home Cooling Strategies to Save You Money
LEAP Event
When: Thu, Jun 9, 2011 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Where: ecoREMOD: The Energy House (608 Ridge St.)
Download the event flyer.
It's Getting Hot Out There!
With the heat and humidity of summer already here, join us for this LEAP workshop, "Home Cooling Strategies to Save You Money."
Speakers will include:
-- Tom Kavounas of Albemarle Heating and Air
-- Leslie Burns of Leslie Burns Design
-- Guy Caroselli, one of LEAP's building science experts
Light refreshments and tours of ecoREMOD will be provided.
RSVP: annie@leap-va.org
3.
The Garden Grants application process is open. A partnership between Cville Foodscapes and the Quality Community Council , the Garden Grants program awards free gardens to low-income households. Please help us get applications to people who could use this support. Also, we welcome tax-deductible donations, which can be made to the Quality Community Council. Visit their website to donate through PayPal, or send a check to the address below.
The application is attached. Applications are due May 20th. The only eligibility criteria is the household must already qualify for some kind of income-based assistance. The garden awarded includes a prepared and planted bed, a compost bin, a rain barrel, as well as a garden care guide and 2 follow-up visits.
The application can also be found on the Cville Foodscapes website <.http://cvillefoodscapes.com/garden-grants/>. You can mail or drop of the applications to:
Quality Community Council
327 W. Main Street, Suite 101
Charlottesville, VA 22903
4.
Permaculture Design Certification Course August 18-30, 2011 Sundays off
Students will design a food forest, terracing pools and botanical sanctuaries for this woodlands site in Victoria, VA. Instructors Cliff Davis and Matthew English, formerly with The Farm in Tennessee, have 20 years of experience living and practicing permaculture. Comprehensive curriculum focuses on design principles and problem solving for temperate climate zones. Demonstration gardens will be constructed and field trips are included in the registration. You may register for a 3 day orientation and those who complete all 72 hours and individual project assignments will receive an internationally recognized Permaculture Design Certificate. Look forward to 11 days of shared inspiration that will reduce your carbon footprint and prosper your permaculture practice!
REGISTER: www.naturesfriends.ning.com OR wearenaturesfriends@gmail.com for more information
--
"bringing heaven to earth"... www.naturesfriends.ning.com
Rev. Marjani Dele
POB 497 Victoria, VA 23974
(434) 696-2439
5.
Homestead Intern sought to help with various farm projects including organic garden, chickens, pig, tree planting, water catchment, light carpentry, stone masonry, forestry, mushrooms, food preservation including canning, fermenting, and solar drying.
Work 16 hours per week for your room and board in our passive-solar home 6 miles north of Staunton.
Learn while you work - you are not expected to know how to do everything. This opportunity is about learning how to live more sustainably, not how to make a living. A good work ethic is more important than experience.
Contact Holly Parker at
hparker@augustamed.com
6.
What: Transition town meeting -Transition Charlottesville/Albemarle Transitioncville.org
When: 7 PM on the third Monday of each month, 20 June
Where: Unitarian Church, 717 Rugby Rd Charlottesville, VA
Questions: Hfcusa.org@gmail.com - Phone (434)987-1026
7.
Sally Nash is seeking permaculture design assistance in the Falls Church area for an outdoor sloped area. Please contact her at sallynash53@gmail.com if you are interested in doing a permaculture design.
8.
New Blog:
You can find it at www.HomeplaceEarth.wordpress.com or go to my website at www.HomeplaceEarth.com and click on the blog link. I'll be writing at least every couple weeks and sometimes every week. Next week's post is about starting your own sweet potato slips. Homeplace Earth is also on Facebook now. Imagine that!
Hope you enjoy it.
Cindy
Cindy Conner
Homeplace Earth
9.
Great One Day Classes for beginners and then some
Permaculture and the Herb Garden
Saturday, June 11
9:30am – 2:30pm
Join Kathleen for a day of instruction on how to set up medicinal gardens and botanical sanctuaries. We will begin with sheet mulching, look at garden layout and simple design and talk about the needs and growing conditions of common herbal medicines. We will wander back to the woodland sanctuary that has been created and talk about conservation and ecological harvest issues as they relate to United Plant Savers. We will also look at drying roots, flowers and leaves of our favorite plant allies.
Herbal teas will be provided at all the one day workshops. Please pack a bag lunch.
Fee for the class is $75. Deposit $30.
www.sacredplanttraditions.com
________________________________________
Kitchen Apothecary
Kitchen Apothecary - First Harvest
Sunday, June 12
9:30am – 2:30pm
This class can stand alone or be a wonderful conclusion to the garden class taught the day before. In this class, participants will actually harvest and make herbal preparations that are safe and time-honored recipes to be used for the family. We will learn the art of making salves, tinctures, oils and teas as well as how to stock our family medicine chest. This is an excellent class for those that are interested in learning sustainable ways of keeping selves and families healthy.
Herbal teas will be provided at all the one day workshops. Please pack a bag lunch.
Fee for the class is $75. Deposit $30.
www.sacredplanttraditions.com
______________________
Energy Medicine with Phyllis Light
July 1, 2, & 3, 2011
We welcome Phyllis back this year with a very special offering. As those that have been coming for the past five years to our weekends with Phyllis know, two days only leaves us wanting more. To remedy this, we have planned on a three day intensive.
There are two ways to participate in this class. You may come to just the weekend, $295 or participate in all three days for $395.
www.sacredplanttraditions.com
10.
Welcome to Sacred in Permaculture
A Global Certificate Course
Goals for the Global Certificate Course
1. Study, observe and articulate one’s individual relationship to the sacred in permaculture;
2. Investigate and map how this individual awareness of the sacred can facilitate a more holistic permaculture practice at the family and community levels.
Please join us and share your ideas of the sacred. Some of the pages are viewable only after you Register and become a Member. Please visit Course Requirements & About Us for details on the course plus facilitator bios & contact info. The site and educational experience is yours to help craft and share with the community, especially in the Groups & one-on-oneconferences via Skype.
– Melissa Miles & Willi Paul
http://sacredpermaculture.net/
11.
Tim and Frances (Miller) Crowhill Sauder are looking for a temporary care-taking farm position while they begin to search to purchase their own farm somewhere in proximity to Harrisonburg/Staunton (location is flexible). They will be moving from Pennsylvania in early September. They are interested in diversified sustainable agriculture. Tim has 7 years of experience with dairy farming, plus 5 years experience on a diversified farm in Germany including 2 years of farm school (in Germany). He also has carpentry skills and mechanical skills. Frances has 6 years of experience working on organic produce farms and has studied permaculture design. Their ideal scenarios would be: 1. to apprentice at a farm with draft horses 2. a rent to own situation. 3. Or any temporary situation that will give them time to find land. They are also open to buying a place as early as this fall if the perfect situation comes up. Frances is also a musician and a grad student at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg.
Contact: francesemiller@hotmail.com
12.
Live Sustainably on an ACRE
2977 Hardware Rd. Scottsville, VA 24590
Live sustainably and comfortably on a beautiful 1.12 acre lot only 600 yards from the confluence of the James and Hardware River and less than 400 yards from the James River Wildlife management area and boat launch.
Outside amenities include 4000 square feet of gardens, with irrigation, partly surrounded by a deer fence. There is a barn that also works as a two car garage or workspace, a chicken coop with fencing and a tool shed. Want some livestock? There is a quarter of an acre fenced in that is suitable for a few goats, a miniature cow or a lama or perhaps just a great space for some dogs. Entertain with a cedar arbor and pergola, in ground fire pit, and horseshoe pit. Inquire about a list of herbs, flowers, fruits and vegetables on the property, many of which are ready for you to eat.
Inside, the house has been newly redone and the basement was finished this winter. The house comes with two wood burners, one a soapstone that is 92% efficient and heated the house throughout the last winter, helped by the new insulation in the attic. The house also has an oil fired furnace and an electric water heater and well. The floors are a mixture of bamboo, tile (some recycled) and carpet. There are 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and the total livable space is 1800 square feet. All appliances are included.
This is a well taken care of house that is ripe with possibilities for your sustainable home or retreat. Into fishing, hiking, gardening? You can do it all!
Vegetable garden #1 Basement/family room Pasture and outbuildings
For more information contact:
Peter Lee of Roy Wheeler Realty Co.
434-951-5142 or 434-960-6486
peterlee@roywheeler.com
13,
I have a 49.75-acre place about one mile from Lost River State Park in Mathias, WV. This is about an hour west of Strasburg, Va., 45 minutes NE of Harrisonburg, and 1.5 hours SW of Winchester. The place is mostly hilled/forested, with some flat areas that would be suitable for pasture and/or a greenhouse and gardens. It has a livable hundred-year-old farmhouse (2-3 bedrooms, living room, large dining room/kitchen, full bath, attached solarium), detached cold house/root cellar, large outbuilding w/loft, and small outbuilding. Heat source is a wood stove, but there is a propane stove that can also be reconnected for heat. A large stream (Jenkins Run) bisects the property at the base of the hills and two smaller streams run down to meet it. It's quiet, picturesque -- with many distinct microclimates and a mix of evergreens and hardwoods -- hikable, and has great energy. Wildlife includes deer, bears, a variety of birds, reptiles and amphibians (no copperheads ever seen, just the resident black snake, along with spotted salamanders), and plenty of spiders, butterflies, and praying mantises.
And the price has just been lowered to $159,900.
If you or someone you know is interested, please contact me at 410/757.4070.
Many thanks!
Leigh
Below is a great collection of info on upcoming permaculture and sustainability events in the near future in the central Virginia bioregion, including a local food listening session tonight. If you know anyone else that would like to sign up for this newsletter, or if you have an announcement, email Christine at christinegyovai@gmail.com for the next update, which are sent monthly.
Best,
Christine and the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network team
www.blueridgepermaculture.net
1
Virginia Farm-to-Table
Listening Session- An Opportunity for Public Input
As part of a grant-funded study by the Virginia Food System Council, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, Virginia State University and UVA’s Institute for Environmental Negotiation
THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2011 at 6:00-7:30PM
Registration and Refreshments at 5:45pm
JABA, 674 HILLSDALE DRIVE, CHARLOTTESVILLE, 22901
(Behind Fashion Square Mall)
What do YOU think?
• What does a healthy, safe food system look like to you?
• What are the challenges, opportunities and priorities for strengthening Virginia’s local food system?
• What is needed to increase production, distribution and consumption of local food?
Who should attend?
• Consumers
• Farmers, food entrepreneurs, chefs & restaurants
• Anyone interested in sustainable community health and nutrition
• Local government, community planners, and economic development officers
• Environmental conservation groups, farmland protection agencies
• Farm and food cooperatives
This is a listening session to gather your input about Virginia’s food system; we will not attempt to reach consensus at this meeting, but rather record your opinions and input. Information gathered will be used to develop a state farm-to-table plan by the Virginia Food System Council.
For more information, contact
Judy Berger, jberger@jabacares.org, or Lynda Fanning, lef5h@virginia.edu
2.
Workshop - Home Cooling Strategies to Save You Money
LEAP Event
When: Thu, Jun 9, 2011 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Where: ecoREMOD: The Energy House (608 Ridge St.)
Download the event flyer.
It's Getting Hot Out There!
With the heat and humidity of summer already here, join us for this LEAP workshop, "Home Cooling Strategies to Save You Money."
Speakers will include:
-- Tom Kavounas of Albemarle Heating and Air
-- Leslie Burns of Leslie Burns Design
-- Guy Caroselli, one of LEAP's building science experts
Light refreshments and tours of ecoREMOD will be provided.
RSVP: annie@leap-va.org
3.
The Garden Grants application process is open. A partnership between Cville Foodscapes
The application is attached. Applications are due May 20th. The only eligibility criteria is the household must already qualify for some kind of income-based assistance. The garden awarded includes a prepared and planted bed, a compost bin, a rain barrel, as well as a garden care guide and 2 follow-up visits.
The application can also be found on the Cville Foodscapes website <.http://cvillefoodscapes.com/garden-grants/>. You can mail or drop of the applications to:
Quality Community Council
327 W. Main Street, Suite 101
Charlottesville, VA 22903
4.
Permaculture Design Certification Course August 18-30, 2011 Sundays off
Students will design a food forest, terracing pools and botanical sanctuaries for this woodlands site in Victoria, VA. Instructors Cliff Davis and Matthew English, formerly with The Farm in Tennessee, have 20 years of experience living and practicing permaculture. Comprehensive curriculum focuses on design principles and problem solving for temperate climate zones. Demonstration gardens will be constructed and field trips are included in the registration. You may register for a 3 day orientation and those who complete all 72 hours and individual project assignments will receive an internationally recognized Permaculture Design Certificate. Look forward to 11 days of shared inspiration that will reduce your carbon footprint and prosper your permaculture practice!
REGISTER: www.naturesfriends.ning.com OR wearenaturesfriends@gmail.com for more information
--
"bringing heaven to earth"... www.naturesfriends.ning.com
Rev. Marjani Dele
POB 497 Victoria, VA 23974
(434) 696-2439
5.
Homestead Intern sought to help with various farm projects including organic garden, chickens, pig, tree planting, water catchment, light carpentry, stone masonry, forestry, mushrooms, food preservation including canning, fermenting, and solar drying.
Work 16 hours per week for your room and board in our passive-solar home 6 miles north of Staunton.
Learn while you work - you are not expected to know how to do everything. This opportunity is about learning how to live more sustainably, not how to make a living. A good work ethic is more important than experience.
Contact Holly Parker at
hparker@augustamed.com
6.
What: Transition town meeting -Transition Charlottesville/Albemarle Transitioncville.org
When: 7 PM on the third Monday of each month, 20 June
Where: Unitarian Church, 717 Rugby Rd Charlottesville, VA
Questions: Hfcusa.org@gmail.com - Phone (434)987-1026
7.
Sally Nash is seeking permaculture design assistance in the Falls Church area for an outdoor sloped area. Please contact her at sallynash53@gmail.com if you are interested in doing a permaculture design.
8.
New Blog:
You can find it at www.HomeplaceEarth.wordpress.com or go to my website at www.HomeplaceEarth.com and click on the blog link. I'll be writing at least every couple weeks and sometimes every week. Next week's post is about starting your own sweet potato slips. Homeplace Earth is also on Facebook now. Imagine that!
Hope you enjoy it.
Cindy
Cindy Conner
Homeplace Earth
9.
Great One Day Classes for beginners and then some
Permaculture and the Herb Garden
Saturday, June 11
9:30am – 2:30pm
Join Kathleen for a day of instruction on how to set up medicinal gardens and botanical sanctuaries. We will begin with sheet mulching, look at garden layout and simple design and talk about the needs and growing conditions of common herbal medicines. We will wander back to the woodland sanctuary that has been created and talk about conservation and ecological harvest issues as they relate to United Plant Savers. We will also look at drying roots, flowers and leaves of our favorite plant allies.
Herbal teas will be provided at all the one day workshops. Please pack a bag lunch.
Fee for the class is $75. Deposit $30.
www.sacredplanttraditions.com
________________________________________
Kitchen Apothecary
Kitchen Apothecary - First Harvest
Sunday, June 12
9:30am – 2:30pm
This class can stand alone or be a wonderful conclusion to the garden class taught the day before. In this class, participants will actually harvest and make herbal preparations that are safe and time-honored recipes to be used for the family. We will learn the art of making salves, tinctures, oils and teas as well as how to stock our family medicine chest. This is an excellent class for those that are interested in learning sustainable ways of keeping selves and families healthy.
Herbal teas will be provided at all the one day workshops. Please pack a bag lunch.
Fee for the class is $75. Deposit $30.
www.sacredplanttraditions.com
______________________
Energy Medicine with Phyllis Light
July 1, 2, & 3, 2011
We welcome Phyllis back this year with a very special offering. As those that have been coming for the past five years to our weekends with Phyllis know, two days only leaves us wanting more. To remedy this, we have planned on a three day intensive.
There are two ways to participate in this class. You may come to just the weekend, $295 or participate in all three days for $395.
www.sacredplanttraditions.com
10.
Welcome to Sacred in Permaculture
A Global Certificate Course
Goals for the Global Certificate Course
1. Study, observe and articulate one’s individual relationship to the sacred in permaculture;
2. Investigate and map how this individual awareness of the sacred can facilitate a more holistic permaculture practice at the family and community levels.
Please join us and share your ideas of the sacred. Some of the pages are viewable only after you Register and become a Member. Please visit Course Requirements & About Us for details on the course plus facilitator bios & contact info. The site and educational experience is yours to help craft and share with the community, especially in the Groups & one-on-oneconferences via Skype.
– Melissa Miles & Willi Paul
http://sacredpermaculture.net/
11.
Tim and Frances (Miller) Crowhill Sauder are looking for a temporary care-taking farm position while they begin to search to purchase their own farm somewhere in proximity to Harrisonburg/Staunton (location is flexible). They will be moving from Pennsylvania in early September. They are interested in diversified sustainable agriculture. Tim has 7 years of experience with dairy farming, plus 5 years experience on a diversified farm in Germany including 2 years of farm school (in Germany). He also has carpentry skills and mechanical skills. Frances has 6 years of experience working on organic produce farms and has studied permaculture design. Their ideal scenarios would be: 1. to apprentice at a farm with draft horses 2. a rent to own situation. 3. Or any temporary situation that will give them time to find land. They are also open to buying a place as early as this fall if the perfect situation comes up. Frances is also a musician and a grad student at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg.
Contact: francesemiller@hotmail.com
12.
Live Sustainably on an ACRE
2977 Hardware Rd. Scottsville, VA 24590
Live sustainably and comfortably on a beautiful 1.12 acre lot only 600 yards from the confluence of the James and Hardware River and less than 400 yards from the James River Wildlife management area and boat launch.
Outside amenities include 4000 square feet of gardens, with irrigation, partly surrounded by a deer fence. There is a barn that also works as a two car garage or workspace, a chicken coop with fencing and a tool shed. Want some livestock? There is a quarter of an acre fenced in that is suitable for a few goats, a miniature cow or a lama or perhaps just a great space for some dogs. Entertain with a cedar arbor and pergola, in ground fire pit, and horseshoe pit. Inquire about a list of herbs, flowers, fruits and vegetables on the property, many of which are ready for you to eat.
Inside, the house has been newly redone and the basement was finished this winter. The house comes with two wood burners, one a soapstone that is 92% efficient and heated the house throughout the last winter, helped by the new insulation in the attic. The house also has an oil fired furnace and an electric water heater and well. The floors are a mixture of bamboo, tile (some recycled) and carpet. There are 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and the total livable space is 1800 square feet. All appliances are included.
This is a well taken care of house that is ripe with possibilities for your sustainable home or retreat. Into fishing, hiking, gardening? You can do it all!
Vegetable garden #1 Basement/family room Pasture and outbuildings
For more information contact:
Peter Lee of Roy Wheeler Realty Co.
434-951-5142 or 434-960-6486
peterlee@roywheeler.com
13,
I have a 49.75-acre place about one mile from Lost River State Park in Mathias, WV. This is about an hour west of Strasburg, Va., 45 minutes NE of Harrisonburg, and 1.5 hours SW of Winchester. The place is mostly hilled/forested, with some flat areas that would be suitable for pasture and/or a greenhouse and gardens. It has a livable hundred-year-old farmhouse (2-3 bedrooms, living room, large dining room/kitchen, full bath, attached solarium), detached cold house/root cellar, large outbuilding w/loft, and small outbuilding. Heat source is a wood stove, but there is a propane stove that can also be reconnected for heat. A large stream (Jenkins Run) bisects the property at the base of the hills and two smaller streams run down to meet it. It's quiet, picturesque -- with many distinct microclimates and a mix of evergreens and hardwoods -- hikable, and has great energy. Wildlife includes deer, bears, a variety of birds, reptiles and amphibians (no copperheads ever seen, just the resident black snake, along with spotted salamanders), and plenty of spiders, butterflies, and praying mantises.
And the price has just been lowered to $159,900.
If you or someone you know is interested, please contact me at 410/757.4070.
Many thanks!
Leigh
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
upcoming events
Greetings All,
Below is a great collection of info on upcoming permaculture and sustainability events in the near future in the central Virginia bioregion, including a film tonight and fruit school this weekend.
If you know anyone else that would like to sign up for this newsletter, or if you have an announcement, email Christine at christinegyovai@gmail.com for the next update, which are sent monthly.
Best,
Christine and the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network team
www.blueridgepermaculture.net
1.
Professor Barkslip's Fruit School
Date: April 16 & 17, 9am - 5pm
Location: Educational Farm at Maple Hill
Cost: $70/day, $140/weekend
Register: info@localfoodhub.org or (434) 286-2176
It is recommended that you sign up for the full weekend as the material builds upon itself, but if you can't, here's the breakdown:
April 16, 2011
Fruit tree care and pruning workshop (for the home, farm, and public space):
This class will be half talk and half walk and will cover site analysis and selection, proper tree selection, orchard floor prep and care, and caring for the established orchard. Like all the classes at fruit school, emphasis will be on using organic methods. Bring your favorite pruners and saws if you have them for the hands on portion of the class!
Plant rooting and propagation (for the low budget fruit enthusiast):
This class emphasizes low tech, organic methods of plant production though seeds, layering, rooting, stooling, and division. This is by far the easiest and cheapest way to bring the nutritional abundance of plants into your life. Great activity ideas for kids as well!
April 17, 2011
Bench grafting and cloning around:
Learn to graft your own fruit trees! This is nothing short of magical when you learn to stick a branch of one tree onto another and it grows. Discussed and illustrated will be the whip and tongue, and the cleft grafts, rootstock varieties, seedlings versus clones, aftercare, and setting up your own nursery for income diversification. Included in the class is one rootstock, choice of several varieties of budwood, and aftercare materials. There will be plenty of rootstock for sale to do multiple grafts if desired. You are encouraged to bring your own varieties of apple tree cuttings to graft or to swap and share with other participants.
Top working and advanced grafting (Have your flower and eat it too!):
This class will hurl you headlong into the world of top working countless varieties onto existing trees. Within three years you can have a barren ornamental tree in production with 40 varieties! We’ll learn about compatibility, timing, and the world of countless grafting techniques including chip and T- budding, side grafting, rind graft. We’ll touch on festooning and arborsmithing as well. Also emphasized is the essential aftercare of the top worked tree.
http://locallectual.com/tenants/local-food-hub
www.blueridgepermaculture.net
2.
Nature's Friend Day, April 30th 8:30-Noon, Victoria, VA. a morning of eco fun for youth (and the young at heart) and refreshments for all. Participation patch for those who register and complete all stations. Eco stations include building a worm farm, woodlands habitat, water awareness, painting flower pots and plants to take home, soil building races. For a registration form, email (marjani.dele@gmail.com) to register by April 25th for head count--space is limited. IF I know ahead of time, folks can camp under the stars the night before to be ready in the morning.
www.naturesfriends.ning.com
3.
Permaculture Design Certification Course
August 18-28, Victoria, VA
$1000 includes tuition, snacks, and a camping spot on the lawn/in my woods. Food is on your own; those on site can rotate sharing a potluck dinner. Registration forms available soon. Check web site for information on instructors. www.naturesfriends.ning.com Email for more information marjani.dele@gmail.com
4.
Permaculture and soil building workshop with Pierra Constans
Saturday April 16th 10 a.m. to 12
Rodes Farm Stables in Nellysford, VA
We will cover: COMPOSTING, MICROORGANISMS, SHEETCOMPOSTING AND COMPOST TEA.
Phone: Lindsay for registration 434 325 8060;
Pierre for questions 434 277 5202
5.
Fifth Annual Gaia Gathering for Women
Families of Origin, Families of Choice
April 29 – May 1, 2011
Welcome back to the fifth year of our gathering in the name of Gaia and our celebration in the gifts our Earth Mother gifts us. Gaia is the Greek name for the Primordial Goddess of the earth. Today this word conjures the notion that our Planet is our Mother who is alive and pulsing and beating and swaying with the rhythms of the universe.
A tradition at Gaia is to change the theme and focus of our weekend every three years. We are continually cycling from self, to family to community then back again. This year our theme is Family and we are celebrating our Families of Origins, Families of Choice. While we are deepening respect and honoring those that brought us into this world, we are also finding our own tribes and choosing those ‘families’ that support our goals, visions and the healing that we hold for ourselves. Our classes will also focus on medicine for the family and the issues that surround this aspect of our lives.
Again, this weekend fills as we are limited to only 100 Women. Fee for the weekend is $225. This includes Friday night to Sunday afternoon classes and activities, rustic lodging or camping and five gourmet, organic meals. For a complete list of classes, schedules and teacher bios, please visit the website.
New this year we are offering incredibly low advertising rates for women owned businesses to be included in our welcome packet. Great rates...please contact Heather at info@sacredplanttraditions.com if interested. This is your market!
www.sacredplanttraditions.com
New Free Clinic at Sacred Plant Traditions free clinic is now up and running. This is where second year students receive clinical training and it is an excellent opportunity for the community to gain access to wonderful information and support for their health needs. We are excited to be located in the Mary Williams Senior Center where we will have an opportunity to serve the needs of our elderly as well. Clinic staff are Mary Michaud, Bob Clickner and Kathleen Maier. To schedule and appointment please contact Clinic Co-ordinator, Summer Anderson at 434.760-5162
www.sacredplanttraditions.com
Six Week Intro to Herbalism
This six week series is great for beginners as well as those who want to deepen their knowledge and use of herbal medicine. This course will include history, herbal actions, apothecary practices, recipes, sacred use of plants and more. The weeks fly by as we spend time in the classroom, the kitchen, the lab and best of all, the garden. We will learn how to identify basic back yard medicines as well as those cultivated in the garden. We will learn harvest techniques, how to dry and preserve our medicines.
Fee $225 (Deposit: $50).
Fee includes all materials & text.
Spring Session: Tuesday Morning Classes, 10am - 12:30pm
www.sacredplanttraditions.com
6.
The City Schoolyard Garden Program at Buford Middle School in Charlottesville seeks a new Garden Educator. The application is due April 15, 2011, and the start date for the position is June 1, 2011.
For more information on the Garden, please visit: http://bufordschoolyardgarden.wordpress.com/
For more information on the Garden Educator position, please email Program Director Linda Winecoff at: Schoolyardgarden.cville@gmail.com or call (434) 882-1470.
7.
The next meeting of Transition Charlottesville/Albemarle Friday will be Monday April 18th at 7 PM in the Unitarian Church, 717 Rugby Road in Charlottesville, VA. Pass the word for others to join us.
Some useful Transition websites:
http://transitionus.org/transition-101
http://www.transitionnetwork.org/
8.
The Wild and Scenic Film Festival! The festival brings together a selection of films that tell a story about our planet, our beautiful and precious wildlands, and the people of the communities who love and defend them. They open our eyes and hearts to fantastic experiences in remarkable places. They beckon us towards action, highlight issues, and provide solutions.
The festival spans two evenings and two cities:
Wednesday, April 13 at the Paramount Theater in Charlottesville.
Thursday, April 14 at the Visulite Cinema in Staunton.
Screenings will be at 7pm and tickets are $10 per night, with each night featuring an entirely different slate of films. There will be a reception after each screening for those who would like to stay and learn more.
Please join us at one (or both) of these venues to enjoy these spectacular films. Advance sale tickets for both shows are available at Blue Ridge Mountain Sports in Charlottesville (cash or checks only please) or at the door. Tickets for the Charlottesville show may be ordered online at tickets.theparamount.net or purchased at the Paramount Theater Box Office.
We hope to see you there!
Sincerely,
David Hannah
Conservation Director
(434) 971-1553
www.wildvirginia.org
9.
On April 15-18, 10,000 organizers will gather at Power Shift 2011 to launch campaigns for a clean, just economy. We're working with Energy Action Coalition, the organizers of Power Shift, to ensure that every one of them is equipped with the core skills of organizing. But we need your help to do it.
Will you become a Facilitator for Power Shift? Click here to sign up:
http://www.powershift2011.org/conference/training/moveon
As a Facilitator, you will first be invited to a regional training. You'll go through the Movement Building Workshops, then participate in special sessions where you'll learn to teach the material to others. Then you'll join us April 15-18 at Power Shift, where you and your team will lead the training for a group of organizers.
10.
Living Earth Spring Programs in central VA
We have many new and exciting programs offered for this spring! Summer camps are filling, so if you haven't registered please do, as a few camps are already full. We hope to see you out to one of our fun programs.
Our Wild Edible Plant Class and Father/Son Weekend are happening this weekend, so if interested please call right away. Some campers have expressed interest in learning wild plants, how to make arrowheads, and bows in deeper detail. So please check in with them to see if one of these weekend classes for adults is right for them to learn more. Save the date, We are hosting Jon Young for a Weekend on Reclaiming Our Natural Connections and Community Resielence on September 2, 3, 4. This is an amazing opportunity to meet with a national treasure whos mission is to spread deep nature connection. It is a not to miss weekend for both adults and for families. For more details on any of our spring programs visit:
http://www.livingearthva.com/adult.html
11.
Introduction to Permaculture Design Class
Permaculture is a process for designing intensive edible landscapes based on ecological principles. This process is applicable for small scale (apartments or cities) and suburban or farm settings. We will learn the principles and ethics of permaculture design and how these can inform our landscaping decisions. Class content will include: the use of sheet mulch; simple ways to compost; the use of vertical spaces; building an herb spiral, a pond, fruit tree guild; and much more. Each session will include discussions and a hands-on component.
Spring Series May 5- June 2 Five Thursdays from 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
Fall Series September 1- October 6 Five Thursdays from 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
The cost of the series is $100 (registration info below).
Introduction to Permaculture Design Workshop
Permaculture is a process for designing intensive edible landscapes based on ecological principles. This process is applicable for small scale (apartments or cities) and suburban or farm settings. We will learn the principles and ethics of permaculture design and how these can inform our own landscaping decisions. Also covered in the workshop will be sheet mulching, vertical spaces, herb spirals, simple ponds and fruit, herb and f lower selection.
The workshop fee is $50. Some barter and work exchange is available upon request.
Location: Blacksburg VA, directions sent out upon registration
Dates for 2011:
Saturday May 21st 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Saturday June 18th 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Saturday October 15th 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Please send a 50% deposit to hold your space to: Sarah Gibbs 1502 North Main Apt A Blacksburg, Va 24060
and email questions sarahgibbs68@verizon.net or call 540-818-1394
Sarah Gibbs
Permaculture Designer
Horticultural Therapist
NatureScapes
540-818-1394
12.
Living Energy Farm
Open House and Oxen Demonstration
The Living Energy Farm is a project to build a zero fossil fuel farm in Louisa County.
We would like to invite you to meet our oxen and see our progress! For the last few months we've been working on the land, planting and planning for spring. On May 13 we will have two pair of oxen out on the land working with us and will demonstrate some of the old technologies we will be employing in our commitment to live fossil fuel free. There will be tours offered, games and refreshments and lots of people to answer your questions about our project. We hope you'll join us!
When: Friday, May 13th, 10 AM to 7 PM
Where: Living Energy Farm, Louisa, VA (see directions below)
Contact: Sara Tansey, sara.m.tansey@gmail.com, 843.694.8896
Directions to Living Energy Farm:
From West/ Charlottesville area:
Take I-64 East, toward Richmond. The next exit past Zion Crossroads is Rte. 208. Turn Left/ North on 208. Follow 208 for about 10 miles to the town of Louisa. When you come to a stoplight, turn Left. In one block, turn Right on Fredericksburg Ave. This road becomes Bibb Store Road. The (unmarked) address of the LEF property is 1050 Bibb Store Road. It will be on your Right. There is a white sign that says LEF on it.
From East/ Richmond area:
Take I-64 West, toward Charlottesville. The next exit past Shannon Hill is Rte. 208. Turn Right/ North on 208. Follow 208 for about 10 miles to the town of Louisa. When you come to a stoplight, turn Left. In one block, turn Right on Fredericksburg Ave. This road becomes Bibb Store Road. The (unmarked) address of the LEF property is 1050 Bibb Store Road. It will be on your Right. There is a white sign that says LEF on it.
Workshop: An Introduction to Training and Driving Oxen
When: Saturday, May 14th , 10 AM to 5 PM
Where: Living Energy Farm, Louisa VA (see below for directions)
Registration Contact: Sara Tansey, sara.m.tansey@gmail.com , 843-694-8896
Cost: $50, includes lunch. Checks made payable to Living Energy Farm.
13.
Companion Plants for Fruit Trees
Time Saturday, April 16 • 1:00pm - 2:00pm
________________________________________
Location Southern States Garden Center
810 Harris Street
Charlottesville, VA
________________________________________
Created By Benjamin Thornes
________________________________________
More Info As discussion leader, I will focus on fruit trees and their supporting cast of plants and insects, explaining how together they can improve the health of the soil for greater yields while reducing maintenance needs. Please stop by if you wish to learn more about a sustainable crop system from a permaculture perspective or even if you have something to share. Free knowledge!
14.
$525,000 210 DOUGLAS AV, North Belmont, Charlottesville, VA 22902 OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 4/9/11 1-4pm
Extremely private. Downtown Farmette on two lots at .341 acres. A third .198 acre buildable lot available see (MLS #487089). 1910 Farm house with modern addition in 2001. Huge front porch and upper and lower side porches. Heart pine and oak hardwood floors. Two very large fenced-in gardens. Custom built walnut shed and very large additional shed. Bone-dry partial basement and huge gabled attic. Just a 10 minute walk to the historic downtown pedestrian mall. 5 minute walk to downtown Belmont. Contact below
Cliff Kavanaugh
434-466-5128 (O) 434-220-2223 (F) 434-220-1924
Below is a great collection of info on upcoming permaculture and sustainability events in the near future in the central Virginia bioregion, including a film tonight and fruit school this weekend.
If you know anyone else that would like to sign up for this newsletter, or if you have an announcement, email Christine at christinegyovai@gmail.com for the next update, which are sent monthly.
Best,
Christine and the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network team
www.blueridgepermaculture.net
1.
Professor Barkslip's Fruit School
Date: April 16 & 17, 9am - 5pm
Location: Educational Farm at Maple Hill
Cost: $70/day, $140/weekend
Register: info@localfoodhub.org or (434) 286-2176
It is recommended that you sign up for the full weekend as the material builds upon itself, but if you can't, here's the breakdown:
April 16, 2011
Fruit tree care and pruning workshop (for the home, farm, and public space):
This class will be half talk and half walk and will cover site analysis and selection, proper tree selection, orchard floor prep and care, and caring for the established orchard. Like all the classes at fruit school, emphasis will be on using organic methods. Bring your favorite pruners and saws if you have them for the hands on portion of the class!
Plant rooting and propagation (for the low budget fruit enthusiast):
This class emphasizes low tech, organic methods of plant production though seeds, layering, rooting, stooling, and division. This is by far the easiest and cheapest way to bring the nutritional abundance of plants into your life. Great activity ideas for kids as well!
April 17, 2011
Bench grafting and cloning around:
Learn to graft your own fruit trees! This is nothing short of magical when you learn to stick a branch of one tree onto another and it grows. Discussed and illustrated will be the whip and tongue, and the cleft grafts, rootstock varieties, seedlings versus clones, aftercare, and setting up your own nursery for income diversification. Included in the class is one rootstock, choice of several varieties of budwood, and aftercare materials. There will be plenty of rootstock for sale to do multiple grafts if desired. You are encouraged to bring your own varieties of apple tree cuttings to graft or to swap and share with other participants.
Top working and advanced grafting (Have your flower and eat it too!):
This class will hurl you headlong into the world of top working countless varieties onto existing trees. Within three years you can have a barren ornamental tree in production with 40 varieties! We’ll learn about compatibility, timing, and the world of countless grafting techniques including chip and T- budding, side grafting, rind graft. We’ll touch on festooning and arborsmithing as well. Also emphasized is the essential aftercare of the top worked tree.
http://locallectual.com/tenants/local-food-hub
www.blueridgepermaculture.net
2.
Nature's Friend Day, April 30th 8:30-Noon, Victoria, VA. a morning of eco fun for youth (and the young at heart) and refreshments for all. Participation patch for those who register and complete all stations. Eco stations include building a worm farm, woodlands habitat, water awareness, painting flower pots and plants to take home, soil building races. For a registration form, email (marjani.dele@gmail.com) to register by April 25th for head count--space is limited. IF I know ahead of time, folks can camp under the stars the night before to be ready in the morning.
www.naturesfriends.ning.com
3.
Permaculture Design Certification Course
August 18-28, Victoria, VA
$1000 includes tuition, snacks, and a camping spot on the lawn/in my woods. Food is on your own; those on site can rotate sharing a potluck dinner. Registration forms available soon. Check web site for information on instructors. www.naturesfriends.ning.com Email for more information marjani.dele@gmail.com
4.
Permaculture and soil building workshop with Pierra Constans
Saturday April 16th 10 a.m. to 12
Rodes Farm Stables in Nellysford, VA
We will cover: COMPOSTING, MICROORGANISMS, SHEETCOMPOSTING AND COMPOST TEA.
Phone: Lindsay for registration 434 325 8060;
Pierre for questions 434 277 5202
5.
Fifth Annual Gaia Gathering for Women
Families of Origin, Families of Choice
April 29 – May 1, 2011
Welcome back to the fifth year of our gathering in the name of Gaia and our celebration in the gifts our Earth Mother gifts us. Gaia is the Greek name for the Primordial Goddess of the earth. Today this word conjures the notion that our Planet is our Mother who is alive and pulsing and beating and swaying with the rhythms of the universe.
A tradition at Gaia is to change the theme and focus of our weekend every three years. We are continually cycling from self, to family to community then back again. This year our theme is Family and we are celebrating our Families of Origins, Families of Choice. While we are deepening respect and honoring those that brought us into this world, we are also finding our own tribes and choosing those ‘families’ that support our goals, visions and the healing that we hold for ourselves. Our classes will also focus on medicine for the family and the issues that surround this aspect of our lives.
Again, this weekend fills as we are limited to only 100 Women. Fee for the weekend is $225. This includes Friday night to Sunday afternoon classes and activities, rustic lodging or camping and five gourmet, organic meals. For a complete list of classes, schedules and teacher bios, please visit the website.
New this year we are offering incredibly low advertising rates for women owned businesses to be included in our welcome packet. Great rates...please contact Heather at info@sacredplanttraditions.com if interested. This is your market!
www.sacredplanttraditions.com
New Free Clinic at Sacred Plant Traditions free clinic is now up and running. This is where second year students receive clinical training and it is an excellent opportunity for the community to gain access to wonderful information and support for their health needs. We are excited to be located in the Mary Williams Senior Center where we will have an opportunity to serve the needs of our elderly as well. Clinic staff are Mary Michaud, Bob Clickner and Kathleen Maier. To schedule and appointment please contact Clinic Co-ordinator, Summer Anderson at 434.760-5162
www.sacredplanttraditions.com
Six Week Intro to Herbalism
This six week series is great for beginners as well as those who want to deepen their knowledge and use of herbal medicine. This course will include history, herbal actions, apothecary practices, recipes, sacred use of plants and more. The weeks fly by as we spend time in the classroom, the kitchen, the lab and best of all, the garden. We will learn how to identify basic back yard medicines as well as those cultivated in the garden. We will learn harvest techniques, how to dry and preserve our medicines.
Fee $225 (Deposit: $50).
Fee includes all materials & text.
Spring Session: Tuesday Morning Classes, 10am - 12:30pm
www.sacredplanttraditions.com
6.
The City Schoolyard Garden Program at Buford Middle School in Charlottesville seeks a new Garden Educator. The application is due April 15, 2011, and the start date for the position is June 1, 2011.
For more information on the Garden, please visit: http://bufordschoolyardgarden.wordpress.com/
For more information on the Garden Educator position, please email Program Director Linda Winecoff at: Schoolyardgarden.cville@gmail.com or call (434) 882-1470.
7.
The next meeting of Transition Charlottesville/Albemarle Friday will be Monday April 18th at 7 PM in the Unitarian Church, 717 Rugby Road in Charlottesville, VA. Pass the word for others to join us.
Some useful Transition websites:
http://transitionus.org/transition-101
http://www.transitionnetwork.org/
8.
The Wild and Scenic Film Festival! The festival brings together a selection of films that tell a story about our planet, our beautiful and precious wildlands, and the people of the communities who love and defend them. They open our eyes and hearts to fantastic experiences in remarkable places. They beckon us towards action, highlight issues, and provide solutions.
The festival spans two evenings and two cities:
Wednesday, April 13 at the Paramount Theater in Charlottesville.
Thursday, April 14 at the Visulite Cinema in Staunton.
Screenings will be at 7pm and tickets are $10 per night, with each night featuring an entirely different slate of films. There will be a reception after each screening for those who would like to stay and learn more.
Please join us at one (or both) of these venues to enjoy these spectacular films. Advance sale tickets for both shows are available at Blue Ridge Mountain Sports in Charlottesville (cash or checks only please) or at the door. Tickets for the Charlottesville show may be ordered online at tickets.theparamount.net or purchased at the Paramount Theater Box Office.
We hope to see you there!
Sincerely,
David Hannah
Conservation Director
(434) 971-1553
www.wildvirginia.org
9.
On April 15-18, 10,000 organizers will gather at Power Shift 2011 to launch campaigns for a clean, just economy. We're working with Energy Action Coalition, the organizers of Power Shift, to ensure that every one of them is equipped with the core skills of organizing. But we need your help to do it.
Will you become a Facilitator for Power Shift? Click here to sign up:
http://www.powershift2011.org/conference/training/moveon
As a Facilitator, you will first be invited to a regional training. You'll go through the Movement Building Workshops, then participate in special sessions where you'll learn to teach the material to others. Then you'll join us April 15-18 at Power Shift, where you and your team will lead the training for a group of organizers.
10.
Living Earth Spring Programs in central VA
We have many new and exciting programs offered for this spring! Summer camps are filling, so if you haven't registered please do, as a few camps are already full. We hope to see you out to one of our fun programs.
Our Wild Edible Plant Class and Father/Son Weekend are happening this weekend, so if interested please call right away. Some campers have expressed interest in learning wild plants, how to make arrowheads, and bows in deeper detail. So please check in with them to see if one of these weekend classes for adults is right for them to learn more. Save the date, We are hosting Jon Young for a Weekend on Reclaiming Our Natural Connections and Community Resielence on September 2, 3, 4. This is an amazing opportunity to meet with a national treasure whos mission is to spread deep nature connection. It is a not to miss weekend for both adults and for families. For more details on any of our spring programs visit:
http://www.livingearthva.com/adult.html
11.
Introduction to Permaculture Design Class
Permaculture is a process for designing intensive edible landscapes based on ecological principles. This process is applicable for small scale (apartments or cities) and suburban or farm settings. We will learn the principles and ethics of permaculture design and how these can inform our landscaping decisions. Class content will include: the use of sheet mulch; simple ways to compost; the use of vertical spaces; building an herb spiral, a pond, fruit tree guild; and much more. Each session will include discussions and a hands-on component.
Spring Series May 5- June 2 Five Thursdays from 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
Fall Series September 1- October 6 Five Thursdays from 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
The cost of the series is $100 (registration info below).
Introduction to Permaculture Design Workshop
Permaculture is a process for designing intensive edible landscapes based on ecological principles. This process is applicable for small scale (apartments or cities) and suburban or farm settings. We will learn the principles and ethics of permaculture design and how these can inform our own landscaping decisions. Also covered in the workshop will be sheet mulching, vertical spaces, herb spirals, simple ponds and fruit, herb and f lower selection.
The workshop fee is $50. Some barter and work exchange is available upon request.
Location: Blacksburg VA, directions sent out upon registration
Dates for 2011:
Saturday May 21st 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Saturday June 18th 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Saturday October 15th 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Please send a 50% deposit to hold your space to: Sarah Gibbs 1502 North Main Apt A Blacksburg, Va 24060
and email questions sarahgibbs68@verizon.net or call 540-818-1394
Sarah Gibbs
Permaculture Designer
Horticultural Therapist
NatureScapes
540-818-1394
12.
Living Energy Farm
Open House and Oxen Demonstration
The Living Energy Farm is a project to build a zero fossil fuel farm in Louisa County.
We would like to invite you to meet our oxen and see our progress! For the last few months we've been working on the land, planting and planning for spring. On May 13 we will have two pair of oxen out on the land working with us and will demonstrate some of the old technologies we will be employing in our commitment to live fossil fuel free. There will be tours offered, games and refreshments and lots of people to answer your questions about our project. We hope you'll join us!
When: Friday, May 13th, 10 AM to 7 PM
Where: Living Energy Farm, Louisa, VA (see directions below)
Contact: Sara Tansey, sara.m.tansey@gmail.com, 843.694.8896
Directions to Living Energy Farm:
From West/ Charlottesville area:
Take I-64 East, toward Richmond. The next exit past Zion Crossroads is Rte. 208. Turn Left/ North on 208. Follow 208 for about 10 miles to the town of Louisa. When you come to a stoplight, turn Left. In one block, turn Right on Fredericksburg Ave. This road becomes Bibb Store Road. The (unmarked) address of the LEF property is 1050 Bibb Store Road. It will be on your Right. There is a white sign that says LEF on it.
From East/ Richmond area:
Take I-64 West, toward Charlottesville. The next exit past Shannon Hill is Rte. 208. Turn Right/ North on 208. Follow 208 for about 10 miles to the town of Louisa. When you come to a stoplight, turn Left. In one block, turn Right on Fredericksburg Ave. This road becomes Bibb Store Road. The (unmarked) address of the LEF property is 1050 Bibb Store Road. It will be on your Right. There is a white sign that says LEF on it.
Workshop: An Introduction to Training and Driving Oxen
When: Saturday, May 14th , 10 AM to 5 PM
Where: Living Energy Farm, Louisa VA (see below for directions)
Registration Contact: Sara Tansey, sara.m.tansey@gmail.com , 843-694-8896
Cost: $50, includes lunch. Checks made payable to Living Energy Farm.
13.
Companion Plants for Fruit Trees
Time Saturday, April 16 • 1:00pm - 2:00pm
________________________________________
Location Southern States Garden Center
810 Harris Street
Charlottesville, VA
________________________________________
Created By Benjamin Thornes
________________________________________
More Info As discussion leader, I will focus on fruit trees and their supporting cast of plants and insects, explaining how together they can improve the health of the soil for greater yields while reducing maintenance needs. Please stop by if you wish to learn more about a sustainable crop system from a permaculture perspective or even if you have something to share. Free knowledge!
14.
$525,000 210 DOUGLAS AV, North Belmont, Charlottesville, VA 22902 OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 4/9/11 1-4pm
Extremely private. Downtown Farmette on two lots at .341 acres. A third .198 acre buildable lot available see (MLS #487089). 1910 Farm house with modern addition in 2001. Huge front porch and upper and lower side porches. Heart pine and oak hardwood floors. Two very large fenced-in gardens. Custom built walnut shed and very large additional shed. Bone-dry partial basement and huge gabled attic. Just a 10 minute walk to the historic downtown pedestrian mall. 5 minute walk to downtown Belmont. Contact below
Cliff Kavanaugh
434-466-5128 (O) 434-220-2223 (F) 434-220-1924
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