Greetings All,
Below you will find info on upcoming permaculture and sustainability events in the near future in the central Virginia bioregion.
For more information about permaculture events, see our website: www.blueridgepermaculture.net (check out the blog as well). 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
1.
Put your Project on the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network website!
We would like to expand the “Members work” section of the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network website to help facilitate learning about each others’ project. The website gets a lot of visitors (including the almost 500 people on this listserve!).
http://www.blueridgepermaculture.net/members.html
Please email Christine at christinegyovai@gmail.com a photo, a description of about 120 words maximum, and a website link to your permaculture or sustainability project by Saturday, May 23rd to be included on the website.
2.
ORCHARDISTS!
I have a small, newly planted mixed orchard in Louisa Virginia and I'm looking for other orchardists, especially but not exclusively nearby that might want to share/trade expertise, support, knowledge, orchard visits. I have plant experience and plenty of reading, but nothing compares to having people to share ideas, questions and/or trade workdays with. Home orchards are a different experience than a commercial endeavor, and I'm interested in knowing folks who are doing it too. Anyone growing apples, pears, plums, persimmons, peaches, asian pears, or cherries who are interested in cultivating some community around their home orchard can email me at BrookeRemsonRay@gmail.com.
3.
Sat., May 16, 3pm on
Beat Juice Party at Juice hosted by Leslie Shay & Augusta Ober
1437 Ortman Rd., Afton
I-64, Crozet exit, 250 West, left onto Ortman, 3.1 miles on left
Park on street (parking limited; carpool if possible)
All ages welcome.
Please join us for a community gathering at our little farm in Afton. We'll supply the beats (music), you bring fruit & vegies for juicing, a potluck contribution, outside seating (chairs, blankets, etc.), African drum (if you have one), hoola hoop (if you have one), colored glass bottles you don't want (we're collecting for a ferrocenent project), and friends. Call Leslie at 540-456-6960 if you need more details.
4.
Forrest Green Farm is a small,family farm located in Louisa, Virginia. We
are committed to supplying you with naturally and ecologically grown
medicinal and culinary herb plants, vegetables, pastured chicken eggs, and
horse hay. Another specialty of Forrest Green Farm is registered Polled
Miniature Herefords. Visit www.forrestgreenfarm.com to learn more.
5.
Radical Roots Plant Sale & Open House - May 23
Vegetables, Herbs and Berries for the Organic Gardener
Wide Selection: 20 Varieties of Tomatoes, 5 kinds of Basil everything you need for your edible home garden
Certified Naturally Grown: All Organic soil mix and fertilizer
Open 10-5 Farm Tour at 3:00
Abundance From the Roots Up!
Radical Roots Community Farm
3083 Flook Lane
Keezletown, VA 22832
(540) 810-2587
For Directions go to
http://www.radicalrootsfarm.com
6.
Principles of Permaculture workshop May 16 in Jessup, MD
Permaculture is an ecological design method that includes topics such as observation and patterns in nature, and strategies to improve soil, grow food, harvest water, utilize renewable energy and regenerative building techniques, and build sustainable communities. This workshop will focus on fundamental permaculture ethics, principle and strategies to live more sustainably in your home, neighborhood or community. Participants will leave the workshop energized and with ideas that can be implemented in their home or community.
Instructor: Christine Gyovai
Christine Gyovai is Principal of Dialogue and Design Associates, a plant lover, and an avid permaculture designer. She is an environmental planner and educator with over twelve years of experience in facilitation and training with a focus on increasing community and environmental sustainability. Christine holds a M.P. in Urban and Environmental Planning from the University of Virginia and a B.S. in Environmental Studies from Burlington College, and is certified in mediation and permaculture design. A native of West Virginia, Christine was an environmental education teacher and sustainability consultant in California before returning East. She is currently living in the straw bale house that she and her husband Reed designed at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains with their one year old son, Elijah.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Please arrive by 9:45 a.m.
Location: Green Building Institute @ The Enviro Center
7761 Waterloo Rd. (Rte. 175),
Jessup, MD 20794
Phone: (443) 733-1234
http://www.greenbuildinginstitute.org/
7.
Southern Traditional Herbal Medicine
with Phyllis D. Light
June 13-14, 2009 - Weekend 1
How exciting to have Phyllis back for more of her amazing Southern Appalachian Herbal teachings. With each passing weekend that Phyllis has been here, we realize that there is a depth of knowledge, lore and the simplest of traditions that truly reflects our culture. These weekends are designed for those that have never studied with Phyllis as well as for dedicated students who have been with us all along.
This series can be taken as a whole or each weekend separately. What is astounding about this work is the authenticity, ease and truthfulness this work holds for us as teachers, herbalists and individuals seeking to improve our health. Now, more than ever, learning about ‘simples’, backyard medicines and how to ‘read the signs’ is vital for the health of our communities. Don’t miss this opportunity!
www.sacredplanttraditions.com
8.
Hello Blue Ridge Transition Folk! We will be holding a Transition Blue Ridge meeting on Monday, May 18th at 7 p.m. and we will be showing a documentary called "A Renaissance of Local". This documentary highlights the efforts of the Colorado Transition movement and is an inspirational and informative showing of what people have been able to accomplish as they move forward with Transition goals. We will be showing this DVD at Woodfolk house, a local communal house where Charlottesville's Peak Oil Awareness guru Alexis Zeigler resides. If you would like to bring some cookies, or light refreshments to pass around, I am sure they would add to the enjoyment and enlightenment of the evening. Directions to Woodfolk house: Take Ridge St./ 5th St from downtown toward I-64. Just past the light at Cherry - Elliot, go Left on Ridge (aka "old Ridge"). Go past Lankford and Hartman's Mill. Go Left on Raymond. Left on Baylor. Right on Woodfolk. Address is 912 Woodfolk, 3rd house on left with shiny metal roof. Put the meeting on your calendars, bake some goodies and come see what our Colorado counterparts have already achieved, and discuss our own nascent efforts as we envision our own "Renaissance of Local"! http://www.transitionblueridge.org/
9.
The Virginia Natural Resources Leadership Institute (VNRLI) is currently accepting applications for its 2009-2010 year. VNRLI is a unique program consisting of six-three day leadership training sessions at a variety of locations across Virginia where a host of complex environmental issues are explored against the back drop of learning collaborative problem-solving techniques.
For more information on the VNRLI program, including an information packet and an application, please see the website: www.virginia.edu/ien/vnrli.
The deadline for applying is June 15th, 2009. Please note that scholarships are available as we don't want cost be a barrier to submitting an application -- please see the website for more information.
Please don't hesitate to contact Christine Gyovai at christineg@virginia.edu or 434-982-6464 with any questions about the VNRLI program.
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10.
Permaculture email listserve (different from this newsletter listserve)
Vicky Peterson, a grad from the first Permaculture Design Course, has set up a yahoo group for discussion of all things relating to permaculture in the Central Virginia region. From Vicky: With your help, the group will be a place to ask questions, share information and help permaculture take root in our area.
Here is a link to follow if you would like to join:
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/BRPermaculture/
There should be a blue button that says "Join this Group!"
If you know of anyone else who might be interested in joining, please feel free to pass this info along.
Other questions? Email me.
Thanks!
Vicky Peterson
vickycp@ntelos.net
11.
Home Energy Auditor Training Class
May 18-21, 2009
BPI Building Analyst Training offered by VSBN with support from Virginia DMME. Trainer is Ray Walsh from SENCON. Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia. Class size is limited to twelve (12), so contact www.vsbn.org to sign up today or call Pam Vosburgh at VSBN, 703-486-2966.
BPI (Building Performance Institute) Building Analyst Training provides contractors who do home energy audits with a nationally recognized 3-year certification that can increase their visibility in the growing residential energy efficiency marketplace. Visit www.bpi.org for details on this training program.
www.vsbn.org.
12.
Other Charlottesville, VA Events
May 16, 2009: Planning Strong Communities: Rural Land Conservation and Your Role as a Citizen Promoting Smarter Growth in the Richmond Region. Midlothian, VA. Find out more at www.psgrichmond.org. RSVP@psgrichmond.org.
May 18-20, 2009: Local Climate Leadership Summit. Washington, DC. Find out more at www.localclimateleadershipsummit.org.
May 1 - June 5 Urban Places Rural Spaces
Opening Reception, Friday, May 1, 5:30-7:30 pm
The community is invited to visit this unique art exhibit that uses words, images and interactive
elements to explore the relationship between urban and rural environments in Charlottesville and
Albemarle. The exhibit features an installation designed by loc al artists and large-scale photographs
by Robert Llewellyn.Sponsored by Albemarle County, City of Charlottesville, Charlottesville Community
Design Center and Piedmont Environmental Council.
Photo credits: Robert Llewellyn
Month of May Charlottesville Community Design Center
Urban Places Rural Spaces Lecture & Discussion Series
Come join us for a series of events put on by Albemarle County, the City of Charlottesville, and UVa Professor Bill Morrish highlighting issues presented in this month's exhibit!
May 14, 7-8pm: Urban Places Rural Spaces Discussion - Albemarle County planning staff will discuss the County's Neighborhood Model and County efforts to protect rural land.
May 21, 7pm: Growing Urban Habitats Lecture - CCDC presents a lecture by Bill Morris, UVA Elwood R. Quesada Professor of Architecture, on his upcoming publication "Growing Urban Habitats"
May 27, 7-8pm: How Our Creative City is Growing Stronger - Urban Places Rural Spaces Discussion by Jim Tolbert, Director of Charlottesville’s Department of Neighborhood Development Services: “How Our Creative City is Growing Smarter”
http://www.cvilledesign.org/
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
Upcoming events
Greetings All,
Below you will find info on upcoming permaculture and sustainability events in the near future in the central Virginia bioregion.
For more information about permaculture events, see our website: www.blueridgepermaculture.net (check out the blog as well). 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
1.
The Blue Ridge Permaculture Institute is sponsoring a
Community Night with Joel Salatin of PolyFace Farms
on Building a Local Food System that Works
Saturday March 14, 7:00 pm at the Montessori Community School on Pantops Mountain in Charlottesville--305 Rolkin Rd., Charlottesville, VA
Suggested donation $15
To preregister contact Terry Lilley at tygerlilley@gmail.com
For more info and directions, see the website: www.blueridgepermaculture.net
2.
ATTENTION ALL PERMACULTURE DESIGN COURSE ALUMNI AND MEMBERS OF THE BLUE RIDGE PERMACULTURE NETWORK!!
As part of the Blue Ridge Permaculture Institute's third Permaculture Design Course we invite you to join us in welcoming the newest students to the network.
We will be gathering at the Montessori Community School on Pantops Mountain at 305 Rolkin Rd. in Charlottesville, VA, on Saturday March 28 for a potluck dinner. Contact Terry Lilley to preregister or with questions at tygerlilley@gmail.com. For more info and directions, see the website: www.blueridgepermaculture.net.
1.
Permaculture email listserve (different from this newsletter listserve)
Vicky Peterson, a grad from the first Permaculture Design Course, has set up a yahoo group for discussion of all things relating to permaculture in the Central Virginia region. From Vicky: With your help, the group will be a place to ask questions, share information and help permaculture take root in our area.
Here is a link to follow if you would like to join:
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/BRPermaculture/
There should be a blue button that says "Join this Group!"
If you know of anyone else who might be interested in joining, please feel free to pass this info along.
Other questions? Email me.
Thanks!
Vicky Peterson
vickycp@ntelos.net
4.
Third Annual Gaia Gathering for Women with special guest Deb Soule
MAY 1st - 3rd
Join us this year as we celebrate Beltane by honoring our Earth Mother and the call of the Divine Feminine. For quite some time women have known that the ‘year of change’ is upon us. Join us as we celebrate the power of women’s community and help our world shift into the new consciousness of peace, healing and community living. We are thrilled to have Deb Soule, Maine herbalist and gardener extraordinaire as our keynote presenter (www.avenabotanicals.com)
The weekend will be about collective ceremony, song and learning skills for permaculture, gardening, medicine making, stewarding the earth and so much more. The fee includes camping at beautiful Camp Albemarle, four delicious wild and organic meals, and all class materials. There are also rustic cabins available. We will begin Friday evening and end with our traditional web ceremony after lunch on Sunday. Now more than ever is the time for us to know how deeply we are connected.
Fee for the weekend is $175.00.
For more information, see the website: www.sacredplanttraditions.com
2.
On Friday, April 17, Harvey Ussery (www.themodernhomestead.us) will give an all-day presentation at the Airlie Foundation’s conference center in Warrenton, Virginia, building on his presentation there last spring, “The Integrated Homestead.” The theme of that presentation was: integrating the diverse elements of the homestead so they support and enhance each other, creating synergistic efficiencies and more sustainable ecological patterns.
This year he will continue developing those ideas with “The Integrated Homestead: Elaborating the Theme,” illustrating the heart of our approach with more detailed discussions of particular homestead projects.
Specific topic areas will be chosen from the following:
The Joys of Cover Cropping (An introduction to the mysteries of sustainable soil fertility as well as a how-to on making cover cropping work)
Starting Garden Transplants
Seed Saving
Chickens as Shredder/Composters
Using Cultivated Fungi in the Homestead
Minimizing Insect Crop Damage Without Using Toxins
Vermicomposting Using the Boxwood System
The Multi-Functional Homestead Greenhouse
Cost for this event is $90. The registration fee includes a fabulous lunch based on local ingredients (for which the Airlie kitchen is famous); several information-dense handouts to take home as a resource, some of them new pieces written for this presentation; and a tour of Boxwood, about 20 miles northwest of Warrenton, next morning, Saturday, April 18 (9:30 until noon). Participants will be able to see up close and personal some real-life applications of the ideas presented at Airlie.
There will be a limit of 40 participants, so register early if you want to attend. For more information, check the Local Food Project page http://airlie.org/activities/foodproject.htm
on the Airlie site. Registration will be handled by Airlie: localfoodproject@airlie.org or 540-347-1300, ext 3163
6.
The Charlottesville League of Urban Chicken Keepers (CLUCK) will be hosting its first open meeting for folks who have backyard poultry, or are interested in learning about it. Come on out and meet your fellow chicken enthusiasts!
WHEN: Tuesday, March 10, 6 pm
WHERE: Jefferson-Madison Regional Library, Jefferson Conference Room (third floor)
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?: Your enthusiasm for backyard poultry, an interest in meeting other chicken-keepers, ideas for how CLUCK can be a supportive, educational, creative network!
Come on out, and bring a friend. And, though the name implies that CLUCK is exclusively for those of us who live in Charlottesville city limits, we welcome our counterparts in the county as well. For more information, email cvillecluck@gmail.com, or visit www.HensInTheHood.blogspot.com
7.
New good book: Depletion and Abundance: Life on the New Home Front by Sharon Astyk. The byline is: "One woman's solutions to finding abundance for your family while coming to terms with Peak Oil, Climate Change and Hard Times."
Also check out her blog at: www.sharonastyk.com
8.
Greet Matters Featured Workshop - March 25, 2009
Social hour with refreshments:5:00pm-6:00pm
Workshop:6:00pm-7:30pmNetworking:7:30pm-8:00pm
The Company We Keep
John Abrams is the founder and President/CEO of South Mountain Company. Come hear this remarkably dynamic speaker give his take on the built environment, and our obligations to the community and natural environment in which we live. Click title for more
Speakers:John Abrams, founder and President/CEO of South Mountain Builders
Refreshment Sponsor:The Habitat Store
http://www.greenmatters.info/
9.
Montfair is a great space to hold meetings, retreats, and other events. They have eco- friendly vacation cottages and quiet country retreat overlook lake
in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, 15 miles NW of Charlottesville,
40 minutes from Jefferson's Monticello. 129 acres of Hiking trails,
Mountain Bikes, Canoe, Fishing. Rustic lodge for weddings, retreats and
reunions.
For more info:
www.montfairresortfarm.com
2500 Bezaleel Drive
Crozet, Virginia 22932
montfair@ntelos.net
10.
Info below on a potential cob workshop:
Hey folks,
Dave and I have been interested in cob building and other forms of natural building for quite a while. We are hoping to have a home very soon and have plans for a cob addition and other cob projects. We wanted to send this out to all of you who might be interested in exploring cob building. I am hoping that you can pass it along to anyone you may know who might be interested as well. We hope to have Betty and Tach (cob teachers from the west coast) come and do a workshop here in Charlottesville. Let us know if you are interested in that as well and we will organize one. If you are interested in helping organize a Cob workshop let us know and we can plan to get together and work out some details.
Have a beautiful winter day,
Estela Knott
Blue Ridge Music Together
807 Elliott Ave.
Charlottesville, VA 22902
434.293.6361
www.blueridgemusictogether.com
11.“Visions for a Sustainable and Just Community”Sponsored by the Sierra Club, ASAP, and CCPJ. 1:30-4:30 PM, Saturday 14 March, McIntire Room, Jefferson-Madison Regional Library The aim of this forum is to foster a public discussion of the requirements for a sustainable and just community. What kind of community do we want 50 years from now and how do we go about making this a reality. Speakers include: James King - "Long Range Visioning"Jack Marshall - "Capping Population Growth"Dawn Story - "Envisioning our Food Future"Al Weed - "Live Without Clean Energy"Dave Shreve - "Population, Inequality, and a Steady State Economy"Rev. Ralph Brown - "Equity as it Relates to Food"Peter Kleeman - "A Sustainable Transportation Future"Tom Olivier - "Ecosystems and their Services" Contact: Tom Olivier (tolivier@starband.net, tel. 434-831-2408)
Below you will find info on upcoming permaculture and sustainability events in the near future in the central Virginia bioregion.
For more information about permaculture events, see our website: www.blueridgepermaculture.net (check out the blog as well). 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
1.
The Blue Ridge Permaculture Institute is sponsoring a
Community Night with Joel Salatin of PolyFace Farms
on Building a Local Food System that Works
Saturday March 14, 7:00 pm at the Montessori Community School on Pantops Mountain in Charlottesville--305 Rolkin Rd., Charlottesville, VA
Suggested donation $15
To preregister contact Terry Lilley at tygerlilley@gmail.com
For more info and directions, see the website: www.blueridgepermaculture.net
2.
ATTENTION ALL PERMACULTURE DESIGN COURSE ALUMNI AND MEMBERS OF THE BLUE RIDGE PERMACULTURE NETWORK!!
As part of the Blue Ridge Permaculture Institute's third Permaculture Design Course we invite you to join us in welcoming the newest students to the network.
We will be gathering at the Montessori Community School on Pantops Mountain at 305 Rolkin Rd. in Charlottesville, VA, on Saturday March 28 for a potluck dinner. Contact Terry Lilley to preregister or with questions at tygerlilley@gmail.com. For more info and directions, see the website: www.blueridgepermaculture.net.
1.
Permaculture email listserve (different from this newsletter listserve)
Vicky Peterson, a grad from the first Permaculture Design Course, has set up a yahoo group for discussion of all things relating to permaculture in the Central Virginia region. From Vicky: With your help, the group will be a place to ask questions, share information and help permaculture take root in our area.
Here is a link to follow if you would like to join:
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/BRPermaculture/
There should be a blue button that says "Join this Group!"
If you know of anyone else who might be interested in joining, please feel free to pass this info along.
Other questions? Email me.
Thanks!
Vicky Peterson
vickycp@ntelos.net
4.
Third Annual Gaia Gathering for Women with special guest Deb Soule
MAY 1st - 3rd
Join us this year as we celebrate Beltane by honoring our Earth Mother and the call of the Divine Feminine. For quite some time women have known that the ‘year of change’ is upon us. Join us as we celebrate the power of women’s community and help our world shift into the new consciousness of peace, healing and community living. We are thrilled to have Deb Soule, Maine herbalist and gardener extraordinaire as our keynote presenter (www.avenabotanicals.com)
The weekend will be about collective ceremony, song and learning skills for permaculture, gardening, medicine making, stewarding the earth and so much more. The fee includes camping at beautiful Camp Albemarle, four delicious wild and organic meals, and all class materials. There are also rustic cabins available. We will begin Friday evening and end with our traditional web ceremony after lunch on Sunday. Now more than ever is the time for us to know how deeply we are connected.
Fee for the weekend is $175.00.
For more information, see the website: www.sacredplanttraditions.com
2.
On Friday, April 17, Harvey Ussery (www.themodernhomestead.us) will give an all-day presentation at the Airlie Foundation’s conference center in Warrenton, Virginia, building on his presentation there last spring, “The Integrated Homestead.” The theme of that presentation was: integrating the diverse elements of the homestead so they support and enhance each other, creating synergistic efficiencies and more sustainable ecological patterns.
This year he will continue developing those ideas with “The Integrated Homestead: Elaborating the Theme,” illustrating the heart of our approach with more detailed discussions of particular homestead projects.
Specific topic areas will be chosen from the following:
The Joys of Cover Cropping (An introduction to the mysteries of sustainable soil fertility as well as a how-to on making cover cropping work)
Starting Garden Transplants
Seed Saving
Chickens as Shredder/Composters
Using Cultivated Fungi in the Homestead
Minimizing Insect Crop Damage Without Using Toxins
Vermicomposting Using the Boxwood System
The Multi-Functional Homestead Greenhouse
Cost for this event is $90. The registration fee includes a fabulous lunch based on local ingredients (for which the Airlie kitchen is famous); several information-dense handouts to take home as a resource, some of them new pieces written for this presentation; and a tour of Boxwood, about 20 miles northwest of Warrenton, next morning, Saturday, April 18 (9:30 until noon). Participants will be able to see up close and personal some real-life applications of the ideas presented at Airlie.
There will be a limit of 40 participants, so register early if you want to attend. For more information, check the Local Food Project page http://airlie.org/activities/foodproject.htm
on the Airlie site. Registration will be handled by Airlie: localfoodproject@airlie.org or 540-347-1300, ext 3163
6.
The Charlottesville League of Urban Chicken Keepers (CLUCK) will be hosting its first open meeting for folks who have backyard poultry, or are interested in learning about it. Come on out and meet your fellow chicken enthusiasts!
WHEN: Tuesday, March 10, 6 pm
WHERE: Jefferson-Madison Regional Library, Jefferson Conference Room (third floor)
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?: Your enthusiasm for backyard poultry, an interest in meeting other chicken-keepers, ideas for how CLUCK can be a supportive, educational, creative network!
Come on out, and bring a friend. And, though the name implies that CLUCK is exclusively for those of us who live in Charlottesville city limits, we welcome our counterparts in the county as well. For more information, email cvillecluck@gmail.com, or visit www.HensInTheHood.blogspot.com
7.
New good book: Depletion and Abundance: Life on the New Home Front by Sharon Astyk. The byline is: "One woman's solutions to finding abundance for your family while coming to terms with Peak Oil, Climate Change and Hard Times."
Also check out her blog at: www.sharonastyk.com
8.
Greet Matters Featured Workshop - March 25, 2009
Social hour with refreshments:5:00pm-6:00pm
Workshop:6:00pm-7:30pmNetworking:7:30pm-8:00pm
The Company We Keep
John Abrams is the founder and President/CEO of South Mountain Company. Come hear this remarkably dynamic speaker give his take on the built environment, and our obligations to the community and natural environment in which we live. Click title for more
Speakers:John Abrams, founder and President/CEO of South Mountain Builders
Refreshment Sponsor:The Habitat Store
http://www.greenmatters.info/
9.
Montfair is a great space to hold meetings, retreats, and other events. They have eco- friendly vacation cottages and quiet country retreat overlook lake
in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, 15 miles NW of Charlottesville,
40 minutes from Jefferson's Monticello. 129 acres of Hiking trails,
Mountain Bikes, Canoe, Fishing. Rustic lodge for weddings, retreats and
reunions.
For more info:
www.montfairresortfarm.com
2500 Bezaleel Drive
Crozet, Virginia 22932
montfair@ntelos.net
10.
Info below on a potential cob workshop:
Hey folks,
Dave and I have been interested in cob building and other forms of natural building for quite a while. We are hoping to have a home very soon and have plans for a cob addition and other cob projects. We wanted to send this out to all of you who might be interested in exploring cob building. I am hoping that you can pass it along to anyone you may know who might be interested as well. We hope to have Betty and Tach (cob teachers from the west coast) come and do a workshop here in Charlottesville. Let us know if you are interested in that as well and we will organize one. If you are interested in helping organize a Cob workshop let us know and we can plan to get together and work out some details.
Have a beautiful winter day,
Estela Knott
Blue Ridge Music Together
807 Elliott Ave.
Charlottesville, VA 22902
434.293.6361
www.blueridgemusictogether.com
11.“Visions for a Sustainable and Just Community”Sponsored by the Sierra Club, ASAP, and CCPJ. 1:30-4:30 PM, Saturday 14 March, McIntire Room, Jefferson-Madison Regional Library The aim of this forum is to foster a public discussion of the requirements for a sustainable and just community. What kind of community do we want 50 years from now and how do we go about making this a reality. Speakers include: James King - "Long Range Visioning"Jack Marshall - "Capping Population Growth"Dawn Story - "Envisioning our Food Future"Al Weed - "Live Without Clean Energy"Dave Shreve - "Population, Inequality, and a Steady State Economy"Rev. Ralph Brown - "Equity as it Relates to Food"Peter Kleeman - "A Sustainable Transportation Future"Tom Olivier - "Ecosystems and their Services" Contact: Tom Olivier (tolivier@starband.net, tel. 434-831-2408)
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Depeletion and Abundance
Hey all,
You've gotta check out the book Depletion and Abundance: Life on the New Home Front by Sharon Astyk. It is the book I've been waiting for the last few years. The byline is: "One woman's solutions to finding abundance for your family while coming to terms with Peak Oil, Climate Change and Hard Times." I just got it from the Permaculture Activist.
Also check out her blog at: www.sharonastyk.com
Let me know what you think -
Christine
You've gotta check out the book Depletion and Abundance: Life on the New Home Front by Sharon Astyk. It is the book I've been waiting for the last few years. The byline is: "One woman's solutions to finding abundance for your family while coming to terms with Peak Oil, Climate Change and Hard Times." I just got it from the Permaculture Activist.
Also check out her blog at: www.sharonastyk.com
Let me know what you think -
Christine
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Upcoming events
Greetings All,
Below you will find info on upcoming permaculture and sustainability events in the near future in the central Virginia bioregion.
For more information about permaculture events, see our website: www.blueridgepermaculture.net (check out the blog as well). 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
1.
Spring Permaculture Design Course: Sustainability Strategies for the Blue Ridge
The course is full with a wait list! Thank you for your interest in the course.
Please see below for community events during the Design Course, and stay tuned for upcoming classes and workshops from the Blue Ridge Permaculture Institute.
The Blue Ridge Permaculture Institute is sponsoring a
Community Night with Joel Salatin of PolyFace Farms
on Building a Local Food System that Works
Saturday March 14, 7:00 pm at the Montessori Community School on Pantops Mountain in Charlottesville--305 Rolkin Rd., Charlottesville, VA
Suggested donation $15
To preregister contact Terry Lilley at tygerlilley@gmail.com
For more info and directions, see the website: www.blueridgepermaculture.net
ATTENTION ALL PERMACULTURE DESIGN COURSE ALUMNI AND MEMBERS OF THE BLUE RIDGE PERMACULTURE NETWORK!!
As part of the Blue Ridge Permaculture Institute's third Permaculture Design Course we invite you to join us in welcoming the newest students to the network.
We will be gathering at the Montessori Community School on Pantops Mountain at 305 Rolkin Rd. in Charlottesville, VA, on Saturday March 28 for a potluck dinner. Contact Terry Lilley to preregister or with questions at tygerlilley@gmail.com. For more info and directions, see the website: www.blueridgepermaculture.net.
2.
Permaculture email listserve (different from this newsletter listserve)
Vicky Peterson, a grad from the first Permaculture Design Course, has set up a yahoo group for discussion of all things relating to permaculture in the Central Virginia region. From Vicky: With your help, the group will be a place to ask questions, share information and help permaculture take root in our area.
Here is a link to follow if you would like to join:
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/BRPermaculture/
There should be a blue button that says "Join this Group!"
If you know of anyone else who might be interested in joining, please feel free to pass this info along.
Other questions? Email me.
Thanks!
Vicky Peterson
vickycp@ntelos.net
3. Power Up Benefit Dance Party
Saturday February 7th, at 7 pm
Location: Charlottesville Area Rhythym and Dance 410 B East Main St on the Downtown Mall between Eppies and the Mens and Boys Shop
featuring a performance by Dreamtime Project and World Music presented by DJ Jimmy G
$5 suggested donation
we will also hold a raffle for some excellent prizes including a rain barrel, a free one day herb workshop at Sacred Plant Traditions in C'Ville, a homemade pie, etc.
All proceeds go to United Mountain Defense to help victims of the Tennessee Valley Coal Ash Disaster
For more info:
Volunteers at www.unitedmountaindefense.org have been working day and night to distribute information, clean water and inform citizens of their rights. Visit http://dirtycoaltva.blogspot.com/ and http://www.ilovemountains.org/tva-spill/for the latest updates on the TVA Coal Ash Disaster.
Coal ash, slurry or sludge is a byproduct left over after coal is burned. As reported in the New York Times,"'Your household garbage is managed much more consistently' than coal combustion waste."
TVA allowed a huge mountain of this coal waste material stored in a gigantic pile next to their Kingston power plant, alongside the tributary of the Tennessee River.Federal Toxic Release Inventory data requested by the New York Timesafter the spill reveals that in just one year, TVA placed 45,000 pounds of arsenic, 49,000 pounds of lead, 1.4 million pounds of barium, 91,000 pounds of chromium and 140,000 pounds of manganese into their coal waste impoundment in Kingston. And since the Kingston plant is over 50 years old, and two-thirds of the impoundment actually collapsed, one million pounds of arsenic is a conservative estimate for the total release into the river.
This Tennessee TVA spill is over 40 times bigger than the Exxon Valdez spill in Alaska. This is a huge environmental disaster of epic proportions.
Thanks to www.unitedmountaindefense.org, Dave Cooper of www.mountainroadshow.com and www.theclean.org for the information in this email.
4.
Third Annual Gaia Gathering for Women with special guest Deb Soule
MAY 1st - 3rd
Join us this year as we celebrate Beltane by honoring our Earth Mother and the call of the Divine Feminine. For quite some time women have known that the ‘year of change’ is upon us. Join us as we celebrate the power of women’s community and help our world shift into the new consciousness of peace, healing and community living. We are thrilled to have Deb Soule, Maine herbalist and gardener extraordinaire as our keynote presenter (www.avenabotanicals.com)
The weekend will be about collective ceremony, song and learning skills for gardening, medicine making, stewarding the earth and so much more. The fee includes camping at beautiful Camp Albemarle, four delicious wild and organic meals, and all class materials. There are also rustic cabins available. We will begin Friday evening and end with our traditional web ceremony after lunch on Sunday. Now more than ever is the time for us to know how deeply we are connected.
Fee for the weekend is $175.00.
For more information, see the website: www.sacredplanttraditions.com
5.
Michael Pollan – Author of The Botany of Desire and The Omnivore’s Dilemma -- and other books has proposed new landscaping for the White House and the website is:
http://www.whitehousefarmer.com/
6.
The Charlottesville Community Design Center is pleased to announce two upcoming community workshops focused on what local residents can do to save energy dollars and help reduce Charlottesville's carbon footprint. Workshops will be held at CCDC (100 5th St. NE) and are free and open to the public. Please RSVP to gilchrist@cvilledesign.org.
Tuesday, February 10, 6:00-7:15 pm, Home Energy $avings 101
This seminar will cover what cost effective things homeowners can do to improve the comfort of their homes while saving money and energy. Topics to be covered include:
· Why making energy efficiency improvements can be your best financial investments
· Exploring best strategies to make energy improvements to your home
· Things you can do on your own and at little to no cost
· Where to find local resources and experts to help you
Wednesday, February 18, 6:00-7:15 pm, Home Energy $avings for Renters
This workshop will focus specifically on what renters can do to cost effectively reduce their utility expenses and make their living space more comfortable.
This workshop will help renters discover ways to improve the comfort of their apartment or home while saving energy and money. Topics to be covered include:
• Why saving energy dollars can be one of your best financial investments
• Exploring best strategies to make energy improvements
• How to work with your landlord
• Things you can do on your own and at little to no cost
• Where to find local resources and experts
7.
Vintage Virginia Apples upcoming workshops (near Charlottesville)
http://vintagevirginiaapples.com/events.htm
February 21, 2009: Planning and Planting the Home Orchard from 10:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Guest speaker is Rich Marini, joining Tom Burford and the Vintage Virginia Apples staff. A comprehensive workshop on planning, managing and cultivating the home orchard. A tour of Rural Ridge Orchards will be included. Workshop Cost: $85.00
1) February 14, 2009 and 2) February 28, 2009: Pruning Workshop from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon. Careful pruning ensures a more bountiful harvest. Find out how much to prune, where to make the pruning cuts, and when it should be done. This workshop is paired with the Grafting workshop, but you may choose to take it separately. Note that both workshops are available on two separate dates. Choose the one that best suits your schedule. Workshop Cost: $25.00, box lunch available for $10.00.
1) February 14, 2009 and 2) February 28, 2009: Grafting Workshop from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Since apples do not reproduce true from seed, propagation depends on grafting the desired variety onto a reliable rootstock. Rootstock will be available for this workshop, and experts will guide you in the fine art of grafting. This workshop is paired with the Pruning workshop, but you may choose to take it separately. Note that both workshops are available on two separate dates. Choose the one that best suits your schedule. Workshop Cost: $25.00, box lunch available for $10.00
8.
Dear Nature Enthusiasts -
Hiraeth Press and Ecos Systems Institute are pleased to announce the
publication of: Courting the Wild: Love Affairs with the Land, edited by
Dr. Jamie K. Reaser and Ms. Susan Chernak McElroy.
Do you remember the first time you fell in love?
Within these pages will you find love stories, rapturous love affairs with
the land, longings, shameless seductions, betrothals, vows exchanged,
marriages of the soul, heartaches, partings, healings, and renewals. The
authors are the courters and the courted…Their landscape paramours embrace
them and they grow forth from within.
“A stirring book…filled with transcendent and highly personal moments of
revelation, of awe, reverence, and love for nature…the profound truth and
magic of becoming one with life on Earth. This book is for anyone
anywhere…from the camper’s backpack to bedside tables.” – Dr. Thomas
Lovejoy, President, The H. John Heinz III Center for Science, Economics
and the Environment
“Like many ecologists, I had a love affair with nature (especially with
butterflies) long before I became a scientist. The love affairs described
here will either tell you what I mean, or remind you of your own affair.
Either way, you’ll enjoy them.” – Dr. Paul Ehrlich, co-author of the
Dominant Animal: Human Evolution and the Environment
Available from:
- Hiraeth Press: www.hiraethpress.com
- www.amazon.com
A limited number of signed copies are available, contact Dr. Jamie K.
Reaser at ecos@nelsoncable.com. If you’d like to help promote the book,
please e-mail Jamie for a flyer.
9.
Featured Workshop - March 25, 2009
Social hour with refreshments:5:00pm-6:00pm
Workshop:6:00pm-7:30pmNetworking:7:30pm-8:00pm
The Company We Keep
John Abrams is the founder and President/CEO of South Mountain Company. Come hear this remarkably dynamic speaker give his take on the built environment, and our obligations to the community and natural environment in which we live. Click title for more
Speakers:John Abrams, founder and President/CEO of South Mountain Builders
Refreshment Sponsor:The Habitat Store
http://www.greenmatters.info/
10.
hey central virginia friends,
I wanted to make sure y'all all knew about the BREF! spring camp-out. it's going to be April 3rd-5th on a piece of land just west of Charlottesville. A primary goal of this project is to bring together eco-defense, social justice and local food activists in Virginia to cross-pollinate and unify for a stronger grassroots movement. We'll have Friday of that weekend fairly loose, then have Saturday full of trainings and workshops and finally keep most or all of Sunday set aside for strategizing on things like the Wise Co. coal plant, North Anna, the Surry Co. coal plant, the Farmville Immigrant Detention Center and various local foods and sustainable skill-share projects.
at this point, little beyond conceptualizing as well as reserving a space and date has been done on this project. BREF! will likely turn much of our energy towards the campout after the Billionaires for Coal rally this weekend. Input or involvement is welcome to any degree. If you've got thoughts or ideas but don't necessarily have the time to help organize - please share anyway.
wellness,
willie
--
www.myspace.com/herestothelonghaul
'Here's to the Long Haul' is yet another offshoot of the deep and wandering roots of Appalachian music, fed by the waters of modern grassroots resistance to that which is wrong and creation of that which is right in our mountains. You all, the people, are that water. May we all keep each other strong, singing and forever moving forward.
www.blueridgeEF.com
www.mountainjusticesummer.org
www.risingtidenorthamerica.org
Below you will find info on upcoming permaculture and sustainability events in the near future in the central Virginia bioregion.
For more information about permaculture events, see our website: www.blueridgepermaculture.net (check out the blog as well). 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
1.
Spring Permaculture Design Course: Sustainability Strategies for the Blue Ridge
The course is full with a wait list! Thank you for your interest in the course.
Please see below for community events during the Design Course, and stay tuned for upcoming classes and workshops from the Blue Ridge Permaculture Institute.
The Blue Ridge Permaculture Institute is sponsoring a
Community Night with Joel Salatin of PolyFace Farms
on Building a Local Food System that Works
Saturday March 14, 7:00 pm at the Montessori Community School on Pantops Mountain in Charlottesville--305 Rolkin Rd., Charlottesville, VA
Suggested donation $15
To preregister contact Terry Lilley at tygerlilley@gmail.com
For more info and directions, see the website: www.blueridgepermaculture.net
ATTENTION ALL PERMACULTURE DESIGN COURSE ALUMNI AND MEMBERS OF THE BLUE RIDGE PERMACULTURE NETWORK!!
As part of the Blue Ridge Permaculture Institute's third Permaculture Design Course we invite you to join us in welcoming the newest students to the network.
We will be gathering at the Montessori Community School on Pantops Mountain at 305 Rolkin Rd. in Charlottesville, VA, on Saturday March 28 for a potluck dinner. Contact Terry Lilley to preregister or with questions at tygerlilley@gmail.com. For more info and directions, see the website: www.blueridgepermaculture.net.
2.
Permaculture email listserve (different from this newsletter listserve)
Vicky Peterson, a grad from the first Permaculture Design Course, has set up a yahoo group for discussion of all things relating to permaculture in the Central Virginia region. From Vicky: With your help, the group will be a place to ask questions, share information and help permaculture take root in our area.
Here is a link to follow if you would like to join:
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/BRPermaculture/
There should be a blue button that says "Join this Group!"
If you know of anyone else who might be interested in joining, please feel free to pass this info along.
Other questions? Email me.
Thanks!
Vicky Peterson
vickycp@ntelos.net
3. Power Up Benefit Dance Party
Saturday February 7th, at 7 pm
Location: Charlottesville Area Rhythym and Dance 410 B East Main St on the Downtown Mall between Eppies and the Mens and Boys Shop
featuring a performance by Dreamtime Project and World Music presented by DJ Jimmy G
$5 suggested donation
we will also hold a raffle for some excellent prizes including a rain barrel, a free one day herb workshop at Sacred Plant Traditions in C'Ville, a homemade pie, etc.
All proceeds go to United Mountain Defense to help victims of the Tennessee Valley Coal Ash Disaster
For more info:
Volunteers at www.unitedmountaindefense.org have been working day and night to distribute information, clean water and inform citizens of their rights. Visit http://dirtycoaltva.blogspot.com/ and http://www.ilovemountains.org/tva-spill/for the latest updates on the TVA Coal Ash Disaster.
Coal ash, slurry or sludge is a byproduct left over after coal is burned. As reported in the New York Times,"'Your household garbage is managed much more consistently' than coal combustion waste."
TVA allowed a huge mountain of this coal waste material stored in a gigantic pile next to their Kingston power plant, alongside the tributary of the Tennessee River.Federal Toxic Release Inventory data requested by the New York Timesafter the spill reveals that in just one year, TVA placed 45,000 pounds of arsenic, 49,000 pounds of lead, 1.4 million pounds of barium, 91,000 pounds of chromium and 140,000 pounds of manganese into their coal waste impoundment in Kingston. And since the Kingston plant is over 50 years old, and two-thirds of the impoundment actually collapsed, one million pounds of arsenic is a conservative estimate for the total release into the river.
This Tennessee TVA spill is over 40 times bigger than the Exxon Valdez spill in Alaska. This is a huge environmental disaster of epic proportions.
Thanks to www.unitedmountaindefense.org, Dave Cooper of www.mountainroadshow.com and www.theclean.org for the information in this email.
4.
Third Annual Gaia Gathering for Women with special guest Deb Soule
MAY 1st - 3rd
Join us this year as we celebrate Beltane by honoring our Earth Mother and the call of the Divine Feminine. For quite some time women have known that the ‘year of change’ is upon us. Join us as we celebrate the power of women’s community and help our world shift into the new consciousness of peace, healing and community living. We are thrilled to have Deb Soule, Maine herbalist and gardener extraordinaire as our keynote presenter (www.avenabotanicals.com)
The weekend will be about collective ceremony, song and learning skills for gardening, medicine making, stewarding the earth and so much more. The fee includes camping at beautiful Camp Albemarle, four delicious wild and organic meals, and all class materials. There are also rustic cabins available. We will begin Friday evening and end with our traditional web ceremony after lunch on Sunday. Now more than ever is the time for us to know how deeply we are connected.
Fee for the weekend is $175.00.
For more information, see the website: www.sacredplanttraditions.com
5.
Michael Pollan – Author of The Botany of Desire and The Omnivore’s Dilemma -- and other books has proposed new landscaping for the White House and the website is:
http://www.whitehousefarmer.com/
6.
The Charlottesville Community Design Center is pleased to announce two upcoming community workshops focused on what local residents can do to save energy dollars and help reduce Charlottesville's carbon footprint. Workshops will be held at CCDC (100 5th St. NE) and are free and open to the public. Please RSVP to gilchrist@cvilledesign.org.
Tuesday, February 10, 6:00-7:15 pm, Home Energy $avings 101
This seminar will cover what cost effective things homeowners can do to improve the comfort of their homes while saving money and energy. Topics to be covered include:
· Why making energy efficiency improvements can be your best financial investments
· Exploring best strategies to make energy improvements to your home
· Things you can do on your own and at little to no cost
· Where to find local resources and experts to help you
Wednesday, February 18, 6:00-7:15 pm, Home Energy $avings for Renters
This workshop will focus specifically on what renters can do to cost effectively reduce their utility expenses and make their living space more comfortable.
This workshop will help renters discover ways to improve the comfort of their apartment or home while saving energy and money. Topics to be covered include:
• Why saving energy dollars can be one of your best financial investments
• Exploring best strategies to make energy improvements
• How to work with your landlord
• Things you can do on your own and at little to no cost
• Where to find local resources and experts
7.
Vintage Virginia Apples upcoming workshops (near Charlottesville)
http://vintagevirginiaapples.com/events.htm
February 21, 2009: Planning and Planting the Home Orchard from 10:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Guest speaker is Rich Marini, joining Tom Burford and the Vintage Virginia Apples staff. A comprehensive workshop on planning, managing and cultivating the home orchard. A tour of Rural Ridge Orchards will be included. Workshop Cost: $85.00
1) February 14, 2009 and 2) February 28, 2009: Pruning Workshop from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon. Careful pruning ensures a more bountiful harvest. Find out how much to prune, where to make the pruning cuts, and when it should be done. This workshop is paired with the Grafting workshop, but you may choose to take it separately. Note that both workshops are available on two separate dates. Choose the one that best suits your schedule. Workshop Cost: $25.00, box lunch available for $10.00.
1) February 14, 2009 and 2) February 28, 2009: Grafting Workshop from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Since apples do not reproduce true from seed, propagation depends on grafting the desired variety onto a reliable rootstock. Rootstock will be available for this workshop, and experts will guide you in the fine art of grafting. This workshop is paired with the Pruning workshop, but you may choose to take it separately. Note that both workshops are available on two separate dates. Choose the one that best suits your schedule. Workshop Cost: $25.00, box lunch available for $10.00
8.
Dear Nature Enthusiasts -
Hiraeth Press and Ecos Systems Institute are pleased to announce the
publication of: Courting the Wild: Love Affairs with the Land, edited by
Dr. Jamie K. Reaser and Ms. Susan Chernak McElroy.
Do you remember the first time you fell in love?
Within these pages will you find love stories, rapturous love affairs with
the land, longings, shameless seductions, betrothals, vows exchanged,
marriages of the soul, heartaches, partings, healings, and renewals. The
authors are the courters and the courted…Their landscape paramours embrace
them and they grow forth from within.
“A stirring book…filled with transcendent and highly personal moments of
revelation, of awe, reverence, and love for nature…the profound truth and
magic of becoming one with life on Earth. This book is for anyone
anywhere…from the camper’s backpack to bedside tables.” – Dr. Thomas
Lovejoy, President, The H. John Heinz III Center for Science, Economics
and the Environment
“Like many ecologists, I had a love affair with nature (especially with
butterflies) long before I became a scientist. The love affairs described
here will either tell you what I mean, or remind you of your own affair.
Either way, you’ll enjoy them.” – Dr. Paul Ehrlich, co-author of the
Dominant Animal: Human Evolution and the Environment
Available from:
- Hiraeth Press: www.hiraethpress.com
- www.amazon.com
A limited number of signed copies are available, contact Dr. Jamie K.
Reaser at ecos@nelsoncable.com. If you’d like to help promote the book,
please e-mail Jamie for a flyer.
9.
Featured Workshop - March 25, 2009
Social hour with refreshments:5:00pm-6:00pm
Workshop:6:00pm-7:30pmNetworking:7:30pm-8:00pm
The Company We Keep
John Abrams is the founder and President/CEO of South Mountain Company. Come hear this remarkably dynamic speaker give his take on the built environment, and our obligations to the community and natural environment in which we live. Click title for more
Speakers:John Abrams, founder and President/CEO of South Mountain Builders
Refreshment Sponsor:The Habitat Store
http://www.greenmatters.info/
10.
hey central virginia friends,
I wanted to make sure y'all all knew about the BREF! spring camp-out. it's going to be April 3rd-5th on a piece of land just west of Charlottesville. A primary goal of this project is to bring together eco-defense, social justice and local food activists in Virginia to cross-pollinate and unify for a stronger grassroots movement. We'll have Friday of that weekend fairly loose, then have Saturday full of trainings and workshops and finally keep most or all of Sunday set aside for strategizing on things like the Wise Co. coal plant, North Anna, the Surry Co. coal plant, the Farmville Immigrant Detention Center and various local foods and sustainable skill-share projects.
at this point, little beyond conceptualizing as well as reserving a space and date has been done on this project. BREF! will likely turn much of our energy towards the campout after the Billionaires for Coal rally this weekend. Input or involvement is welcome to any degree. If you've got thoughts or ideas but don't necessarily have the time to help organize - please share anyway.
wellness,
willie
--
www.myspace.com/herestothelonghaul
'Here's to the Long Haul' is yet another offshoot of the deep and wandering roots of Appalachian music, fed by the waters of modern grassroots resistance to that which is wrong and creation of that which is right in our mountains. You all, the people, are that water. May we all keep each other strong, singing and forever moving forward.
www.blueridgeEF.com
www.mountainjusticesummer.org
www.risingtidenorthamerica.org
Saturday, January 31, 2009
How To Live Your Values When You Cannot Afford To Otherwise
Intro and Tour of Blue Ridge Cohousing, Crozet Virginia February 15, 2pm
Cohousing: How To Live Your Values When You Cannot Afford To Otherwise
Do you dream of living in an ecologically constructed solar home that
has a pool, orchard, gardens, edible landscaping and playground? There
is a solution!
Come find out more about cohousing, a modern alternative for creating an
old-fashioned, sustainable community where neighbors interact. See
regional cohousing experts present a slideshow and talk about their
cohousing lifestyle. Learn what to expect as we complete the
Charlottesville area's first cohousing neighborhood. Tour our Common
House and property. Enjoy snacks, drinks and games for children.
The slideshow and Q&A session will last from 2pm to 3pm, followed by a
tour and social.
For directions, visit www.blueridgecohousing.org.
We look forward to seeing you.
Warmly,
Blue Ridge Cohousing
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Upcoming events
Greetings All,
Happy New Year! Below you will find info on the upcoming spring Permaculture
Design Course and several wonderful events in the near future.
For more information about the upcoming permaculture course, see our website:
www.blueridgepermaculture.net (check out the blog as well). 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
1.
Spring Permaculture Design Course: Sustainability Strategies for the Blue Ridge
over 5 weekends in spring 2009
- Feb. 13-15, Feb. 28-Mar. 1, Mar. 14-15, Mar. 27-29, and April 4-5
Concerned about Peak Oil? Climate Change? Economic Uncertainty? Get Solutions!
This 72 hour certificate course is a rare opportunity to learn from some of the
best teachers in the permaculture movement including Ted Butchart, Christine
Gyovai, Dave Jacke, Dave O’Neil, and Joel Salatin.
Topics include permaculture ethics and principles, observation and patterns in
nature, and permaculture strategies to improve soil, grow food, harvest water,
utilize renewable energy and regenerative building techniques, and build
sustainable communities.
Price is discounted through January 15th – REGISTER TODAY!
For more information, contact Terry Lilley at tygerlilley@gmail.com or visit
the website www.blueridgepermaculture.net.
2.
The next Transition Blue Ridge meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 12th at
the Charlottesville Community Design Center/City Space. There will be a
potluck "meet & greet" at 6:30 p.m. and then a showing of the excellent film
"The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil." A description of the
film is below. Please bring your own drink and eating utensils. For more
information on Transition Blue Ridge, please see the website:
http://www.relocalizecville.org/. We look forward to seeing you there!
Here is a description of the film straight from it's website at
www.powerofcommunity.org:
When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1990, Cuba's economy went into a tailspin.
With imports of oil cut by more than half – and food by 80 percent – people
were desperate. This film tells of the hardships and struggles as well as the
community and creativity of the Cuban people during this difficult time. Cubans
share how they transitioned from a highly mechanized, industrial agricultural
system to one using organic methods of farming and local, urban gardens. It is
an unusual look into the Cuban culture during this economic crisis, which they
call "The Special Period." The film opens with a short history of Peak Oil, a
term for the time in our history when world oil production will reach its
all-time peak and begin to decline forever. Cuba, the only country that has
faced such a crisis – the massive reduction of fossil fuels – is an example
of options and hope.
We'll be at the Charlottesville Community Design Center/City Space meeting room
on the Downtown Mall (on the backside of the Market Street Parking Garage,
upstairs from Bashir's and the post office). For more information on CCDC,
please see the website at: www.cvilledesign.org. CCDC is located at 100 Fifth
St. NE on the second story of the Market Street parking garage overlooking the
east end of Charlottesville's Downtown Mall.
3.
There is a "Growing Mushrooms at Home" workshop scheduled for Saturday March
14th from 9am-12pm at Sharondale Farm near Charlottesville.
GROWING MUSHROOMS AT HOME
This workshop introduces mushroom life cycles and mushroom ecology and
demonstrates simple methods for outdoor log cultivation of gourmet and
medicinal mushrooms. Participants will inoculate logs and install a woodchip
bed with a gourmet mushroom that grows among garden plants. Each person will
receive a bag of spawn to start their own home mushroom garden. Space is
limited. Please contact Mark Jones for registration and more information. p:
434-296-3301; email: info@sharondalefarm.com
4.
Energy Matters Workshop in Charlottesville, VA
Featured Workshop - January 14, 2009
Social hour with refreshments:5:00pm - 6:00pm
Workshop:6:00pm - 7:30pmNetworking:7:30pm - 8:00pm
Look Forward to Rainy Days
This session will focus on water conservation, rainwater catchment, and local
efforts to protect and maximize this precious and vital natural resource.
Speakers:Alyson Sappington (TJSWCD) and Jennifer Watson (City of
Charlottesville)
Refreshment Sponsor:The Habitat Store
http://www.greenmatters.info/
5.
Coming to the Charlottesville Community Design Center (CCDC) gallery in
January, SPARK! presents Energy Matters, an interactive installation devoted
to the importance of energy - what we use, where it comes from and what we
can do to prepare ourselves for a widespread switch to clean and renewable
energy sources. This exhibit will offer practical information that can be
immediately applied to reducing household energy use, including the resources
and incentives that are available to help. The exhibit opens on Friday,
January 2 and will run through the month of January. Please join us for a
First
Fridays opening reception on January 2 from 5-8 pm. Regular gallery hours are
Monday through Friday 10 am – 5 pm with extended gallery hours on Friday,
January 9 from 5-8 pm.
http://www.cvilledesign.org/
In conjunction with this exhibit, CCDC is pleased to announce a series of free
community workshops focused on what local residents and businesses can do
to save energy dollars and help reduce Charlottesville’s carbon footprint.
The
workshop series will be hosted at CCDC and is free and open to the public.
Please help spread the word!
Tuesday, January 6, 6-7:15 pm, Home Energy $avings 101
This free seminar will cover what cost effective things homeowners can do to
improve the comfort of their homes while saving money and energy. Light
refreshments will be served. Free and open to the public. Please RSVP to
gilchrist@cvilledesign.org by January 5.
Tuesday, January 13, 6-7:15 pm, Virginia’s Energy Policy Future
Reforming energy policy in Virginia to advance energy efficiency can boost the
economy, create jobs, and eliminate the need for any more polluting power
plants in the state, all while saving money for consumers and businesses. This
training will give you the knowledge and tools to demand change from
Richmond and help put Virginia on the path to clean energy.
Wednesday, January 14th, 6-7:15 pm, Home Energy $avings for Renters
This workshop will focus specifically on what renters can do to cost
effectively reduce their utility expenses and make their living space more
comfortable. Free and open to the public. Please RSVP to
gilchrist@cvilledesign.org by January 13.
Wednesday, January 21, 11:30-1:30 pm, The Business Case for Energy
Efficient Apartments
Presenters Tom Kavounas of Albemarle Heating and Air and Dr. Robert Somers
of 2rw Consultants will discuss why energy efficient buildings are not only
important for the community and environment, but also good for the bottom
line. Subject matter will be geared toward large-scale residential landlords.
This workshop is by invitation only. Please contact gilchrist@cvilledesign.org
for more information.
Wednesday, January 28, 6:00 – 8:30pm
In partnership with the Downtown Business Association of Charlottesville
(DBAC), CCDC will host a panel discussion entitled, “How energy efficiency
can
save money and create opportunities for environmental stewardship.”
Panelists include Tom Kavounas of Albemarle Heating and Air, Ben Taube of
Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance and Dr. Robert Somers of 2rw
Consultants. This panel discussion is being offered to DBAC members and is
by invitation only. Please contact gilchrist@cvilledesign.org for more
information.
6.
Beekeeping class
http://www.virginiabeekeepers.org/classes.htm
Central Virginia Beekeepers Association will present a joint City/County
sponsored course for new or prospective beekeepers. The course will cover
‘the life and times’ of the honeybee, setting up a hive, seasonal
management and honey production and much more. One session (exact date TBA,
weather dependent) will be held outside with bees, one student’s name will be
drawn for a colony of bees. Registration is being taken through the Albemarle
County Parks and Recreation Department. For further details contact the P&R
Department at (434)296-5844 or visit their website at
http://www.albemarle.org/department.asp?section_id=1827&department=parks.
Location: County Office Building 5th Street,
1600 5th Street, Meeting Room A
Thursdays 7:00 – 9:00pm
Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26
Cost: $25 per person
7.
Vintage Virginia Apples upcoming workshops (near Charlottesville)
http://vintagevirginiaapples.com/events.htm
February 21, 2009: Planning and Planting the Home Orchard from 10:00 a.m.-3:30
p.m. Guest speaker is Rich Marini, joining Tom Burford and the Vintage Virginia
Apples staff. A comprehensive workshop on planning, managing and cultivating
the home orchard. A tour of Rural Ridge Orchards will be included. Workshop
Cost: $85.00
1) February 14, 2009 and 2) February 28, 2009: Pruning Workshop from 9:00
a.m.-12:00 noon. Careful pruning ensures a more bountiful harvest. Find out how
much to prune, where to make the pruning cuts, and when it should be done. This
workshop is paired with the Grafting workshop, but you may choose to take it
separately. Note that both workshops are available on two separate dates.
Choose the one that best suits your schedule. Workshop Cost: $25.00, box lunch
available for $10.00.
1) February 14, 2009 and 2) February 28, 2009: Grafting Workshop from 1:00-4:00
p.m. Since apples do not reproduce true from seed, propagation depends on
grafting the desired variety onto a reliable rootstock. Rootstock will be
available for this workshop, and experts will guide you in the fine art of
grafting. This workshop is paired with the Pruning workshop, but you may choose
to take it separately. Note that both workshops are available on two separate
dates. Choose the one that best suits your schedule. Workshop Cost: $25.00, box
lunch available for $10.00
8.
January 16th and 17th
Future Harvest presents the Mid-Atlantic Sustainable Agriculture Conference:
Connect Locally
On January 16 and 17, 2009, aspiring, transitioning, and experienced farmers
will come together with regional buyers, backyard gardeners, parents, students
and others interested in local foods to share information and learn about
sustainable agriculture at the 10th Annual Conference of Future Harvest – A
Chesapeake Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture (CASA). The 2009 conference
theme, “Connect Locally: Food, Farms and Communities,” emphasizes making
and sustaining connections between producers and consumers.
Location: Holiday Inn and Conference Center in Frederick, Maryland
http://www.centerforruralculture.org/events.php
Happy New Year! Below you will find info on the upcoming spring Permaculture
Design Course and several wonderful events in the near future.
For more information about the upcoming permaculture course, see our website:
www.blueridgepermaculture.net (check out the blog as well). 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
1.
Spring Permaculture Design Course: Sustainability Strategies for the Blue Ridge
over 5 weekends in spring 2009
- Feb. 13-15, Feb. 28-Mar. 1, Mar. 14-15, Mar. 27-29, and April 4-5
Concerned about Peak Oil? Climate Change? Economic Uncertainty? Get Solutions!
This 72 hour certificate course is a rare opportunity to learn from some of the
best teachers in the permaculture movement including Ted Butchart, Christine
Gyovai, Dave Jacke, Dave O’Neil, and Joel Salatin.
Topics include permaculture ethics and principles, observation and patterns in
nature, and permaculture strategies to improve soil, grow food, harvest water,
utilize renewable energy and regenerative building techniques, and build
sustainable communities.
Price is discounted through January 15th – REGISTER TODAY!
For more information, contact Terry Lilley at tygerlilley@gmail.com or visit
the website www.blueridgepermaculture.net.
2.
The next Transition Blue Ridge meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 12th at
the Charlottesville Community Design Center/City Space. There will be a
potluck "meet & greet" at 6:30 p.m. and then a showing of the excellent film
"The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil." A description of the
film is below. Please bring your own drink and eating utensils. For more
information on Transition Blue Ridge, please see the website:
http://www.relocalizecville.org/. We look forward to seeing you there!
Here is a description of the film straight from it's website at
www.powerofcommunity.org:
When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1990, Cuba's economy went into a tailspin.
With imports of oil cut by more than half – and food by 80 percent – people
were desperate. This film tells of the hardships and struggles as well as the
community and creativity of the Cuban people during this difficult time. Cubans
share how they transitioned from a highly mechanized, industrial agricultural
system to one using organic methods of farming and local, urban gardens. It is
an unusual look into the Cuban culture during this economic crisis, which they
call "The Special Period." The film opens with a short history of Peak Oil, a
term for the time in our history when world oil production will reach its
all-time peak and begin to decline forever. Cuba, the only country that has
faced such a crisis – the massive reduction of fossil fuels – is an example
of options and hope.
We'll be at the Charlottesville Community Design Center/City Space meeting room
on the Downtown Mall (on the backside of the Market Street Parking Garage,
upstairs from Bashir's and the post office). For more information on CCDC,
please see the website at: www.cvilledesign.org. CCDC is located at 100 Fifth
St. NE on the second story of the Market Street parking garage overlooking the
east end of Charlottesville's Downtown Mall.
3.
There is a "Growing Mushrooms at Home" workshop scheduled for Saturday March
14th from 9am-12pm at Sharondale Farm near Charlottesville.
GROWING MUSHROOMS AT HOME
This workshop introduces mushroom life cycles and mushroom ecology and
demonstrates simple methods for outdoor log cultivation of gourmet and
medicinal mushrooms. Participants will inoculate logs and install a woodchip
bed with a gourmet mushroom that grows among garden plants. Each person will
receive a bag of spawn to start their own home mushroom garden. Space is
limited. Please contact Mark Jones for registration and more information. p:
434-296-3301; email: info@sharondalefarm.com
4.
Energy Matters Workshop in Charlottesville, VA
Featured Workshop - January 14, 2009
Social hour with refreshments:5:00pm - 6:00pm
Workshop:6:00pm - 7:30pmNetworking:7:30pm - 8:00pm
Look Forward to Rainy Days
This session will focus on water conservation, rainwater catchment, and local
efforts to protect and maximize this precious and vital natural resource.
Speakers:Alyson Sappington (TJSWCD) and Jennifer Watson (City of
Charlottesville)
Refreshment Sponsor:The Habitat Store
http://www.greenmatters.info/
5.
Coming to the Charlottesville Community Design Center (CCDC) gallery in
January, SPARK! presents Energy Matters, an interactive installation devoted
to the importance of energy - what we use, where it comes from and what we
can do to prepare ourselves for a widespread switch to clean and renewable
energy sources. This exhibit will offer practical information that can be
immediately applied to reducing household energy use, including the resources
and incentives that are available to help. The exhibit opens on Friday,
January 2 and will run through the month of January. Please join us for a
First
Fridays opening reception on January 2 from 5-8 pm. Regular gallery hours are
Monday through Friday 10 am – 5 pm with extended gallery hours on Friday,
January 9 from 5-8 pm.
http://www.cvilledesign.org/
In conjunction with this exhibit, CCDC is pleased to announce a series of free
community workshops focused on what local residents and businesses can do
to save energy dollars and help reduce Charlottesville’s carbon footprint.
The
workshop series will be hosted at CCDC and is free and open to the public.
Please help spread the word!
Tuesday, January 6, 6-7:15 pm, Home Energy $avings 101
This free seminar will cover what cost effective things homeowners can do to
improve the comfort of their homes while saving money and energy. Light
refreshments will be served. Free and open to the public. Please RSVP to
gilchrist@cvilledesign.org by January 5.
Tuesday, January 13, 6-7:15 pm, Virginia’s Energy Policy Future
Reforming energy policy in Virginia to advance energy efficiency can boost the
economy, create jobs, and eliminate the need for any more polluting power
plants in the state, all while saving money for consumers and businesses. This
training will give you the knowledge and tools to demand change from
Richmond and help put Virginia on the path to clean energy.
Wednesday, January 14th, 6-7:15 pm, Home Energy $avings for Renters
This workshop will focus specifically on what renters can do to cost
effectively reduce their utility expenses and make their living space more
comfortable. Free and open to the public. Please RSVP to
gilchrist@cvilledesign.org by January 13.
Wednesday, January 21, 11:30-1:30 pm, The Business Case for Energy
Efficient Apartments
Presenters Tom Kavounas of Albemarle Heating and Air and Dr. Robert Somers
of 2rw Consultants will discuss why energy efficient buildings are not only
important for the community and environment, but also good for the bottom
line. Subject matter will be geared toward large-scale residential landlords.
This workshop is by invitation only. Please contact gilchrist@cvilledesign.org
for more information.
Wednesday, January 28, 6:00 – 8:30pm
In partnership with the Downtown Business Association of Charlottesville
(DBAC), CCDC will host a panel discussion entitled, “How energy efficiency
can
save money and create opportunities for environmental stewardship.”
Panelists include Tom Kavounas of Albemarle Heating and Air, Ben Taube of
Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance and Dr. Robert Somers of 2rw
Consultants. This panel discussion is being offered to DBAC members and is
by invitation only. Please contact gilchrist@cvilledesign.org for more
information.
6.
Beekeeping class
http://www.virginiabeekeepers.org/classes.htm
Central Virginia Beekeepers Association will present a joint City/County
sponsored course for new or prospective beekeepers. The course will cover
‘the life and times’ of the honeybee, setting up a hive, seasonal
management and honey production and much more. One session (exact date TBA,
weather dependent) will be held outside with bees, one student’s name will be
drawn for a colony of bees. Registration is being taken through the Albemarle
County Parks and Recreation Department. For further details contact the P&R
Department at (434)296-5844 or visit their website at
http://www.albemarle.org/department.asp?section_id=1827&department=parks.
Location: County Office Building 5th Street,
1600 5th Street, Meeting Room A
Thursdays 7:00 – 9:00pm
Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26
Cost: $25 per person
7.
Vintage Virginia Apples upcoming workshops (near Charlottesville)
http://vintagevirginiaapples.com/events.htm
February 21, 2009: Planning and Planting the Home Orchard from 10:00 a.m.-3:30
p.m. Guest speaker is Rich Marini, joining Tom Burford and the Vintage Virginia
Apples staff. A comprehensive workshop on planning, managing and cultivating
the home orchard. A tour of Rural Ridge Orchards will be included. Workshop
Cost: $85.00
1) February 14, 2009 and 2) February 28, 2009: Pruning Workshop from 9:00
a.m.-12:00 noon. Careful pruning ensures a more bountiful harvest. Find out how
much to prune, where to make the pruning cuts, and when it should be done. This
workshop is paired with the Grafting workshop, but you may choose to take it
separately. Note that both workshops are available on two separate dates.
Choose the one that best suits your schedule. Workshop Cost: $25.00, box lunch
available for $10.00.
1) February 14, 2009 and 2) February 28, 2009: Grafting Workshop from 1:00-4:00
p.m. Since apples do not reproduce true from seed, propagation depends on
grafting the desired variety onto a reliable rootstock. Rootstock will be
available for this workshop, and experts will guide you in the fine art of
grafting. This workshop is paired with the Pruning workshop, but you may choose
to take it separately. Note that both workshops are available on two separate
dates. Choose the one that best suits your schedule. Workshop Cost: $25.00, box
lunch available for $10.00
8.
January 16th and 17th
Future Harvest presents the Mid-Atlantic Sustainable Agriculture Conference:
Connect Locally
On January 16 and 17, 2009, aspiring, transitioning, and experienced farmers
will come together with regional buyers, backyard gardeners, parents, students
and others interested in local foods to share information and learn about
sustainable agriculture at the 10th Annual Conference of Future Harvest – A
Chesapeake Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture (CASA). The 2009 conference
theme, “Connect Locally: Food, Farms and Communities,” emphasizes making
and sustaining connections between producers and consumers.
Location: Holiday Inn and Conference Center in Frederick, Maryland
http://www.centerforruralculture.org/events.php
Saturday, January 10, 2009
National Day of Service to Local Farmers
Please see the below message that was forwarded to me recently about a very creative and worthwhile project. Please visit the link and sign up or contact the sponsor (name and contact info below) directly if you have further questions. I understand that this event may evolve into a community support group to aid farmers on an ongoing basis.
Thanks,
Denise Murray
Dear friends,
I am participating as a leader in the upcoming National Day of Service
on MLK day.
My event is designed to help local farmers with unfinished tasks, and
to demonstrate
our willingness to provide a safety net for those who feed us in
Charlottesville.
If you would like to join us, please go to
http://www.pic2009.org/page/event/detail/4jrhz
to sign up for this event, and forward it to friends if you wish!
With great hope,
Carroll Ann
Carroll Ann Friedmann
Liam Buckley
Xavier, Ander and Paul
carrollannwish@earthlink.net
Thanks,
Denise Murray
Dear friends,
I am participating as a leader in the upcoming National Day of Service
on MLK day.
My event is designed to help local farmers with unfinished tasks, and
to demonstrate
our willingness to provide a safety net for those who feed us in
Charlottesville.
If you would like to join us, please go to
http://www.pic2009.org/page/
to sign up for this event, and forward it to friends if you wish!
With great hope,
Carroll Ann
Carroll Ann Friedmann
Liam Buckley
Xavier, Ander and Paul
carrollannwish@earthlink.net
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Client Questionnaire
Hello!
I am starting to work up design plans for a few friends who want to grow some food in their yards. To that end, I am putting together an initial set of questions to help focus our direction and activities. I would really appreciate some of you looking over the questions I have come up with so far and then adding, critiquing and otherwise giving me your input.
Maybe, together, we could put together a nice questionnaire for all to share.
Here's what I have come up with so far. Of course, the answers would lead to discussion but at least this could be a way for the homeowner to start bringing their thoughts together.
You can email me with your thoughts. vickycp@ntelos.net
Home Owner Questionnaire
Your Mental Picture:
What is your overall goal for your yard?
How do you see your yard looking in 3 years?
On a scale from 1-5 (5 being A LOT), how much do you care what your neighbors think of your yard?
Choose one (or add your own) description of how you envision your yard: 1. Neat grass, defined walkways, trimmed bushes. 2. Small amount of grass, large mulched areas with fruit trees. 3. No grass, fruit trees with ground cover planted around them and raised vegetable beds in between with an herb garden by the back door. 4. A food forest surrounding the house (and maybe growing up the walls).
Do you want to grow annual vegetables?
How important is your front lawn or your back yard?
What would you MOST like to grow?
What else would you like to grow?
Are there certain plants you really do or don’t want/like?
Do you want to grow fruits? Bushes or trees?
Would you rather wait and spend less or have fruit sooner and spend more?
Are you interested in community gardening (shared gardening space)?
Your Input:
Do you want to garden? How many hours per week?
Would you rather hire someone to do the gardening? Or to do the bigger, infrequent tasks (mulching, pruning)?
Any physical limitations or allergies?
What equipment do you have? Shovels, hoes, rakes, mower, weed eater, roto-tiller?
How much gardening experience do you have?
Do you plan on canning, drying or storing excess produce?
Design considerations:
What are the restrictions you or your neighborhood places on your front or back yard?
Where are annual vegetable beds acceptable?
Where are fruit trees acceptable?
Where is fencing acceptable?
Can you apply mulch easily (hills or other obstacles)?
Are pots of plants or vegetables on the porch/deck allowed?
What is the water/irrigation system?
Do you or can you catch rain water from your roof?
Any animals digging or children playing in the yard?
Can existing trees be removed to increase sun exposure?
Have chemicals been applied to the lawn?
Does the house have exterior lead paint?
How large is the deer/rabbit/raccoon/groundhog population around your house?
Are there any resources to which you have easy access (cardboard, leaves, mulch, compost, plants)?
Thanks!
Vicky
I am starting to work up design plans for a few friends who want to grow some food in their yards. To that end, I am putting together an initial set of questions to help focus our direction and activities. I would really appreciate some of you looking over the questions I have come up with so far and then adding, critiquing and otherwise giving me your input.
Maybe, together, we could put together a nice questionnaire for all to share.
Here's what I have come up with so far. Of course, the answers would lead to discussion but at least this could be a way for the homeowner to start bringing their thoughts together.
You can email me with your thoughts. vickycp@ntelos.net
Home Owner Questionnaire
Your Mental Picture:
What is your overall goal for your yard?
How do you see your yard looking in 3 years?
On a scale from 1-5 (5 being A LOT), how much do you care what your neighbors think of your yard?
Choose one (or add your own) description of how you envision your yard: 1. Neat grass, defined walkways, trimmed bushes. 2. Small amount of grass, large mulched areas with fruit trees. 3. No grass, fruit trees with ground cover planted around them and raised vegetable beds in between with an herb garden by the back door. 4. A food forest surrounding the house (and maybe growing up the walls).
Do you want to grow annual vegetables?
How important is your front lawn or your back yard?
What would you MOST like to grow?
What else would you like to grow?
Are there certain plants you really do or don’t want/like?
Do you want to grow fruits? Bushes or trees?
Would you rather wait and spend less or have fruit sooner and spend more?
Are you interested in community gardening (shared gardening space)?
Your Input:
Do you want to garden? How many hours per week?
Would you rather hire someone to do the gardening? Or to do the bigger, infrequent tasks (mulching, pruning)?
Any physical limitations or allergies?
What equipment do you have? Shovels, hoes, rakes, mower, weed eater, roto-tiller?
How much gardening experience do you have?
Do you plan on canning, drying or storing excess produce?
Design considerations:
What are the restrictions you or your neighborhood places on your front or back yard?
Where are annual vegetable beds acceptable?
Where are fruit trees acceptable?
Where is fencing acceptable?
Can you apply mulch easily (hills or other obstacles)?
Are pots of plants or vegetables on the porch/deck allowed?
What is the water/irrigation system?
Do you or can you catch rain water from your roof?
Any animals digging or children playing in the yard?
Can existing trees be removed to increase sun exposure?
Have chemicals been applied to the lawn?
Does the house have exterior lead paint?
How large is the deer/rabbit/raccoon/groundhog population around your house?
Are there any resources to which you have easy access (cardboard, leaves, mulch, compost, plants)?
Thanks!
Vicky
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Upcoming events
Greetings All,
Below you will find info on upcoming spring Permaculture class, a Rain Barrel workshop (Saturday), the next Relocalize Cville meeting, a pruning workshop, the next Green Matters workshop, the Bioneers conference, the DC Green Festival (both this weekend), a Women in Green presentation, the GreenBuild 2008 conference and a Local Futures conference.
For more information about the upcoming permaculture course, see our website: http://www.blueridgepermaculture.net/. 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
1.
Spring Permaculture Design Course: Sustainability Strategies for the Blue Ridge
over 5 weekends in spring 2009
- Feb. 13-15, Feb. 28-Mar. 1, Mar. 14-15, Mar. 27-29, and April 4-5
Concerned about Peak Oil? Climate Change? Economic Uncertainty? Get Solutions!
This 72 hour certificate course is a rare opportunity to learn from some of the best teachers in the permaculture movement including Ted Butchart, Christine Gyovai, Dave Jacke, Dave O’Neil, and Joel Salatin.
Topics include permaculture ethics and principles, observation and patterns in nature, and permaculture strategies to improve soil, grow food, harvest water, utilize renewable energy and regenerative building techniques, and build sustainable communities.
For more information, contact Terry Lilley at tygerlilley@gmail.com or visit the website www.blueridgepermaculture.net.
2.
RAIN BARREL WORKSHOP
Join us Saturday November 8th
From 9am-12pm near Meade Park
to learn about rain water catchment. Brian Buckley of harvesting rain will demonstrate how to choose a site for your rain barrel, adapt gutters and downspouts, and construct a stand and direct overflow to drain properly. This workshop is designed as a starter for people who want to learn how to set up a rainwater catchment system for use at their home.
The course fee is $60, which includes a blue 55 gallon food grade rain barrel. Each additional barrel will be $45.
For more information email: brianbuckley4@yahoo.com or call 434.296.3963
3.
Green Matters Workshop
November 12, 2008
Social hour with refreshments: 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Workshop: 6:00pm-8:30pm
Passive/Active Solar and Other Alternative Energy Sources: Part 2 (EXPANDED WORKSHOP SESSION!)
A continued look at passive/active solar, then we'll move to a broader examination of other energy sources. Common filters will include value engineering, design consideration, technological and market trends, and homeowner motivations.
Speakers:Fred Oesch (Oesch Environmental Design) and Paul Risberg (Altenergy, Inc.)
http://www.greenmatters.info/
4.
Edible Landscaping Events
Pruning 101 at Edible Landscaping with Pierre Constans
November 22, 2008 1pm to 3pm
Pruning 101 to free people with pruning paralysis.
Hands on workshop! Bring gloves, pruners, loppers and warm clothing and hat. Pierre will explain the fundamentals of pruning: why, when, how and the lingo!
We will briefly expound on Fibonacci numbers, spirals and how it applies to pruning trees. We will cover fruit trees, berry bushes, grapes and kiwis.
Aspiring grafters will learn how to store their scion wood for grafting!
Attendance limited to 15.
Participation $25 (no one turned away for lack of funds, contact Janet)
Information: www.ediblelandscaping.com
email: info@ediblelandscaping.com
5.
Baltimore Bioneers
This year, Baltimore again joins seventeen other cities across the country hosting a broadcast of the Bioneers Conference. The Baltimore event, “Baltimore Bioneers'08: Cultivating Change. Inspiring Solutions.” will take place from Friday, November 7 through Sunday, November 9, 2008 at Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) and will feature screenings from the national conference along with live panel discussions, local speakers, workshops, and entertainment.
The annual Bioneers Conference presents leading scientists and social innovators who are creating practical solutions to help restore the Earth’s imperiled ecosystems and heal our human communities. Presenters at the 2008 Bioneers Conference will discuss some of the most important topics of the day including:
• How to dramatically reduce global warming pollutants from energy production;
• New, nontoxic technologies that emulate nature’s design genius;
• The best green business practices;
• How to build conservation-based, cooperative communities; an
• New strategies for safeguarding human rights and the environment.
The conference features a recording of the satellite downlink of the Bioneers Conference in San Rafael, CA to each of the participating regional Beaming Bioneer events. Please visit the Bioneers website at bioneers.org for more information about the Bioneers Conference and our partnership.
http://www.cultivatingchange.org/
6.
Washington DC Green Festival
At the Washington DC Green Festival™, a joint project of Global Exchange and Co-op America, we’re celebrating what’s working in our communities—across the District, Maryland and Virginia—for people, for business and for the environment.You’ll enjoy more than 125 renowned speakers and 350 green businesses (start your holiday shopping now!), great how-to workshops, green films, a Fair Trade pavilion, yoga classes, organic beer, delicious organic cuisine and live music.Find out about DC environmental initiatives; and learn how neighbors, community nonprofits and city departments are working together to make their cities healthier places to live.
http://www.greenfestivals.org/washington-dc-2008/
7.
Charlottesville Relocalization Group Meeting: November 10
The next meeting of the Charlottesville Relocalization Community is scheduled for Monday, November 10th at 7PM. We'll be in the Madison Room of the Central Library on Market Street (the McIntire Room was already booked).
On the agenda thus far:
· Review of the “Transition Initiative” concepts
· Putting together our Steering Committee (step #1 in the Transition Town “12 Steps”)
· Finalizing the name of our group
· Defining our bioregion
· No doubt, a few surprises!!
If there is something you'd like to add to the agenda or if you have any questions, comments, thoughts or ideas, please contact Dawn Story at dawn@newmoonnaturals.com. Or just show up!
At our last meeting, we went through the Transition Town Primer and 12 Steps in order to familiarize ourselves with the "transition" concept. To get caught up and to access the Primer and 12 Steps, go to: www.transitiontowns.org.
To view the notes from our last meeting on October 20th, please scroll down below, or go to the website (www.relocalizecville.org) and then to Forum/General Topics/Meeting Notes: October 20, 2008.
Hope everyone is enjoying the fall!
8.
Women in Green, Tuesday, November 11, 7-9 pm at CCDC Is there a greener gender? Studies show that women are more likely than men to support environmental causes through voting, activism, and consumer choices. What are the implications for the design industry? Does sustainable design have special appeal for women, and do they in turn offer something unique to the field? In Women in Green: Voices of Sustainable Design, Kira Gould and Lance Hosey explore these questions through informal conversations with architects, designers, consultants, policymakers, educators, and students. What they find is that women may be changing how we all see our world and our work. On November 11, the authors will host a reception and panel discussion featuring Karen van Lengen, Beth Meyer, Kristina Hill, Allison Ewing, and others. Audience participation is highly encouraged. Mingling before and after. Wine and cheese will be served. http://www.ecotonedesign.com/womeningreen/index.html
9.
GreenBuild 2008
Boston - the historic cradle of the American Revolution, home to innovations that have far-reaching impact and the perfect place to celebrate Greenbuild 2008's theme of "Revolutionary Green: Innovations for Global Sustainability." Join us at the U.S. Green Building Council's Greenbuild International Conference and Expo in Boston , November 19-21, 2008.
Buildings play a critical role in protecting and improving our environment and the health of the people who occupy them. USGBC's Greenbuild conference and expo is an unparalleled opportunity to connect with other green building peers, industry experts, and influential leaders as they share insights on the green building movement and its diverse specialties.
http://www.greenbuildexpo.org/
10.
Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission, is partnering with the Fluvanna Master Gardeners to offer a
free composting workshop
on Saturday, November 22, 2008 from 10-11:30 AM at the Lake Monticello Volunteer Fire and Rescue building, 10 Slice Road, Palmyra, Virginia, 22963. We'll give away five compost bins, with an additional 25 available at $20 each. The bins are nothing fancy, but I used a similar one for several years: http://www.prestoproducts.com/consumer/garden/bins.htm The ones for sale are being offered at cost. The Master Gardeners will also offer advice on various other methods such as sheet and hole composting, windrow, heap or pile composting, composting-in-place or no-till composting, and covered-bin composting. Light refreshments will be served (i.e. donuts or bagels, coffee, and juice).
11.
Local Future
Paths to Sustainability
* Conference on Michigan's Future- Nov. 14-16, 2008 **Crystal Mountain Resort, Thompsonville, MI*
"*The Conference of Michigan's Future: Energy, Economy & Environment
*" looks at the challenges of the
monetary crisis and the oil crisis and proposes realistic, job
creating solutions for Michigan.
Over two-dozen speakers are confirmed including *Richard Heinberg*,
Albert Bates, Ellen Brown, Paul Murray, Tony Earley, and Jerry Norica.
If you care about Michigan's future, take a moment to visit the
Michigan Conferenceweb site and
consider participating to help create a brand new vision for Future
Michigan.
*Conference on Peak Oil & Climate Change - Online*
Local Future hosts the * International Conference on Peak Oil and
Climate Change: Paths to Sustainability*.
The inaugural conference features 50 presenters including Richard
Heinberg, Julian Darley, Dr. David Goodstein, Megan Quinn Bachman,
Stephanie Mills, and Pat Murphy.
/*NEW!* /- Watch conference presentations & download podcasts for
free.
*Introduction to Local Future*
Unemployment, inflation, war, peak oil, climate change, biodiversity
loss, overpopulation -- global problems that need local solutions.
Local Future helps communities develop compassionate, sustainable,
local, systems to provide jobs, food, energy, transportation, and
essential services.
Local Future Network members develop these systems by helping their
community to transition from /dependent units/ of the failed global
economy; to /independent cultures/ of compassionate, sustainable,
local economy.
*Global Problems*
The global economic system creates problems which threaten humanity
and the planet:
* peak oil
* climate change
* over population
* resource depletion
* widespread pollution
* misallocation of power
* institutional cruelty
* economic instability
* environmental destruction
* geopolitical conflict & war
This unsustainable global economic system fails to protect humans,
the environment, and the natural systems on which all life depends. It does not meet the long term goals of civilization.
When a system fails to such a catastrophic degree, it is time for
change.
*Local Solutions*
New local systems must be developed that are grounded in a value
system of truth, compassion, understanding, sustainability, renewal
and community. Developing new systems takes dedicated individuals
who share the common value system, walk a common path, and move
towards a common vision of the future. Local systems are needed to
provide:
* *jobs - *that are challenging, safe and community oriented
* *money* - community currency that creates jobs, motivates
progress and reinforces values
* *food* - that is nutritious, compassionate, sustainable,
organic and available year-round
* *energy - *heat, electricity and fuels from renewable sun,
wind, water and biomass sources
* *transportation - *utilizing ride sharing, mass transit,
community vehicles and human power
* *homes* - safe, comfortable and welcoming, zero energy new
homes and retrofits
* *water* - fresh, clean, free water that is owned and managed
locally
* *waste management** - *emphasizing reduce, reuse and recycling
* *health care - *high quality, low cost, community based
services and prevention
* *education* - local teachers dedicated to providing continuing
service
* *security * - utilizing open communication, problem solving,
education and dialogue
* *entertainment - *opportunities for all to participate and enjoy
* *culture* - celebrating diversity and history
* *spirituality** - *inviting all people to explore the deeper
questions of life
Members of Local Future Network communicate and meet to learn,
support, plan, and act. They take the initiative to increase
independence for themselves and their communities. Their shared
value system of truth, compassion, understanding, sustainability,
renewal and community guides their actions toward a vision of a
prosperous local future.
*Join Local Future*
You are invited to make the future a better place.
Join the Local Future Network.
The Conference on
Michigan's Future
Energy, Economy & Environment*
Crystal Mountain Resort, Thompsonville, MI
Friday, Nov. 14 - Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008
*
Local Future Videos
Lights, Camera, Action for Sustainability
Local Future published the following videos for educational use. These videos, when combined with recommended resources, provide an excellent start on learning how and why we will be living a local future.
Peak Oil: The Energy Crisis of Oil Supply Depletion
Aaron Wissner, 10 min
Supply, Demand and Price: The Economics 101 of Peak Oil
Aaron Wissner, 1 min
Conference Welcome and the Greening of Grand Rapids Michigan
George Heartwell, 10 min
Peak Oil and Energy Explained by Dr. Vernon Ehlers, U.S. Representative
Vernon Ehlers, 14 min
Peak Oil (and Gas Prices) in Five Slides
Aaron Wissner, 3 min
What Does it Take to be Sustainable? Some Examples
Aaron Wissner, 9 min
Beyond Sustainability: Surviving Peak Oil and Climate Change
Pat Murphy, 38 min
Surviving Peak Oil, Thriving in Community
Megan Quinn Bachman, 33 min
Peak Oil: How do we know? Is recession coming? What about insurance?
Aaron Wissner, 3 min
Crude Awakening: Peak Oil and the End of Cheap Energy: Part 1
Tim Hudson, 1 hour
Crude Awakening: Peak Oil and the End of Cheap Energy: Part 2
John Richter, 1 hour
Re-Energizing America: Rescuing America from its Costly Fossil Fuel Addiction
Dan Chiras, 1 hour
Curtailment & Community: Survival Strategies for Peak Oil & Climate Change
Megan Quinn Bachman, 20 min
Interview with Megan Quinn Bachman on Peak Oil and Community Solutions
Megan Quinn Bachman, 15 min
Below you will find info on upcoming spring Permaculture class, a Rain Barrel workshop (Saturday), the next Relocalize Cville meeting, a pruning workshop, the next Green Matters workshop, the Bioneers conference, the DC Green Festival (both this weekend), a Women in Green presentation, the GreenBuild 2008 conference and a Local Futures conference.
For more information about the upcoming permaculture course, see our website: http://www.blueridgepermaculture.net/. 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
1.
Spring Permaculture Design Course: Sustainability Strategies for the Blue Ridge
over 5 weekends in spring 2009
- Feb. 13-15, Feb. 28-Mar. 1, Mar. 14-15, Mar. 27-29, and April 4-5
Concerned about Peak Oil? Climate Change? Economic Uncertainty? Get Solutions!
This 72 hour certificate course is a rare opportunity to learn from some of the best teachers in the permaculture movement including Ted Butchart, Christine Gyovai, Dave Jacke, Dave O’Neil, and Joel Salatin.
Topics include permaculture ethics and principles, observation and patterns in nature, and permaculture strategies to improve soil, grow food, harvest water, utilize renewable energy and regenerative building techniques, and build sustainable communities.
For more information, contact Terry Lilley at tygerlilley@gmail.com or visit the website www.blueridgepermaculture.net.
2.
RAIN BARREL WORKSHOP
Join us Saturday November 8th
From 9am-12pm near Meade Park
to learn about rain water catchment. Brian Buckley of harvesting rain will demonstrate how to choose a site for your rain barrel, adapt gutters and downspouts, and construct a stand and direct overflow to drain properly. This workshop is designed as a starter for people who want to learn how to set up a rainwater catchment system for use at their home.
The course fee is $60, which includes a blue 55 gallon food grade rain barrel. Each additional barrel will be $45.
For more information email: brianbuckley4@yahoo.com or call 434.296.3963
3.
Green Matters Workshop
November 12, 2008
Social hour with refreshments: 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Workshop: 6:00pm-8:30pm
Passive/Active Solar and Other Alternative Energy Sources: Part 2 (EXPANDED WORKSHOP SESSION!)
A continued look at passive/active solar, then we'll move to a broader examination of other energy sources. Common filters will include value engineering, design consideration, technological and market trends, and homeowner motivations.
Speakers:Fred Oesch (Oesch Environmental Design) and Paul Risberg (Altenergy, Inc.)
http://www.greenmatters.info/
4.
Edible Landscaping Events
Pruning 101 at Edible Landscaping with Pierre Constans
November 22, 2008 1pm to 3pm
Pruning 101 to free people with pruning paralysis.
Hands on workshop! Bring gloves, pruners, loppers and warm clothing and hat. Pierre will explain the fundamentals of pruning: why, when, how and the lingo!
We will briefly expound on Fibonacci numbers, spirals and how it applies to pruning trees. We will cover fruit trees, berry bushes, grapes and kiwis.
Aspiring grafters will learn how to store their scion wood for grafting!
Attendance limited to 15.
Participation $25 (no one turned away for lack of funds, contact Janet)
Information: www.ediblelandscaping.com
email: info@ediblelandscaping.com
5.
Baltimore Bioneers
This year, Baltimore again joins seventeen other cities across the country hosting a broadcast of the Bioneers Conference. The Baltimore event, “Baltimore Bioneers'08: Cultivating Change. Inspiring Solutions.” will take place from Friday, November 7 through Sunday, November 9, 2008 at Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) and will feature screenings from the national conference along with live panel discussions, local speakers, workshops, and entertainment.
The annual Bioneers Conference presents leading scientists and social innovators who are creating practical solutions to help restore the Earth’s imperiled ecosystems and heal our human communities. Presenters at the 2008 Bioneers Conference will discuss some of the most important topics of the day including:
• How to dramatically reduce global warming pollutants from energy production;
• New, nontoxic technologies that emulate nature’s design genius;
• The best green business practices;
• How to build conservation-based, cooperative communities; an
• New strategies for safeguarding human rights and the environment.
The conference features a recording of the satellite downlink of the Bioneers Conference in San Rafael, CA to each of the participating regional Beaming Bioneer events. Please visit the Bioneers website at bioneers.org for more information about the Bioneers Conference and our partnership.
http://www.cultivatingchange.org/
6.
Washington DC Green Festival
At the Washington DC Green Festival™, a joint project of Global Exchange and Co-op America, we’re celebrating what’s working in our communities—across the District, Maryland and Virginia—for people, for business and for the environment.You’ll enjoy more than 125 renowned speakers and 350 green businesses (start your holiday shopping now!), great how-to workshops, green films, a Fair Trade pavilion, yoga classes, organic beer, delicious organic cuisine and live music.Find out about DC environmental initiatives; and learn how neighbors, community nonprofits and city departments are working together to make their cities healthier places to live.
http://www.greenfestivals.org/washington-dc-2008/
7.
Charlottesville Relocalization Group Meeting: November 10
The next meeting of the Charlottesville Relocalization Community is scheduled for Monday, November 10th at 7PM. We'll be in the Madison Room of the Central Library on Market Street (the McIntire Room was already booked).
On the agenda thus far:
· Review of the “Transition Initiative” concepts
· Putting together our Steering Committee (step #1 in the Transition Town “12 Steps”)
· Finalizing the name of our group
· Defining our bioregion
· No doubt, a few surprises!!
If there is something you'd like to add to the agenda or if you have any questions, comments, thoughts or ideas, please contact Dawn Story at dawn@newmoonnaturals.com. Or just show up!
At our last meeting, we went through the Transition Town Primer and 12 Steps in order to familiarize ourselves with the "transition" concept. To get caught up and to access the Primer and 12 Steps, go to: www.transitiontowns.org.
To view the notes from our last meeting on October 20th, please scroll down below, or go to the website (www.relocalizecville.org) and then to Forum/General Topics/Meeting Notes: October 20, 2008.
Hope everyone is enjoying the fall!
8.
Women in Green, Tuesday, November 11, 7-9 pm at CCDC Is there a greener gender? Studies show that women are more likely than men to support environmental causes through voting, activism, and consumer choices. What are the implications for the design industry? Does sustainable design have special appeal for women, and do they in turn offer something unique to the field? In Women in Green: Voices of Sustainable Design, Kira Gould and Lance Hosey explore these questions through informal conversations with architects, designers, consultants, policymakers, educators, and students. What they find is that women may be changing how we all see our world and our work. On November 11, the authors will host a reception and panel discussion featuring Karen van Lengen, Beth Meyer, Kristina Hill, Allison Ewing, and others. Audience participation is highly encouraged. Mingling before and after. Wine and cheese will be served. http://www.ecotonedesign.com/womeningreen/index.html
9.
GreenBuild 2008
Boston - the historic cradle of the American Revolution, home to innovations that have far-reaching impact and the perfect place to celebrate Greenbuild 2008's theme of "Revolutionary Green: Innovations for Global Sustainability." Join us at the U.S. Green Building Council's Greenbuild International Conference and Expo in Boston , November 19-21, 2008.
Buildings play a critical role in protecting and improving our environment and the health of the people who occupy them. USGBC's Greenbuild conference and expo is an unparalleled opportunity to connect with other green building peers, industry experts, and influential leaders as they share insights on the green building movement and its diverse specialties.
http://www.greenbuildexpo.org/
10.
Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission, is partnering with the Fluvanna Master Gardeners to offer a
free composting workshop
on Saturday, November 22, 2008 from 10-11:30 AM at the Lake Monticello Volunteer Fire and Rescue building, 10 Slice Road, Palmyra, Virginia, 22963. We'll give away five compost bins, with an additional 25 available at $20 each. The bins are nothing fancy, but I used a similar one for several years: http://www.prestoproducts.com/consumer/garden/bins.htm The ones for sale are being offered at cost. The Master Gardeners will also offer advice on various other methods such as sheet and hole composting, windrow, heap or pile composting, composting-in-place or no-till composting, and covered-bin composting. Light refreshments will be served (i.e. donuts or bagels, coffee, and juice).
11.
Local Future
Paths to Sustainability
* Conference on Michigan's Future
"*The Conference of Michigan's Future: Energy, Economy & Environment
monetary crisis and the oil crisis and proposes realistic, job
creating solutions for Michigan.
Over two-dozen speakers are confirmed including *Richard Heinberg*,
Albert Bates, Ellen Brown, Paul Murray, Tony Earley, and Jerry Norica.
If you care about Michigan's future, take a moment to visit the
Michigan Conference
consider participating to help create a brand new vision for Future
Michigan
*Conference on Peak Oil & Climate Change - Online*
Local Future hosts the * International Conference on Peak Oil and
Climate Change: Paths to Sustainability*.
The inaugural conference features 50 presenters including Richard
Heinberg, Julian Darley, Dr. David Goodstein, Megan Quinn Bachman,
Stephanie Mills, and Pat Murphy.
/*NEW!* /- Watch conference presentations & download podcasts for
free.
*Introduction to Local Future*
Unemployment, inflation, war, peak oil, climate change, biodiversity
loss, overpopulation -- global problems that need local solutions.
Local Future helps communities develop compassionate, sustainable,
local, systems to provide jobs, food, energy, transportation, and
essential services.
Local Future Network members develop these systems by helping their
community to transition from /dependent units/ of the failed global
economy; to /independent cultures/ of compassionate, sustainable,
local economy.
*Global Problems*
The global economic system creates problems which threaten humanity
and the planet:
* peak oil
* climate change
* over population
* resource depletion
* widespread pollution
* misallocation of power
* institutional cruelty
* economic instability
* environmental destruction
* geopolitical conflict & war
This unsustainable global economic system fails to protect humans,
the environment, and the natural systems on which all life depends. It does not meet the long term goals of civilization.
When a system fails to such a catastrophic degree, it is time for
change.
*Local Solutions*
New local systems must be developed that are grounded in a value
system of truth, compassion, understanding, sustainability, renewal
and community. Developing new systems takes dedicated individuals
who share the common value system, walk a common path, and move
towards a common vision of the future. Local systems are needed to
provide:
* *jobs - *that are challenging, safe and community oriented
* *money* - community currency that creates jobs, motivates
progress and reinforces values
* *food* - that is nutritious, compassionate, sustainable,
organic and available year-round
* *energy - *heat, electricity and fuels from renewable sun,
wind, water and biomass sources
* *transportation - *utilizing ride sharing, mass transit,
community vehicles and human power
* *homes* - safe, comfortable and welcoming, zero energy new
homes and retrofits
* *water* - fresh, clean, free water that is owned and managed
locally
* *waste management** - *emphasizing reduce, reuse and recycling
* *health care - *high quality, low cost, community based
services and prevention
* *education* - local teachers dedicated to providing continuing
service
* *security * - utilizing open communication, problem solving,
education and dialogue
* *entertainment - *opportunities for all to participate and enjoy
* *culture* - celebrating diversity and history
* *spirituality** - *inviting all people to explore the deeper
questions of life
Members of Local Future Network communicate and meet to learn,
support, plan, and act. They take the initiative to increase
independence for themselves and their communities. Their shared
value system of truth, compassion, understanding, sustainability,
renewal and community guides their actions toward a vision of a
prosperous local future.
*Join Local Future*
You are invited to make the future a better place.
Join the Local Future Network
The Conference on
Michigan's Future
Energy, Economy & Environment*
Crystal Mountain Resort, Thompsonville, MI
Friday, Nov. 14 - Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008
*
Local Future Videos
Lights, Camera, Action for Sustainability
Local Future published the following videos for educational use. These videos, when combined with recommended resources, provide an excellent start on learning how and why we will be living a local future.
Peak Oil: The Energy Crisis of Oil Supply Depletion
Aaron Wissner, 10 min
Supply, Demand and Price: The Economics 101 of Peak Oil
Aaron Wissner, 1 min
Conference Welcome and the Greening of Grand Rapids Michigan
George Heartwell, 10 min
Peak Oil and Energy Explained by Dr. Vernon Ehlers, U.S. Representative
Vernon Ehlers, 14 min
Peak Oil (and Gas Prices) in Five Slides
Aaron Wissner, 3 min
What Does it Take to be Sustainable? Some Examples
Aaron Wissner, 9 min
Beyond Sustainability: Surviving Peak Oil and Climate Change
Pat Murphy, 38 min
Surviving Peak Oil, Thriving in Community
Megan Quinn Bachman, 33 min
Peak Oil: How do we know? Is recession coming? What about insurance?
Aaron Wissner, 3 min
Crude Awakening: Peak Oil and the End of Cheap Energy: Part 1
Tim Hudson, 1 hour
Crude Awakening: Peak Oil and the End of Cheap Energy: Part 2
John Richter, 1 hour
Re-Energizing America: Rescuing America from its Costly Fossil Fuel Addiction
Dan Chiras, 1 hour
Curtailment & Community: Survival Strategies for Peak Oil & Climate Change
Megan Quinn Bachman, 20 min
Interview with Megan Quinn Bachman on Peak Oil and Community Solutions
Megan Quinn Bachman, 15 min
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
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