Greetings All,
Below you will find info on upcoming permaculture and sustainability events in the near future in the central Virginia bioregion – lots of exciting happenings coming up including a permaculture potluck and community talk with Dave Jacke, author of Edible Forest Gardens, this Sat. Feb. 13, and Toby Hemenway, author of Gaia’s Garden, on Thurs. Feb. 11 in Harrisonburg! We hope to see you there!
For more information about permaculture events, see our website: 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.
PERMACULTURE COMMUNITY PRESENTATION and POTLUCK in Harrisonburg, VA
Come One, Come All!
With special guest Dave Jacke, for a talk on “Ecosystem Agriculture and Forest Gardens”
Sat. Feb. 13th, 2010
Potluck 6:30 -7:30 (bring a dish and utensils)
Talk from 7:30 – 9:00 pm
Location: Martin Chapel, located in the Seminary building at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, VA
Click on the Map link from the website:
http://www.emu.edu/map/sem.html
For additional information, see the website:
www.blueridgepermaculture.net
RSVP and Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required, by emailing Terry Lilley at:
tygerlilley@gmail.com
2.
Biomimicry: Our Plant Mentors,
Learning from the World’s Flora
with Toby Hemenway
Thursday, Feb. 11 at 7:00
James Madison University Arboretum in Harrisonburg, VA
Biomimicry is a new discipline that imitates nature’s best designs and processes to solve human problems in sustainable ways. Plants, in particular, are marvelous and ingenious teachers, showing us non-toxic ways to add color to industrial products, create waterproof, breathable fabrics, design biodegradable yet sturdy packaging, and inspiring our designs and goods in countless other ways. Using stunning images and clear lively explanations, Toby Hemenway will take us to the frontiers of ecological designs.
Mr. Hemenway is the author of the first major North American book on permaculture, Gaia’s Garden: A Guide to Home Scale Permaculture, an adjunct professor at Portland State University and a Scholar in Residence at Pacific University. His current project is developing urban sustainability resources in Portland, Oregon teaching and lecturing on ecological design.
This lecture is open free to the public. Visit the arboretum website at www.jmu.edu/arboretum to learn more information about the annual Frances Litten Lecture, or to learn about any of the many public events and programs offered seasonally, or call (540) 568-3194 weekdays from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm.
3.
Forrest Green Farm
Rob and Krista Rahm
www.forrestgreenfarm.com
2010 Full Time Apprentice
This position is for someone who is dedicated to working full-time on the farm May- September. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is serious about learning to become self-reliant and learn herb and vegetable farming. The apprentice will have the opportunity to work on all areas of the farm. Learning all aspects of herbal growing from seed to harvest, preserving, medicine making, culinary herbal cooking, vegetable growing, producing for and selling at farmer’s markets, helping with and attending group workshops (if desired), canning and preserving of vegetable & fruit crops.
The successful applicant should be independent, resourceful, hard working, passionately interested in herbs (culinary and medicinal) and vegetable growing. They should also be comfortable living in a family farm setting (children & animals…dogs, cats, horses, cows, and chickens) and dealing with the public. Serious folks only that are willing to make a season commitment. No drug users!
Tent camping or house space available, basic foods, access to on farm vegetable garden, and at least one cooked meal a day provided. Also included are the herbs for your medicine making to create your own herbal medicines.
2010 Part-Time Apprentice
This position is for someone wanting to work 1-2 days a week on the farm. We ask for a commitment of at least 6 weeks any time from March-October. This position is flexible and for the person who desires to gain some working knowledge in any aspect gardening at Forrest Green Farm. Focus can be concentrated on herbal knowledge or vegetable growing or any combination of the two.
A meal is included for the days you work on the farm, vegetables from our garden, and herbs for medicine making are included for this position. If desired, tent camping is available for the part-time position.
Please contact us to find out more about the apprenticeship positions and/or schedule an interview. 540-967-1165 or 434-882-2648
4.
February 15 Monday
7:30 P.M. "Regenerative Commerce: Healing the Planet and Her Peoples with Trade and Investment" by Greg Landua
Martin Science Building 315
Greg Landau is an eco-social entrepreneur whose interests lie in permaculture design, ecovillage design, teaching, and regenerative commerce. Learn about his project, Booyacacao, a "beyond fair-trade" chocolate business, and find out how sustainably farmed chocolate can help heal the world.
http://web.randolphcollege.edu/newsevents/calendar.asp
-scroll down to Feb 15th
5.
Sharondale Farm Mushroom Workshops:
www.sharondalefarm.com
March 20th or April 3rd - Growing Mushrooms at Home: an introduction to cultivating gourmet and medicinal mushrooms- Sharondale Farm, Cismont (http://shop.sharondalefarm.com/) $55.
March 27th- Got Mushroom? Growing gourmet and medicinal mushrooms in urban and small spaces- Tricycle Gardens, Richmond (http://tricyclegardens.org/programs/). $50
April 10th –Got Mushroom? Growing gourmet and medicinal mushrooms in urban and small spaces- Alexander House Cooperative, Charlottesville. $50.
April 17th - Got Mushroom? Growing gourmet and medicinal mushrooms in urban and small spaces- New Community Project/ Muddy Bike Garden, Harrisonburg. $50.
Events and Classes:
February 20th- Specialty Mushroom Production- Virginia Association for Biological Farming Conference, Danville (http://vabf.org/)
Spring 2010- Introduction to Mushroom Culture – J. Sergeant Reynolds Community College- Goochland (http://www.jsr.cc.va.us/_schedules/2010_Spring/HRT.htm
www.sharondalefarm.com
6.
Common Good City Farm events (in Washington DC)
EVENT: Saturday February 20, all day long
ROOTING DC: A FREE forum for urban gardening and all people who eat food
You are invited to attend this forum designed to bring DC gardeners together to reconnect. Join us to share resources and foster partnerships between those who are working towards common goals of a greener, healthier DC! The day is filled with talks, workshops and lectures on almost every food and garden related topic. Lots of snack and free seeds provided.
More information at www.rootingdc.org
7.
Charlottesville Community Design Center
James River Green Building Council Luncheon: Transforming the Making of Things
Tuesday, February 9 at 12 pm
Tish Tablan and Emily McDermott of McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry will share their firm's perspective on a broad range of critical environmental health issues as they relate to material specification and environmentally preferable purchasing. The presentation will also feature a behind-the-scenes perspective on MBDC's innovative Cradle to Cradle Design paradigm. JRGBC lunches are free and open to the public, but advance registration is required. Register http://www.jrgbc.org/
6th edition Olio
Friday, February 26 at 8 pm
Olio is an open forum for the presentation of creative pursuits that seeks to spark new collaborations, conceptions, and relationships in the Charlottesville art and design community. Each speaker has 20 slides and 20 seconds per slide to present their work. There are still three spots open for presenters, email Lowell at: contact@olionight.org if you are interested.
http://olionight.org/
UPCOMING EXHIBITION
Our Water Our Future | March 1 - 31
In March Charlottesville Tomorrow will share its independent analysis and history of Charlottesville-Albemarle's long-term water supply plans in an engaging and interactive exhibit. The public will get factual and objective information about our water supply goals, details of the 50-year water plan, the costs, the environmental advantages and disadvantages, potential alternatives, and an outline of the next steps that will move our community forward. Please join us for the First Friday opening reception on March 5.
http://www.cvilledesign.org/
COMPETITION ANNOUCEMENT
Stay-Space: 2010 James River Green Building Council Green Spaces Competition
This year’s James competition challenge is meant to provide real and inspiring solutions to the land-use questions that face the City of Richmond. Building off of last year’s Play Space challenge, this year’s entrants are asked to look at the remaining 34 +/- acres on the Greater Fulton Gas Works site and develop a plan or design for that land that provides space for living, working, recreation or something entirely different if it feels right. The site can be designed for residential, commercial, industrial or agricultural development or something different and unexpected. Students and professionals are invited to enter the competition. Individuals may enter although interdisciplinary teams are encouraged and may be composed of students and professionals. Entries are due by May 21.
http://www.jrgbc.org/green-spaces-competition-gallery-display/
8.
FIGHT TO KEEP OUR MOUNTAINS AND STREAMS
For the first time ever, the Virginia General Assembly has the opportunity to vote on a bill that would protect these treasures from mountaintop removal coal mining! The Stream Saver Bill - SB 564 - would end the burial of our headwater streams with strip mining spoil and curtail the destruction of our mountains in southwest Virginia.
Follow your heart and join us Thursday February 11th at 3:00 PM at the bell tower on the General Assembly grounds in Richmond for a RALLY FOR THE MOUNTAINS and a special Senate Committee hearing on the issue at 4:00 PM.
This is a rare opportunity to proclaim your love for the mountains and the clear mountain streams that flow from them. It is your opportunity to speak up for one of the Commonwealth's greatest treasures.
https://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5020/p/salsa/event/common/public/?event_KEY=18300
9.
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
10.
FREE SOLAR WEBINAR
The Solar Living Institute Presents:
Opportunities in Solar: Business, Investment, Jobs
With Charles Liu, President of Everbright Solar
Join us for a Free Webinar on February 18
This Webinar is FREE!
Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/533398536
The Solar Living Institute is proud to announce the launch of our new webinar series! Join us each month as we bring you high-value current information and insightful perspectives to advance your solar knowledge. Check our course calendar and newsletter as we add future topics.
http://www.solarliving.org/workshops/?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_campaign=5b997c3c47-Solar_Business_Training_Series_Sept_20098_12_2009&utm_medium=email
11.
Shelter for Haiti Tent Drive through Blue Ridge Mountain Sports stores with assistance from Convoy of Hope.
Beginning January 27th, all Blue Ridge Mountain Sports locations began serving as drop-off points for the Shelter for Haiti tent drive. In an effort to provide critically needed shelter for victims of the January 12th earthquake that struck Haiti, Blue Ridge staff will be collecting tents in good working condition with all parts accounted for and any new tarps people are willing to donate.
All tents & tarps will be inspected and shipped to Convoy of Hope in Missouri, a 501(c)3 non-profit aid relief agency with staff working directly out of the Convoy of Hope warehouse outside of Haiti's capital city, Port-au-Prince. Since the earthquake, Convoy of Hope has shipped 12 shipping containers of badly needed food & supplies in addition to their staff providing medical aid to injured Haitians.
Following President Rene Preval's request for 200,000 tents, Blue Ridge
Mountain Sports contacted Convoy of Hope among other aid agencies
searching for an outlet to ship donated tents.
"Competition for the canvas homes has boiled into arguments and machete
fights, a sign of the desperation felt by the hundreds of thousands of people without homes struggling for shelter in this wrecked city. Haiti's president has asked the world for 200,000 tents and says he will sleep in one himself."
Next to food and medical supplies, shelter is the next primary concern as Haiti begins to see increased temperatures & rain moving into the spring months.
"Outside of the food area, the two prime worries are: one, medical services or medical equipment, and, two, shelter," said Lewis Lucke, U.S. special coordinator for relief and reconstruction."
As an additional incentive, Blue Ridge Mountain Sports is offering 20% off all tents & tarps with the donation of an old tent or new tarp for Haitian aid relief. Thanks go to Mountain Hardwear & MSR for their additional assistance.
To find the nearest Blue Ridge Mountain Sports location, visit
www.brms.com/insideBRMS.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
upcoming events
Greetings All,
Below you will find info on upcoming permaculture and sustainability events in the near future in the central Virginia bioregion – lots of exciting happenings coming up including a potluck and community talk with Dave Jacke on Feb. 13 in Harrisonburg!
For more information about permaculture events, see our website: 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 2010 Permaculture Design Course
Starts this weekend! There may be a few spaces left. Email to inquire.
The spring 2010 Permaculture Design Course: Sustainability Strategies for the Blue Ridge, over four weekends in the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia.
This 72-hour ecological design certificate course, presented by the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network, will be offered over four weekends with leading permaculture teachers including Dave Jacke, Christine Gyovai and Dave O’Neill. The course will be held in Harrisonburg, Virginia, on the following dates:
Jan. 15-18, Feb. 12-15, March 13-14, and April 10-11.
The cost for this course will be a sliding scale, $995-$1200. To register please contact Terry Lilley at tygerlilley@gmail.com.
2.
PERMACULTURE COMMUNITY PRESENTATION and POTLUCK in Harrisonburg, VA
Come One, Come All!
With special guest Dave Jacke, for a talk on “Ecosystem Agriculture and Forest Gardens”
Sat. Feb. 13th, 2010
Potluck 6:30 -7:30 (bring a dish and utensils)
Talk from 7:30 – 9:00 pm
Location: Martin Chapel, located in the Seminary building at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, VA
Click on the Map link from the website:
http://www.emu.edu/map/sem.html
For additional information, see the website:
www.blueridgepermaculture.net
RSVP and Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required, by emailing Terry Lilley at:
tygerlilley@gmail.com
3.
SAVE THE DATE!
Will Allen workshops return to Lynchburg Grows
March 5-6, 2010 (Fri. & Sat.)
Lynchburg Grows is welcoming back urban-farm guru Will Allen for two days of
workshops, March 5-6, 2010 (Fri. & Sat.). Allen, a 2008 MacArthur
fellowship recipient and co-founder of Milwaukee-based Growing Power, Inc. (www.GrowingPower.org), taught hands-on
workshops at Lynchburg Grows in the Spring of 2009 that focused on worm
farming, aquaponics (using fish to grow plants), growing and selling
chemical-free produce and building local food systems.
Lynchburg Grows is a Regional Outreach Training Center for Growing Power.
Contact Michael G. Van Ness, Executive Director, Lynchburg Grows at
michaelv@lynchburggrows.org for more workshop information.
Office: 1339 Englewood St., Lynchburg, VA 24501
Directions: Englewood is off Fort Ave., one street south of Lynchburg City
Stadium.
Drive to the end of the road; the office is located in the concrete building
to the right.
Phone: (434) 846-5665 Web Site:
www.LynchburgGrows.org
"Changing lives one garden at a time."
4.
Central Virginia Community College (in Lynchburg) continuing education class
“Choices for Sustainable Living” which runs two Tuesday evenings: Feb 2 & 9 from 7 to 9pm.
The purpose of the class is for each participant to come away with a deeper understanding of our environmental situation and realize the impact of everyday choices. Reducing energy and resource consumption will play center stage as we tackle issues in our homes, shopping carts, cars, gardens and communities. Active participation is essential! By course end, everyone will have a plan and tools to live lighter and be an active force in the shift toward sustainable living. This course will go way beyond just changing your light bulbs.
What’s the catch? CVCC charges a small fee for course ($79). But you should be able to make that up with all the money and energy saving you’ll be doing after the course. We are aiming for 90% reductions in most areas.
For more information, the link for the course flyer is:
http://www.cv.cc.va.us/Continuing%20Education/Flyers/sustainable%20living.pdf
and the CVCC Continuing Education page:
http://www.cv.cc.va.us/Continuing%20Education/default.asp
or contact the instructor, Vicky Peterson, at
5.
Please spread the word about the debut of “Exploring the Small Farm Dream” course in Charlottesville in February 2010. More information available at:
http://www.pecva.org/anx/index.cfm/1,266,2727,0,html/Feb-1-8-15-22-amp-Mar-6-Exploring-the-Small-Farm-Dream.
Who should attend?
Career changers and farm newbies breaking into agricultural pursuits
Farm apprentices interested in launching their own careers
Current farmers expanding into a new enterprise
Anyone considering starting a farm business on their property
Learn from guest speakers:
Richard Bean of Double H Farm
Ramona and Collins Huff of Gryffon’s Aerie
Gail Hobbs-Page of Caromont Farm
Lee O’Neill of Radical Roots Community Farm
Chuck and Charlotte Shelton of Albemarle Ciderworks
Tom and Anita Weber of Heaven and Earth Acres
Exploring the Small Farm Dream
Feb. 1, 8, 15 & 22 (optional field trip March 6th to Local Food Hub Educational Farm )
At Piedmont Virginia Community College (Charlottesville)
Register by visiting www.pvcc.edu (Search Spring 2010, Noncredit, Agriculture & Natural Resources – Exploring the Small Farm Dream)
or call 434-961-5354 – Workforce Services at Piedmont Virginia Community College.
Cost: $149 for 4 sessions, field trip and workbook
Stacey Carlberg
Fellowship Coordinator
Piedmont Environmental Council
540-341-0175 ext.1
6.
The Art of Wild Fermentation
One-Day Class: Saturday, January 16
10am – 2:30pm
Learn to make delicious lacto-fermented foods in this hands-on workshop. Fermentation is a traditional way of food preparation that not only preserves the harvest but also yields greater nourishment, a healthier digestive system, and thus increased vitality. We will make kimchi, brined garlic, lacto-fermented beets and ginger carrots, all of which can be easily incorporated into meals. We will also make some fermented and cultured beverages including kombucha, honey wine and sodas that are actually good for you. There will be a wide array of samples and you will leave with the skills necessary to begin lacto-fermenting foods at home.
This class will be taught by community herbalist, Suzanna Stone
Herbal teas will be provided at all the one day workshops. Please pack a bag lunch.
Fee for the class is $75.
www.sacredplanttraditions.com
Sacred Plant Traditions
Weekend Foundations Class in 2010 (almost full) in herbal medicine.
These programs are for those wishing to help their friends and families maintain health, deepen their plant knowledge or begin the training as a community herbalist. The curriculum is dynamic, contemplative and provides a sense of community as we move through the seasons learning each step of the process.
We begin with learning how to listen to the landscape before we even make a change in the garden. We learn Stephen Buhner’s Deep Diagnostic work as well as other techniques for working directly with the land. We then move to permaculture & biodynamic practices to see that medicine is borne of the soil and the environment. Herbalists are synonymous with eco activists as we tend and steward all places to protect the medicines. We will learn the nature of nature – ours as well as our gardens, fields and meadows. In June we will take a field trip to Southern Virginia Herbals, home and herb farm of Robbie Wooding. We will see woods grown goldenseal, ginseng and other woodland medicinals and experience the challenges, possibilities and enchantment of living the tradition of the land.
We will study the organ systems and their anatomy, physiology and basic functioning. We will focus on Western definitions of body systems with a major focus being constitutional language of Eclectics and contemporary teachers such as Michael Moore, Matthew Wood and others. We will follow the seasons learning the language of Traditional Chinese Medicine as it relates to the changes that are affected by moving through the wheel of the year.
Please see website for more info. Interviews are required.
www.sacredplanttraditions.com
7.
Online Seminars:
Urban Beekeeping: Dos and Don'ts - Ins and Outs
If you live in an urban area and are keeping bees or have thought about keeping bees than you won't want to miss this. We will have a conversation with 3 urban beekeepers with very different backgrounds and approaches. Cindy Bee, a beekeeper in the Atlanta, GA area, Toni Burnham in Washington, DC, and Cameo Wood in San Francisco. Registration is free but space is limited.
Title: Urban Beekeeping: Dos and Don'ts - Ins and Outs
Date: Sunday, January 24. 2010
Time: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM EDT
Space is limited. Reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/153470658
8.
LIVING EARTH School Spring INTERNSHIP: We offer a spring internship beginning
in mid March- May, 2010. It is an instructor training program based in nature mentoring, primitive living skills, natural history, plus permaculture and gardening opportunities. Our unique Earth Based Mentoring model, allows participants to draw upon ancient wisdom to restore connections and awaken the natural cycle of learning within. Gain the skills necessary for the field, be mentored in the ways of connecting with the earth, and join an amazing team, here in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. There will be an opportunity for a community involved setting, where all participants can learn and live together cooperatively on the land. Plus create and tend their own garden plot and be involved with the creation of a permaculture camp center.
Please contact us to find out more or to get an application.
Kate and Hub Knott
The Living Earth School
101 Rocky Bottom lane
Afton, VA 22920
(540) 456-7339
www.LivingEarthVa.com
connect@livingearthva.com
9.
UPCOMING EVENTS
JRGBC Green Lunch: LEEDv3L: What's New for You?
Tuesday, January 19 at noon
Join the James River Green Building Council for the kick off to their 2010 Green Lunch series at CCDC. The series kicks off with a presentation by Sandra Leibowitz Earley, principal of Sustainable Design Consulting in Richmond, Virginia. The U.S. Green Building Council released its new version of LEED ® in April of 2009, titled “v3.” This comprehensive program consists of three components: LEED 2009 rating systems, the LEED certification model, and LEED-Online v3. The session will demystify the changes that have occurred, providing insight into credit alignment, regional credits, and credit weightings. Lunch will be provided free of charge; however, advance registration is required: http://www.jrgbc.org/
JOB OPPORTUNITY
Executive Director, Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP)
LEAP is a new community-based (Charlottesville and Albemarle County, VA) nonprofit whose mission is to help facilitate unprecedented utility (energy and water) savings by retrofitting buildings and installing renewable technologies in residential and commercial buildings. Based on an alliance and membership model, LEAP will work directly with property owners as well as stakeholders in government, business, and other nonprofits to help create a sustainable energy future for our community. Visit the SEEA website:
10.
Free online course in Sustainability that is being offered by BTH (Blekinge Technical Institute) in Sweden. This course is an introduction to the Sustainability Principles and the Framework for Sustainable Development used by The Natural Step and developed by Karl-Henrik Robert and others. There is no charge except for the textbook.
For more information www.bth.se/sustainability
Begin the online application at:
www.bth.se/specialized/apply
11.
GREAT PERMACULTURE VIDEO:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6973622026508602196&hl=en#
A Permaculture Perspective: Living in Authenticity During Energ...
Sep 13, 2008 - 26:26
Bill Wilson, Midwest Permaculture Institute, Stelle, Illinois. Presented at "A Renaissance of Local", Lyons, Colorado, September 2007. The 2007 Renaissance of Local was a county-wide community festival, conference and expo celebrating local food, local energy, local economy, local culture, and local community. It was an energizing focus for Boulder County Going Local! in their campaign to build community self-sufficiency and to strengthen the local economy through partnership, collaboration, and engagement.
And another great video:
http://www.thegreenhorns.net/home.html
12.
tricycle gardens (in Richmond) presents:
A WORLD CHANGING
LECTURE & DISCUSSION SERIES ON THE COMING ECOLOGICAL AGE
Please join us for 10 evenings of stimulating and challenging discussions on topics related to the ecological age. Each session will be led by a guest lecturer with expertise in the topic of discussion for the evening. Participants will be provided readings and links to websites and videos to study a week in advance of each meeting. The goal of this seminar is to increase our knowledge and capacity to act as ecologically informed individuals and members of a network of concerned citizens.
Cost: $200, includes course materials and closing dinner. Scholarships available (please inquire).
Dates: Alternate Wednesdays,
January 27th thru June 2nd, 7-9pm
Location: Tricycle Gardens Headquarters
Limited to 25 participants.
Call to attend a single session. $25 (Space Available)
TRICYCLE GARDENS, 211 West 7th Street, Richmond VA, 23224, ph 804.231-7767, learn@tricyclegardens.org
Space is limited.
Via email or snail mail, please describe your reasons for taking this seminar. How is this seminar related to your work and/or participation in sustainable projects? How do you plan to put into practice what you learn from this seminar? Describe the knowledge, expertise, and experience you bring to the seminar.
WINTER/SPRING 2010 COURSE INFORMATION
New Tools for Understanding the World:
Urban Ecology and Eco-Literacy
January 27th : Tara DePorte, Program Director, Lower East Side Ecology Center, NYC : Constructing a sustainable way of life depends on the development of new knowledge and skills. What knowledge and systems of knowledge production and distribution are necessary to enable citizens to construct a sustainable way of local and global life? What does it mean to think and act ecologically?
Feeding Ourselves: Food and Food Access
February 10th : Michael Van Ness, Executive Director, Lynchburg Grows :The human population stands at nearly 6.8 billion persons, and is expected to reach 9 billion by 2040. As of 2008, for the first time in history, more than 50% of human beings lived in cities or towns, and this percentage is expected to increase steadily in the coming decades. How do we design and build food systems that are capable of providing food to an increasingly urbanized population?
The Ecology of Health & Nutrition
February 24th : Sally Norton, Scientific / Program Administrator
Department of Social and Behavioral Health; School of Medicine; Virginia Commonwealth University : Cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and stroke are among the leading causes of disability and death in the United States and increasingly around the world. They are also closely linked to diet and lifestyle. How might local agriculture help provide food that promotes individual and societal health and wellness? How can local agriculture promote health and wellness in Richmond communities?
Creating an Ecological Culture
March 10th : Rev. Jeanne Pupke, The First Unitarian Universalist Church of Richmond : Many contemporary cultural/social philosophers and critics contend that our environmental and economic crises are interrelated and deeply shaped by our world view, including our definitions of “progress,” “freedom,” “development,” and the “good life.” How might we define these concepts in a way that contributes to building a sustainable relationship to nature and how might religion, philosophy, art, and science contribute to the formation of an ecological world view?
Local Agriculture, Traditional Skills & the Green Economy
March 24th : Leni A. Sorensen, Ph.D., African-American Research Historian, Monticello : Local agriculture is the fastest growing sector of the food economy and is creatively reshaping our relationship to the earth, to our communities, and to ourselves. How is the development of local agriculture related to constructing an economy that makes it possible for individuals and communities to prosper and for society to establish a solid foundation for sustainable growth?
Building Permaculture
April 7th : Lisa Taranto, Executive Director, Tricycle Gardens
Permaculture involves the development of agricultural systems that mimic the diversity, stability, and resilience of ecosystems. How can we promote the development of permaculture in Richmond and other urban centers and how can we utilize the principles of permaculture to design other systems on which we depend, including education, transportation, recreation, politics, and economics?
Re-Imagining Cities: Systems Thinking & Small Economies
April 21st : Timothy Beatley, PhD, Teresa Heinz Professor of
Sustainable Communities, School of Architecture, University of Virginia :
How can these systems thinking and small economies help inform urban planning in Richmond? How can mixed zoning and policies to promote sustainable public transportation, energy, and food systems, and the integration of work, home, and recreation help us build a sustainable city?
Climate and Cultural Change
May 5th : Richard Taranto, Ret. CDR, USN, Oceanography & Meteorology :
The international scientific community indicates that global warming, oceanic and other climatic changes are significantly altering rainfall patterns, growing seasons, and agricultural zones. How can we adjust productively to these changes and also grow and distribute food in a way that contributes to long-term environmental stability.
Ecological Policies for an Ecological Age
May 19th : Guest: TBA
Government policies play an important role in fostering technological innovation and economic growth. How can local, state, and federal policies help encourage sustainable development? How can trade agreements, farm legislation, and transportation policies support green business practices? How do we create a business model that rests firmly on ecological principles, including concern for long-term growth and sustainability?
Ushering in the Ecological Age
June 2nd : No Guest, pure discussion
International scientific organizations indicate the earth’s ecosystems are in serious and potentially irrecoverable change. How do we preserve these systems to ensure our health as a species and the health of the larger biotic community? How can we develop in a way that replenishes these systems and deepens our capacity to act as wise stewards of the earth’s interrelated ecosystems? (Includes dinner.)
Below you will find info on upcoming permaculture and sustainability events in the near future in the central Virginia bioregion – lots of exciting happenings coming up including a potluck and community talk with Dave Jacke on Feb. 13 in Harrisonburg!
For more information about permaculture events, see our website: 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 2010 Permaculture Design Course
Starts this weekend! There may be a few spaces left. Email to inquire.
The spring 2010 Permaculture Design Course: Sustainability Strategies for the Blue Ridge, over four weekends in the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia.
This 72-hour ecological design certificate course, presented by the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network, will be offered over four weekends with leading permaculture teachers including Dave Jacke, Christine Gyovai and Dave O’Neill. The course will be held in Harrisonburg, Virginia, on the following dates:
Jan. 15-18, Feb. 12-15, March 13-14, and April 10-11.
The cost for this course will be a sliding scale, $995-$1200. To register please contact Terry Lilley at tygerlilley@gmail.com.
2.
PERMACULTURE COMMUNITY PRESENTATION and POTLUCK in Harrisonburg, VA
Come One, Come All!
With special guest Dave Jacke, for a talk on “Ecosystem Agriculture and Forest Gardens”
Sat. Feb. 13th, 2010
Potluck 6:30 -7:30 (bring a dish and utensils)
Talk from 7:30 – 9:00 pm
Location: Martin Chapel, located in the Seminary building at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, VA
Click on the Map link from the website:
http://www.emu.edu/map/sem.html
For additional information, see the website:
www.blueridgepermaculture.net
RSVP and Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required, by emailing Terry Lilley at:
tygerlilley@gmail.com
3.
SAVE THE DATE!
Will Allen workshops return to Lynchburg Grows
March 5-6, 2010 (Fri. & Sat.)
Lynchburg Grows is welcoming back urban-farm guru Will Allen for two days of
workshops, March 5-6, 2010 (Fri. & Sat.). Allen, a 2008 MacArthur
fellowship recipient and co-founder of Milwaukee-based Growing Power, Inc. (www.GrowingPower.org), taught hands-on
workshops at Lynchburg Grows in the Spring of 2009 that focused on worm
farming, aquaponics (using fish to grow plants), growing and selling
chemical-free produce and building local food systems.
Lynchburg Grows is a Regional Outreach Training Center for Growing Power.
Contact Michael G. Van Ness, Executive Director, Lynchburg Grows at
michaelv@lynchburggrows.org for more workshop information.
Office: 1339 Englewood St., Lynchburg, VA 24501
Directions: Englewood is off Fort Ave., one street south of Lynchburg City
Stadium.
Drive to the end of the road; the office is located in the concrete building
to the right.
Phone: (434) 846-5665 Web Site:
www.LynchburgGrows.org
"Changing lives one garden at a time."
4.
Central Virginia Community College (in Lynchburg) continuing education class
“Choices for Sustainable Living” which runs two Tuesday evenings: Feb 2 & 9 from 7 to 9pm.
The purpose of the class is for each participant to come away with a deeper understanding of our environmental situation and realize the impact of everyday choices. Reducing energy and resource consumption will play center stage as we tackle issues in our homes, shopping carts, cars, gardens and communities. Active participation is essential! By course end, everyone will have a plan and tools to live lighter and be an active force in the shift toward sustainable living. This course will go way beyond just changing your light bulbs.
What’s the catch? CVCC charges a small fee for course ($79). But you should be able to make that up with all the money and energy saving you’ll be doing after the course. We are aiming for 90% reductions in most areas.
For more information, the link for the course flyer is:
http://www.cv.cc.va.us/Continuing%20Education/Flyers/sustainable%20living.pdf
and the CVCC Continuing Education page:
http://www.cv.cc.va.us/Continuing%20Education/default.asp
or contact the instructor, Vicky Peterson, at
5.
Please spread the word about the debut of “Exploring the Small Farm Dream” course in Charlottesville in February 2010. More information available at:
http://www.pecva.org/anx/index.cfm/1,266,2727,0,html/Feb-1-8-15-22-amp-Mar-6-Exploring-the-Small-Farm-Dream.
Who should attend?
Career changers and farm newbies breaking into agricultural pursuits
Farm apprentices interested in launching their own careers
Current farmers expanding into a new enterprise
Anyone considering starting a farm business on their property
Learn from guest speakers:
Richard Bean of Double H Farm
Ramona and Collins Huff of Gryffon’s Aerie
Gail Hobbs-Page of Caromont Farm
Lee O’Neill of Radical Roots Community Farm
Chuck and Charlotte Shelton of Albemarle Ciderworks
Tom and Anita Weber of Heaven and Earth Acres
Exploring the Small Farm Dream
Feb. 1, 8, 15 & 22 (optional field trip March 6th to Local Food Hub Educational Farm )
At Piedmont Virginia Community College (Charlottesville)
Register by visiting www.pvcc.edu (Search Spring 2010, Noncredit, Agriculture & Natural Resources – Exploring the Small Farm Dream)
or call 434-961-5354 – Workforce Services at Piedmont Virginia Community College.
Cost: $149 for 4 sessions, field trip and workbook
Stacey Carlberg
Fellowship Coordinator
Piedmont Environmental Council
540-341-0175 ext.1
6.
The Art of Wild Fermentation
One-Day Class: Saturday, January 16
10am – 2:30pm
Learn to make delicious lacto-fermented foods in this hands-on workshop. Fermentation is a traditional way of food preparation that not only preserves the harvest but also yields greater nourishment, a healthier digestive system, and thus increased vitality. We will make kimchi, brined garlic, lacto-fermented beets and ginger carrots, all of which can be easily incorporated into meals. We will also make some fermented and cultured beverages including kombucha, honey wine and sodas that are actually good for you. There will be a wide array of samples and you will leave with the skills necessary to begin lacto-fermenting foods at home.
This class will be taught by community herbalist, Suzanna Stone
Herbal teas will be provided at all the one day workshops. Please pack a bag lunch.
Fee for the class is $75.
www.sacredplanttraditions.com
Sacred Plant Traditions
Weekend Foundations Class in 2010 (almost full) in herbal medicine.
These programs are for those wishing to help their friends and families maintain health, deepen their plant knowledge or begin the training as a community herbalist. The curriculum is dynamic, contemplative and provides a sense of community as we move through the seasons learning each step of the process.
We begin with learning how to listen to the landscape before we even make a change in the garden. We learn Stephen Buhner’s Deep Diagnostic work as well as other techniques for working directly with the land. We then move to permaculture & biodynamic practices to see that medicine is borne of the soil and the environment. Herbalists are synonymous with eco activists as we tend and steward all places to protect the medicines. We will learn the nature of nature – ours as well as our gardens, fields and meadows. In June we will take a field trip to Southern Virginia Herbals, home and herb farm of Robbie Wooding. We will see woods grown goldenseal, ginseng and other woodland medicinals and experience the challenges, possibilities and enchantment of living the tradition of the land.
We will study the organ systems and their anatomy, physiology and basic functioning. We will focus on Western definitions of body systems with a major focus being constitutional language of Eclectics and contemporary teachers such as Michael Moore, Matthew Wood and others. We will follow the seasons learning the language of Traditional Chinese Medicine as it relates to the changes that are affected by moving through the wheel of the year.
Please see website for more info. Interviews are required.
www.sacredplanttraditions.com
7.
Online Seminars:
Urban Beekeeping: Dos and Don'ts - Ins and Outs
If you live in an urban area and are keeping bees or have thought about keeping bees than you won't want to miss this. We will have a conversation with 3 urban beekeepers with very different backgrounds and approaches. Cindy Bee, a beekeeper in the Atlanta, GA area, Toni Burnham in Washington, DC, and Cameo Wood in San Francisco. Registration is free but space is limited.
Title: Urban Beekeeping: Dos and Don'ts - Ins and Outs
Date: Sunday, January 24. 2010
Time: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM EDT
Space is limited. Reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/153470658
8.
LIVING EARTH School Spring INTERNSHIP: We offer a spring internship beginning
in mid March- May, 2010. It is an instructor training program based in nature mentoring, primitive living skills, natural history, plus permaculture and gardening opportunities. Our unique Earth Based Mentoring model, allows participants to draw upon ancient wisdom to restore connections and awaken the natural cycle of learning within. Gain the skills necessary for the field, be mentored in the ways of connecting with the earth, and join an amazing team, here in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. There will be an opportunity for a community involved setting, where all participants can learn and live together cooperatively on the land. Plus create and tend their own garden plot and be involved with the creation of a permaculture camp center.
Please contact us to find out more or to get an application.
Kate and Hub Knott
The Living Earth School
101 Rocky Bottom lane
Afton, VA 22920
(540) 456-7339
www.LivingEarthVa.com
connect@livingearthva.com
9.
UPCOMING EVENTS
JRGBC Green Lunch: LEEDv3L: What's New for You?
Tuesday, January 19 at noon
Join the James River Green Building Council for the kick off to their 2010 Green Lunch series at CCDC. The series kicks off with a presentation by Sandra Leibowitz Earley, principal of Sustainable Design Consulting in Richmond, Virginia. The U.S. Green Building Council released its new version of LEED ® in April of 2009, titled “v3.” This comprehensive program consists of three components: LEED 2009 rating systems, the LEED certification model, and LEED-Online v3. The session will demystify the changes that have occurred, providing insight into credit alignment, regional credits, and credit weightings. Lunch will be provided free of charge; however, advance registration is required: http://www.jrgbc.org/
JOB OPPORTUNITY
Executive Director, Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP)
LEAP is a new community-based (Charlottesville and Albemarle County, VA) nonprofit whose mission is to help facilitate unprecedented utility (energy and water) savings by retrofitting buildings and installing renewable technologies in residential and commercial buildings. Based on an alliance and membership model, LEAP will work directly with property owners as well as stakeholders in government, business, and other nonprofits to help create a sustainable energy future for our community. Visit the SEEA website:
10.
Free online course in Sustainability that is being offered by BTH (Blekinge Technical Institute) in Sweden. This course is an introduction to the Sustainability Principles and the Framework for Sustainable Development used by The Natural Step and developed by Karl-Henrik Robert and others. There is no charge except for the textbook.
For more information www.bth.se/sustainability
Begin the online application at:
www.bth.se/specialized/apply
11.
GREAT PERMACULTURE VIDEO:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6973622026508602196&hl=en#
A Permaculture Perspective: Living in Authenticity During Energ...
Sep 13, 2008 - 26:26
Bill Wilson, Midwest Permaculture Institute, Stelle, Illinois. Presented at "A Renaissance of Local", Lyons, Colorado, September 2007. The 2007 Renaissance of Local was a county-wide community festival, conference and expo celebrating local food, local energy, local economy, local culture, and local community. It was an energizing focus for Boulder County Going Local! in their campaign to build community self-sufficiency and to strengthen the local economy through partnership, collaboration, and engagement.
And another great video:
http://www.thegreenhorns.net/home.html
12.
tricycle gardens (in Richmond) presents:
A WORLD CHANGING
LECTURE & DISCUSSION SERIES ON THE COMING ECOLOGICAL AGE
Please join us for 10 evenings of stimulating and challenging discussions on topics related to the ecological age. Each session will be led by a guest lecturer with expertise in the topic of discussion for the evening. Participants will be provided readings and links to websites and videos to study a week in advance of each meeting. The goal of this seminar is to increase our knowledge and capacity to act as ecologically informed individuals and members of a network of concerned citizens.
Cost: $200, includes course materials and closing dinner. Scholarships available (please inquire).
Dates: Alternate Wednesdays,
January 27th thru June 2nd, 7-9pm
Location: Tricycle Gardens Headquarters
Limited to 25 participants.
Call to attend a single session. $25 (Space Available)
TRICYCLE GARDENS, 211 West 7th Street, Richmond VA, 23224, ph 804.231-7767, learn@tricyclegardens.org
Space is limited.
Via email or snail mail, please describe your reasons for taking this seminar. How is this seminar related to your work and/or participation in sustainable projects? How do you plan to put into practice what you learn from this seminar? Describe the knowledge, expertise, and experience you bring to the seminar.
WINTER/SPRING 2010 COURSE INFORMATION
New Tools for Understanding the World:
Urban Ecology and Eco-Literacy
January 27th : Tara DePorte, Program Director, Lower East Side Ecology Center, NYC : Constructing a sustainable way of life depends on the development of new knowledge and skills. What knowledge and systems of knowledge production and distribution are necessary to enable citizens to construct a sustainable way of local and global life? What does it mean to think and act ecologically?
Feeding Ourselves: Food and Food Access
February 10th : Michael Van Ness, Executive Director, Lynchburg Grows :The human population stands at nearly 6.8 billion persons, and is expected to reach 9 billion by 2040. As of 2008, for the first time in history, more than 50% of human beings lived in cities or towns, and this percentage is expected to increase steadily in the coming decades. How do we design and build food systems that are capable of providing food to an increasingly urbanized population?
The Ecology of Health & Nutrition
February 24th : Sally Norton, Scientific / Program Administrator
Department of Social and Behavioral Health; School of Medicine; Virginia Commonwealth University : Cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and stroke are among the leading causes of disability and death in the United States and increasingly around the world. They are also closely linked to diet and lifestyle. How might local agriculture help provide food that promotes individual and societal health and wellness? How can local agriculture promote health and wellness in Richmond communities?
Creating an Ecological Culture
March 10th : Rev. Jeanne Pupke, The First Unitarian Universalist Church of Richmond : Many contemporary cultural/social philosophers and critics contend that our environmental and economic crises are interrelated and deeply shaped by our world view, including our definitions of “progress,” “freedom,” “development,” and the “good life.” How might we define these concepts in a way that contributes to building a sustainable relationship to nature and how might religion, philosophy, art, and science contribute to the formation of an ecological world view?
Local Agriculture, Traditional Skills & the Green Economy
March 24th : Leni A. Sorensen, Ph.D., African-American Research Historian, Monticello : Local agriculture is the fastest growing sector of the food economy and is creatively reshaping our relationship to the earth, to our communities, and to ourselves. How is the development of local agriculture related to constructing an economy that makes it possible for individuals and communities to prosper and for society to establish a solid foundation for sustainable growth?
Building Permaculture
April 7th : Lisa Taranto, Executive Director, Tricycle Gardens
Permaculture involves the development of agricultural systems that mimic the diversity, stability, and resilience of ecosystems. How can we promote the development of permaculture in Richmond and other urban centers and how can we utilize the principles of permaculture to design other systems on which we depend, including education, transportation, recreation, politics, and economics?
Re-Imagining Cities: Systems Thinking & Small Economies
April 21st : Timothy Beatley, PhD, Teresa Heinz Professor of
Sustainable Communities, School of Architecture, University of Virginia :
How can these systems thinking and small economies help inform urban planning in Richmond? How can mixed zoning and policies to promote sustainable public transportation, energy, and food systems, and the integration of work, home, and recreation help us build a sustainable city?
Climate and Cultural Change
May 5th : Richard Taranto, Ret. CDR, USN, Oceanography & Meteorology :
The international scientific community indicates that global warming, oceanic and other climatic changes are significantly altering rainfall patterns, growing seasons, and agricultural zones. How can we adjust productively to these changes and also grow and distribute food in a way that contributes to long-term environmental stability.
Ecological Policies for an Ecological Age
May 19th : Guest: TBA
Government policies play an important role in fostering technological innovation and economic growth. How can local, state, and federal policies help encourage sustainable development? How can trade agreements, farm legislation, and transportation policies support green business practices? How do we create a business model that rests firmly on ecological principles, including concern for long-term growth and sustainability?
Ushering in the Ecological Age
June 2nd : No Guest, pure discussion
International scientific organizations indicate the earth’s ecosystems are in serious and potentially irrecoverable change. How do we preserve these systems to ensure our health as a species and the health of the larger biotic community? How can we develop in a way that replenishes these systems and deepens our capacity to act as wise stewards of the earth’s interrelated ecosystems? (Includes dinner.)
Monday, December 7, 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 (including a permaculture movie tomorrow night in Harrisonburg – we hope to see all of you there!) and our upcoming spring 2010 Permaculture Design Course.
For more information about permaculture events, see our website: 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 2010 Permaculture Design Course
Spring 2010 Permaculture Design Course: Sustainability Strategies for the Blue Ridge, over four weekends in the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia.
This 72-hour ecological design certificate course, presented by the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network, will be offered over four weekends with leading permaculture teachers including Dave Jacke, Christine Gyovai and Dave O’Neill. The course will be held in Harrisonburg, Virginia, on the following dates:
Jan. 15-18, Feb. 12-15, March 13-14, and April 10-11.
The cost for this course will be a sliding scale, including a discount for early registration. If you register by November 15 the sliding scale is $895-$1200. After November 15 the sliding scale is $995-$1200. A few work trade positions are available for partial tuition; inquire soon about work trade guidelines and availability. The work-trade application deadline ends on December 1st, 2010, and limited scholarships may be available, inquire for details. To register please contact Terry Lilley at tygerlilley@gmail.com or 434-296-3963.
2.
Blue Ridge Permaculture Network Presents
Introduction to Permaculture
Movie and Discussion (Free!)
Tuesday December 8th at 7pm
Clementine Cafe, Harrisonburg
www.clementinecafe.com
Based on the 72-hour Permaculture Design Certificate Course as devised by Bill Mollison, join Geoff Lawton as he takes you into the world of Permaculture Design and introduces you to a new way of looking at the world. Learn how to apply your design skills by observing, analyzing and harmonizing with the patterns of Nature. Discover the theory and then see the examples in action in this unique DVD. Essential information for anyone interested in learning more about Permaculture and how they can apply it in their daily lives to create sustainable abundance.
3.
The students in "Technology, Nature, and Sustainable Agriculture: Bringing Engineers into the Foodshed,” a course at UVA taught in Spring 2009 and Fall 2009 semesters, has produced a new website: http://www.sts.virginia.edu/foodshed/. The site is intended as a start to a repository and dynamic forum for sustainable foodshed design in the region. It hosts a series of video podcasts on local food issues, a bibliography, links to on-line sources, and references to activity at UVA on the topic. Students in the class this semester will be adding to, updating, and continuing to refine the formatting of the current website. The current class members and instructor encourage any feedback from community members about things to include and suggestions to rebuild the site for the sake of local relevance. Please contact Benjamin Cohen (bcohen@virginia.edu) with any thoughts.
4
. Please note a new book published on the cultural origins of scientific agriculture in America, /Notes from the Ground: Science, Soil and Society in the American Countryside/, from Yale University Press. Readers can find notice of it here:
http://www.amazon.com/Notes-Ground-American-Countryside-Agrarian/dp/0300139233/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1256580268&sr=8-1
The book’s story begins with Jefferson and ends in the mid-nineteenth century. Though temporally distant from current permaculture activity, much of the book takes Virginia (and central Virginia and the Albemarle County area) as its focus. Readers might find it interesting to learn about the means by which local farmers developed their own systematic soil management practices to pave the way for what later became scientific and industrial agriculture. The book also discusses moral and cultural elements of land use that are relevant for today's thinking on alternative agricultural opportunities such as permaculture.
5.
COAL COUNTRY SHOWING LISTING
The Wise Energy for Virginia Coalition is proud to present the Charlottesville premiere of the new award-winning documentary:
Coal Country
A dramatic look at the controversial practice of mountaintop removal in Appalachia.
December 9th and 10th, 7pm, at the Vinegar Hill Theatre (map)
http://wiseenergyforvirginia.org/coalcountry/
A special benefit reception will be held at Siips Wine Bar on Dec 10th at 5 pm
In addition to the film, please join us for a special benefit reception for the Wise Energy for Virginia Coalition on Dec. 10 at 5 pm, at Siips Wine Bar downtown.
Reception tickets include admittance to the movie, wine & hors d’oeuvres, live music, and special guest Coal Country executive producer Mari-Lynn Evans.
Two coalfield residents featured in the film -Kathy Selvage of Wise County, Va, and Larry Gibson of West Virginia - will speak before each showing and at the reception. Click here to view a map that shows the locations of Siips and the Vinegar Hill Theatre relative to suggested parking.
All benefit proceeds will go to the Wise Energy for Virginia Coalition whose members are the Southern Appalachian Mountain Stewards, Appalachian Voices, the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, the Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club and the Southern Environmental Law Center. The Coalition and its many partners are working to stop mountaintop removal coal mining and to secure a clean energy future for Virginia.
6.
Dear Permaculture Friends,
I have two friends, Skip and Joe, who are very interested in taking the Blue Ridge Permaculture Design Course starting in January. They both came to me after I had facilitated a Permaculture 101 class at Our Community Place, a community center in Harrisonburg that helps a lot of people in many different ways. There eyes had that glow that I think we all get after we have learned something new and relevant and mind shifting! Skip and Joe spend a lot of time at Our Community Place. They are both in tough spots right now and have very little money. I had the opportunity to get to know both of them very well over the summer, working together as a part of Muddy Bike Urban Garden Project, a garden program that uses money made at the farmers market to pay workers who are in need of money, gardening and community. 75% of what they make goes into a housing fund, that helps them save to find a place to live. Skip and Joe are both amazing gardeners who are also interested in permaculture. They are also important community members and have helped OCP with a lot of donated time. I am writing to all of you to ask if we could come together as the BRPN community to raise funds to support them through the course. I think that they will learn so much, and that permaculture design could be a way for them to continue to earn money and make a decent living.
Thank you all so much for your support,
Beth Schermerhorn
Garden Coordinator, New Community Project
BRPI Graduate 2007
7.
December 15, 2009
Building Design and Construction: The LEED Implementation Process. This workshop is intended for professionals who are familiar with the LEED for New Construction or LEED for Core & Shell Rating System, but new to implementing it on projects or looking to brush up on implementation best practices. For more information: www.usgbcncr.org.
8.
JRGBC Luncheon: Wind! A Critical Component of Virginia's Clean Energy Future
Tuesday, December 8, 12 pm at the Charlottesville Community Design Center
Curious about wind energy in Virginia? Overwhelmed by conflicting reports about the Commonwealth’s wind resources? Remy Luerssen, Mapping and Education Specialist for the Virginia Coastal Energy Research Consortium and JMU’s Virginia Wind Energy Collaborative, will provide an introduction to wind energy, highlighting recent developments from backyard turbines to offshore wind. Get the facts and learn what resources are available to individuals, corporations, and municipalities who are involved in wind-related projects. Lunch will be provided. Register
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
City Announces 2010 Neighborhood Leadership Institute
On Febuary 10, the City of Charlottesville kicks off its 3rd annual Pilot Your City Neighborhood Leadership Institute, an opportunity for citizens to equip themselves to actively shape the future of the community. NLI topics include City boards and commissions, the local economy, affordable housing and public safety. The program takes places on Wednesday evenings from 6-9 pm and is free and open to all. To participate, apply
Virginia Center for Architecture Spring Semester Internship: Feb. 2- Apr. 30, 2010
The Virginia Center for Architecture is currently seeking applicants for a special 12-week internship during the spring semester. Responsibilities will include curatorial work, educational programming, and special events. VCA internships provide a unique opportunity to learn about architecture and design, as well as to actively contribute to the creation of exhibitions and educational and public programs. Applicants must have excellent oral and written communication skills, general research and office skills, be detail-oriented, and possess a desire to learn about architecture and/or museums. Academic credit may be available. The unpaid internships are six hours per week. To apply, please send a letter of interest, resume, and letter of recommendation by Friday, January 15, 2010 to Margaret Y. Hancock, Director of Programs, Virginia Center for Architecture, 2501 Monument Avenue, Richmond, VA 23220 at mhancock@virginiaarchitecture.org.
9.
There are several upcoming workshops at Tricycle Gardens in Richmond in 2010 including a Seed Swap & Potluck and Seed Starting & Soil Preparation workshop.
Check them out at the website:
http://tricyclegardens.org/programs/
10.
Join us today -- from wherever you are -- to save Coal River Mountain!
Rally in Charleston or take action from your home!
The AP reports on today's event -- learn about and join the growing movement!
Charleston Gazette features Jeff Biggers Op-Ed.
Coal River residents speak to the camera about why this matters.
Rally in Charleston, WV at the Department of Environmental Protection
We need you to stand with us to save Coal River Mountain.
When: Today, Monday Dec. 7 at 2:00 p.m.
Where: West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection headquarters
601 57th Street SE, Charleston, WV. *Directions below.
What: Speakers (including Bobby Kennedy, Jr.), a historic rally, music
Why: We need your help to save Coal River Mountain and protect the people of Coal River Valley, a critical step in ending mountaintop removal coal mining and putting the country on a path to a clean energy future.
The WV DEP has signed off on the blasting of Coal River Mountain, and the blasting has started, 200 feet from Massey Energy's Brushy Fork dam and impoundment. This massive lake of toxic coal slurry sits above abandoned underground mines. Blasting could destabilize natural fractures in the rock between the bottom of the impoundment, the roof of the old mines, and weak pillars that support the roof. Each blast increases the potential for a disaster like the one in 2000 at a Massey-operated impoundment in Martin County, KY. The same engineers who worked on the failed Kentucky impoundment worked on the Brushy Fork impoundment.
Each blast also destroys a little more of the wind potential of Coal River Mountain -- but there is still plenty of the mountain left to save. If we fight hard now, we can create a model for meeting energy needs sustainably and creating good local jobs and long-term tax revenue.
In a historic protest to defend a mountain and all it represents, Coal River Valley residents and friends from across America will converge on the DEP to demand that the agency suspend and revoke Massey's permits to blast and destroy Coal River Mountain. We are also calling on the EPA to recognize the DEP as a failed agency and assume responsibility for its water monitoring program.
Please do what you can to make it to Charleston on Dec. 7 -- take a day off work, cash in one of your sick days. Bobby Kennedy, Jr. is scheduled to be one of our speakers on the 7th. We hope to see you there!
*Directions: From I-77 North or South / I-64 East or West: Exit MacCorkle Ave. West, (Exit 95); Left on 57th. St (Approximately 1/3rd mile from exit); Building is on right on 57th St., across from the Elder Beerman store at the Kanawha City Mall.
Anywhere, Today: Solidarity Action
If you can't make it to the action today, please call the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection to help support those rallying in Charleston. The DEP is responsible for inspecting the coal sludge dam nearest to the mine site, and has the power to stop the blasting. Call Randy Huffman, Secretary at DEP, and ask him to intervene at Coal River Mountain. Call him at 304-926-0440.
Sample Script
"Hi, I'm calling to ask the West Virginia DEP to intervene at Coal River Mountain. Coalfield residents are reporting that blasting and mountaintop removal operations have begun there. We need the DEP to act now due to the imminent danger to the local community and to our clean energy future."
Talking Points
- Massey Energy has started mountaintop removal operations there. The blasting is happening near the Brushy Fork sludge impoundment which now holds 8.2 billion gallons of toxic coal waste near the town of Pettus, WV. If it were to fail, it would threaten the lives of 1000 people and be an environmental disaster. The dam is permitted to hold more than 9 billion gallons of sludge.
- Studies have shown that Coal River Mountain's ridges have the highest and most productive wind potential. A wind farm on Coal River Mountain could generate 1.2 % of West Virginia's total energy needs, create hundreds of jobs in the local area and generate a long term tax revenue stream for the state. Everyday that blasting happens, the possibility for the wind farm diminishes.
-----
This action alert is going out to you early Monday morning. Later today, please check the "Take Action" pages at Save Coal River Mountain for more information and to let us know you called.
Fruits of Your Actions
Last month, you along with 65,000 others sent emails to the Obama Administration asking that they intervene to stop the blasting on Coal River Mountain, which is endangering the lives of the people in Coal River Valley and destroying critical clean energy resources. Thanks to you, the EPA has responded. In late November, the EPA sent a letter to Marfork Coal Company, the Massey Energy subsidiary that is blasting on Coal River Mountain. The EPA is taking a tough look at the mining site, using its legal and regulatory authority to intervene in the operation.
But the fight continues. We need your help again, and we need it today. It is critical that the DEP play its part in saving Coal River Mountain. Please call the DEP today to help stop Massey Energy from destroying Coal River Mountain.
It is not too late to save Coal River Mountain. Please help!
Below you will find info on upcoming permaculture and sustainability events in the near future in the central Virginia bioregion (including a permaculture movie tomorrow night in Harrisonburg – we hope to see all of you there!) and our upcoming spring 2010 Permaculture Design Course.
For more information about permaculture events, see our website: 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 2010 Permaculture Design Course
Spring 2010 Permaculture Design Course: Sustainability Strategies for the Blue Ridge, over four weekends in the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia.
This 72-hour ecological design certificate course, presented by the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network, will be offered over four weekends with leading permaculture teachers including Dave Jacke, Christine Gyovai and Dave O’Neill. The course will be held in Harrisonburg, Virginia, on the following dates:
Jan. 15-18, Feb. 12-15, March 13-14, and April 10-11.
The cost for this course will be a sliding scale, including a discount for early registration. If you register by November 15 the sliding scale is $895-$1200. After November 15 the sliding scale is $995-$1200. A few work trade positions are available for partial tuition; inquire soon about work trade guidelines and availability. The work-trade application deadline ends on December 1st, 2010, and limited scholarships may be available, inquire for details. To register please contact Terry Lilley at tygerlilley@gmail.com or 434-296-3963.
2.
Blue Ridge Permaculture Network Presents
Introduction to Permaculture
Movie and Discussion (Free!)
Tuesday December 8th at 7pm
Clementine Cafe, Harrisonburg
www.clementinecafe.com
Based on the 72-hour Permaculture Design Certificate Course as devised by Bill Mollison, join Geoff Lawton as he takes you into the world of Permaculture Design and introduces you to a new way of looking at the world. Learn how to apply your design skills by observing, analyzing and harmonizing with the patterns of Nature. Discover the theory and then see the examples in action in this unique DVD. Essential information for anyone interested in learning more about Permaculture and how they can apply it in their daily lives to create sustainable abundance.
3.
The students in "Technology, Nature, and Sustainable Agriculture: Bringing Engineers into the Foodshed,” a course at UVA taught in Spring 2009 and Fall 2009 semesters, has produced a new website: http://www.sts.virginia.edu/foodshed/. The site is intended as a start to a repository and dynamic forum for sustainable foodshed design in the region. It hosts a series of video podcasts on local food issues, a bibliography, links to on-line sources, and references to activity at UVA on the topic. Students in the class this semester will be adding to, updating, and continuing to refine the formatting of the current website. The current class members and instructor encourage any feedback from community members about things to include and suggestions to rebuild the site for the sake of local relevance. Please contact Benjamin Cohen (bcohen@virginia.edu) with any thoughts.
4
. Please note a new book published on the cultural origins of scientific agriculture in America, /Notes from the Ground: Science, Soil and Society in the American Countryside/, from Yale University Press. Readers can find notice of it here:
http://www.amazon.com/Notes-Ground-American-Countryside-Agrarian/dp/0300139233/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1256580268&sr=8-1
The book’s story begins with Jefferson and ends in the mid-nineteenth century. Though temporally distant from current permaculture activity, much of the book takes Virginia (and central Virginia and the Albemarle County area) as its focus. Readers might find it interesting to learn about the means by which local farmers developed their own systematic soil management practices to pave the way for what later became scientific and industrial agriculture. The book also discusses moral and cultural elements of land use that are relevant for today's thinking on alternative agricultural opportunities such as permaculture.
5.
COAL COUNTRY SHOWING LISTING
The Wise Energy for Virginia Coalition is proud to present the Charlottesville premiere of the new award-winning documentary:
Coal Country
A dramatic look at the controversial practice of mountaintop removal in Appalachia.
December 9th and 10th, 7pm, at the Vinegar Hill Theatre (map)
http://wiseenergyforvirginia.org/coalcountry/
A special benefit reception will be held at Siips Wine Bar on Dec 10th at 5 pm
In addition to the film, please join us for a special benefit reception for the Wise Energy for Virginia Coalition on Dec. 10 at 5 pm, at Siips Wine Bar downtown.
Reception tickets include admittance to the movie, wine & hors d’oeuvres, live music, and special guest Coal Country executive producer Mari-Lynn Evans.
Two coalfield residents featured in the film -Kathy Selvage of Wise County, Va, and Larry Gibson of West Virginia - will speak before each showing and at the reception. Click here to view a map that shows the locations of Siips and the Vinegar Hill Theatre relative to suggested parking.
All benefit proceeds will go to the Wise Energy for Virginia Coalition whose members are the Southern Appalachian Mountain Stewards, Appalachian Voices, the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, the Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club and the Southern Environmental Law Center. The Coalition and its many partners are working to stop mountaintop removal coal mining and to secure a clean energy future for Virginia.
6.
Dear Permaculture Friends,
I have two friends, Skip and Joe, who are very interested in taking the Blue Ridge Permaculture Design Course starting in January. They both came to me after I had facilitated a Permaculture 101 class at Our Community Place, a community center in Harrisonburg that helps a lot of people in many different ways. There eyes had that glow that I think we all get after we have learned something new and relevant and mind shifting! Skip and Joe spend a lot of time at Our Community Place. They are both in tough spots right now and have very little money. I had the opportunity to get to know both of them very well over the summer, working together as a part of Muddy Bike Urban Garden Project, a garden program that uses money made at the farmers market to pay workers who are in need of money, gardening and community. 75% of what they make goes into a housing fund, that helps them save to find a place to live. Skip and Joe are both amazing gardeners who are also interested in permaculture. They are also important community members and have helped OCP with a lot of donated time. I am writing to all of you to ask if we could come together as the BRPN community to raise funds to support them through the course. I think that they will learn so much, and that permaculture design could be a way for them to continue to earn money and make a decent living.
Thank you all so much for your support,
Beth Schermerhorn
Garden Coordinator, New Community Project
BRPI Graduate 2007
7.
December 15, 2009
Building Design and Construction: The LEED Implementation Process. This workshop is intended for professionals who are familiar with the LEED for New Construction or LEED for Core & Shell Rating System, but new to implementing it on projects or looking to brush up on implementation best practices. For more information: www.usgbcncr.org.
8.
JRGBC Luncheon: Wind! A Critical Component of Virginia's Clean Energy Future
Tuesday, December 8, 12 pm at the Charlottesville Community Design Center
Curious about wind energy in Virginia? Overwhelmed by conflicting reports about the Commonwealth’s wind resources? Remy Luerssen, Mapping and Education Specialist for the Virginia Coastal Energy Research Consortium and JMU’s Virginia Wind Energy Collaborative, will provide an introduction to wind energy, highlighting recent developments from backyard turbines to offshore wind. Get the facts and learn what resources are available to individuals, corporations, and municipalities who are involved in wind-related projects. Lunch will be provided. Register
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
City Announces 2010 Neighborhood Leadership Institute
On Febuary 10, the City of Charlottesville kicks off its 3rd annual Pilot Your City Neighborhood Leadership Institute, an opportunity for citizens to equip themselves to actively shape the future of the community. NLI topics include City boards and commissions, the local economy, affordable housing and public safety. The program takes places on Wednesday evenings from 6-9 pm and is free and open to all. To participate, apply
Virginia Center for Architecture Spring Semester Internship: Feb. 2- Apr. 30, 2010
The Virginia Center for Architecture is currently seeking applicants for a special 12-week internship during the spring semester. Responsibilities will include curatorial work, educational programming, and special events. VCA internships provide a unique opportunity to learn about architecture and design, as well as to actively contribute to the creation of exhibitions and educational and public programs. Applicants must have excellent oral and written communication skills, general research and office skills, be detail-oriented, and possess a desire to learn about architecture and/or museums. Academic credit may be available. The unpaid internships are six hours per week. To apply, please send a letter of interest, resume, and letter of recommendation by Friday, January 15, 2010 to Margaret Y. Hancock, Director of Programs, Virginia Center for Architecture, 2501 Monument Avenue, Richmond, VA 23220 at mhancock@virginiaarchitecture.org.
9.
There are several upcoming workshops at Tricycle Gardens in Richmond in 2010 including a Seed Swap & Potluck and Seed Starting & Soil Preparation workshop.
Check them out at the website:
http://tricyclegardens.org/programs/
10.
Join us today -- from wherever you are -- to save Coal River Mountain!
Rally in Charleston or take action from your home!
The AP reports on today's event -- learn about and join the growing movement!
Charleston Gazette features Jeff Biggers Op-Ed.
Coal River residents speak to the camera about why this matters.
Rally in Charleston, WV at the Department of Environmental Protection
We need you to stand with us to save Coal River Mountain.
When: Today, Monday Dec. 7 at 2:00 p.m.
Where: West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection headquarters
601 57th Street SE, Charleston, WV. *Directions below.
What: Speakers (including Bobby Kennedy, Jr.), a historic rally, music
Why: We need your help to save Coal River Mountain and protect the people of Coal River Valley, a critical step in ending mountaintop removal coal mining and putting the country on a path to a clean energy future.
The WV DEP has signed off on the blasting of Coal River Mountain, and the blasting has started, 200 feet from Massey Energy's Brushy Fork dam and impoundment. This massive lake of toxic coal slurry sits above abandoned underground mines. Blasting could destabilize natural fractures in the rock between the bottom of the impoundment, the roof of the old mines, and weak pillars that support the roof. Each blast increases the potential for a disaster like the one in 2000 at a Massey-operated impoundment in Martin County, KY. The same engineers who worked on the failed Kentucky impoundment worked on the Brushy Fork impoundment.
Each blast also destroys a little more of the wind potential of Coal River Mountain -- but there is still plenty of the mountain left to save. If we fight hard now, we can create a model for meeting energy needs sustainably and creating good local jobs and long-term tax revenue.
In a historic protest to defend a mountain and all it represents, Coal River Valley residents and friends from across America will converge on the DEP to demand that the agency suspend and revoke Massey's permits to blast and destroy Coal River Mountain. We are also calling on the EPA to recognize the DEP as a failed agency and assume responsibility for its water monitoring program.
Please do what you can to make it to Charleston on Dec. 7 -- take a day off work, cash in one of your sick days. Bobby Kennedy, Jr. is scheduled to be one of our speakers on the 7th. We hope to see you there!
*Directions: From I-77 North or South / I-64 East or West: Exit MacCorkle Ave. West, (Exit 95); Left on 57th. St (Approximately 1/3rd mile from exit); Building is on right on 57th St., across from the Elder Beerman store at the Kanawha City Mall.
Anywhere, Today: Solidarity Action
If you can't make it to the action today, please call the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection to help support those rallying in Charleston. The DEP is responsible for inspecting the coal sludge dam nearest to the mine site, and has the power to stop the blasting. Call Randy Huffman, Secretary at DEP, and ask him to intervene at Coal River Mountain. Call him at 304-926-0440.
Sample Script
"Hi, I'm calling to ask the West Virginia DEP to intervene at Coal River Mountain. Coalfield residents are reporting that blasting and mountaintop removal operations have begun there. We need the DEP to act now due to the imminent danger to the local community and to our clean energy future."
Talking Points
- Massey Energy has started mountaintop removal operations there. The blasting is happening near the Brushy Fork sludge impoundment which now holds 8.2 billion gallons of toxic coal waste near the town of Pettus, WV. If it were to fail, it would threaten the lives of 1000 people and be an environmental disaster. The dam is permitted to hold more than 9 billion gallons of sludge.
- Studies have shown that Coal River Mountain's ridges have the highest and most productive wind potential. A wind farm on Coal River Mountain could generate 1.2 % of West Virginia's total energy needs, create hundreds of jobs in the local area and generate a long term tax revenue stream for the state. Everyday that blasting happens, the possibility for the wind farm diminishes.
-----
This action alert is going out to you early Monday morning. Later today, please check the "Take Action" pages at Save Coal River Mountain for more information and to let us know you called.
Fruits of Your Actions
Last month, you along with 65,000 others sent emails to the Obama Administration asking that they intervene to stop the blasting on Coal River Mountain, which is endangering the lives of the people in Coal River Valley and destroying critical clean energy resources. Thanks to you, the EPA has responded. In late November, the EPA sent a letter to Marfork Coal Company, the Massey Energy subsidiary that is blasting on Coal River Mountain. The EPA is taking a tough look at the mining site, using its legal and regulatory authority to intervene in the operation.
But the fight continues. We need your help again, and we need it today. It is critical that the DEP play its part in saving Coal River Mountain. Please call the DEP today to help stop Massey Energy from destroying Coal River Mountain.
It is not too late to save Coal River Mountain. Please help!
Wednesday, October 14, 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 (including a permaculture presentation and potluck tomorrow night – we hope to see all of you there!) and our upcoming spring 2010 Permaculture Design Course.
For more information about permaculture events, see our website: 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.
P3: Permaculture Presentation and Potluck
Planning the Sustainable Vegetable Garden, including Cover Cropping,
with Cindy Conner
Thursday, October 15; 6:00 pm talk; 7:00 pm potluck
Bring utensils and a dish to share
Suggested donation $5
Ivy Creek Natural Area Education Building
1776 Earlysville Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22901
A map may be found at this website: http://ivycreekfoundation.org/contact.html
2.
Spring 2010 Permaculture Design Course
We are pleased to announce our spring 2010 Permaculture Design Course: Sustainability Strategies for the Blue Ridge, over four weekends in the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia.
This 72-hour ecological design certificate course, presented by the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network, will be offered over four weekends with leading permaculture teachers including Dave Jacke, Christine Gyovai and Dave O’Neill. The course will be held in Harrisonburg, Virginia, on the following dates:
Jan. 15-18, Feb. 12-15, March 13-14, and April 10-11.
The cost for this course will be a sliding scale, including a discount for early registration. If you register by November 15 the sliding scale is $895-$1200. After November 15 the sliding scale is $995-$1200. A few work trade positions are available for partial tuition; inquire soon about work trade guidelines and availability. The work-trade application deadline ends on December 1st, 2010, and limited scholarships may be available, inquire for details. To register please contact Terry Lilley at tygerlilley@gmail.com or 434-296-3963.
3.
Apprentice Teachers for Spring Permaculture Design Course
The Blue Ridge Permaculture Network is seeking applicants for two Apprentice Teacher Positions for the Spring 2010 Permaculture Design Course. Compensation for this position includes a tuition waiver, lunches during the course and a $200 stipend. If you have a passion for creating a better world through permaculture education then please email Dave O'Neill at leesturgis@yahoo.com for an application.
4.
Saturday, October 24, 2pm onBeat Juice Party at Juice hosted by Leslie Shay & Augusta Ober 1437 Ortman Rd., AftonI-64, Crozet exit, 250 West, less than 2 miles turn left onto Ortman, 3.1 miles on leftPark on street (parking limited; carpool if possible)All ages welcomePlease join us for a community gathering at our little farm in Afton. We'll supply the beats (music), you bring fruit & veggies for juicing, a potluck contribution, outside seating (chairs, blankets, etc.), hoola hoop (if you have one), and friends. Call Leslie at 434-249-2449 or Augusta at 206-240-5194 for more details.
5.
7th Annual Small Farm Family Conference
Sheraton Richmond West Hotel
November 9-10, 2009
VSU Schedules Small Farm Family Conference
Virginia State University's Small Farm Outreach, Training and Technical Assistance Program has scheduled its seventh annual Small Farm Family Conference on Monday, Nov. 9 through Tuesday, Nov. 10 at the Sheraton Richmond West Hotel located at 6624 West Broad Street, Richmond.
Jane Eckert, proprietor of Eckert AgriMarketing , Inc., and a published author with six books on agri-tourism and agri-marketing to her credit, is one of the conference's keynote speakers. She will talk about agriculture tourism opportunities that can enable farm families to generate more income than could ever be earned growing and selling crops and livestock. She will also discuss agri-tourism marketing strategies with a focus on consumer demand, website design and effective publicity for marketing farms and maximizing profits.
Will Allen, chief executive officer of Growing Power, an organization dedicated to developing Community Food Systems, will deliver a keynote message about "Linking Urban and Rural Communities." Other conference sessions include:a) Business and market planning essentials for the small farmer.b) Urban forestry.c) Preserving the farm for future generations.d) Educating kids about agriculture.e) Small farm liability and legal issues associated with marketing directly to the public.f) Selling to restaurants.g) Workplace farmers markets and community supported agriculture; andh) Urban farming for profit. Special program features include a USDA panel session on fundingopportunities and incentives for small, limited resource andsocially-disadvantaged farmers; livestock, aquaculture and horticulturetours; and a children's program.(more)
A registration fee of $25 per person (adult or child) covers conference materials, dinner on Monday, and lunch on Tuesday.
To register, call Carol Streetman, VSU administrative specialist, at (804)524-5960 or e-mail cstreetman@vsu.edu.
For more information on the conference, call Fidelis Okpebholo, coordinator of VSU's Small Farm Outreach, Training and Technical Assistance Program, at (804) 524-5662 or e-mail fokpebholo@vsu.edu. Anyone needing special services or accommodations in order to participate should call by Nov. 2 to discuss arrangements.
6.
~October Workshops and Events at Common Good City Farm ~
October 17th. Growing Gardens Workshop: Uncommon Uses for Common Herbs
Parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme -- you grow them in your garden and use them to flavor your cooking, but how else can they benefit you? Learn medicinal uses for the herbs in your spice rack, including fennel, mint, oregano, chamomile, and catnip by making teas and brews in this hands-on workshop. Bring a mug! Click for more info and to Register
October 23-25. Introduction to Urban and Community Food Gardens
Autumn is the perfect time to prepare your soil and site for a Spring garden...Spend a weekend learning the basics of urban gardening, garden design and starting a community garden. Learn how to winterize an existing garden and prepare an area now for a new garden in the Spring. Discussion on basic theories of how to design with nature will be mixed with hands-on activities. (Course is similar to an Introduction to Permaculture class). Click for more information and to register.
October 31st. Halloween Haunt at the Farm, a Community Event
Bring the whole family and join your LeDroit Park, Shaw, Eckington, Bloomingdale and Howard neighbors for some Halloween fun! Enjoy pumpkin picking in the Common Good City Farm pumpkin patch, pumpkin painting, cider tasting, apple treats and of course, a costume contest. This event is free. 11am-1pm at Common Good City Farm. (Please consider donating to help make this event a success.)
You can un-subscribe by clicking here. To never receive email from the Common Good City Farm click here 2025 3rd Street NW Washington, DC , DC 20001 United States
http://commongoodcityfarm.org/
7."A New Energy Future: Conservation, Efficiency,and Renewables" Physics Building at the University of Virginia Saturday, Oct. 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Keynote Address and workshops on energy efficiency, wind energy,biomass. sustainable food production, alternatives to coal and nuclearenergy production and more. $10(includes lunch). Preregistration is encouraged. "REAL DISCUSSION, REAL CHOICES, REAL ANSWERS" Sponsored by:Sierra Club-Piedmont Group People's Alliance for Clean EnergyCharlottesville Center for Peace and JusticeAppalachian Voices For more information call 434-296-2494 or email elena.day@gmail.com
8.
From the Charlottesville Community Design Center
Designing & Building Healthy Places: From Evidence to PracticeFriday, October 16 from 12-1 pm at CCDCJoin us for the first of CCDC + Central Virginia AIA's monthly brown bag lunch & learn series to take place on the third Friday of every month at CCDC beginning in October. This month, CCDC Board member Matthew Trowbridge MD, MPH will present about the public health implications of the design of the built environment. As a practicing physician, Matt brings a unique perspective to field of design. Don't miss this opportunity to engage in an open discussion of ways to develop capacity among architects and urban planners for evidence-based healthy design and construction. Bring your own lunch.
Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) Focus GroupsThe Local Energy Alliance Program, an outgrowth of CCDC's SPARK! program, is planning a series of citizen focus groups to seek opinions and feedback on proposed energy efficiency programs being designed for city & county residents. Your involvement in a focus group will help make sure that the programs LEAP is planning will provide maximum benefit to the Charlottesville-Albemarle community while working toward ambitious energy efficiency and climate protection goals. Groups of 10-12 will meet with LEAP for about one hour either mid-day or in the evenings. Participants will receive a raffle entry for a free Energy Audit Review performed by a certified BPI Building Analyst and a coupon from the Blue Ridge Eco Shop. To receive additional information about participating in a focus group, please fill out a LEAP questionnaire.
Enterprise Announces Green Communities GrantsEnterprise is delighted to announce the Fall 2009 Green Communities Grant application round. Grant awards of up to $75,000 per project will be available to support the planning and construction of green affordable housing. Enterprise invites affordable housing developers to submit a Letter Of Inquiry (LOI) to greencommunities@enterprisecommunity.org by Friday, October 23. Approximately 30 applicants will be selected from the LOI and invited to complete a full online application for funding. Final grant awards will be announced in December 2009. Further details about the grant round as well as instructions on how to submit a Letter of Inquiry are available here.
www.cvilledesign.org
9.
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
10.
Gaia University Orientation & Degree Programs
Integrative EcoSocial Design / Organizing Learning for EcoSocial Regeneration / Open Topic
Hosted by the Sustainable Farm Institute, U.S. Virgin Islands
Dec 1 - 13, 2009
For more information visit www.gaiauniversity.org
What is Gaia University?
Gaia University is a growing institution for higher learning with a unique approach. Our students ('associates') are able to earn accredited Bachelors & Masters degrees and Graduate Diplomas while actively engaged in self and planetary transformation and ecosocial regeneration.
How it Works
Gaia U is based on a methodology called Action Learning and is guided by the principles of Earth Care, People Care, & Fair Share. Within that framework, associates work on self-selected, self-directed projects anywhere in the world they choose, documenting their outcomes and learning process along the way. Throughout their program, they are supported by an international network of learning providers, advisors and mentors and a collaborative online e-learning environment.
Cultivating World Changers
By fusing passion and vision with self-directed practical experience, associates initiate and nurture local and global sustainability, regeneration, justice and peace. At the same time, they refine their skills and deepen their experience to become more effective world changers.
Degree Programs
Integrative EcoSocial Design (IESD) BSc, MSc, GD*
For those wanting to integrate ecological and social aspects of design into projects that focus on ecosystems, societies, communities, technologies, and personal lifestyles.
Organizing Learning for EcoSocial Regeneration (OLE) MSc, GD
For those interested in applied organizational learning and design. Some people focus on the development of a GU regional center as their primary project.
Open Topic (OT) BSc, MSc, GD
For those who are working at a strategic level as world changers and want to design their own program topic.
*GD Post Masters Graduate Diploma
More Information
To apply for and register in these programs, please visit: www.gaiauniversity.org
e-mail: info@gaiauniversity.org
Find Gaia University on Facebook
Follow Gaia University on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Gaia_University
Visit Gaia University on the Transition Towns Network - http://transitionus.ning.com/group/gaiauniversity
Below you will find info on upcoming permaculture and sustainability events in the near future in the central Virginia bioregion (including a permaculture presentation and potluck tomorrow night – we hope to see all of you there!) and our upcoming spring 2010 Permaculture Design Course.
For more information about permaculture events, see our website: 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.
P3: Permaculture Presentation and Potluck
Planning the Sustainable Vegetable Garden, including Cover Cropping,
with Cindy Conner
Thursday, October 15; 6:00 pm talk; 7:00 pm potluck
Bring utensils and a dish to share
Suggested donation $5
Ivy Creek Natural Area Education Building
1776 Earlysville Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22901
A map may be found at this website: http://ivycreekfoundation.org/contact.html
2.
Spring 2010 Permaculture Design Course
We are pleased to announce our spring 2010 Permaculture Design Course: Sustainability Strategies for the Blue Ridge, over four weekends in the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia.
This 72-hour ecological design certificate course, presented by the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network, will be offered over four weekends with leading permaculture teachers including Dave Jacke, Christine Gyovai and Dave O’Neill. The course will be held in Harrisonburg, Virginia, on the following dates:
Jan. 15-18, Feb. 12-15, March 13-14, and April 10-11.
The cost for this course will be a sliding scale, including a discount for early registration. If you register by November 15 the sliding scale is $895-$1200. After November 15 the sliding scale is $995-$1200. A few work trade positions are available for partial tuition; inquire soon about work trade guidelines and availability. The work-trade application deadline ends on December 1st, 2010, and limited scholarships may be available, inquire for details. To register please contact Terry Lilley at tygerlilley@gmail.com or 434-296-3963.
3.
Apprentice Teachers for Spring Permaculture Design Course
The Blue Ridge Permaculture Network is seeking applicants for two Apprentice Teacher Positions for the Spring 2010 Permaculture Design Course. Compensation for this position includes a tuition waiver, lunches during the course and a $200 stipend. If you have a passion for creating a better world through permaculture education then please email Dave O'Neill at leesturgis@yahoo.com for an application.
4.
Saturday, October 24, 2pm onBeat Juice Party at Juice hosted by Leslie Shay & Augusta Ober 1437 Ortman Rd., AftonI-64, Crozet exit, 250 West, less than 2 miles turn left onto Ortman, 3.1 miles on leftPark on street (parking limited; carpool if possible)All ages welcomePlease join us for a community gathering at our little farm in Afton. We'll supply the beats (music), you bring fruit & veggies for juicing, a potluck contribution, outside seating (chairs, blankets, etc.), hoola hoop (if you have one), and friends. Call Leslie at 434-249-2449 or Augusta at 206-240-5194 for more details.
5.
7th Annual Small Farm Family Conference
Sheraton Richmond West Hotel
November 9-10, 2009
VSU Schedules Small Farm Family Conference
Virginia State University's Small Farm Outreach, Training and Technical Assistance Program has scheduled its seventh annual Small Farm Family Conference on Monday, Nov. 9 through Tuesday, Nov. 10 at the Sheraton Richmond West Hotel located at 6624 West Broad Street, Richmond.
Jane Eckert, proprietor of Eckert AgriMarketing , Inc., and a published author with six books on agri-tourism and agri-marketing to her credit, is one of the conference's keynote speakers. She will talk about agriculture tourism opportunities that can enable farm families to generate more income than could ever be earned growing and selling crops and livestock. She will also discuss agri-tourism marketing strategies with a focus on consumer demand, website design and effective publicity for marketing farms and maximizing profits.
Will Allen, chief executive officer of Growing Power, an organization dedicated to developing Community Food Systems, will deliver a keynote message about "Linking Urban and Rural Communities." Other conference sessions include:a) Business and market planning essentials for the small farmer.b) Urban forestry.c) Preserving the farm for future generations.d) Educating kids about agriculture.e) Small farm liability and legal issues associated with marketing directly to the public.f) Selling to restaurants.g) Workplace farmers markets and community supported agriculture; andh) Urban farming for profit. Special program features include a USDA panel session on fundingopportunities and incentives for small, limited resource andsocially-disadvantaged farmers; livestock, aquaculture and horticulturetours; and a children's program.(more)
A registration fee of $25 per person (adult or child) covers conference materials, dinner on Monday, and lunch on Tuesday.
To register, call Carol Streetman, VSU administrative specialist, at (804)524-5960 or e-mail cstreetman@vsu.edu.
For more information on the conference, call Fidelis Okpebholo, coordinator of VSU's Small Farm Outreach, Training and Technical Assistance Program, at (804) 524-5662 or e-mail fokpebholo@vsu.edu. Anyone needing special services or accommodations in order to participate should call by Nov. 2 to discuss arrangements.
6.
~October Workshops and Events at Common Good City Farm ~
October 17th. Growing Gardens Workshop: Uncommon Uses for Common Herbs
Parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme -- you grow them in your garden and use them to flavor your cooking, but how else can they benefit you? Learn medicinal uses for the herbs in your spice rack, including fennel, mint, oregano, chamomile, and catnip by making teas and brews in this hands-on workshop. Bring a mug! Click for more info and to Register
October 23-25. Introduction to Urban and Community Food Gardens
Autumn is the perfect time to prepare your soil and site for a Spring garden...Spend a weekend learning the basics of urban gardening, garden design and starting a community garden. Learn how to winterize an existing garden and prepare an area now for a new garden in the Spring. Discussion on basic theories of how to design with nature will be mixed with hands-on activities. (Course is similar to an Introduction to Permaculture class). Click for more information and to register.
October 31st. Halloween Haunt at the Farm, a Community Event
Bring the whole family and join your LeDroit Park, Shaw, Eckington, Bloomingdale and Howard neighbors for some Halloween fun! Enjoy pumpkin picking in the Common Good City Farm pumpkin patch, pumpkin painting, cider tasting, apple treats and of course, a costume contest. This event is free. 11am-1pm at Common Good City Farm. (Please consider donating to help make this event a success.)
You can un-subscribe by clicking here. To never receive email from the Common Good City Farm click here 2025 3rd Street NW Washington, DC , DC 20001 United States
http://commongoodcityfarm.org/
7."A New Energy Future: Conservation, Efficiency,and Renewables" Physics Building at the University of Virginia Saturday, Oct. 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Keynote Address and workshops on energy efficiency, wind energy,biomass. sustainable food production, alternatives to coal and nuclearenergy production and more. $10(includes lunch). Preregistration is encouraged. "REAL DISCUSSION, REAL CHOICES, REAL ANSWERS" Sponsored by:Sierra Club-Piedmont Group People's Alliance for Clean EnergyCharlottesville Center for Peace and JusticeAppalachian Voices For more information call 434-296-2494 or email elena.day@gmail.com
8.
From the Charlottesville Community Design Center
Designing & Building Healthy Places: From Evidence to PracticeFriday, October 16 from 12-1 pm at CCDCJoin us for the first of CCDC + Central Virginia AIA's monthly brown bag lunch & learn series to take place on the third Friday of every month at CCDC beginning in October. This month, CCDC Board member Matthew Trowbridge MD, MPH will present about the public health implications of the design of the built environment. As a practicing physician, Matt brings a unique perspective to field of design. Don't miss this opportunity to engage in an open discussion of ways to develop capacity among architects and urban planners for evidence-based healthy design and construction. Bring your own lunch.
Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) Focus GroupsThe Local Energy Alliance Program, an outgrowth of CCDC's SPARK! program, is planning a series of citizen focus groups to seek opinions and feedback on proposed energy efficiency programs being designed for city & county residents. Your involvement in a focus group will help make sure that the programs LEAP is planning will provide maximum benefit to the Charlottesville-Albemarle community while working toward ambitious energy efficiency and climate protection goals. Groups of 10-12 will meet with LEAP for about one hour either mid-day or in the evenings. Participants will receive a raffle entry for a free Energy Audit Review performed by a certified BPI Building Analyst and a coupon from the Blue Ridge Eco Shop. To receive additional information about participating in a focus group, please fill out a LEAP questionnaire.
Enterprise Announces Green Communities GrantsEnterprise is delighted to announce the Fall 2009 Green Communities Grant application round. Grant awards of up to $75,000 per project will be available to support the planning and construction of green affordable housing. Enterprise invites affordable housing developers to submit a Letter Of Inquiry (LOI) to greencommunities@enterprisecommunity.org by Friday, October 23. Approximately 30 applicants will be selected from the LOI and invited to complete a full online application for funding. Final grant awards will be announced in December 2009. Further details about the grant round as well as instructions on how to submit a Letter of Inquiry are available here.
www.cvilledesign.org
9.
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
10.
Gaia University Orientation & Degree Programs
Integrative EcoSocial Design / Organizing Learning for EcoSocial Regeneration / Open Topic
Hosted by the Sustainable Farm Institute, U.S. Virgin Islands
Dec 1 - 13, 2009
For more information visit www.gaiauniversity.org
What is Gaia University?
Gaia University is a growing institution for higher learning with a unique approach. Our students ('associates') are able to earn accredited Bachelors & Masters degrees and Graduate Diplomas while actively engaged in self and planetary transformation and ecosocial regeneration.
How it Works
Gaia U is based on a methodology called Action Learning and is guided by the principles of Earth Care, People Care, & Fair Share. Within that framework, associates work on self-selected, self-directed projects anywhere in the world they choose, documenting their outcomes and learning process along the way. Throughout their program, they are supported by an international network of learning providers, advisors and mentors and a collaborative online e-learning environment.
Cultivating World Changers
By fusing passion and vision with self-directed practical experience, associates initiate and nurture local and global sustainability, regeneration, justice and peace. At the same time, they refine their skills and deepen their experience to become more effective world changers.
Degree Programs
Integrative EcoSocial Design (IESD) BSc, MSc, GD*
For those wanting to integrate ecological and social aspects of design into projects that focus on ecosystems, societies, communities, technologies, and personal lifestyles.
Organizing Learning for EcoSocial Regeneration (OLE) MSc, GD
For those interested in applied organizational learning and design. Some people focus on the development of a GU regional center as their primary project.
Open Topic (OT) BSc, MSc, GD
For those who are working at a strategic level as world changers and want to design their own program topic.
*GD Post Masters Graduate Diploma
More Information
To apply for and register in these programs, please visit: www.gaiauniversity.org
e-mail: info@gaiauniversity.org
Find Gaia University on Facebook
Follow Gaia University on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Gaia_University
Visit Gaia University on the Transition Towns Network - http://transitionus.ning.com/group/gaiauniversity
Friday, September 4, 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 website has been updated with member projects! Thanks to all of you that
submitted your projects. If you would like to add your project to the
“Members work” section of the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network website (link
below), email Christine at christinegyovai@gmail.com a photo, a description of
about 120 words, and a website link (if applicable) to your permaculture or
sustainability project to be included on the website.
http://www.blueridgepermaculture.net/members.html
2. Upcoming Blue Ridge Permaculture Events and classes
We are planning our courses for the spring of 2009. Please check the website
(and the newsletter) soon for dates, locations, and other details. Below please
find information on upcoming community talks for the Fall of 2009.
The Blue Ridge Permaculture Network will have a table at the Heritage Harvest
Festival at Monticello on Saturday, September 12 - come on out and say hi. We
will have food preserving displays and books for sale. Dave O'Neill will give
a talk "Permaculture: Design for Abundance: from 3:00 - 4:00 pm. For more
information, see the website: http://heritageharvestfestival.com/
3.
Christine Gyovai will give a talk on the Principles of Permaculture at the
Green Building Institute Principles of Permaculture, Saturday, September 26,
2009 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon near Baltimore, Maryland. For more info,
see: http://greenbuildingnetwork.groupsite.com/calendar/soonest/131647
A description of the talk is below.
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.
4.
TONIGHT:
An art opening for Soula (a permaculture grad) documentary photo exhibit at
Clementine is next Friday Sept 4, from 5-7pm (during First Fridays).
A highlight of First Fridays for September (Sept 4), local artist Soula
Pefkaros is opening her new show "Transitioning: From Disempowered Dependence
to Empowered Interdependency" from 5-7 pm at Clementine Cafe. A documentary
photography exhibit about small, ecologically conscious farming, it features
several Shenandoah Valley farmers. Soula and the documentary participants will
be available for discussion, and she has teamed up with the Clementine chef to
provide complimentary appetizers featuring produce provided by the showcased
growers. Ongoing activities include potting your own herbs and mini-tutorials
in sheet mulching. Come for the beauty, thoughtfulness, and lively discussion.
http://web.me.com/soulapefkaros
click on the "transitioning exhibit" link on the homepage.
5.
Heritage Harvest Festival
Organized by Monticello and the Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, the Heritage
Harvest Festival at Monticello is an annual celebration of local food, heirloom
plants, and sustainable gardening. Thomas Jefferson championed vegetable
cuisine, plant experimentation, and the value of sustainable agriculture and
the Heritage Harvest Festival at Monticello continues that legacy.
The 2009 festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept.12 on
Montalto, Thomas Jefferson’s “high mountain,” overlooking his historic
home and gardens, the city of Charlottesville, and the surrounding Virginia
Piedmont.
There will be fruit and vegetable tastings, chefs demonstrations, informative
workshops, talks, children’s activities, and much more – all to promote
regional food, organic gardening, and the preservation of traditional
agriculture. Local vendors will offer meals and snacks, as well as seeds,
plants, garden supplies, etc.
For more info: http://heritageharvestfestival.com/
6.
Introduction to Urban and Community Food Gardens
Autumn is the perfect time to prepare your soil and site for a Spring garden...
Spend a weekend learning the basics of urban gardening, garden design and
starting a community garden. Learn how to winterize an existing garden and
prepare an area now for a new garden in the Spring. Discussion on basic
theories of how to design with nature will be mixed with hands-on activities.
(Course is similar to an Introduction to Permaculture class).
* Location: Common Good City Farm, an urban community farm and education
center in downtown D.C.
* Instructors: Steve Gabriel, Educator and Program Coordinator at the
Finger Lakes Permaculture Institute and Liz Falk, Director at Common Good City
Farm
* Host: Common Good City Farm
* Sponsor: Seeds of Change, organic seed supplier and promoters of
sustainable agriculture since 1989
* Schedule: Friday, October 23rd 6-9pm, Saturday, October 24th 9am – 5pm
& Sunday, October 25th 9-4 with break for lunch.
o Course is outside Saturday and Sunday and will be taught rain or
shine - please dress appropriately.
o Lunch and snacks provided
* Course Fee $200, however, scholarships are available to DC residents who
are low-income and unable to pay any or all of this fee. For a scholarship
application please call or email Liz at 202-330-5945,
Liz@CommonGoodCityFarm.org. If you can afford the entire fee, please consider
sponsoring a neighbor who cannot.
Payment and Registration: Register online at www.commongoodcityfarm.org. All
payments must be received by October 9th, 2009. These classes tend to fill up,
so reserve your space early.
_____________________________
Liz Falk, Co-Director
Common Good City Farm
2025 3rd Street, NW
Washington, D.C.
www.CommonGoodCityFarm.org
202 330 5945
Common Good City Farm is a productive community food garden that increases
fresh food access to low income DC residents. Participants learn to grow, cook
and market produce. Common Good unites diverse communities through the
provision of local food production.
7.
Charlottesville Community Design Center
CCDC's 5th Anniversary Celebration!
Saturday, September 12 beginning at 7 pm
On September 12 CCDC invites the community to join in a celebration of 5 years
of community design in Charlottesville. Whether you have been involved with
CCDC since the beginning or are curious about what goes on here, consider
joining us for a fun evening that begins at 7 with drinks and socializing
followed by a celebrity edition of Olio beginning at 8. Olio presenters include
Katie Swenson, Bill Morrish, Serena Gruia, Jennifer Tidwell, Greg Kelly, Noah
Bolton & Bill Atwood. At 10 grab your second wind and get ready to dance the
night away at the Dance Like You Give a Damn dance party with DJ Western Front.
Tickets for the dance party are $10, all proceeds benefit CCDC. The rest of the
evening is free and open to all.
JRGBC Luncheon: Passive House Design and Construction: Towards a Carbon
Neutral Future
September 8 from 12-2 pm at CCDC
Soaring energy costs, rapid climate changes, and the demand for high indoor air
quality all call for effective solutions from the building sector. With
unparalleled superenergy efficiency and superior air quality, Passive House
design provides a solution that puts true carbon‐neutrality within reach.
Join JRGBC-Charlottesville for a lunchtime presentation by John Semmelhack,
principal of Think Little, as he discusses how passive house design offers an
intruiging option for new and retrofit construction. Lunch will be provided.
Admission is $3 for JRGBC members and $5 for non-members. Reservations can be
from the JRGBC website: http://www.jrgbc.org/
www.cvilledesign.org
8.
The Art of Fermentation
One-Day Class: Saturday, September 12
10am – 2:30pm
Learn to make delicious lacto-fermented foods in this hands-on workshop.
Fermentation is a traditional way of food preparation that not only preserves
the harvest but also yields greater nourishment, a healthier digestive system,
and thus increased vitality. We will make kimchi, brined garlic,
lacto-fermented beets and ginger carrots, all of which can be easily
incorporated into meals. We will also make some fermented and cultured
beverages including kombucha, honey wine and sodas that are actually good for
you. There will be a wide array of samples and you will leave with the skills
necessary to begin lacto-fermenting foods at home.
This class will be taught by community herbalist, Suzanna Stone
Herbal teas will be provided at all the one day workshops. Please pack a bag
lunch.
Fee for the class is $75.
Sacred Plant Traditions, LLC
PO Box 1313
Charlottesville, VA 22902
434.295.3820
http://www.sacredplanttraditions.com/
9.
“CANNING AND FREEZING FRUITS AND VEGETABLES”
Preserving food is a great way to stretch your budget and help the environment
by buying local and in season.
You can prepare recipes such as a tomato sauce which you can enjoy later by
just opening a jar.
Methods on how to quickly defrost foods will also be covered.
Learn how to can and freeze your favorites like…
• Fig-ginger preserves
• Canned tomato sauce with herbs
• Frozen caponata which includes eggplant, onions, tomatoes, garlic,
etc.
September 10th , 2009 – JABA Greene County Community Center
222 Main Street Stanardsville, Va. 22973
6:00 – 8:30 PM
September 15th , 2009 – JABA 674 Hillsdale Drive
Charlottesville,Va 22901
6:00 – 8:30 PM
“HOW TO HAVE YOUR CAKE & FEEL GOOD, TOO!”
Enjoy a guilt free holiday season. Learn how to make delicious desserts that
use high quality,
seasonal ingredients including whole grain flours, natural sweetners and fresh
fruits
The healthy, scrumptious menu includes:
• Apple, Date and Walnut muffins
• Dark chocolate Bundt cake
• Pear Crumble with maple and ginger
October 15th, 2009 - JABA Greene County Community Center
222 Main Street** Stanardsville, Va. 22973
6:00 – 8:30 PM
October 20th, 2009 - JABA 674 Hillsdale Drive
Charlottesville,Va 22901
6:00 – 8:30 PM
Instructor: Sarah Lanzman, Chef/Certified Natural Health Professional
TO REGISTER, CONTACT EMILY DAIDONE AT edaidone@jabacares.org
Cost: $35.00 PER CLASS or $90.00 for ALL THREE CLASSES IF PAID BY AUGUST 10TH
All proceeds benefit JABA Community Center Programs. www.jabacares.org
10.
Market Central is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the
Charlottesville City Market and the local growers who vend there. Ultimately,
we'd like to lead the movement to secure a permanent home for the market. We
believe that our "first class city" deserves a first class market venue, as a
testament to this community's commitment to local producers and to preserving
our agricultural assets. Our programming focuses on familiarizing the
community with the importance of farming in the local economy, and providing a
link between producers and consumers/community supporters.
Our 2009 Farm Tour is scheduled for Monday, September 7, 2009 (Labor Day), and
includes five local farms who sell vegetables, eggs, meats and flowers at the
Charlottesville City Market. Tickets for this tour go on sale August 8, and
are $5 per carload. With a ticket purchase, guests receive a map of the area,
designating the participating farms on the tour. There will be clear
directions, and a description of each farm and what guests can expect to see.
Some of the farms will offer
on site sales of produce, meats and eggs as well. Tour hours are from 10:00 am
to 4:00 p.m. Visitors can go to as many farms as they like, and at their own
pace.
Tickets go on sale Saturday, August 8, and are available:
(1) at the Market Central booth at City Market (next to the market manager's
tent)
(2) by mail order, to the below address.
Thank you for supporting our wonderful City Market, and please introduce
yourself the next time you're at the Market!
Kathy Kildea, Secretary
Market Central, Inc.
P.O. Box 6459
Charlottsville, VA 22906
marketcentral@bnsi.net
(evenings-home) (434)244-5624
(cell) (434) 531-3957
11.
Please Join Us Friday, September 11 at 5 pm
The students of Montessori Community School in Charlottesville want to share
their excitement about their garden to table program with you.
Growing and preparing their own fresh food is just one of the ways our students
are learning to make the world a better place. Students from preschool through
middle school come to MCS each day eager to make the most of everything our
hilltop sanctuary has to offer. Students who run a business know how to work
together toward a common goal. Kids who compost with earthworms know that waste
equals food. Children who maintain an Audubon International Cooperative
Sanctuary know how living things are adapted to find food and shelter in their
environment. Students who serve the very old or the very young know the joy of
giving.
Thanks to the support of the BAMA Works Fund of the Dave Matthews Band in the
Charlottesville Area Community Foundation, the David Greenewalt Charitable
Trust, and a dedicated crew of parent and student volunteers who spent their
summer constructing a Growing Dome atop Pantops Mountain, our students will be
able to grow their own produce throughout the school year. They will know the
value of the resources that go into their food. They will know how it is cared
for and prepared and shared.
Please to: lacarver@montessoripantops.org and plan to stay for a picnic on the
grounds following the ceremony if you can. We hope to see you there. We will
gather at the MCS Middle School (located in the former American Legion building
at 1462 Richmond Road - enter just west of Rolkin Road).
12.
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
13.
Benefit Party for Ian McConkey
Saturday September 19, 2009
7:30 – 11:30 PM
Rockfish Valley Community Center
Music by:
- Abbey Road
- Jimbo & Kim Carey
- Michael McConkey
Make checks payable to Friends of Ian McConkey
$20/ticket
bring finger foods to share
For more information call:
Larry Stopper
434-361-1323
141 Heartwood Circle
Afton, VA 22920
Lstop@mindspring.com
14. (Last post - a long one regarding upcoming regional classes)
Sept 23 – Oct 1, 2009
Hosted by the Regenerative Design Institute, Bolinas, CA
DESCRIPTION
Holistic Resource Management offers land stewards a way to make grazing, land
management and financial decisions that positively impact land health and
productivity. At present, agriculture and many other businesses are struggling
to maintain viabilty. Decreased income often leads to a focus on increased
production and harder work. Presently, many people involved in agriculture do
not realize they are working against "nature's rules" and that their efforts
are likely to be unsuccessful until they learn to work with this process. In
the end, nature always wins and our production systems must change to be
sustainable. Too often, conventional agriculture focuses almost solely on
achieving production goals and solving specific problems, which can create
unforseen and unintended consequences that eventually detract from land health,
personal and family time and, ultimately, profitability.
Holistic Resource Management brings the abundance and diversity of natural
systems to large-scale permaculture systems. Managing land holistically
integrates land planning, financial planning, grazing planning and biological
monitoring to find ways of being efficient and creative with your resources to
achieve the environmental and financial results that make for a sustainable,
long-term business. Holistic management is effective because the resouce base
ultimately supports the financial goals and those of the people involved who
depend on the business for their livlihood. It teaches land stewards to define
their unique whole, to define their unique holistic goal, and to make decisions
that are economically, environmentally and socially sound towards that goal.
EAST & WEST CARBON FARMING SERIES:
Hands-on Training for Ecological and Economic Resilience
http://LivingMandala.com/Living_Mandala/Carbon_Farming_Series_Bioregional_Congress.html
CARBON FARMING SERIES EAST
Broadacre Permaculture and Holistic Management for Carbon Negative Agriculture
Exploring Soil, Water, Carbon, Energy & the Economy
Darren Doherty - Elaine Ingham - Eric Toensmeier
Brad Lancaster - Kirk Gadzia - Joel Salatin
Hosted by the Ecovillage Training Center at The Farm, Summertown, TN
August 25 – September 16, 2009
COURSE INFORMATION
Visit http://LivingMandala.com/Living_Mandala/Carbon_Farming_09.html for more
information
CARBON FARMING SERIES WEST
Building Resiliency: Managing Land to Conserve Soil, Water, and Energy
Exploring Soil, Water, Carbon, Energy & the Economy
Darren Doherty - Kirk Gadzia - Terry Gompert - Elaine Ingham
Paul Taylor - Brad Lancaster - Brock Dolman - Penny Livingston - Joel Salatin
Hosted by the Regenerative Design Institute, Bolinas,CA
September 23 - October 29, 2009
COURSE INFORMATION
Visit http://www.regenerativedesign.org/courses-events/carbon-farming for more
information
TOPICS COVERED
HOLISTIC DESIGN; PROJECT MANAGEMENT; WATER HARVESTING; IRRIGATION SYSTEMS;
MYCOFILTRATION; MYCOREMEDIATION; ECOLOGICAL PEST MANAGEMENT; SOIL MICROBIAL
ANALYSIS; DROUGHT-PROOFING; COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT; INTEGRATED LIVESTOCK
SYSTEMS; SOIL REHABILITATION; EROSION CONTROL; PRODUCTIVE WINDBREAKS; FIRE
CONTROL; ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT MODELS; GIS/CAD DESIGN; ADVANCED PERMACULTURE
DESIGN; KEYLINE DESIGN & IMPLEMENTATION; FOOD FOREST GARDENING; ECONOMIC
LOCALIZATION
DESCRIPTION
The Carbon Farming Course Series will launch the nation’s first holistic
curriculum for carbon negative agriculture, and will be the first event in a
national campaign to spread this cutting edge curriculum throughout the United
States. Taught by leading global experts in sustainable agriculture and carbon
sequestration, this professional training course will encompass all of the
design elements needed to create a carbon sequestering agricultural
system—returning carbon to the soil while increasing food production.
The audience for the upcoming Holistic Carbon Farming Course Series will
include farmers, permaculturists, biologists, policy makers, grounds keepers,
land-owners etc. interested in regenerating thriving local ecosystems
throughout the world.
These courses are in direct response to the current challenges experienced by
producers & communities across the globe by a variety of climatic, agronomic &
economic conditions. Studies have shown that permaculture-inspired soil
building techniques lead to signficant carbon sequestration, while also
increasing soil fertility and water retention. This course will provide
participants with an opportunity to learn these techniques in order to create
resilient, drought proof, soil-rich, carbon-negative agricultural systems that
produce organic food as well as additional income through the international
carbon market.
FORMAT
This course will be offered through four interrelated modules constituting the
nation’s first holistic curriculum for carbon negative agriculture.
Participants can choose to attend the entire course, individual modules or
combined selections. (Read more details online at
http://LivingMandala.com/Living_Mandala/Carbon_Farming_09.html )
Carbon Farming East
Module 1: Aug 25-30 - Holistic Management® Training with Kirk Gadzia
Holistic Management applies systems thinking approach to managing land
resources that builds biodiversity, improves production, generates financial
strength, and improves the quality of life for those who use it. The whole
system design integrates financial planing and land use to create profitable
and sustainable agricultural systems.
Module 2: Sept 1-6 - Keyline Design with Darren Doherty
Keyline Design is a corner stone of landscape regeneration, soil building and
water retention. It is applicable in all climates and provides an holistic
framework for integrating soil building, animal management and watershed health
and agroforestry.
Module 3: Sept 8-12 - Earthworks and Food Forestry with Brad Lancaster and
Eric Toensmeier
This module focuses on landscape regeneration using permaculture design to hold
water in the landscape, and create integrated ecosystems that provide food,
fuel and fiber while increasing biodiversity and resilience. Together,
Earthworks and Food forestry provide key building blocks for local food and
water security as well as climate change mitigation and carbon sequestration.
Module 4: Sept 13-16 - Soil Food Webs and Relocalization with Dr. Elaine
Ingham, Soil Food Web Inc. and Joel Salatin
Improving soil health and community health go hand in hand to creating
resilient local food systems that reinforce biodiversity.
Carbon Farming West
Module 1: Holistic Management: Sept 23 - Oct 1- Instructors: Kirk Gadzia and
Terry Gompert
Module 2: Soil Food Web Analysis, Technologies and Applications: Oct 3 - 7 -
Instructors: Elaine Ingham and Paul Taylor
Module 3: Broadacre Permaculture Design Course: Oct 9 - 21 - Instructors:
Darren Doherty, Brad Lancaster, Brock Dolman & Penny Livingston-Stark
Module 4: Pathways to Relocalization: to be announced - Instructor: Joel
Salatin
Module 5: Soil Building and Water Management Systems: November 1 - 3 -
Instructors: Darren Doherty, Penny Livingston-Stark and Lisa Lurie
MORE INFO
Visit
http://LivingMandala.com/Living_Mandala/Carbon_Farming_Series_Bioregional_Congress.html
for more information
Check out our new blog at: http://carbonfarmingcourse.blogspot.com/
Join us on Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?sid=5ce2b36c9e05a9cd4b6df9b6ed4781a7&eid=84581496075&ref=search
Join us on WiserEarth at:
http://www.wiserearth.org/event/view/58fef6120823c3212465aa1d510be64d
Phone: 707-634-1461
Email: carbonfarming@LivingMandala.com
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 website has been updated with member projects! Thanks to all of you that
submitted your projects. If you would like to add your project to the
“Members work” section of the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network website (link
below), email Christine at christinegyovai@gmail.com a photo, a description of
about 120 words, and a website link (if applicable) to your permaculture or
sustainability project to be included on the website.
http://www.blueridgepermaculture.net/members.html
2. Upcoming Blue Ridge Permaculture Events and classes
We are planning our courses for the spring of 2009. Please check the website
(and the newsletter) soon for dates, locations, and other details. Below please
find information on upcoming community talks for the Fall of 2009.
The Blue Ridge Permaculture Network will have a table at the Heritage Harvest
Festival at Monticello on Saturday, September 12 - come on out and say hi. We
will have food preserving displays and books for sale. Dave O'Neill will give
a talk "Permaculture: Design for Abundance: from 3:00 - 4:00 pm. For more
information, see the website: http://heritageharvestfestival.com/
3.
Christine Gyovai will give a talk on the Principles of Permaculture at the
Green Building Institute Principles of Permaculture, Saturday, September 26,
2009 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon near Baltimore, Maryland. For more info,
see: http://greenbuildingnetwork.groupsite.com/calendar/soonest/131647
A description of the talk is below.
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.
4.
TONIGHT:
An art opening for Soula (a permaculture grad) documentary photo exhibit at
Clementine is next Friday Sept 4, from 5-7pm (during First Fridays).
A highlight of First Fridays for September (Sept 4), local artist Soula
Pefkaros is opening her new show "Transitioning: From Disempowered Dependence
to Empowered Interdependency" from 5-7 pm at Clementine Cafe. A documentary
photography exhibit about small, ecologically conscious farming, it features
several Shenandoah Valley farmers. Soula and the documentary participants will
be available for discussion, and she has teamed up with the Clementine chef to
provide complimentary appetizers featuring produce provided by the showcased
growers. Ongoing activities include potting your own herbs and mini-tutorials
in sheet mulching. Come for the beauty, thoughtfulness, and lively discussion.
http://web.me.com/soulapefkaros
click on the "transitioning exhibit" link on the homepage.
5.
Heritage Harvest Festival
Organized by Monticello and the Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, the Heritage
Harvest Festival at Monticello is an annual celebration of local food, heirloom
plants, and sustainable gardening. Thomas Jefferson championed vegetable
cuisine, plant experimentation, and the value of sustainable agriculture and
the Heritage Harvest Festival at Monticello continues that legacy.
The 2009 festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept.12 on
Montalto, Thomas Jefferson’s “high mountain,” overlooking his historic
home and gardens, the city of Charlottesville, and the surrounding Virginia
Piedmont.
There will be fruit and vegetable tastings, chefs demonstrations, informative
workshops, talks, children’s activities, and much more – all to promote
regional food, organic gardening, and the preservation of traditional
agriculture. Local vendors will offer meals and snacks, as well as seeds,
plants, garden supplies, etc.
For more info: http://heritageharvestfestival.com/
6.
Introduction to Urban and Community Food Gardens
Autumn is the perfect time to prepare your soil and site for a Spring garden...
Spend a weekend learning the basics of urban gardening, garden design and
starting a community garden. Learn how to winterize an existing garden and
prepare an area now for a new garden in the Spring. Discussion on basic
theories of how to design with nature will be mixed with hands-on activities.
(Course is similar to an Introduction to Permaculture class).
* Location: Common Good City Farm, an urban community farm and education
center in downtown D.C.
* Instructors: Steve Gabriel, Educator and Program Coordinator at the
Finger Lakes Permaculture Institute and Liz Falk, Director at Common Good City
Farm
* Host: Common Good City Farm
* Sponsor: Seeds of Change, organic seed supplier and promoters of
sustainable agriculture since 1989
* Schedule: Friday, October 23rd 6-9pm, Saturday, October 24th 9am – 5pm
& Sunday, October 25th 9-4 with break for lunch.
o Course is outside Saturday and Sunday and will be taught rain or
shine - please dress appropriately.
o Lunch and snacks provided
* Course Fee $200, however, scholarships are available to DC residents who
are low-income and unable to pay any or all of this fee. For a scholarship
application please call or email Liz at 202-330-5945,
Liz@CommonGoodCityFarm.org. If you can afford the entire fee, please consider
sponsoring a neighbor who cannot.
Payment and Registration: Register online at www.commongoodcityfarm.org. All
payments must be received by October 9th, 2009. These classes tend to fill up,
so reserve your space early.
_____________________________
Liz Falk, Co-Director
Common Good City Farm
2025 3rd Street, NW
Washington, D.C.
www.CommonGoodCityFarm.org
202 330 5945
Common Good City Farm is a productive community food garden that increases
fresh food access to low income DC residents. Participants learn to grow, cook
and market produce. Common Good unites diverse communities through the
provision of local food production.
7.
Charlottesville Community Design Center
CCDC's 5th Anniversary Celebration!
Saturday, September 12 beginning at 7 pm
On September 12 CCDC invites the community to join in a celebration of 5 years
of community design in Charlottesville. Whether you have been involved with
CCDC since the beginning or are curious about what goes on here, consider
joining us for a fun evening that begins at 7 with drinks and socializing
followed by a celebrity edition of Olio beginning at 8. Olio presenters include
Katie Swenson, Bill Morrish, Serena Gruia, Jennifer Tidwell, Greg Kelly, Noah
Bolton & Bill Atwood. At 10 grab your second wind and get ready to dance the
night away at the Dance Like You Give a Damn dance party with DJ Western Front.
Tickets for the dance party are $10, all proceeds benefit CCDC. The rest of the
evening is free and open to all.
JRGBC Luncheon: Passive House Design and Construction: Towards a Carbon
Neutral Future
September 8 from 12-2 pm at CCDC
Soaring energy costs, rapid climate changes, and the demand for high indoor air
quality all call for effective solutions from the building sector. With
unparalleled superenergy efficiency and superior air quality, Passive House
design provides a solution that puts true carbon‐neutrality within reach.
Join JRGBC-Charlottesville for a lunchtime presentation by John Semmelhack,
principal of Think Little, as he discusses how passive house design offers an
intruiging option for new and retrofit construction. Lunch will be provided.
Admission is $3 for JRGBC members and $5 for non-members. Reservations can be
from the JRGBC website: http://www.jrgbc.org/
www.cvilledesign.org
8.
The Art of Fermentation
One-Day Class: Saturday, September 12
10am – 2:30pm
Learn to make delicious lacto-fermented foods in this hands-on workshop.
Fermentation is a traditional way of food preparation that not only preserves
the harvest but also yields greater nourishment, a healthier digestive system,
and thus increased vitality. We will make kimchi, brined garlic,
lacto-fermented beets and ginger carrots, all of which can be easily
incorporated into meals. We will also make some fermented and cultured
beverages including kombucha, honey wine and sodas that are actually good for
you. There will be a wide array of samples and you will leave with the skills
necessary to begin lacto-fermenting foods at home.
This class will be taught by community herbalist, Suzanna Stone
Herbal teas will be provided at all the one day workshops. Please pack a bag
lunch.
Fee for the class is $75.
Sacred Plant Traditions, LLC
PO Box 1313
Charlottesville, VA 22902
434.295.3820
http://www.sacredplanttraditions.com/
9.
“CANNING AND FREEZING FRUITS AND VEGETABLES”
Preserving food is a great way to stretch your budget and help the environment
by buying local and in season.
You can prepare recipes such as a tomato sauce which you can enjoy later by
just opening a jar.
Methods on how to quickly defrost foods will also be covered.
Learn how to can and freeze your favorites like…
• Fig-ginger preserves
• Canned tomato sauce with herbs
• Frozen caponata which includes eggplant, onions, tomatoes, garlic,
etc.
September 10th , 2009 – JABA Greene County Community Center
222 Main Street Stanardsville, Va. 22973
6:00 – 8:30 PM
September 15th , 2009 – JABA 674 Hillsdale Drive
Charlottesville,Va 22901
6:00 – 8:30 PM
“HOW TO HAVE YOUR CAKE & FEEL GOOD, TOO!”
Enjoy a guilt free holiday season. Learn how to make delicious desserts that
use high quality,
seasonal ingredients including whole grain flours, natural sweetners and fresh
fruits
The healthy, scrumptious menu includes:
• Apple, Date and Walnut muffins
• Dark chocolate Bundt cake
• Pear Crumble with maple and ginger
October 15th, 2009 - JABA Greene County Community Center
222 Main Street** Stanardsville, Va. 22973
6:00 – 8:30 PM
October 20th, 2009 - JABA 674 Hillsdale Drive
Charlottesville,Va 22901
6:00 – 8:30 PM
Instructor: Sarah Lanzman, Chef/Certified Natural Health Professional
TO REGISTER, CONTACT EMILY DAIDONE AT edaidone@jabacares.org
Cost: $35.00 PER CLASS or $90.00 for ALL THREE CLASSES IF PAID BY AUGUST 10TH
All proceeds benefit JABA Community Center Programs. www.jabacares.org
10.
Market Central is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the
Charlottesville City Market and the local growers who vend there. Ultimately,
we'd like to lead the movement to secure a permanent home for the market. We
believe that our "first class city" deserves a first class market venue, as a
testament to this community's commitment to local producers and to preserving
our agricultural assets. Our programming focuses on familiarizing the
community with the importance of farming in the local economy, and providing a
link between producers and consumers/community supporters.
Our 2009 Farm Tour is scheduled for Monday, September 7, 2009 (Labor Day), and
includes five local farms who sell vegetables, eggs, meats and flowers at the
Charlottesville City Market. Tickets for this tour go on sale August 8, and
are $5 per carload. With a ticket purchase, guests receive a map of the area,
designating the participating farms on the tour. There will be clear
directions, and a description of each farm and what guests can expect to see.
Some of the farms will offer
on site sales of produce, meats and eggs as well. Tour hours are from 10:00 am
to 4:00 p.m. Visitors can go to as many farms as they like, and at their own
pace.
Tickets go on sale Saturday, August 8, and are available:
(1) at the Market Central booth at City Market (next to the market manager's
tent)
(2) by mail order, to the below address.
Thank you for supporting our wonderful City Market, and please introduce
yourself the next time you're at the Market!
Kathy Kildea, Secretary
Market Central, Inc.
P.O. Box 6459
Charlottsville, VA 22906
marketcentral@bnsi.net
(evenings-home) (434)244-5624
(cell) (434) 531-3957
11.
Please Join Us Friday, September 11 at 5 pm
The students of Montessori Community School in Charlottesville want to share
their excitement about their garden to table program with you.
Growing and preparing their own fresh food is just one of the ways our students
are learning to make the world a better place. Students from preschool through
middle school come to MCS each day eager to make the most of everything our
hilltop sanctuary has to offer. Students who run a business know how to work
together toward a common goal. Kids who compost with earthworms know that waste
equals food. Children who maintain an Audubon International Cooperative
Sanctuary know how living things are adapted to find food and shelter in their
environment. Students who serve the very old or the very young know the joy of
giving.
Thanks to the support of the BAMA Works Fund of the Dave Matthews Band in the
Charlottesville Area Community Foundation, the David Greenewalt Charitable
Trust, and a dedicated crew of parent and student volunteers who spent their
summer constructing a Growing Dome atop Pantops Mountain, our students will be
able to grow their own produce throughout the school year. They will know the
value of the resources that go into their food. They will know how it is cared
for and prepared and shared.
Please to: lacarver@montessoripantops.org and plan to stay for a picnic on the
grounds following the ceremony if you can. We hope to see you there. We will
gather at the MCS Middle School (located in the former American Legion building
at 1462 Richmond Road - enter just west of Rolkin Road).
12.
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
13.
Benefit Party for Ian McConkey
Saturday September 19, 2009
7:30 – 11:30 PM
Rockfish Valley Community Center
Music by:
- Abbey Road
- Jimbo & Kim Carey
- Michael McConkey
Make checks payable to Friends of Ian McConkey
$20/ticket
bring finger foods to share
For more information call:
Larry Stopper
434-361-1323
141 Heartwood Circle
Afton, VA 22920
Lstop@mindspring.com
14. (Last post - a long one regarding upcoming regional classes)
Sept 23 – Oct 1, 2009
Hosted by the Regenerative Design Institute, Bolinas, CA
DESCRIPTION
Holistic Resource Management offers land stewards a way to make grazing, land
management and financial decisions that positively impact land health and
productivity. At present, agriculture and many other businesses are struggling
to maintain viabilty. Decreased income often leads to a focus on increased
production and harder work. Presently, many people involved in agriculture do
not realize they are working against "nature's rules" and that their efforts
are likely to be unsuccessful until they learn to work with this process. In
the end, nature always wins and our production systems must change to be
sustainable. Too often, conventional agriculture focuses almost solely on
achieving production goals and solving specific problems, which can create
unforseen and unintended consequences that eventually detract from land health,
personal and family time and, ultimately, profitability.
Holistic Resource Management brings the abundance and diversity of natural
systems to large-scale permaculture systems. Managing land holistically
integrates land planning, financial planning, grazing planning and biological
monitoring to find ways of being efficient and creative with your resources to
achieve the environmental and financial results that make for a sustainable,
long-term business. Holistic management is effective because the resouce base
ultimately supports the financial goals and those of the people involved who
depend on the business for their livlihood. It teaches land stewards to define
their unique whole, to define their unique holistic goal, and to make decisions
that are economically, environmentally and socially sound towards that goal.
EAST & WEST CARBON FARMING SERIES:
Hands-on Training for Ecological and Economic Resilience
http://LivingMandala.com/Living_Mandala/Carbon_Farming_Series_Bioregional_Congress.html
CARBON FARMING SERIES EAST
Broadacre Permaculture and Holistic Management for Carbon Negative Agriculture
Exploring Soil, Water, Carbon, Energy & the Economy
Darren Doherty - Elaine Ingham - Eric Toensmeier
Brad Lancaster - Kirk Gadzia - Joel Salatin
Hosted by the Ecovillage Training Center at The Farm, Summertown, TN
August 25 – September 16, 2009
COURSE INFORMATION
Visit http://LivingMandala.com/Living_Mandala/Carbon_Farming_09.html for more
information
CARBON FARMING SERIES WEST
Building Resiliency: Managing Land to Conserve Soil, Water, and Energy
Exploring Soil, Water, Carbon, Energy & the Economy
Darren Doherty - Kirk Gadzia - Terry Gompert - Elaine Ingham
Paul Taylor - Brad Lancaster - Brock Dolman - Penny Livingston - Joel Salatin
Hosted by the Regenerative Design Institute, Bolinas,CA
September 23 - October 29, 2009
COURSE INFORMATION
Visit http://www.regenerativedesign.org/courses-events/carbon-farming for more
information
TOPICS COVERED
HOLISTIC DESIGN; PROJECT MANAGEMENT; WATER HARVESTING; IRRIGATION SYSTEMS;
MYCOFILTRATION; MYCOREMEDIATION; ECOLOGICAL PEST MANAGEMENT; SOIL MICROBIAL
ANALYSIS; DROUGHT-PROOFING; COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT; INTEGRATED LIVESTOCK
SYSTEMS; SOIL REHABILITATION; EROSION CONTROL; PRODUCTIVE WINDBREAKS; FIRE
CONTROL; ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT MODELS; GIS/CAD DESIGN; ADVANCED PERMACULTURE
DESIGN; KEYLINE DESIGN & IMPLEMENTATION; FOOD FOREST GARDENING; ECONOMIC
LOCALIZATION
DESCRIPTION
The Carbon Farming Course Series will launch the nation’s first holistic
curriculum for carbon negative agriculture, and will be the first event in a
national campaign to spread this cutting edge curriculum throughout the United
States. Taught by leading global experts in sustainable agriculture and carbon
sequestration, this professional training course will encompass all of the
design elements needed to create a carbon sequestering agricultural
system—returning carbon to the soil while increasing food production.
The audience for the upcoming Holistic Carbon Farming Course Series will
include farmers, permaculturists, biologists, policy makers, grounds keepers,
land-owners etc. interested in regenerating thriving local ecosystems
throughout the world.
These courses are in direct response to the current challenges experienced by
producers & communities across the globe by a variety of climatic, agronomic &
economic conditions. Studies have shown that permaculture-inspired soil
building techniques lead to signficant carbon sequestration, while also
increasing soil fertility and water retention. This course will provide
participants with an opportunity to learn these techniques in order to create
resilient, drought proof, soil-rich, carbon-negative agricultural systems that
produce organic food as well as additional income through the international
carbon market.
FORMAT
This course will be offered through four interrelated modules constituting the
nation’s first holistic curriculum for carbon negative agriculture.
Participants can choose to attend the entire course, individual modules or
combined selections. (Read more details online at
http://LivingMandala.com/Living_Mandala/Carbon_Farming_09.html )
Carbon Farming East
Module 1: Aug 25-30 - Holistic Management® Training with Kirk Gadzia
Holistic Management applies systems thinking approach to managing land
resources that builds biodiversity, improves production, generates financial
strength, and improves the quality of life for those who use it. The whole
system design integrates financial planing and land use to create profitable
and sustainable agricultural systems.
Module 2: Sept 1-6 - Keyline Design with Darren Doherty
Keyline Design is a corner stone of landscape regeneration, soil building and
water retention. It is applicable in all climates and provides an holistic
framework for integrating soil building, animal management and watershed health
and agroforestry.
Module 3: Sept 8-12 - Earthworks and Food Forestry with Brad Lancaster and
Eric Toensmeier
This module focuses on landscape regeneration using permaculture design to hold
water in the landscape, and create integrated ecosystems that provide food,
fuel and fiber while increasing biodiversity and resilience. Together,
Earthworks and Food forestry provide key building blocks for local food and
water security as well as climate change mitigation and carbon sequestration.
Module 4: Sept 13-16 - Soil Food Webs and Relocalization with Dr. Elaine
Ingham, Soil Food Web Inc. and Joel Salatin
Improving soil health and community health go hand in hand to creating
resilient local food systems that reinforce biodiversity.
Carbon Farming West
Module 1: Holistic Management: Sept 23 - Oct 1- Instructors: Kirk Gadzia and
Terry Gompert
Module 2: Soil Food Web Analysis, Technologies and Applications: Oct 3 - 7 -
Instructors: Elaine Ingham and Paul Taylor
Module 3: Broadacre Permaculture Design Course: Oct 9 - 21 - Instructors:
Darren Doherty, Brad Lancaster, Brock Dolman & Penny Livingston-Stark
Module 4: Pathways to Relocalization: to be announced - Instructor: Joel
Salatin
Module 5: Soil Building and Water Management Systems: November 1 - 3 -
Instructors: Darren Doherty, Penny Livingston-Stark and Lisa Lurie
MORE INFO
Visit
http://LivingMandala.com/Living_Mandala/Carbon_Farming_Series_Bioregional_Congress.html
for more information
Check out our new blog at: http://carbonfarmingcourse.blogspot.com/
Join us on Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?sid=5ce2b36c9e05a9cd4b6df9b6ed4781a7&eid=84581496075&ref=search
Join us on WiserEarth at:
http://www.wiserearth.org/event/view/58fef6120823c3212465aa1d510be64d
Phone: 707-634-1461
Email: carbonfarming@LivingMandala.com
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
upcoming events
1.
Put your Project on the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network website!
We still have some space to add your project to 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 June 23rd to be included on the website.
2.
Super-Efficient. Cost Effective. Carbon-Neutrality Today.
Passive House Workshop
2 Part Series Thursday June 18th and Thursday June 25th
What: Soaring energy costs, rapid climate changes due to greenhouse
gas emissions, and the demand for high indoor air quality all call for
effective solutions from the building sector. With unparalleled superenergy
efficiency and superior air quality, Passive House design also
provides a solution that puts true carbon-neutrality within reach now.
-from the Passive House Institute U.S. - www.passivehouse.us & www.passiv.de
Why : This comprehensive system featuring super energy efficient
design and construction offers an intriguing option for new and retrofit
construction. Passive House buildings may become the norm in the
near future, and are achievable today. Over 20,000 buildings in Europe
have been built using Passive House concepts since 1990.
Who Should Attend : People who have any interest, who are concerned
about the future use of energy, and who want to live and work
in buildings that will make a difference
Presenter : John Semmelhack, principal of Think Little
Where: Charlottesville Community Design Center (CCDC)
100 5th St. NE, Charlottesville, VA
When: Thursday, June 18, 6-8pm – Principles to Passive House
Thursday, June 25, 6-8pm – Exploring Details of Passive Houses
Suggested donation: $12. Reservations are highly recomended.
For reservations & information contact SPARK!
Gilchrist@cvilledesign.org - 434-984-2232
3.
Edible LandscapingAll About Fruit Day - June 20th
All about fruit day is coming up quickly - June 20th - so mark you calendars. We are planning to have a full and exciting day with music and events throughout the day. Please check our website (www.ediblelandscaping.com) for details. Michael would like to invite people who would like to join him 'on stage' playing some music to bring their instruments.
4.This Sunday June, 21 at 7 pm at Clementine Cafe: Peter Bane, publisher of Permaculture Activist will presenet a very timely and pointed lecture, slideshow and discussion entitled, "Permaculture: Sustainability for the Home". Our home is the most important place on the planet and by using permaculture design we can discovered resources and opportunities for increased self reliance and resilience in anticipation of the coming global shifts. Learn how you can make a difference by designing a functional and edible oasis in your home landscape, reduce energy usage and increase community connections by starting at your doorstep. http://www.clementinecafe.com/ Radical Roots Community Farm 3083 Flook Lane Keezletown, VA 22832 (540)810-2587 http://www.radicalrootsfarm.com
5.
Hi everyone,the Charlottesville Community Food Project has begun its second season of providing fresh, local produce to families in the Cville area who are in need. I just wanted to send out a reminder that if you'll be out of town for a week or two, and would like to donate your CSA share for those pick-up days you'll miss, we would be glad to get that wonderful food into the hands of a family that otherwise couldn't afford it. If you'd like to donate your share (or would like more information, or to see how else you might be able to work with us,) please email us at cvillecfp@gmail.com or call (434) 806-6441. Thank you.-Mark ParletteCCFPcvillecfp@gmail.com(434) 804-6441http://ccfp.wordpress.com/about/
6.
Rappahannock League for Environmental Protection's Piedmont Alternative Energy & Electric Vehicle EXPO coming June 20
Thinking of building or converting with solar or geothermal, or using energy-efficient and green building materials? Have questions about electric vehicles? Concerned about dependence on fossil fuels or climate change? Looking for a child-friendly event? Come to the fourth annual Piedmont Alternative Energy & Electric Vehicle Expo, which will take place on Saturday, June 20, 2009, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., near Warrenton, Virginia. A nominal admission of $5 per adult is charged, with children and students admitted free. http://www.rlep.org/programs/expo2009/index.htm
7.
14th Anniversary Celebration and Annual Meeting
Corporate Sustainability: The Business Community’s Role in Advancing Climate Protection
June 25, 2009
10:00 AM -3:30PM
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia
Virginia Sustainable Building Network
P.O. Box 6539 Arlington, VA 22206
703-486-2966/fax 703-486-8213
www.vsbn.org
8.
Earth Ball 2009 in D.C. for the Common Good City Farm
Earth Ball promotes and educates our citizens on the creative and innovative options available to reduce our energy dependency. Proceeds benefit Common Good City Farm! More information and to register: http://earthball2009.homestead.com/
Proceeds benefit Common Good City Farm!
When
June 19th, 2009 6:00 PM
http://www.commongoodcityfarm.org/events
Put your Project on the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network website!
We still have some space to add your project to 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 June 23rd to be included on the website.
2.
Super-Efficient. Cost Effective. Carbon-Neutrality Today.
Passive House Workshop
2 Part Series Thursday June 18th and Thursday June 25th
What: Soaring energy costs, rapid climate changes due to greenhouse
gas emissions, and the demand for high indoor air quality all call for
effective solutions from the building sector. With unparalleled superenergy
efficiency and superior air quality, Passive House design also
provides a solution that puts true carbon-neutrality within reach now.
-from the Passive House Institute U.S. - www.passivehouse.us & www.passiv.de
Why : This comprehensive system featuring super energy efficient
design and construction offers an intriguing option for new and retrofit
construction. Passive House buildings may become the norm in the
near future, and are achievable today. Over 20,000 buildings in Europe
have been built using Passive House concepts since 1990.
Who Should Attend : People who have any interest, who are concerned
about the future use of energy, and who want to live and work
in buildings that will make a difference
Presenter : John Semmelhack, principal of Think Little
Where: Charlottesville Community Design Center (CCDC)
100 5th St. NE, Charlottesville, VA
When: Thursday, June 18, 6-8pm – Principles to Passive House
Thursday, June 25, 6-8pm – Exploring Details of Passive Houses
Suggested donation: $12. Reservations are highly recomended.
For reservations & information contact SPARK!
Gilchrist@cvilledesign.org - 434-984-2232
3.
Edible LandscapingAll About Fruit Day - June 20th
All about fruit day is coming up quickly - June 20th - so mark you calendars. We are planning to have a full and exciting day with music and events throughout the day. Please check our website (www.ediblelandscaping.com) for details. Michael would like to invite people who would like to join him 'on stage' playing some music to bring their instruments.
4.This Sunday June, 21 at 7 pm at Clementine Cafe: Peter Bane, publisher of Permaculture Activist will presenet a very timely and pointed lecture, slideshow and discussion entitled, "Permaculture: Sustainability for the Home". Our home is the most important place on the planet and by using permaculture design we can discovered resources and opportunities for increased self reliance and resilience in anticipation of the coming global shifts. Learn how you can make a difference by designing a functional and edible oasis in your home landscape, reduce energy usage and increase community connections by starting at your doorstep. http://www.clementinecafe.com/ Radical Roots Community Farm 3083 Flook Lane Keezletown, VA 22832 (540)810-2587 http://www.radicalrootsfarm.com
5.
Hi everyone,the Charlottesville Community Food Project has begun its second season of providing fresh, local produce to families in the Cville area who are in need. I just wanted to send out a reminder that if you'll be out of town for a week or two, and would like to donate your CSA share for those pick-up days you'll miss, we would be glad to get that wonderful food into the hands of a family that otherwise couldn't afford it. If you'd like to donate your share (or would like more information, or to see how else you might be able to work with us,) please email us at cvillecfp@gmail.com or call (434) 806-6441. Thank you.-Mark ParletteCCFPcvillecfp@gmail.com(434) 804-6441http://ccfp.wordpress.com/about/
6.
Rappahannock League for Environmental Protection's Piedmont Alternative Energy & Electric Vehicle EXPO coming June 20
Thinking of building or converting with solar or geothermal, or using energy-efficient and green building materials? Have questions about electric vehicles? Concerned about dependence on fossil fuels or climate change? Looking for a child-friendly event? Come to the fourth annual Piedmont Alternative Energy & Electric Vehicle Expo, which will take place on Saturday, June 20, 2009, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., near Warrenton, Virginia. A nominal admission of $5 per adult is charged, with children and students admitted free. http://www.rlep.org/programs/expo2009/index.htm
7.
14th Anniversary Celebration and Annual Meeting
Corporate Sustainability: The Business Community’s Role in Advancing Climate Protection
June 25, 2009
10:00 AM -3:30PM
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia
Virginia Sustainable Building Network
P.O. Box 6539 Arlington, VA 22206
703-486-2966/fax 703-486-8213
www.vsbn.org
8.
Earth Ball 2009 in D.C. for the Common Good City Farm
Earth Ball promotes and educates our citizens on the creative and innovative options available to reduce our energy dependency. Proceeds benefit Common Good City Farm! More information and to register: http://earthball2009.homestead.com/
Proceeds benefit Common Good City Farm!
When
June 19th, 2009 6:00 PM
http://www.commongoodcityfarm.org/events
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