Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Upcoming Events


Upcoming Events 
Blue Ridge Permaculture Network
Greetings all,

Below is an awesome collection of upcoming permaculture, sustainability and farming events in the central Virginia bioregion. If you know anyone else that would like to sign up for this newsletter, they can sign up here.  If you have an announcement, email us at blueridgepermaculture@gmail.com for the next monthly e-newsletter. Also – post your own events on the BRPN Yahoo listserve or the BRPN Facebook page, and click here to view this e-newsletter as a webpage.

The Regenerative Farm Enterprise Planning, planned for Oct. 2014, has unfortunately been cancelled. We look forward to offering future courses and will post additional information about them here when available.

Best,
Christine, Terry, Emily and the BRPN team
www.blueridgepermaculture.net  
1.
Regrarian Farm Design & Keyline Summit w/ Darren Doherty

Darren Doherty is coming to Afton, Virginia, Nov 5-7th, for a 3-day Open Consultancy and Keyline intensive! If you're serious about becoming a farmer, improving the success of your current farm, or becoming a farm consultant, this is truly the course for you. Come spend 2 days going through Darren's consultation process, followed by a full day on Keyline design, featuring Peter Traverse.* You'll learn to use the Regrarian platform to read a landscape like you've never seen it before, witness a keyline plow in action, hear about a revolutionary new online platform for managing your farm, ask your questions to the world's preeminent farm designer, and much more. Invest in the success of your farm and your ability to manage it. Darren's course will help you avoid common pitfalls, while exposing you to the best practices he's seen across the 40 countries in which he's worked. 

Get your Early Bird tickets and save $50 http://darrendoherty.brownpapertickets.com/
Visit the FB event page to join and share the event:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1383230428624782/


2.
Agroforestry and Silvopasture in Riparian buffers – WORKSHOP

We invite you to a day-long workshop focused on two agroforestry practices, riparian buffers and silvopastures.  Silvopasture is the intentional management of trees, forage, and livestock on the same piece of land that can make for happy and healthy herds. The tree component of silvopasture systems can be managed for timber, livestock fodder, fruits and nuts, or all of the above. Riparian buffers are bands of trees planted parallel to creeks and can include fruits, nuts, florals, and more. Both practices bring trees back into farming and play an important role in improving our soil, water, and animal health.

The workshop will be held on November 8th from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm at Lord Fairfax Community College’s Fauquier Campus in Warrenton, VA. A $15 registration fee will cover lunch served on site.
For registration and more information about the event, please follow this link:
Please register by October 27th to secure your seat.
For additional questions, please contact Paxton Ramsdell at 540-231-0790 or pramsdel@vt.edu


3.
Saturday 10/18 Growing Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms
9am-noon at Sharondale Farm
Learn low-tech methods for outdoor cultivation of mushrooms for personal and ecological health.  Discover how to grow shiitake, oyster, garden giant, almond portobello, and reishi.  Activities and demonstrations include mushroom cultivation on logs, wood chips, compost, and seasonal oyster mushroom cultivation on pasteurized straw. Each participant will take home an oyster mushroom growing bag completed during the workshop. Register at http://www.sharondalefarm.com/product-category/workshop/.  Or call 296-3301 for more information.


4.
Lessons from the Mountain: 2014 Allegheny Mountain School Capstone Presentations

From studying alternative energy to nutrition and culinary education, growing food isn’t the only thing that has kept Allegheny Mountain School Fellows busy during their residency in Highland County at the AMS Farm site.  Please join the AMS Fellows at The Highland Center on Wednesday, October 15th at 6:30 pm as they share their Capstone Presentations with the community.  Light refreshments will be served.

For more information, please e-mail kayla@alleghenymountainschool.org, or contact the Allegheny Mountain School at (540) 468-2300.


5.
Dr. Elaine Ingham (www.soilfoodweb.com/ ) is coming to Virginia.  

On Dec 2-3, she will be at the Virginia Farm-to-Table Conference in Weyer's Cave (always an excellent conference).   On Dec 4, she will offer a full day training at the Extension Center at the VSU Carter Agricultural Center at the Randolph Farm  in Petersburg. (Address: Carter G. Woodson Avenue Petersburg 23806   Phone: 804-524-5151).  Either workshop is  $25 for book, workshop and meal.  Registration is through the Virginia Farm-to-Table website.  


6.
On March 7th – 14th, 2015, MSI will be hosting a 72-Hour Permaculture Design Certificate Course, taught by Wayne Weiseman of the Permaculture Project LLC at George Mason near D.C.  This course will be open to community members as well as Mason students. No prior experience necessary. The course will cover such topics as Plant Propagation, Seed Saving, Healthy Use of Animals in Permaculture Systems, Aquaponics, Renewable Energy and many more. Participants will earn a certificate in Permaculture Design, as well as Continuing Education units if requested at the start of class. This intensive course will take place from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm with breaks for lunch, and some additional evening activities with served dinner. Catered lunch and dinners will be provided, and a light breakfast fare with snacks will also be available. The total cost for this course is $1,100 with an early-bird special of $1000 before December 31st.
More information on the instructor, Wayne Weiseman, go to:  http://www.permacultureproject.com/
More information on the course can be found here: http://msi.gmu.edu/pdc.html


7.
From our Friends at Transition Cville:

Tuesday 10/7 Route 29 Proposed Solutions Public Hearing
5-7pm at Albemarle High School
VDOT will hold a open house style public hearing on the proposed designs for three of the Rt. 29 Solutions projects: the widening of Rt. 29 north of the river from Polo Grounds Road to the Hollymead Towncenter, the extension of Berkmar Drive, and the improvements at the Rio Road and Rt. 29 intersection.   http://www.cvilletomorrow.org/calendar/18932-rt-29-proposed-solutions-projects-public-hearing-/

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Tuesdays starting 10/7 Charlottesville Area Tree Stewards' Training Class
6-8pm at Albemarle High School
To become a tree steward, the first step is to complete the training class held on five Tuesday evenings through October and into November.  Topics will include tree identification, biology, roots and soil, riparian buffers, planting, tree care, pests, and much more.  $110.  For more information:  E-mail  2014catstrainingclass@gmail.comhttp://www.cvilletomorrow.org/calendar/19028--charlottesville-area-tree-stewards-training-class/

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Tuesdays 10/7-11/18 VoiCeS:  Learn to be an Active Watershed Steward
6-8pm at the Hilton Garden Inn, 1793 Richmond Rd.
This 7 week series of evening classes focuses on water quality and watershed stewardship. Course topics will include: local natural history and culture, restoration efforts, wetlands, native landscaping, agriculture, current legislation, advocacy, and more.  Successful graduates receive CBF's designation as "Chesapeake Stewards."  Registration deadline is Oct. 6 and space is limited.  Call Robert Jennings of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation at 484-888-2966 or rjennings@cbf.org for more info., or register at https://www.cbf.org/events/voices/va-charlottesville-registration.

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Wednesday 10/8 Rain Barrel Workshop
5:30-7pm at 706 Forest St., Suite G
This workshop includes a presentation on rainwater harvesting and full assembly of each rain barrel. Barrels are black, recycled plastic, approx. 60-gallon, food grade, and created to be rain barrels for your home and garden.  Registration is required by the first of the month.   $70/barrel.  Please contact Lauriston at Thomas Jefferson Soil & Water Conservation District to register 434-975-0224, ext. 107 or email lauriston.damitz@tjswcd.org

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Wednesday 10/8 Fall Ferment Fun
6-8pm at The Elderberry, 1917 Commonwealth Dr.
Want to become a Fermentation Artist at home?  Unlock your inner Fermenter!  Join Farmstead Ferment’s Kraut Creatress Chelsea Wakstein in learning about the history, culture, and health benefits of lactic acid fermentation. The class will focus on the practical application of vegetable fermentation techniques including the skills needed to make sauerkraut, kimchi and pickles. Class attendees will make sauerkraut to take home and be inspired to continue experimenting at home.  $15.  Register here:  http://www.elderberryherbals.com/calendar/

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Wednesday 10/8 Full Moon Elders Fire Circle
TBD at the EcoVillage, 480 E. Rio Rd.
On full moons for the rest of the year the Women's Experiential Empowerment group will lead a fire circle to honor our elders and mingle age groups.  Come on out for the first one! Contact Joanie for more information freeman.joanie@gmail.com.

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Thursday 10/9 Workshop:  Tractor and Implement Maintenace and Safety
3-5:30pm at Bellair Farm, 5357 Bellair Farm
Join the Local Food Hub for their first-ever workshop on basic maintenance and safety techniques for tractors! Todd Anderson, of James River Equipment and an Albemarle County beef cattle farmer, has extensive experience with and knowledge of tractors and heavy equipment of all makes and scales. Todd will discuss the main components of a tractor, provide tips on routine maintenance to keep your machine in tip-top shape, discuss troubleshooting strategies for when your tractor acts up, and will cover important safety practices. Bellair Farm will provide tractors for demonstration purposes. $15.  Please RSVP at http://localfoodhub.org/food-for-thought/workshop-tractor-and-implement-maintenance-and-safety/ .  For questions, please contact Adrianna Vargo, Director of Grower Services, at adrianna@localfoodhub.org.

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Saturday 10/11 Harvest Fest:  Demos, Tastings, and More in the Barn
9:30-11:30am at Bellair Farm, 5375 Bellair Farm
Bellair Farm will be hosting several guests to share their expertise on edibles.  Free.  http://bellairfarm.com/community/featured-events/

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Saturday 10/11 Archery and Arrowsmithing
10am-1pm at the Heritage Far, 214 Fredericksburg Ave., Louisa
This workshop aims to send you home with a hand fletched Arrow, in addition to, an awareness of how the skill development of archery can serve to develop technique, cooordination, character, and true focus.  Sponsored by the Louisa County Historical Society.  Materials fee $13.  http://www.louisacountyhistoricalsociety.org/events.htm

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Sunday 10/12 Food From Our Farms Dinner
6pm at Verulam Farm, 99 Bloomfield Rd.
A seasonal, local five-course menu with local wine pairing by area chefs.  Live music provided by local bluegrass band, Gallatin Canyon.  To reserve a ticket or sponsor a table contact Terri di Cintio at terri@localfoodhub.org or 434-244-0625.  http://localfoodhub.org/events/

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Monday 10/13 Skill Share:  Easy Winterizing 
7-8:30pm at the EcoVillage, 480 E. Rio Rd.
Tired of high winter electric bills, and having a breeze through your place? Living in an apartment and the landlord won't pay for insulation? Come and find out how you can lower your energy bills this year and stay warmer during the winter for less than $60 total for a one or two bedroom apartment.  Plus many more easy tips for renters and homeowners! Free.   http://www.transitioncville.org/get-involved/skillshare/upcoming-skill-share/

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Tuesday 10/14 Market Central:  Tortilla Making Class
6-8:30pm at The Haven at 1st. St. and Market St.
Learn how to make your own organic corn tortillas through a process called nixtamalization. Class participants will help to grind and press tortillas, and prepare an easy, delicious enchilada recipe three ways including vegan, vegetarian and meat options. All participants leave with a pack of Ula tortillas.  $25.  Sign up here:  http://marketcentralonline.org/2014/08/15/classes-fs/

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Sunday 10/19 Fall Rivanna River Sojourn
8:30am-1:30pm at the DGIF Boat Launch at Crofton
Join the Rivanna Conservation Society and Blue Mountain Sports for the Fall Rivanna River Sojourn.  Traverse the Rivanna with family and friends, view wildlife and birds, and help clean up the river as you go. All experience levels welcome.  Lunch provided.  Register at   https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/?sm=%2f%2fr5jNZjuDktIt4m%2fLvLgfAr6WaGcBNnVNpbVvmtEms%3d
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Sunday 10/19 2nd Annual Artisan Open House
12-4pm at Ash Lawn-Highland
Ash Lawn-Highland, in partnership with the Artisans' Center of Virginia, will celebrate the artisans whose work are featured in their Museum Shop Artisans’ Room. The Artisans’ Room showcases the work of juried Virginia artists and artisans. Handmade items include objects in wood, metal, glass, textile, and ceramic, and reflect some of the best local artistry.  This celebration will include demonstrations by several local artists and artisans, refreshments, and live music by acoustic soloist Timothy Seaman.  Free.  http://ashlawnhighland.org/event/artisan-open-house/

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Sunday 10/26 Homebrew for Hunger
1-5pm at Fifth Season Gardening, 900 Preston Ave.
 Come by to sample over 80 craft beers flowing from the taps of more than 40 local hobby brewers, plus small batches from craft brewers across the region. All proceeds (literally every penny) will benefit the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. For more info. or to get tickets visit http://www.etix.com/ticket/online/performanceSearch.jsp?performance_id=1847295

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Sunday 10/26 Gospel Choir Benefit Concert
3pm at The Haven at 1st St. and Market ST.
Join PACEM for a benefit concert featuring local gospel choirs "Voices of Unity" and "Annointed Voices".  All donations and proceeds will benefit PACEM.  For more information or to get involved contact Margurite at margurite.murray@regionten.org.

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Friday 11/7 Poultry Conference & Workshop
8:30-4pm at 6321 Holland Rd., Suffolk
Have you been thinking about raising poultry?  Are you ready to learn how to sell a few eggs or whole birds or just some eggs & mea for your family?  Do you have a pasture or large  backyard?  Then plan to attend the VA Cooperative Extension's workshop to learn how to raise poultry.  Topics covered will be housing, breeds, feeding, marketing, biosecurity, equipment and the realities of raising poultry.  $10, lunch included.  To register, please contact Susan Sharp at 757-514-4331.


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Sundays EcoVillage Workday and Potluck
1:30-5pm Workday, 5:30-7pm Potluck
Don't forget to stop by Charlottesville's EcoVillage to see what they're up to and how can you can participate!  Or, just come by the potluck to learn more.  http://ecovillagecharlottesville.org/


8.
Optical Surveying for Earthworks and Water
November 4-9th, Little Applegate Southern Oregon

This advanced permaculture course is offered by Siskiyou Permaculture with lead instructor Tom Ward.  Basic Surveying and layout are essential skill sets for every farmer, homesteader, designer and consultant.  In this 6 day course, Tom Ward teaches the use of many analog (non-battery operated) surveying tools, along with advanced skills in keyline, pond and swale layout, mapping and other core knowledge necessary for design and execution of permaculture projects.  Click here for Reviews of this popular course.

Early registration ends October 7thRegister now to save your place and get the best price.


9.
Using Cover Crop Mixtures Webinar on October 14
 

Join eOrganic for the first webinar of the fall 2014 season! In Using Cover Crop Mixtures to Achieve Multiple Goals on the Farm, a team of researchers at Penn State University will discuss the use of cover crop “cocktails” or mixtures to achieve weed suppression, nitrogen scavenging, nitrogen provisioning, and attracting beneficial insects and pollinators. Results from a study of winter cover crops in a grain and forage research project at the Penn State Rock Springs Research Farm and from several Pennsylvania farms will be shown. They will also review issues of cover crop timing, termination, and general management to aid in farmer insight and adoption of cover crop mixes.

The webinar takes place on Tuesday, October 14 at 2PM Eastern Time (1PM Central, 12PM Mountain, 11AM Pacific Time). The presentation will last an hour, followed by 30 minutes for questions. Attendees will be able to type in questions for the speakers. The webinar is free and open to the public, and advance registration is required. Register now at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/131444560


10.
James River Green Building Council

RICHMOND LUNCHEON: High Performance MEP and Net Zero Design
October 15th @ 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM| Speaker Patrick MacClenahan and Tom Simpson of Integral Group  This course introduces integrated design strategies used in the successful completion of high performance building projects including net zero energy projects. Participants will be introduced to a variety of HVAC, lighting and plug load approaches.  A closing case study will reinforce the presented strategies and use of integrated project workflows for sustainable design.  Location: Ellwood Thompson's Community Room

Our educational seminars are eligible for GBCI continuing education credit. Due to the increase in luncheon attendance and the size of our venue, we must cap registration at 20. Please register early to guarantee your spot! Register here.

CHARLOTTESVILLE LUNCHEON: Adapting Infrastructure for a Sustainable Future
October 14th @ 11:45 AM | William Lucy, the Lawrence Lewis Jr. Chair, and professor of Urban and Environmental Planning at the University of Virginia
Location: City Space  Get a deeper understanding of behavioral economics and the social psychology of everyday life as it relates to infrastructure and sustainability.

Register here.

GVGBC Launch and Social Event
October 29 @ 5:00 | Mosaic Restaurant 

Come out and support us on Wednesday, October 29th at Mosaic Restaurant as we launch our new name, logo, website, and organization: The Greater Virginia Green Building Council. The event will last from 5:00 to 9:00, and thanks to Mosaic's "Give Back" program, 13% of all proceeds from the evening go to GVGBC. We will hold a small presentation for our members, before turning the evening over to great food and drinks! Tell your friends, neighbors, and bring the whole family! Share this on Facebook, Twitter, and all social media. Registration is not required.

See our full calendar here.


11.
The Natural Nelson project records and promotes the biological and historical wealth of Nelson County, Virginia.

Volunteer-run walking surveys collect data on endangered and at-risk species, ecosystems, and historic sites on private property within Nelson County.  The data that volunteers collect will be used to defend private property and ecological integrity from forces hostile to the health and well-being of Nelson County and its residents.  Volunteers are encouraged to document their findings with text and images.  These will be featured on the Natural Nelson website so that the stories and beauty of Nelson County can be more widely recognized and supported.

There is currently a dire threat to ecological integrity of Nelson, and her surrounding counties from the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline carrying fracked natural gas to the coast for export.  The Natural Nelson project can provide a way for individuals interested in protecting the land from devastation to make their influence felt.

We are inviting all experts in rare and endangered species identification, at-risk habitat assessment, and historical site review to sign up with Natural Nelson.  These local experts will then be contacted by area landowners looking to document the ecological and historic richness on their property.  The data that is collected can be used to effectively oppose efforts to devastate the land.
Your knowledge is a true asset to the people and ecosystems of Virginia, especially in these times of threat to our communities' health and well-being.
We'd be happy to answer any questions you might have via email at naturalnelsonian@gmail[dot]com
NN

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Natural Nelson

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Upcoming events

Lots of great events in the Blue Ridge Bioregion coming up:

EARLY REGISTRATION DISCOUNT!!!
REGISTER ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 15 AND RECEIVE A $40 DISCOUNT TO PAY $555 FOR THIS AMAZING 6 DAY WORKSHOP
Regenerative Farm Enterprise Planning
With Eric Toensmeier, Rafter Sass Ferguson, and Elizabeth Ü
At Shannon Farm Community in Afton, VA (45 minutes from downtown Charlottesville, VA)
October 18-23, 2014
Scaling up ecological agriculture is one of the critical challenges we face in addressing climate change and the global food crisis. Integrated perennial farm businesses are a key part of the solution when planned and managed effectively; join us to learn and practice how!
This 6-day course integrates time-tested farm business planning tools with the holistic landscape planning of permaculture and cutting-edge creative financing strategies. Experienced leaders will guide participants through an intensive planning/design process, from initial visioning, through successional enterprise budgeting, to design of the farm landscape. In this dynamic course, participants will design in teams working on a shared project, with structured time for participants to integrate what they are learning with their own goals and projects. Special sessions will bring in the insight of experienced permaculture farmers.
TOPICS include:
  • identifying and prioritizing values and goals
  • land location and capability and land use planning
  • enterprise selection strategies with a focus on...
    regenerative farming practices and production systems: perennial and tree crops, managed grazing and livestock integration, and other practices
  • financial modeling, record keeping, and optimising financial sustainability
  • financing regenerative enterprises through community supported models, crowdfunding, and other creative methods
  • start-up and long-term development strategies on US permaculture farms
  • budgeting for integrated perennial and livestock systems
  • market research and strategies
Participants will come away with the skills necessary to build their own regenerative enterprise scenario, and a roadmap for fleshing it out into a full farm and business plan.
Cost for the course is a sliding scale of $595 - $895. Limited scholarships, work trade, and group discount options are available. To register or for more information contact Terry Lilley at tygerlilley@gmail.com or download the registration form.

www.blueridgepermaculture.net
2.
The 2014 Heritage Harvest Festival will be held on Saturday, September 13, at Monticello:

See many great permaculture presentations, including Christine Gyovai, Ben Kessler, Emily Axelbaum and many others!

The 2014 Heritage Harvest Festival will be held on Saturday, September 13, at Monticello: on the West Lawn, in the vegetable garden, and in the LEED-certified Visitor Center. The venue provides a beautiful showcase for the restored gardens and features the wealth of Monticello’s programs in not just gardening, but also natural history, foodways, and the roles of the entire plantation community. On Friday, September 12, there will be additional premium programming, including the Festival Keynote Presentation & Chef’s Harvest Dinner.
http://heritageharvestfestival.com/

3.
Saturday, August 16, 9:00 am
Native Plant Walk
Ivy Creek Natural Area, 1780 Earlysville Rd, Charlottesville, VA
Walk with Tana Herndon to see the spectacular late blooming wildflowers of summer. Cardinal Flower, Horsemint, Ground Nut, Boneset, and Jewelweed are among the flowers that bloom in August at Ivy Creek. We’ll also keep an eye out for lady tresses Orchids and Goldenrod. Co-sponsored by the Ivy Creek Natural Area. Meet by the kiosk near the parking lot. Free and open to the public.
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4.
Position Open- Veteran Farmer
Temple Hill Farm in Ivy, Virginia - Inquiries received through September 15, 2014
Seeking a Veteran-Farmer to establish farm business on 41 acres in central Virginia, west of Charlottesville. Applicant shall have recent military experience with an honorable discharge, be drug-free and have a comfort level with small-scale farming. Owner will consider options for farm production from vegetables to small-scale livestock, farmed organically or as close to natural as possible. Ideas for alternate enterprises are also welcome: native plant production, beekeeping, medicinal and culinary herbs, mushroom cultivation and/or farmed flowers.
Please note:  This is not a farm manager listing, rather an opportunity for a young, willing farmer to build a farm business on land under a long term agreement for it's use. See attached flyer for full details! 
Please send cover letter, resume and 2 references (name, phone, and email) to:
Laura Farrell, templehill1790@gmail.com.

5.
From our friends at Transition Cville:

 
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Thursday 8/14 Thinking Outside the Jar: In-home Canning (with a twist!)
5:30-6:30 at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 115 North East Street, Culpeper
Interested in prolonging the shelf life of those tasty local berries that you picked or purchased at the farmers market? Join Caroline Mello of Caroline’s Specialty Foods as she gives the basics of home canning, with the added twist of unusual flavors that enliven the palate. Come sample some of the flavors, such as Blueberry Lemon, Peach Balsamic, Cherry Amaretto, and Apple Jack (Daniels), and have a jam session about other unique flavor combinations.   Free. http://www.pecva.org/events/thinking-outside-the-jar-in-home-canning-with-a-twist

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Friday 8/15 Literature Reading
Lindsey Turner and Rebecca Taylor are the featured August readers at The Bridge PAI, located at 209 Monticello Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22902

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Saturday 8/16 The 3rd Annual Bike Walk Play JPA:  A Charlottesville Open Streets Event
9-noon at the 1 mile stretch from the JPA Bridge to the Harris/Camellia/JPA Ext. intersection
JPA will be open to any form of active travel and recreation: walking, biking, jogging, unicycling, skating, 'strollering', etcetera.  JPA will be closed to vehicle traffic, which will make a safe environment for kids and families to play, run, walk, and bike in the street. Organized activities will be grouped at 5 activity areas along the route, plus food and vendor stations.  Bike Walk Play JPA is open and free to the public, accessible for any age group or physical ability level, and on mostly flat terrain.  http://bikewalkplay.com/

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Saturday 8/16 Better World Betty's "Giving Grill"
11:30am-2pm at Whole Foods Market outdoor patio 
Enjoy a lunch of grilled vegan or beef burgers and hot dogs and 100% of the proceeds will help Better World Betty:  one of your favorite local sources for living lighter on the planet.  It’s move-in weekend for UVA students, so she'll have plenty of great college tips as well as back-to-school tips for students of all ages! http://www.betterworldbetty.org/events-2/

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Tuesday 8/19 Workshop:  Natural Plant Dyes
4-6pm at Bellair Farm, 5575 Bellair Farm
As part of Bellair Farm's summer workshop series, this event will be led by Pat Brodowski, Monticello vegetable gardener. $25.  Register at bellairfarm@gmail.com.  

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Tuesday 8/19 350.org Climate Action Potluck
6:30-8:30pm at the Friends' Meeting House, 1104 Forest. St.
Listen to the Green Grannies sing and discuss chapter plans for this fall.  With the issue of fracking and new pipelines in Virginia heating up, what different kinds of climate activism should the chapter focus on?  Bring your favorite dish for the Pot Luck!  http://350centralvirginia.org/

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Wednesday 8/20 Heirloom Tomato Dinner
6-9pm at The Market at Grelen at 15091 Yager Rd., Somerset
The Local Food Hub and The Market at Grelen are excited to announce their first collaboration! Together, they are creating a series of small farm to table dinners that feature and celebrate Virginia’s local produce, meat and cheese. Their first dinner is scheduled for August, and celebrated Chef Paul Deigl, of Real Food Catering, will be preparing a wonderful four-course “heirloom tomato dinner.” Local wine pairings for each course will be included.   Space is limited so please sign up early.  Cost is $125 per person and a portion of the profits will be donated to Local Food Hub.  Register herehttp://www.themarketatgrelen.com/store/p46/Heirloom_Tomato_Dinner%3B_Wed.%2C_August_20th%2C_2014.html

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Saturday 8/23 - 1st Jamaica Fest
5:30 - 9:00pm at Lochlyn House, 480 East Rio Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22901
Featuring Darryl Rose, who played with Bob Marley and the Wailers. Cary and Jay will be opening the evening with reggae sounds. Authentic Jamaican cuisine by Rochelle. Donations welcome.

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Saturday 8/23 Seed Saving Workshop
1-4pm at Living Energy Farm, 1022 Bibb Store Rd., Louisa
Living Energy Farm is holding a Seed Saving Workshop, following a work day in the morning where they will harvest their seed crops (and probably do some construction). The workshop will teach about growing, harvesting and cleaning open pollinated seeds using both wet and dry processing methods. They will likely be cleaning pepper, watermelon, or okra seeds.  Please RSVP a week in advance if you plan to attend.  http://www.livingenergyfarm.org/

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Saturday 8/23 Carpentry for Women
12-4pm at Heartmoor Farm Education Center, 801 Perkins Rd. Kent Store, VA 23084
$50.00 cost for class covering the basics of tool use, safety, fundamentals, hand and power tools.

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Friday 8/29 - Monday 9/1 Twin Oaks International Communities Conference
If you live — or want to live — according to the ideals of sustainability, cooperation and equality, come to the annual Twin Oaks Intentional Communities Conference this summer for a celebration of communal lifestyles and resource-sharing.  Network and learn about communities of all kinds — co-housing, co-ops, communes and ecovillages — at one of the best-known intentional communities in North America. At the conference, you can attend workshops and camp in a beautiful forest alongside fellow participants and be a part of a temporary, once-in-a-lifetime intentional community.  More information and registration at  http://www.communitiesconference.org/workshops/

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Wednesday 9/13 Through the Garden Gate 
9:00- 12:00pm at Piedmont Master Garderners Cooperative Extension, Albemarle Co. Office Building #5 - 2nd Floor, 460 Stagecoach Rd. Charlottesville, VA 22902
The 13th annual visit to local gardens in and around Charlottesville. No registration needed. Just show up. $5.00 entry to each garden.

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9/19 - 9/21 Transition Fall Equinox Women's Retreat 
Friday night to Sunday morning. Camping, meditation, herbalism, storytelling, learn new skills, sing a long by the campfire. A great chance to renew yourself for fall and make some new friends. Interested in planning or or being a part of it? Contact freeman.joanie@gmail.com

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Sunday 9/21 People's Climate March? 
The Central Virginia chapter of 350.org is looking for an indication of how many people want to go up to New York for the national 350 rally with Bill McKibben at the UN's next WTO meeting.  The Steering Committee wants to know the amount of interest in Charlottesville-Albemarle, so if you, your family, or friends are thinking of going, please email350cva@gmail.com with "NYC rally" as the subject line. They are considering carpooling and buses, so please state your preferences (such as if you would like to be a driver or passenger and how many you passengers you could take). A local solidarity rally is also under discussion.

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Volunteers Needed for Earth Week/Eco Fair Team
The Earth Week and Eco Fair teams are looking for volunteers to help on their board and on with other facets of their April events.  Roles include but are not limited to Volunteer Captain, EcoFair Captain, Rest-of-year Events Captain, Fundraising Captain, RaffleMaster, Marketing Captain, Webmaster, Secretary, Treasurer, MC, Education Planner, Vendor Coordinator, Photographer, Site Layout, Registrar, and Publicity.  If you're interested in helping a key Charlottesville event, then contact Eric Murphy at ewmurphy74@gmail.com . 

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Volunteers Needed for Better World Betty 9/12 CLIPS Beer & Film Night
Better World Betty is excited to once again be the non-profit beneficiary of the  CLIPS Beer and Film Night. New Belgium Brewing, maker of Fat Tire Amber Ale, is once again bringing its beer-toting, film-traveling, nonprofit-benefiting show to our backyard.  The best part is that 100 percent of beer sale proceeds will go to local nonprofits Better World Betty and Charlottesville Area Mountain Biking Club.  Betty could really use the help -- along the lines of 35 volunteers!  Please help to make the event a success by contacting Betty athttp://www.betterworldbetty.org/contact/

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Mini Eco Grants Available from Earth Week!
Earth Week is looking to keep the eco-energy going year round, and as
part of that effort launched the Mini Eco Grants program last
year.  Mini Eco Grants are small cash grants given to organizations
looking to start or continue great environmental projects. The
application is one page, making it easy to apply for if you're a
first time grant writer.  So, if you know someone who's got a project that needs a little jump start, please let them know that they can apply for a $100 Mini Eco
Grant between now and August 1.  Earth Week will do the same thing again each
month for the rest of the year.  Click here to download the application, and remember to keep it down to one page!

********************
Help End Pesticide Use in Charlottesville City Parks and Schoolyards!
The Piedmont Group of the Sierra Club recently launched a campaign for Pesticide Free Parks & School Grounds.  Please sign the petition which states:  "We request that the Charlottesville City Council end the use of lawn & garden pesticides on all parks, school yards, athletic fields and other city-owned properties."  To sign, simply send an email to jcruickshank4@gmail.com.  Then forward this information along to your friends!

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Help 350 Central Virginia get solar power installed on Albemarle Schools!
Sign their petition and help move our community closer to a sustainable future:

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events 

June 2014

Greetings all,
 
Below is an amazing collection of upcoming permaculture, sustainability and farming events in the central Virginia bioregion, including some wonderful upcoming classes and workshops this weekend and a great BRPN workshop in October with Eric Toensmier, Rafter Sass Ferguson, and Elizabeth U. We are going to move to a bi-monthly newsletter format for the next while.  If you know anyone else that would like to sign up for this newsletter, they can sign up here.  If you have an announcement, email us at blueridgepermaculture@gmail.com for the next monthly e-newsletter. Click here to view this email as a webpage. 
Also – post your own events on the BRPN Yahoo listserve  or the BRPN Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blueridgepermaculturenetwork/
 
Best,
Christine, Terry, Emily and the BRPN team
www.blueridgepermaculture.net  


 
1.
Regenerative Farm Enterprise Planning
With Eric Toensmeier, Rafter Sass Ferguson, and Elizabeth U
October 18-23, 2014
At Shannon Farm Community in Afton, VA
 
Scaling up ecological agriculture is one of the critical challenges we face in addressing climate change and the global food crisis. Integrated perennial farm businesses are a key part of the solution when planned and managed effectively;
Join us to learn and practice how!
 
This 6-day course integrates time-tested farm business planning tools with the holistic landscape planning of permaculture and cutting-edge creative financing strategies. Experienced leaders will guide participants through an intensive planning/design process, from initial visioning, through successional enterprise budgeting, to design of the farm landscape. In this dynamic course, participants will design in teams working on a shared project, with structured time for participants to integrate what they are learning with their own goals and projects. Special sessions will bring in the insight of experienced permaculture farmers.
 
Cost for the course is a sliding scale of $595 - $895. 
To register or for more information contact  tygerlilley@gmail.com or visit www.blueridgepermaculture.net
 
 
2.
WHAT:  Cultivate C'ville Urban Farms & Gardens Tour
 
Our community is bursting with love for local food. This summer, Cultivate C'ville wants to give you the opportunity to meet the urban farmers and gardeners increasing access to locally-grown food right here in our city! Explore urban homesteads, neighborhood farms, community gardens, and school gardens that are raising everything from fruits and vegetables to dairy goats and honey bees! Learn how these projects got their start and how they’re cultivating both food and community in Charlottesville city neighborhoods. Leave inspired. Stay connected and support your urban food system!
 
WHEN: Saturday, June 21st, with tours offered at 9:30, 10:30, and 11:30am.
 
WHERE: Visit www.cultivatecville.com for tour site bios and a map!
 
Sign up for our email list or like us on Facebook for the latest!
 
 
3.
2014 Bellair Farm Workshop Series
 
‪This year we are excited to be bringing experts from the Charlottesville area to share their knowledge and experience through series of workshops here at the farm.  Ranging from topics like cheesemaking and fermentation to beekeeping and natural pigment dyes, we're offering workshops that focus on food preparation and preservation, self-reliance skills, and sustainable agriculture.  Individual workshops are $25 each, or $20 if you sign up for 3!   Below is the schedule as it stands.  Each workshop is from 4-6pm unless otherwise noted.  Please visit www.bellairfarm.com for more details, and e-mail bellairfarm@gmail.com to register.
  
June 17

June 24
Water Bath Canning with Leni Sorenson, Culinary Historian & Teacher of Rural Life Skills
Backyard Beekeeping with Chiron Aldebaran
July 1

July 12
July 15
July 29
August 12
August 19
September 2
Raising Chickens for Meat & Eggs with Leni Sorenson, Culinary Historian & Teacher of Rural Life Skills
Yoga with Children with Laura Rogers of Bend (9:30-10:15am, $20)
Seed Saving with Pat Brodowski, Monticello Gardener
Cheesemaking: Fresh Lactic Cheeses with Kyle Kilduff of Twenty Paces
Yoga with Children with Laura Rogers of Bend (4:00-4:45pm, $20)
Natural Plant Dyes with Pat Browdowski, Monticello Gardener
Cheesemaking: Enzymatic Brined Cheeses with Kyle Kilduff of Twenty Paces
September 23Soil Health in your Garden with Mark Schonbeck, VABF
October 7Eat More Mushrooms! With Mark Jones, Sharondale Farms
 
 
4.
21st Annual Southeastern Permaculture Gathering 
Celo, NC, Friday August 1 – Sunday August 3 
Pre-gathering Workshops Thursday, July 31st 
www.southeasternpermaculture.org  
2014
Hello Friends and Family!  We are excited about this year's gathering happening  August 1st- 3rd, 2014. Our theme will be “Time for Change” and together we’ll explore how making changes can actually make our lives more meaningful. . . 

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN
 
Contact Kimchi Rylander at registrar@southeasternpermaculture.org or phone 828 669 7552
 
 
5.
From our friends at Cville / Albemarle Transition
 
********************
Wednesday 6/11 Earth Week Planning Meeting
7-8:30pm at the Eco Village, 480E. Rio Rd.
If you're interested in becoming part of the Earth Week planning committe, please come meet the group.  Come out to a meeting, and then help put together next year's Eco-Fair!  Earth Week is organized primarily by volunteers, many of whom are active environmentally-oriented community members, business owners, students, retirees, and . . . maybe you!  http://www.earthweek.org/
 
********************
Thursday 6/12 From Small Farm Dream to Reality
5:30-6:30pm at Moving Meadows Farm Market, 254 E. Davis Street, Culpeper
Join James and Holly Hammond of Culpeper's Whisper Hill Farm as they share their story of creating a successful farm business on a few acres – and making it their full time job! Whisper Hill produces vegetables, flowers and herbs without pesticides, fertilizers, or other chemicals. Learn about their journey and get inspired to dig up your turf.  This event is part of a summer community speaker series sponsored by Piedmont Environmental Council. Come meet your farming neighbors and develop your own gardening and foodie dreams. Free.http://www.pecva.org/events
 
********************
Thursday 6/12 Green Drinks
6pm at Three Notch'd Brewing Company, 946 Grady Ave.
Green Drinks is an organic, self-organizing network of folks who think green and/or work in the environmental field.  It's a great way of catching up with people you know or for making new contacts.  http://www.greendrinks.org/index.php?city=Charlottesville&country=USA
 
********************
Thursday 6/12 Parks Garden Program Review
6-8pm at Carver Recreation Center, 324 4th St., NW
You are invited to a discussion regarding the City's policies and procedures that guide the allocation and management of annual garden plot rentals at City parks.  Please join Parks and Recreation staff and fellow garden plot renters on  for this important discussion.
 
********************
Saturday 6/14 Benefit Breakfast for PACEM
8am-1pm at Vinegar Hill Café, 233 4th St. NW
Vinegar Hill Café will host a pancake and bacon breakfast fundraiser for PACEM (People and Congregations Engaged in Ministry). The pancake buffet includes syrup, toppings, bacon, and beverages. Tickets are $8.00 and are available at the door. $2.00 of each ticket redeemed will benefit PACEM, which brings together the faith community of the greater Charlottesville area in providing temporary shelter, compassionate support and access to services for individuals who are homeless so they can move to a stable housing solution. http://pacemshelter.org/
 
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Saturday 6/14 Common Ground's 3rd Annual Sit-A-Thon 
10am-noon at The Haven, 112 Market St.
Common Ground will be hosting its third annual Sit-a-Thon fundraiser, a community meditation event. This event is open to all levels: those experienced in meditation as well as complete beginners are welcome.  Pat Coffey, a Senior Teacher in the Insight Meditation tradition, will lead a one-hour community meditation with a reception to follow.  For more information or to create your own sponsor site, go to  http://www.commongroundcville.org/workshops-special-events/2nd-annual-sit-a-thon/
 
********************
Saturday 6/14 Grace Church Historic Farm Tour
10am-4pm at Grace Church, 5607 Gordonsville Rd., Keswick
Grace Episcopal Church in Keswick will be hosting its self-driven tour of six historic farms, the Keswick Hunt Club and an old fashioned country fair at the Church.  The old-fashioned Country Fair held at Grace Church will feature 4-H animals, local artisans, music and jugglers, activities for children, civil war re-enactors, and food trucks.  Tickets are available online at http://www.gracekeswick.org/ for $15 until the day of the event. Day of they are $20 (children 12 and under are free).
 
********************
Saturday 6/14 Hand Tool Sharpening Workshop
1-3pm at Living Energy Farm, 1022 Bibb Store Rd., Louisa
This workshop will focus on sharpening simpler tools such as knives, chisels, hoes, as well as sharpening hand saws and other forestry and woodworking tools if there is interest. Requested $25 donation, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.  Please RSVP to livingenergyfarm@gmail.com or call 434-282-6471 if you plan to attend.  http://www.livingenergyfarm.org/
 
********************
Sunday 6/15 Maker Madness Freestyle
10am-3pm at Tinkersmiths, 1229 Harris St. Unit #1
Sunday is work on your own project day. Bring an idea, a kit, a book, or just arrive for some external inspiration.  Your project can be something you can work on for an hour or over the course of many months.  As usual arrive with curiosity and leave with a smile and a little more knowledge.  Want to network with other makers, artists, engineers or crafters? Tinkersmiths is the place. http://www.meetup.com/Central-Virginia-Makers/events/184216362/
 
********************
Monday 6/16 Cville Vegetarian Festival Planning
7-8pm at the Eco Village, 480E. Rio Rd., Lochlyn House
The Charlottesville Vegetarian Festival could not be all that it is without the help of volunteers. Come by the planning meeting to see how you can lend a hand for this great event.  Contact hfcusa.org@gmail.com for more information.
 
********************
Tuesday 6/17 Water Bath Canning
4-6pm at Bellair Farm, 5275 Bellair Farm
As part of Bellair Farm's 2014 Workshop Series, Leni Sorenson, Culinary Historian and Rural Life Skills Teacher will show you the wonders of water bath canning at home.  It’s never too early to store your fruits and veggies for the wintertime!   $25.  Register to bellairfarm@gmail.com .  Find out what else Leni is up to at http://theviewfromindigohouse.com/ 
 
********************
Tuesday 6/17 Writing Workshop
6-8pm at the Eco Village, 480E. Rio Rd., Lochlyn House
Are you facing a personal or creative challenge? Trying to figure out your next move? In this contemplative writing workshop, titled "Tapping the Secrets of the Blank Page and You", explore the glorious possibilities of pen, paper, and you. Learn more and sign up via email through lesley@inkandinquiry.com or call 434 989-8261.
 
********************
Wednesday 6/18 Bike and Pedestrian Plan Update Kick-Off
4:30-6:30pm at CitySpace, Market Street Parking Garage
100 Fifth Street, NE
The 2014 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update is the next phase of making a bicycle, pedestrian and multi-use trail connections in the City. The Master Plan Update will focus on integrating the on-street and off-street networks identified in past planning efforts to create safe, comfortable transportation corridors that appeal to a wide range of users of all abilities. Results of the online interactive map will be available for review and comment at this first public workshop. http://www.charlottesville.org/index.aspx?page=1309
 
********************
Wednesday 6/18 Dinner and Bikes
7-10pm at The Bridge PAI, 209 Monticello Rd.
Come on out for a traveling road show of vegan food and bicycle inspiration!   Joshua Ploeg will delight with a vegan and gluten free buffet dinner, Elly Blue will present about Bikenomics and the economic case for bicycling, and Joe Biel will show either a program of short films or his new feature-length documentary, Aftermass, about the history of bicycle activism in Portland.  Plus, you can see Megan Bent’s Exhibition "There Is A Crack In Everything, That’s How The Light Gets In" about biking and disability up in the gallery.  The event is followed with a book signing, discussion of local issues, and perusing the traveling bookstore.  Seating is limited – email info@thebridgepai.org to reserve a seat.  Sponsored by the City of Charlottesville and The Bridge PAI.
 
********************
Wed. 6/18 Cville TimeBank Orientation
5-7pm at the Central Library (6/10), Jefferson Room (session at 5pm or at 6pm), or 5-7pm at Main Street Market, 418 W. Main St. (6/18)
We all have things to offer, we all have things we need.  Learn about Charlottesville's fun, friendly community for exchanging services like garden help, hair cuts, music lessons, and more!  Drop in to learn how TimeBank works, get to know the software, and sign up as a new member.  Plan to spend 45 minutes to an hour getting acquainted with timebanking, and the software used to track exchanges.  And, if you bring a laptop or wi-fi enabled tablet, they can get you started on the spot! http://cvilletimebank.com/
 
********************
Thursday 6/19 Better Business Challenge Awards Night
5:30-8pm at The Paramount on the Downtown Mall
The Better Business Challenge is rolling out the green carpet!  An Oscars-style event, Challenge Awards Night recognizes the 75+ local businesses, schools, and churches that have stepped up and made a deeper commitment to sustainability. In addition to awarding this year’s champions and top innovators, the night will include live music, prizes, photo-ops, and local celebrity special guests!  Food and drink are included in your ticket price. All members of the community are invited.  Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Purchase your tickets at The Paramount box office http://www.theparamount.net/category/events/ or by contacting info@cvillebetterbiz.org.
 
********************
Saturday 6/21 Water Monitoring Training
9am-3pm at Ivy Creek Education Building, 1780 Earlysville Rd.
Learn from Trout Unlimited (TU) how to monitor water quality throughout Marcellus Shale regions in Virginia’s national forests.  Wild Virginia will host this one-day training for citizen volunteers to learn how to properly conduct water quality monitoring which includes how to conduct chemical monitoring on water samples, measure stream flow, test water temperatures and turbidity and conduct visual assessments.  No prior experience necessary, but a serious commitment to ongoing monitoring once per month is expected. Free.  Sign up below at http://www.wildvirginia.org/recreation/?action=evregister&event_id=25
 
********************
Saturday 6/21 Laugh Your Way to Transcendental Bliss Mini-Retreat
1-4pm at the Gordon Ave. Library
A new study shows laughter sets off brain wave patterns (gamma) quite similar to those generated when experienced meditators apply their mindfulness skills. What if you combine the two to play with the experience of super-charging our gamma waves? Mirthful laughter followed by meditative silence, followed by more laughter, then more silence, and so on? Om yeah!  You don't need to be in shape to practice Laughter Yoga. If you can laugh, no matter what your mobility, you'll be able to participate.  Please email Leigh, yogalaughs@gmail.com, to register or join on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/events/1399274077022359/?ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular 
 
********************
Monday 6/23 Transition Town's Monthly Potluck & Discussion
7-8:30 at the Eco Village, 480E. Rio Rd., Lochlyn House
Join Transition Charlottesville Albemarle for an informal meal and conversation about all things sustainable in our community.  This month we'll be discussing the documentary "Gasland II" about fracking in the US.  Even if you haven't seen the film, we'll make sure you have the information to take part in the discussion.   If you can, bring your own place setting and a dish to share.  All are welcome!
 
********************
Tuesday 6/24 Beginning Beekeeping
4-6pm at Bellair Farm, 5275 Bellair Farm
As part of Bellair Farm's 2014 Workshop Series, Chiron Aldebaran, a local beekeeper with 7 years experience,  will teach you how to get your start in beekeeping on a small scale. This 2 hour course will teach newcomers and amateur hobbyists about how to get bees, where to acquire equipment, how to paint hives, install bees, feed them, and perform basic hive management practices through all seasons.  There will not be any live bees at this class, so protective equipment is unneccesary.  $25.  Register to bellairfarm@gmail.com.
 
********************
Saturday 6/28 Introduction to Construction Workshop
9am-4pm at The Living Energy Farm, 1022 Bibb Store Rd., Louisa
Nina Cohen will cover a number of elementary construction concepts, including the basics of accurate measuring, marking, and layout. The workshop will also include tutorials on several hand tools and power tools. This year they'll have more shelter and protection from the heat as the workshops will be held in their new kitchen.  A second construction workshop open only to women will be held later in the summer.  LEF asks for a $40 donation the workshop, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Please RSVP livingenergyfarm@gmail.com or call 434 282 6471 if you plan to attend. http://www.livingenergyfarm.org/
 
********************
Thursday 6/26 The Hidden Value of Eating Local
5:30-6:30pm at Culpeper Museum, 113 S. Commerce Street, Culpeper
If you're weighing the cost and health benefits of buying local, join Susan and Dean Vidal of Brightwood Vineyard and Farm in Madison County to discuss how to get the most from your investment in locally grown food. The hidden value isn't just in the form of better nutrition, but also supporting the growth of locally owned businesses.  Free.  http://www.pecva.org/events
 
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Sunday 6/29 Hunted and Gathered Dinner to Support PEC
5pm at Grace Estates, 5273 Mount Joliet Farm, Crozet
Take a step back in time with a hunted and foraged dinner set inside a teepee in a secluded area of Grace Estates, with guest chef Matt Greene of JM Stock Provisions. Wines from Grace Estates will be paired with a four-course rustic dinner. Proceeds support The Piedmont Environmental Council. Tickets are $100 and registration will open soon at http://www.hillandholler.org/events.php
 
********************
Announcing the new Events Calendar for Ecovillage Charlottesville
So many great events going on at the Ecovillage and the Center for Healthy Living!  You'll want to add this link to your favorites to stay informed: http://ecovillagecharlottesville.org/calendar/ .  Then make sure to attend their first house concert with celebrated Harpist/Storyteller, Eve Watters on June 22. 
 
********************
Sundays Ecovillage Work Party
1:30pm-5pm, potluck from 5:30-7pm at the Ecovillage, 480 E. Rio
The newly forming Lochlyn Ecovillage needs lots of help to make the land and the facilities as inviting and accessible as possible. Come for as much time as you want, or even just for the potluck dinner.  The work may include gardening, yard work, and landscaping, cleaning or minor maintenance working, or whatever other tasks need to be done that day.  Contact Dave Redding for more information: scpaddler@hotmail.com.
 
********************
Help 350 Central Virginia get solar power installed on Albemarle Schools!
Sign their petition and help move our community closer to a sustainable future:
https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/solar-power-for-albemarle-schools


6.
The Virginia Herb Festival  
June 14th and 15th at the Sunflower Cottage from 9:00 until 6 :00 each day
Admission
$5 per person with FREE Parking. Children under 12 accompanied by an adult, get in FREE 
 
The Virginia Herb Festival at The Sunflower Cottage
150 Ridgemont Road
Middletown, Virginia 22645
http://sunflowercottage.net/
 
 
7.
Sacred Plant Traditions  - Great Clinical classes 
http://www.sacredplanttraditions.com/
June 18th or 19th   9am - 4pm
Herb/Drug Interaction and Intro to Phytopharmacology
 With Mimi Hernandez, MS, RH(AHG) comes from a background as a clinical herbalist, educator, and ethnobotanist. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the American Herbalists Guild. She formerly served as the Director of the Appalachian
 
 
Healing and Releasing Trauma, Pain and Victimness
Friday        June 27        10am - 3pm
 
 Energetic Healing from an Indigenous Perspective
 Saturday       June 28        10am - 4pm
 
Working with Animal Medicines
Sunday         June 29            9am - 3pm
 
On our final day, we will learn how plants carry certain animal spirits within themselves. We will talk about when to use certain animal medicines and of the plants that carry different animals. We will be using song, herbs and meditation for each class.
 
Six Week Introduction to Herbal Healing
 
Starting next Tuesday!
Tuesdays  June 17 – July 22
Evenings Only  6:30 – 8:30pm
 
This six week series is great for beginners as well as those who want to deepen their knowledge and use of herbal medicine. This course will include history, herbal actions, apothecary practices, recipes, sacred use of plants and more. The weeks fly by as we spend time in the classroom, the kitchen, the lab and best of all, the garden. We will learn how to identify basic back yard medicines as well as those cultivated in the garden. We will learn harvest techniques, how to dry and preserve our medicines.
Fee $250 (Deposit: $50).
Fee includes all materials & text.
More Information and Registration
 
Woodland Walk - July 26 9:30 - 11:30
 
Shirlea is a professional forester and herbalist and has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the language of trees both from an ecological standpoint as well as medicinal uses. While the focus of these walks is tree identification, there will be a lot more information shared. All walks will be held at Walnut Creek Park and directions will be sent with registration. Class is limited to 13 participants.   $30.00  Information and Registration
 
Margi Flint Diagnostic tools and Clinical Pearls
 http://www.sacredplanttraditions.com/
 
         
9.
Join the Allegheny Mountain School for a FREE film showing of GROWING CITIES, an exciting documentary about urban farming across America on Thursday June 19th at 7 pm, reception at 6:30 pm. Healy Hall, 1 Cardinal Drive, VA School for the Deaf and Blind, Staunton. Free!
 
We've partnered with Transition Staunton Augusta and the new VSDB Educational Farm at the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind to offer this film showing.  We'll also host a pre-screening reception and post-screening discussion.
 
Come at 6:30pm for a reception in Healy Hall* (the VSDB auditorium), where you can graze on farm fresh foodstuffs from the VSDB Educational Farm and mingle with some of the Fellows and staff of the Allegheny Mountain School and folks from Transition Staunton. 
http://alleghenymountainschool.org/


10.
June 14th, 2014 Medicine Makers at Forrest Green Farm
Welcome to the third season of Medicine Makers!  Medicine Makers is designed to assist those who already have a foundation in the use of herbs for nutrition and medicine, by offering a place to come together in community to share our knowledge and experiences in Herbal Wisdom and create medicines fresh from the herb gardens on the farm. It is expected that participants joining the Medicine Makers community have a good foundation in herbal medicine, either through Forrest Green Farm’s Whole Living Course, or a similar course in herbal education. Each month we will see what herbs are at their prime to create a variety of nutritive and medicinal herbal items that may include vinegars, honeys, tinctures, oils, salves and flower essences.  We welcome you to be a participant each month.  The sharing of knowledge within the herbal community will enhance all who participate as we continue to be amazed at the healing properties of the plants on both physical and energetic levels.  You will be encouraged to connect with the plants from which your medicines are made, realizing the importance of intention in the creation of herbal medicines. We will gather each month 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
http://www.forrestgreenfarm.com/classes-events/medicine-makers/
 
 
11.
Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program
Application deadline June 12, 2014
 
The news here is that the BFRDP has been reinstated at a robust funding level, and the Virginia Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coalition Program (VBFRCP), originally launched with BFRDP funding, is now applying for additional BFRDP funding to continue and expand its program, which helps aspiring and beginning producers in Virginia to learn about whole farm planning, sustainable production practices, marketing, business management, and offers mentoring and other learning / training opportunities, as well as a "certified farm seekers" program to help aspiring farmers gain access to farmland. The VBFRCP includes over 25 partners (farms, nonprofit organizations like Virginia Association for Biological Farming, SustainFloyd, and Appalachian Sustainable Development, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and other agencies.  
 
VABF and SustainFloyd intend to continue their whole farm planning training programs under the new grant, assuming that we receive funding.
 
For more information on the VBFRCP, visit www.vabeginningfarmer.org, or contact the program coordinator, Dr. Kim Niewolny at Virginia Tech, tel: 540-31-5784, email niewolny@vt.edu
 
For more information on the BFRDP and this year's request for applications, visit http://sustainableagriculture.net/ blog/2014-bfrdp-rfa/ - links to additional information including the Request for Applications is available at this site.

 
12.
Virginia Natural Resources Leadership Institute
The Virginia Natural Resources Leadership Institute invites you to join the next class of leaders! Our leadership program consists of three-day sessions in six different locations around Virginia to focus on current and difficult 
environmental issues. We use a proven mix of mini-lectures, experiential role plays and exercises, stakeholder panel discussions and field trips on specific environmental hot topics to build your competencies in environmental issues, collaborative problem solving, and leadership. Applications are due June 13, 2014.
 
Read more about our program on our website.
Also, please be aware that it is now possible, after many requests, to 
attend just one of the six sessions as "single session" attendee.  More information and the application information can be found here.
 
For questions, please contact Program Manager Kelly Altizer - 434-924-6569 ; kaltizer@virginia.edu 
 
 
 13.


Backyard Poultry Workshop 
Saturday, June 14, 9 a.m. to 12 
 
Cost for the workshop is $10 per person and includes brunch and a complimentary copy of The Small-Scale Poultry Flock. Harvey Ussery, author of The Small-Scale Poultry Flock, and Molly Sharp, owner of Hanover County-based Fiddlesticks Farm, will speak on backyard poultry production.
Registration is required and will be capped at 40 participants. Interested persons must register online or call the Hanover-Caroline SWCD office at  (804) 537-5225, ext. 102.
For more Information, contact Pattie Bland – ppbland@hanovercounty.gov  (804)537-5225 x115
 
 
 14.
Fauquier Farmscaping Workshops
June 25th, 6 to 8 PM
Please join us at Fauquier Education Farm for this exciting workshop on using Farmscaping techniques in your garden to create the best possible habitat for all the good bugs out there. These beneficial insects naturally prey on a wide variety of garden pest, and all they will ask of you is to
mix the right kinds of flowering plants with your crops. Working with nature is a lot smarter and cheaper than fighting against it.
 
Contact Jim Hankins, Coordinator of The Fauquier Education Farm, if you
have any questions: 804.892.4492 
 
 
15.
Community DIG RVA  (Do it Green)
Join us for a day of adventure exploring possibilities of community living in Richmond. Engage with others sharing visions of how to build green community. DIG into ideas of green building, creating diversity, group decision making, local food, community gardens  and permaculture
 
Date: June 14, 2014. 8 AM - 5 PM
Location: Richmond Friends Meeting House
4500 Kensington Avenue
Richmond, VA 23221-2301
 
We are having workshops on:
- green building 
-local food, community gardens, permaculture
-group process, decision making, governance
-diversity (racial, intergenerational, economic), 
 
Registration - $22 includes lunch & refreshments
 
To register visit our website: www.communitydigrva.com 
 
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/communitydigrva
 
Questions contact us at - Email address: communitydigrva@gmail.com
 
 
16.
Water Resource Design Workshop
3 full days, July 26-28
Ashland Oregon
Instructors: Tom Ward (Tomi Hazel), Karen Taylor and Melanie Mindlin
 
Learn how to integrate and balance water resources on a small homestead or farm in Southern Oregon with Siskiyou Permaculture.  We will explore strategies for drought proofing, rainwater harvesting, greywater, irrigation district water utilization, small scale carbon farming and horticultural self-reliance based on careful use of water.  Summer is a great time to design water systems in preparation for doing earthworks in the fall and harvesting rainwater for the following year. This course uses the design charette format and students will produce conceptual designs.  More information and registration on our website at siskiyoupermaculture.com.
 
 
17. 
My name is Amanda R. Wilson. I am a Shenandoah Valley local and recent graduate of James Madison University. I just got back from a 6-month long farming internship at an organic permaculture farm in Costa Rica, during which I completed a month-long permaculture certification course. I am back in the Valley for the spring and summer season and I am looking for local, eco-conscious farms to work with. Being that I am new to the local premie scene, I was wondering if you guys had any resources or knew of anyone that needed some help! Contact
Amanda Wilson thaanksdesign@gmail.com for more information.
 
 
18.
Permaculture Design Course Through the Heart (PDCTTH)
 
Wed October 01 –Tue October 28, 2014 
Jiwa Damai, Mambal, Bali, Indonesia
 
This innovative program integrates the core principles of Permaculture design with Self exploration from a transpersonal psychological perspective. Experiencing Permaculture through the heart presents a unique opportunity to combine classroom Permaculture learning with “hands-on” experience, complementing the active physical engagement with the soil with an inner attitude of appreciation and loving alignment with the earth.
 
Sign up for our email list or like us on Facebook for the latest!
For further details please inquire: info@jiwadamai.net
or visit our website at www.jiwadamai.net
 
 
19.
Tenderfoot Farm and Artist Retreat, in Ashland, Virginia, is looking for a couple or single person to bring it to life. Trained in Biodynamic farming or organic practices a must. First hand experience with pigs or chickens a plus, or a willingness to do the research. An ability to use a chainsaw and fill a wood shed a plus. The ability to build fences and animal coops a plus. Having an artistic vision a plus. You are reliable, friendly, artistic (music, cooking, visual), keep an immaculate house, enjoy people and can share your space, have an immense need to grow things, and are a non smoker. In exchange for your gifts you will be housed free of rent and enjoy 2 houses and 93 acres to yourself most of the time, with occasional visits from us and artists  Please submit an introductory letter about yourself, your farming experience, and your vision along with your résumé.  Raasa Leela and Charles de Montebello
raasaleelademontebello@gmail.com
 
 
20.
Unusual and Beautiful 52 acre Farm in Staunton – secluded and quiet yet only 8 minutes  to 81 and 64
Organic certification possible immediately ( no spraying done on premises for 10 years)
Great candidate for permaculture and grass-fed livestock. Mostly pasture but about 10 acres in mature hardwoods.
Not too isolated either ( 8 minutes to downtown Historic Staunton and 45 minutes to Charlottesville)
Stunning Remodeled 4 bedroom 3 bath Virginia farmhouse with too many extras to detail, lots of mature shade trees and
very picturesque views.
Large tenant cottage with 2 bedrooms, full bath rents easily or use for farm help.
Huge Bank barn with facilities for any kind of livestock.
Very strong well. Presently cross-fenced for both cattle and horses.Riding Ring for your horses with beautiful views.
This is a unique property backing up to watershed land and is well protected from future encroachment by development.
Offered at $985,000. Please contact 540-290-6138 or email elfarm@aol.com
 
 
21. 
Farmers Market and Local Foods Promotion Program
Application deadline June 20, 2014
 
 
On May 8, Agricultural Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that an expanded Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program, funded by the 2014 Farm Bill, has now issued a Request for Applications, with a deadline of June 20.  From National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, http://sustainableagriculture.net/blog/ release-time-to-apply-for-local-farm-and- food-grants-and-loan-guarantees/ : 
The Agricultural Marketing Service, which administers FMLFPP, posted the Request for Applications (RFA) for $15 million in grants for direct-to-consumer outlets on their webpage shortly after the Secretary’s announcement.  The RFA for the $15 million in grants for local and regional food enterprises has been posted on a different AMSwebpage.  Applications are due June 20, 2014
 
For more information on the FMLFPP, visit http://sustainableagriculture.net/blog/ local-food-funding-open/
 



22.

Business & Industry Guaranteed Loan Local Food Enterprise Program Reach Extended
From National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
 
In addition to FMLFPP, Secretary Vilsack announced the availability of $48 million in loan guarantees for local and regional food enterprises through the Business & Industry Guaranteed Loan Program (B&I) with the addition of an important clarification to help extend the program’s reach to help more farmers in rural areas. Federal loan guarantees are particularly important for start-up businesses in emerging sectors like local and regional food where commercial and other lenders are new to the sector and business models.  Applications for these loan guarantees are accepted on a rolling basis.  Applicants should refer to the B&I webpage and contact their local Rural Development office for details.
http://sustainableagriculture.net/blog/release-time-to-apply-for-local-farm-and-food-grants-and-loan-guarantees/ 
 
23.
Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program offers Technical Assistance Grants and Loans
Applications deadline June 30, 2014
 
On Tuesday, May 20th, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced in the Federal Register aNotice of Funding Available (NOFA) totaling approximately $25.5 million for the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP) for fiscal year 2014.  Of this amount, USDA expects to make approximately $1.5 million available for microlender technical assistance grants and $24 million available for loans.  The anticipated award announcement date is September 1, 2014.  According to the NOFA, MDOs may borrow a minimum of $50,000 and a maximum of $500,000.
 
The deadline for submitting an RMAP application is Monday, June 30, 2014, and application materials must be sent to sent to the applicant’s local USDA Rural Development State Office.
 
The application form, checklist, and NOFA for the current RMAP funding round are available here.
 
For additional details on the FY 2015 appropriations process, please check back on the NSAC blog or sign up for regular NSAC updates under “Stay Connected” on our homepage.
 
24.
PERMACULTURE DESIGN COURSE -- 2014 Summer/Fall  near Charlottesville
 
$150 (Approximately 30 Spaces Available) -- REGISTER TODAY -- Call Rahul Maitra at 914-806-4811 and e-mail: DesignPermaculture@gmail.com
 
Course Dates (classes are from 10am - 6pm):
Sunday - June 8, 2014
Sunday - June 15, 2014
Sunday - June 29, 2014
Sunday - August 3, 2014
Sunday - August 10, 2014
Sunday - August 17, 2014
Sunday - August 24, 2014
Sunday - September 7, 2014
Sunday - September 14, 2014
Sunday - September 21, 2014
Sunday - September 28, 2014
Sunday - October 5 2014
Sunday - October 12, 2014 ----- we may or may not need this date