Greetings All,
Happy New Year! Below you will find info on the upcoming spring Permaculture
Design Course and several wonderful events in the near future.
For more information about the upcoming permaculture course, see our website:
www.blueridgepermaculture.net (check out the blog as well). If you know anyone
else that would like to sign up for this newsletter, or if you have an
announcement, email Christine at christinegyovai@gmail.com for the next update,
which are sent monthly.
Best,
Christine and the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network team
1.
Spring Permaculture Design Course: Sustainability Strategies for the Blue Ridge
over 5 weekends in spring 2009
- Feb. 13-15, Feb. 28-Mar. 1, Mar. 14-15, Mar. 27-29, and April 4-5
Concerned about Peak Oil? Climate Change? Economic Uncertainty? Get Solutions!
This 72 hour certificate course is a rare opportunity to learn from some of the
best teachers in the permaculture movement including Ted Butchart, Christine
Gyovai, Dave Jacke, Dave O’Neil, and Joel Salatin.
Topics include permaculture ethics and principles, observation and patterns in
nature, and permaculture strategies to improve soil, grow food, harvest water,
utilize renewable energy and regenerative building techniques, and build
sustainable communities.
Price is discounted through January 15th – REGISTER TODAY!
For more information, contact Terry Lilley at tygerlilley@gmail.com or visit
the website www.blueridgepermaculture.net.
2.
The next Transition Blue Ridge meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 12th at
the Charlottesville Community Design Center/City Space. There will be a
potluck "meet & greet" at 6:30 p.m. and then a showing of the excellent film
"The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil." A description of the
film is below. Please bring your own drink and eating utensils. For more
information on Transition Blue Ridge, please see the website:
http://www.relocalizecville.org/. We look forward to seeing you there!
Here is a description of the film straight from it's website at
www.powerofcommunity.org:
When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1990, Cuba's economy went into a tailspin.
With imports of oil cut by more than half – and food by 80 percent – people
were desperate. This film tells of the hardships and struggles as well as the
community and creativity of the Cuban people during this difficult time. Cubans
share how they transitioned from a highly mechanized, industrial agricultural
system to one using organic methods of farming and local, urban gardens. It is
an unusual look into the Cuban culture during this economic crisis, which they
call "The Special Period." The film opens with a short history of Peak Oil, a
term for the time in our history when world oil production will reach its
all-time peak and begin to decline forever. Cuba, the only country that has
faced such a crisis – the massive reduction of fossil fuels – is an example
of options and hope.
We'll be at the Charlottesville Community Design Center/City Space meeting room
on the Downtown Mall (on the backside of the Market Street Parking Garage,
upstairs from Bashir's and the post office). For more information on CCDC,
please see the website at: www.cvilledesign.org. CCDC is located at 100 Fifth
St. NE on the second story of the Market Street parking garage overlooking the
east end of Charlottesville's Downtown Mall.
3.
There is a "Growing Mushrooms at Home" workshop scheduled for Saturday March
14th from 9am-12pm at Sharondale Farm near Charlottesville.
GROWING MUSHROOMS AT HOME
This workshop introduces mushroom life cycles and mushroom ecology and
demonstrates simple methods for outdoor log cultivation of gourmet and
medicinal mushrooms. Participants will inoculate logs and install a woodchip
bed with a gourmet mushroom that grows among garden plants. Each person will
receive a bag of spawn to start their own home mushroom garden. Space is
limited. Please contact Mark Jones for registration and more information. p:
434-296-3301; email: info@sharondalefarm.com
4.
Energy Matters Workshop in Charlottesville, VA
Featured Workshop - January 14, 2009
Social hour with refreshments:5:00pm - 6:00pm
Workshop:6:00pm - 7:30pmNetworking:7:30pm - 8:00pm
Look Forward to Rainy Days
This session will focus on water conservation, rainwater catchment, and local
efforts to protect and maximize this precious and vital natural resource.
Speakers:Alyson Sappington (TJSWCD) and Jennifer Watson (City of
Charlottesville)
Refreshment Sponsor:The Habitat Store
http://www.greenmatters.info/
5.
Coming to the Charlottesville Community Design Center (CCDC) gallery in
January, SPARK! presents Energy Matters, an interactive installation devoted
to the importance of energy - what we use, where it comes from and what we
can do to prepare ourselves for a widespread switch to clean and renewable
energy sources. This exhibit will offer practical information that can be
immediately applied to reducing household energy use, including the resources
and incentives that are available to help. The exhibit opens on Friday,
January 2 and will run through the month of January. Please join us for a
First
Fridays opening reception on January 2 from 5-8 pm. Regular gallery hours are
Monday through Friday 10 am – 5 pm with extended gallery hours on Friday,
January 9 from 5-8 pm.
http://www.cvilledesign.org/
In conjunction with this exhibit, CCDC is pleased to announce a series of free
community workshops focused on what local residents and businesses can do
to save energy dollars and help reduce Charlottesville’s carbon footprint.
The
workshop series will be hosted at CCDC and is free and open to the public.
Please help spread the word!
Tuesday, January 6, 6-7:15 pm, Home Energy $avings 101
This free seminar will cover what cost effective things homeowners can do to
improve the comfort of their homes while saving money and energy. Light
refreshments will be served. Free and open to the public. Please RSVP to
gilchrist@cvilledesign.org by January 5.
Tuesday, January 13, 6-7:15 pm, Virginia’s Energy Policy Future
Reforming energy policy in Virginia to advance energy efficiency can boost the
economy, create jobs, and eliminate the need for any more polluting power
plants in the state, all while saving money for consumers and businesses. This
training will give you the knowledge and tools to demand change from
Richmond and help put Virginia on the path to clean energy.
Wednesday, January 14th, 6-7:15 pm, Home Energy $avings for Renters
This workshop will focus specifically on what renters can do to cost
effectively reduce their utility expenses and make their living space more
comfortable. Free and open to the public. Please RSVP to
gilchrist@cvilledesign.org by January 13.
Wednesday, January 21, 11:30-1:30 pm, The Business Case for Energy
Efficient Apartments
Presenters Tom Kavounas of Albemarle Heating and Air and Dr. Robert Somers
of 2rw Consultants will discuss why energy efficient buildings are not only
important for the community and environment, but also good for the bottom
line. Subject matter will be geared toward large-scale residential landlords.
This workshop is by invitation only. Please contact gilchrist@cvilledesign.org
for more information.
Wednesday, January 28, 6:00 – 8:30pm
In partnership with the Downtown Business Association of Charlottesville
(DBAC), CCDC will host a panel discussion entitled, “How energy efficiency
can
save money and create opportunities for environmental stewardship.”
Panelists include Tom Kavounas of Albemarle Heating and Air, Ben Taube of
Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance and Dr. Robert Somers of 2rw
Consultants. This panel discussion is being offered to DBAC members and is
by invitation only. Please contact gilchrist@cvilledesign.org for more
information.
6.
Beekeeping class
http://www.virginiabeekeepers.org/classes.htm
Central Virginia Beekeepers Association will present a joint City/County
sponsored course for new or prospective beekeepers. The course will cover
‘the life and times’ of the honeybee, setting up a hive, seasonal
management and honey production and much more. One session (exact date TBA,
weather dependent) will be held outside with bees, one student’s name will be
drawn for a colony of bees. Registration is being taken through the Albemarle
County Parks and Recreation Department. For further details contact the P&R
Department at (434)296-5844 or visit their website at
http://www.albemarle.org/department.asp?section_id=1827&department=parks.
Location: County Office Building 5th Street,
1600 5th Street, Meeting Room A
Thursdays 7:00 – 9:00pm
Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26
Cost: $25 per person
7.
Vintage Virginia Apples upcoming workshops (near Charlottesville)
http://vintagevirginiaapples.com/events.htm
February 21, 2009: Planning and Planting the Home Orchard from 10:00 a.m.-3:30
p.m. Guest speaker is Rich Marini, joining Tom Burford and the Vintage Virginia
Apples staff. A comprehensive workshop on planning, managing and cultivating
the home orchard. A tour of Rural Ridge Orchards will be included. Workshop
Cost: $85.00
1) February 14, 2009 and 2) February 28, 2009: Pruning Workshop from 9:00
a.m.-12:00 noon. Careful pruning ensures a more bountiful harvest. Find out how
much to prune, where to make the pruning cuts, and when it should be done. This
workshop is paired with the Grafting workshop, but you may choose to take it
separately. Note that both workshops are available on two separate dates.
Choose the one that best suits your schedule. Workshop Cost: $25.00, box lunch
available for $10.00.
1) February 14, 2009 and 2) February 28, 2009: Grafting Workshop from 1:00-4:00
p.m. Since apples do not reproduce true from seed, propagation depends on
grafting the desired variety onto a reliable rootstock. Rootstock will be
available for this workshop, and experts will guide you in the fine art of
grafting. This workshop is paired with the Pruning workshop, but you may choose
to take it separately. Note that both workshops are available on two separate
dates. Choose the one that best suits your schedule. Workshop Cost: $25.00, box
lunch available for $10.00
8.
January 16th and 17th
Future Harvest presents the Mid-Atlantic Sustainable Agriculture Conference:
Connect Locally
On January 16 and 17, 2009, aspiring, transitioning, and experienced farmers
will come together with regional buyers, backyard gardeners, parents, students
and others interested in local foods to share information and learn about
sustainable agriculture at the 10th Annual Conference of Future Harvest – A
Chesapeake Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture (CASA). The 2009 conference
theme, “Connect Locally: Food, Farms and Communities,” emphasizes making
and sustaining connections between producers and consumers.
Location: Holiday Inn and Conference Center in Frederick, Maryland
http://www.centerforruralculture.org/events.php
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Saturday, January 10, 2009
National Day of Service to Local Farmers
Please see the below message that was forwarded to me recently about a very creative and worthwhile project. Please visit the link and sign up or contact the sponsor (name and contact info below) directly if you have further questions. I understand that this event may evolve into a community support group to aid farmers on an ongoing basis.
Thanks,
Denise Murray
Dear friends,
I am participating as a leader in the upcoming National Day of Service
on MLK day.
My event is designed to help local farmers with unfinished tasks, and
to demonstrate
our willingness to provide a safety net for those who feed us in
Charlottesville.
If you would like to join us, please go to
http://www.pic2009.org/page/event/detail/4jrhz
to sign up for this event, and forward it to friends if you wish!
With great hope,
Carroll Ann
Carroll Ann Friedmann
Liam Buckley
Xavier, Ander and Paul
carrollannwish@earthlink.net
Thanks,
Denise Murray
Dear friends,
I am participating as a leader in the upcoming National Day of Service
on MLK day.
My event is designed to help local farmers with unfinished tasks, and
to demonstrate
our willingness to provide a safety net for those who feed us in
Charlottesville.
If you would like to join us, please go to
http://www.pic2009.org/page/
to sign up for this event, and forward it to friends if you wish!
With great hope,
Carroll Ann
Carroll Ann Friedmann
Liam Buckley
Xavier, Ander and Paul
carrollannwish@earthlink.net
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Client Questionnaire
Hello!
I am starting to work up design plans for a few friends who want to grow some food in their yards. To that end, I am putting together an initial set of questions to help focus our direction and activities. I would really appreciate some of you looking over the questions I have come up with so far and then adding, critiquing and otherwise giving me your input.
Maybe, together, we could put together a nice questionnaire for all to share.
Here's what I have come up with so far. Of course, the answers would lead to discussion but at least this could be a way for the homeowner to start bringing their thoughts together.
You can email me with your thoughts. vickycp@ntelos.net
Home Owner Questionnaire
Your Mental Picture:
What is your overall goal for your yard?
How do you see your yard looking in 3 years?
On a scale from 1-5 (5 being A LOT), how much do you care what your neighbors think of your yard?
Choose one (or add your own) description of how you envision your yard: 1. Neat grass, defined walkways, trimmed bushes. 2. Small amount of grass, large mulched areas with fruit trees. 3. No grass, fruit trees with ground cover planted around them and raised vegetable beds in between with an herb garden by the back door. 4. A food forest surrounding the house (and maybe growing up the walls).
Do you want to grow annual vegetables?
How important is your front lawn or your back yard?
What would you MOST like to grow?
What else would you like to grow?
Are there certain plants you really do or don’t want/like?
Do you want to grow fruits? Bushes or trees?
Would you rather wait and spend less or have fruit sooner and spend more?
Are you interested in community gardening (shared gardening space)?
Your Input:
Do you want to garden? How many hours per week?
Would you rather hire someone to do the gardening? Or to do the bigger, infrequent tasks (mulching, pruning)?
Any physical limitations or allergies?
What equipment do you have? Shovels, hoes, rakes, mower, weed eater, roto-tiller?
How much gardening experience do you have?
Do you plan on canning, drying or storing excess produce?
Design considerations:
What are the restrictions you or your neighborhood places on your front or back yard?
Where are annual vegetable beds acceptable?
Where are fruit trees acceptable?
Where is fencing acceptable?
Can you apply mulch easily (hills or other obstacles)?
Are pots of plants or vegetables on the porch/deck allowed?
What is the water/irrigation system?
Do you or can you catch rain water from your roof?
Any animals digging or children playing in the yard?
Can existing trees be removed to increase sun exposure?
Have chemicals been applied to the lawn?
Does the house have exterior lead paint?
How large is the deer/rabbit/raccoon/groundhog population around your house?
Are there any resources to which you have easy access (cardboard, leaves, mulch, compost, plants)?
Thanks!
Vicky
I am starting to work up design plans for a few friends who want to grow some food in their yards. To that end, I am putting together an initial set of questions to help focus our direction and activities. I would really appreciate some of you looking over the questions I have come up with so far and then adding, critiquing and otherwise giving me your input.
Maybe, together, we could put together a nice questionnaire for all to share.
Here's what I have come up with so far. Of course, the answers would lead to discussion but at least this could be a way for the homeowner to start bringing their thoughts together.
You can email me with your thoughts. vickycp@ntelos.net
Home Owner Questionnaire
Your Mental Picture:
What is your overall goal for your yard?
How do you see your yard looking in 3 years?
On a scale from 1-5 (5 being A LOT), how much do you care what your neighbors think of your yard?
Choose one (or add your own) description of how you envision your yard: 1. Neat grass, defined walkways, trimmed bushes. 2. Small amount of grass, large mulched areas with fruit trees. 3. No grass, fruit trees with ground cover planted around them and raised vegetable beds in between with an herb garden by the back door. 4. A food forest surrounding the house (and maybe growing up the walls).
Do you want to grow annual vegetables?
How important is your front lawn or your back yard?
What would you MOST like to grow?
What else would you like to grow?
Are there certain plants you really do or don’t want/like?
Do you want to grow fruits? Bushes or trees?
Would you rather wait and spend less or have fruit sooner and spend more?
Are you interested in community gardening (shared gardening space)?
Your Input:
Do you want to garden? How many hours per week?
Would you rather hire someone to do the gardening? Or to do the bigger, infrequent tasks (mulching, pruning)?
Any physical limitations or allergies?
What equipment do you have? Shovels, hoes, rakes, mower, weed eater, roto-tiller?
How much gardening experience do you have?
Do you plan on canning, drying or storing excess produce?
Design considerations:
What are the restrictions you or your neighborhood places on your front or back yard?
Where are annual vegetable beds acceptable?
Where are fruit trees acceptable?
Where is fencing acceptable?
Can you apply mulch easily (hills or other obstacles)?
Are pots of plants or vegetables on the porch/deck allowed?
What is the water/irrigation system?
Do you or can you catch rain water from your roof?
Any animals digging or children playing in the yard?
Can existing trees be removed to increase sun exposure?
Have chemicals been applied to the lawn?
Does the house have exterior lead paint?
How large is the deer/rabbit/raccoon/groundhog population around your house?
Are there any resources to which you have easy access (cardboard, leaves, mulch, compost, plants)?
Thanks!
Vicky
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Upcoming events
Greetings All,
Below you will find info on upcoming spring Permaculture class, a Rain Barrel workshop (Saturday), the next Relocalize Cville meeting, a pruning workshop, the next Green Matters workshop, the Bioneers conference, the DC Green Festival (both this weekend), a Women in Green presentation, the GreenBuild 2008 conference and a Local Futures conference.
For more information about the upcoming permaculture course, see our website: http://www.blueridgepermaculture.net/. If you know anyone else that would like to sign up for this newsletter, or if you have an announcement, email Christine at christinegyovai@gmail.com for the next update, which are sent monthly.
Best,
Christine and the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network team
1.
Spring Permaculture Design Course: Sustainability Strategies for the Blue Ridge
over 5 weekends in spring 2009
- Feb. 13-15, Feb. 28-Mar. 1, Mar. 14-15, Mar. 27-29, and April 4-5
Concerned about Peak Oil? Climate Change? Economic Uncertainty? Get Solutions!
This 72 hour certificate course is a rare opportunity to learn from some of the best teachers in the permaculture movement including Ted Butchart, Christine Gyovai, Dave Jacke, Dave O’Neil, and Joel Salatin.
Topics include permaculture ethics and principles, observation and patterns in nature, and permaculture strategies to improve soil, grow food, harvest water, utilize renewable energy and regenerative building techniques, and build sustainable communities.
For more information, contact Terry Lilley at tygerlilley@gmail.com or visit the website www.blueridgepermaculture.net.
2.
RAIN BARREL WORKSHOP
Join us Saturday November 8th
From 9am-12pm near Meade Park
to learn about rain water catchment. Brian Buckley of harvesting rain will demonstrate how to choose a site for your rain barrel, adapt gutters and downspouts, and construct a stand and direct overflow to drain properly. This workshop is designed as a starter for people who want to learn how to set up a rainwater catchment system for use at their home.
The course fee is $60, which includes a blue 55 gallon food grade rain barrel. Each additional barrel will be $45.
For more information email: brianbuckley4@yahoo.com or call 434.296.3963
3.
Green Matters Workshop
November 12, 2008
Social hour with refreshments: 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Workshop: 6:00pm-8:30pm
Passive/Active Solar and Other Alternative Energy Sources: Part 2 (EXPANDED WORKSHOP SESSION!)
A continued look at passive/active solar, then we'll move to a broader examination of other energy sources. Common filters will include value engineering, design consideration, technological and market trends, and homeowner motivations.
Speakers:Fred Oesch (Oesch Environmental Design) and Paul Risberg (Altenergy, Inc.)
http://www.greenmatters.info/
4.
Edible Landscaping Events
Pruning 101 at Edible Landscaping with Pierre Constans
November 22, 2008 1pm to 3pm
Pruning 101 to free people with pruning paralysis.
Hands on workshop! Bring gloves, pruners, loppers and warm clothing and hat. Pierre will explain the fundamentals of pruning: why, when, how and the lingo!
We will briefly expound on Fibonacci numbers, spirals and how it applies to pruning trees. We will cover fruit trees, berry bushes, grapes and kiwis.
Aspiring grafters will learn how to store their scion wood for grafting!
Attendance limited to 15.
Participation $25 (no one turned away for lack of funds, contact Janet)
Information: www.ediblelandscaping.com
email: info@ediblelandscaping.com
5.
Baltimore Bioneers
This year, Baltimore again joins seventeen other cities across the country hosting a broadcast of the Bioneers Conference. The Baltimore event, “Baltimore Bioneers'08: Cultivating Change. Inspiring Solutions.” will take place from Friday, November 7 through Sunday, November 9, 2008 at Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) and will feature screenings from the national conference along with live panel discussions, local speakers, workshops, and entertainment.
The annual Bioneers Conference presents leading scientists and social innovators who are creating practical solutions to help restore the Earth’s imperiled ecosystems and heal our human communities. Presenters at the 2008 Bioneers Conference will discuss some of the most important topics of the day including:
• How to dramatically reduce global warming pollutants from energy production;
• New, nontoxic technologies that emulate nature’s design genius;
• The best green business practices;
• How to build conservation-based, cooperative communities; an
• New strategies for safeguarding human rights and the environment.
The conference features a recording of the satellite downlink of the Bioneers Conference in San Rafael, CA to each of the participating regional Beaming Bioneer events. Please visit the Bioneers website at bioneers.org for more information about the Bioneers Conference and our partnership.
http://www.cultivatingchange.org/
6.
Washington DC Green Festival
At the Washington DC Green Festival™, a joint project of Global Exchange and Co-op America, we’re celebrating what’s working in our communities—across the District, Maryland and Virginia—for people, for business and for the environment.You’ll enjoy more than 125 renowned speakers and 350 green businesses (start your holiday shopping now!), great how-to workshops, green films, a Fair Trade pavilion, yoga classes, organic beer, delicious organic cuisine and live music.Find out about DC environmental initiatives; and learn how neighbors, community nonprofits and city departments are working together to make their cities healthier places to live.
http://www.greenfestivals.org/washington-dc-2008/
7.
Charlottesville Relocalization Group Meeting: November 10
The next meeting of the Charlottesville Relocalization Community is scheduled for Monday, November 10th at 7PM. We'll be in the Madison Room of the Central Library on Market Street (the McIntire Room was already booked).
On the agenda thus far:
· Review of the “Transition Initiative” concepts
· Putting together our Steering Committee (step #1 in the Transition Town “12 Steps”)
· Finalizing the name of our group
· Defining our bioregion
· No doubt, a few surprises!!
If there is something you'd like to add to the agenda or if you have any questions, comments, thoughts or ideas, please contact Dawn Story at dawn@newmoonnaturals.com. Or just show up!
At our last meeting, we went through the Transition Town Primer and 12 Steps in order to familiarize ourselves with the "transition" concept. To get caught up and to access the Primer and 12 Steps, go to: www.transitiontowns.org.
To view the notes from our last meeting on October 20th, please scroll down below, or go to the website (www.relocalizecville.org) and then to Forum/General Topics/Meeting Notes: October 20, 2008.
Hope everyone is enjoying the fall!
8.
Women in Green, Tuesday, November 11, 7-9 pm at CCDC Is there a greener gender? Studies show that women are more likely than men to support environmental causes through voting, activism, and consumer choices. What are the implications for the design industry? Does sustainable design have special appeal for women, and do they in turn offer something unique to the field? In Women in Green: Voices of Sustainable Design, Kira Gould and Lance Hosey explore these questions through informal conversations with architects, designers, consultants, policymakers, educators, and students. What they find is that women may be changing how we all see our world and our work. On November 11, the authors will host a reception and panel discussion featuring Karen van Lengen, Beth Meyer, Kristina Hill, Allison Ewing, and others. Audience participation is highly encouraged. Mingling before and after. Wine and cheese will be served. http://www.ecotonedesign.com/womeningreen/index.html
9.
GreenBuild 2008
Boston - the historic cradle of the American Revolution, home to innovations that have far-reaching impact and the perfect place to celebrate Greenbuild 2008's theme of "Revolutionary Green: Innovations for Global Sustainability." Join us at the U.S. Green Building Council's Greenbuild International Conference and Expo in Boston , November 19-21, 2008.
Buildings play a critical role in protecting and improving our environment and the health of the people who occupy them. USGBC's Greenbuild conference and expo is an unparalleled opportunity to connect with other green building peers, industry experts, and influential leaders as they share insights on the green building movement and its diverse specialties.
http://www.greenbuildexpo.org/
10.
Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission, is partnering with the Fluvanna Master Gardeners to offer a
free composting workshop
on Saturday, November 22, 2008 from 10-11:30 AM at the Lake Monticello Volunteer Fire and Rescue building, 10 Slice Road, Palmyra, Virginia, 22963. We'll give away five compost bins, with an additional 25 available at $20 each. The bins are nothing fancy, but I used a similar one for several years: http://www.prestoproducts.com/consumer/garden/bins.htm The ones for sale are being offered at cost. The Master Gardeners will also offer advice on various other methods such as sheet and hole composting, windrow, heap or pile composting, composting-in-place or no-till composting, and covered-bin composting. Light refreshments will be served (i.e. donuts or bagels, coffee, and juice).
11.
Local Future
Paths to Sustainability
* Conference on Michigan's Future- Nov. 14-16, 2008 **Crystal Mountain Resort, Thompsonville, MI*
"*The Conference of Michigan's Future: Energy, Economy & Environment
*" looks at the challenges of the
monetary crisis and the oil crisis and proposes realistic, job
creating solutions for Michigan.
Over two-dozen speakers are confirmed including *Richard Heinberg*,
Albert Bates, Ellen Brown, Paul Murray, Tony Earley, and Jerry Norica.
If you care about Michigan's future, take a moment to visit the
Michigan Conferenceweb site and
consider participating to help create a brand new vision for Future
Michigan.
*Conference on Peak Oil & Climate Change - Online*
Local Future hosts the * International Conference on Peak Oil and
Climate Change: Paths to Sustainability*.
The inaugural conference features 50 presenters including Richard
Heinberg, Julian Darley, Dr. David Goodstein, Megan Quinn Bachman,
Stephanie Mills, and Pat Murphy.
/*NEW!* /- Watch conference presentations & download podcasts for
free.
*Introduction to Local Future*
Unemployment, inflation, war, peak oil, climate change, biodiversity
loss, overpopulation -- global problems that need local solutions.
Local Future helps communities develop compassionate, sustainable,
local, systems to provide jobs, food, energy, transportation, and
essential services.
Local Future Network members develop these systems by helping their
community to transition from /dependent units/ of the failed global
economy; to /independent cultures/ of compassionate, sustainable,
local economy.
*Global Problems*
The global economic system creates problems which threaten humanity
and the planet:
* peak oil
* climate change
* over population
* resource depletion
* widespread pollution
* misallocation of power
* institutional cruelty
* economic instability
* environmental destruction
* geopolitical conflict & war
This unsustainable global economic system fails to protect humans,
the environment, and the natural systems on which all life depends. It does not meet the long term goals of civilization.
When a system fails to such a catastrophic degree, it is time for
change.
*Local Solutions*
New local systems must be developed that are grounded in a value
system of truth, compassion, understanding, sustainability, renewal
and community. Developing new systems takes dedicated individuals
who share the common value system, walk a common path, and move
towards a common vision of the future. Local systems are needed to
provide:
* *jobs - *that are challenging, safe and community oriented
* *money* - community currency that creates jobs, motivates
progress and reinforces values
* *food* - that is nutritious, compassionate, sustainable,
organic and available year-round
* *energy - *heat, electricity and fuels from renewable sun,
wind, water and biomass sources
* *transportation - *utilizing ride sharing, mass transit,
community vehicles and human power
* *homes* - safe, comfortable and welcoming, zero energy new
homes and retrofits
* *water* - fresh, clean, free water that is owned and managed
locally
* *waste management** - *emphasizing reduce, reuse and recycling
* *health care - *high quality, low cost, community based
services and prevention
* *education* - local teachers dedicated to providing continuing
service
* *security * - utilizing open communication, problem solving,
education and dialogue
* *entertainment - *opportunities for all to participate and enjoy
* *culture* - celebrating diversity and history
* *spirituality** - *inviting all people to explore the deeper
questions of life
Members of Local Future Network communicate and meet to learn,
support, plan, and act. They take the initiative to increase
independence for themselves and their communities. Their shared
value system of truth, compassion, understanding, sustainability,
renewal and community guides their actions toward a vision of a
prosperous local future.
*Join Local Future*
You are invited to make the future a better place.
Join the Local Future Network.
The Conference on
Michigan's Future
Energy, Economy & Environment*
Crystal Mountain Resort, Thompsonville, MI
Friday, Nov. 14 - Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008
*
Local Future Videos
Lights, Camera, Action for Sustainability
Local Future published the following videos for educational use. These videos, when combined with recommended resources, provide an excellent start on learning how and why we will be living a local future.
Peak Oil: The Energy Crisis of Oil Supply Depletion
Aaron Wissner, 10 min
Supply, Demand and Price: The Economics 101 of Peak Oil
Aaron Wissner, 1 min
Conference Welcome and the Greening of Grand Rapids Michigan
George Heartwell, 10 min
Peak Oil and Energy Explained by Dr. Vernon Ehlers, U.S. Representative
Vernon Ehlers, 14 min
Peak Oil (and Gas Prices) in Five Slides
Aaron Wissner, 3 min
What Does it Take to be Sustainable? Some Examples
Aaron Wissner, 9 min
Beyond Sustainability: Surviving Peak Oil and Climate Change
Pat Murphy, 38 min
Surviving Peak Oil, Thriving in Community
Megan Quinn Bachman, 33 min
Peak Oil: How do we know? Is recession coming? What about insurance?
Aaron Wissner, 3 min
Crude Awakening: Peak Oil and the End of Cheap Energy: Part 1
Tim Hudson, 1 hour
Crude Awakening: Peak Oil and the End of Cheap Energy: Part 2
John Richter, 1 hour
Re-Energizing America: Rescuing America from its Costly Fossil Fuel Addiction
Dan Chiras, 1 hour
Curtailment & Community: Survival Strategies for Peak Oil & Climate Change
Megan Quinn Bachman, 20 min
Interview with Megan Quinn Bachman on Peak Oil and Community Solutions
Megan Quinn Bachman, 15 min
Below you will find info on upcoming spring Permaculture class, a Rain Barrel workshop (Saturday), the next Relocalize Cville meeting, a pruning workshop, the next Green Matters workshop, the Bioneers conference, the DC Green Festival (both this weekend), a Women in Green presentation, the GreenBuild 2008 conference and a Local Futures conference.
For more information about the upcoming permaculture course, see our website: http://www.blueridgepermaculture.net/. If you know anyone else that would like to sign up for this newsletter, or if you have an announcement, email Christine at christinegyovai@gmail.com for the next update, which are sent monthly.
Best,
Christine and the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network team
1.
Spring Permaculture Design Course: Sustainability Strategies for the Blue Ridge
over 5 weekends in spring 2009
- Feb. 13-15, Feb. 28-Mar. 1, Mar. 14-15, Mar. 27-29, and April 4-5
Concerned about Peak Oil? Climate Change? Economic Uncertainty? Get Solutions!
This 72 hour certificate course is a rare opportunity to learn from some of the best teachers in the permaculture movement including Ted Butchart, Christine Gyovai, Dave Jacke, Dave O’Neil, and Joel Salatin.
Topics include permaculture ethics and principles, observation and patterns in nature, and permaculture strategies to improve soil, grow food, harvest water, utilize renewable energy and regenerative building techniques, and build sustainable communities.
For more information, contact Terry Lilley at tygerlilley@gmail.com or visit the website www.blueridgepermaculture.net.
2.
RAIN BARREL WORKSHOP
Join us Saturday November 8th
From 9am-12pm near Meade Park
to learn about rain water catchment. Brian Buckley of harvesting rain will demonstrate how to choose a site for your rain barrel, adapt gutters and downspouts, and construct a stand and direct overflow to drain properly. This workshop is designed as a starter for people who want to learn how to set up a rainwater catchment system for use at their home.
The course fee is $60, which includes a blue 55 gallon food grade rain barrel. Each additional barrel will be $45.
For more information email: brianbuckley4@yahoo.com or call 434.296.3963
3.
Green Matters Workshop
November 12, 2008
Social hour with refreshments: 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Workshop: 6:00pm-8:30pm
Passive/Active Solar and Other Alternative Energy Sources: Part 2 (EXPANDED WORKSHOP SESSION!)
A continued look at passive/active solar, then we'll move to a broader examination of other energy sources. Common filters will include value engineering, design consideration, technological and market trends, and homeowner motivations.
Speakers:Fred Oesch (Oesch Environmental Design) and Paul Risberg (Altenergy, Inc.)
http://www.greenmatters.info/
4.
Edible Landscaping Events
Pruning 101 at Edible Landscaping with Pierre Constans
November 22, 2008 1pm to 3pm
Pruning 101 to free people with pruning paralysis.
Hands on workshop! Bring gloves, pruners, loppers and warm clothing and hat. Pierre will explain the fundamentals of pruning: why, when, how and the lingo!
We will briefly expound on Fibonacci numbers, spirals and how it applies to pruning trees. We will cover fruit trees, berry bushes, grapes and kiwis.
Aspiring grafters will learn how to store their scion wood for grafting!
Attendance limited to 15.
Participation $25 (no one turned away for lack of funds, contact Janet)
Information: www.ediblelandscaping.com
email: info@ediblelandscaping.com
5.
Baltimore Bioneers
This year, Baltimore again joins seventeen other cities across the country hosting a broadcast of the Bioneers Conference. The Baltimore event, “Baltimore Bioneers'08: Cultivating Change. Inspiring Solutions.” will take place from Friday, November 7 through Sunday, November 9, 2008 at Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) and will feature screenings from the national conference along with live panel discussions, local speakers, workshops, and entertainment.
The annual Bioneers Conference presents leading scientists and social innovators who are creating practical solutions to help restore the Earth’s imperiled ecosystems and heal our human communities. Presenters at the 2008 Bioneers Conference will discuss some of the most important topics of the day including:
• How to dramatically reduce global warming pollutants from energy production;
• New, nontoxic technologies that emulate nature’s design genius;
• The best green business practices;
• How to build conservation-based, cooperative communities; an
• New strategies for safeguarding human rights and the environment.
The conference features a recording of the satellite downlink of the Bioneers Conference in San Rafael, CA to each of the participating regional Beaming Bioneer events. Please visit the Bioneers website at bioneers.org for more information about the Bioneers Conference and our partnership.
http://www.cultivatingchange.org/
6.
Washington DC Green Festival
At the Washington DC Green Festival™, a joint project of Global Exchange and Co-op America, we’re celebrating what’s working in our communities—across the District, Maryland and Virginia—for people, for business and for the environment.You’ll enjoy more than 125 renowned speakers and 350 green businesses (start your holiday shopping now!), great how-to workshops, green films, a Fair Trade pavilion, yoga classes, organic beer, delicious organic cuisine and live music.Find out about DC environmental initiatives; and learn how neighbors, community nonprofits and city departments are working together to make their cities healthier places to live.
http://www.greenfestivals.org/washington-dc-2008/
7.
Charlottesville Relocalization Group Meeting: November 10
The next meeting of the Charlottesville Relocalization Community is scheduled for Monday, November 10th at 7PM. We'll be in the Madison Room of the Central Library on Market Street (the McIntire Room was already booked).
On the agenda thus far:
· Review of the “Transition Initiative” concepts
· Putting together our Steering Committee (step #1 in the Transition Town “12 Steps”)
· Finalizing the name of our group
· Defining our bioregion
· No doubt, a few surprises!!
If there is something you'd like to add to the agenda or if you have any questions, comments, thoughts or ideas, please contact Dawn Story at dawn@newmoonnaturals.com. Or just show up!
At our last meeting, we went through the Transition Town Primer and 12 Steps in order to familiarize ourselves with the "transition" concept. To get caught up and to access the Primer and 12 Steps, go to: www.transitiontowns.org.
To view the notes from our last meeting on October 20th, please scroll down below, or go to the website (www.relocalizecville.org) and then to Forum/General Topics/Meeting Notes: October 20, 2008.
Hope everyone is enjoying the fall!
8.
Women in Green, Tuesday, November 11, 7-9 pm at CCDC Is there a greener gender? Studies show that women are more likely than men to support environmental causes through voting, activism, and consumer choices. What are the implications for the design industry? Does sustainable design have special appeal for women, and do they in turn offer something unique to the field? In Women in Green: Voices of Sustainable Design, Kira Gould and Lance Hosey explore these questions through informal conversations with architects, designers, consultants, policymakers, educators, and students. What they find is that women may be changing how we all see our world and our work. On November 11, the authors will host a reception and panel discussion featuring Karen van Lengen, Beth Meyer, Kristina Hill, Allison Ewing, and others. Audience participation is highly encouraged. Mingling before and after. Wine and cheese will be served. http://www.ecotonedesign.com/womeningreen/index.html
9.
GreenBuild 2008
Boston - the historic cradle of the American Revolution, home to innovations that have far-reaching impact and the perfect place to celebrate Greenbuild 2008's theme of "Revolutionary Green: Innovations for Global Sustainability." Join us at the U.S. Green Building Council's Greenbuild International Conference and Expo in Boston , November 19-21, 2008.
Buildings play a critical role in protecting and improving our environment and the health of the people who occupy them. USGBC's Greenbuild conference and expo is an unparalleled opportunity to connect with other green building peers, industry experts, and influential leaders as they share insights on the green building movement and its diverse specialties.
http://www.greenbuildexpo.org/
10.
Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission, is partnering with the Fluvanna Master Gardeners to offer a
free composting workshop
on Saturday, November 22, 2008 from 10-11:30 AM at the Lake Monticello Volunteer Fire and Rescue building, 10 Slice Road, Palmyra, Virginia, 22963. We'll give away five compost bins, with an additional 25 available at $20 each. The bins are nothing fancy, but I used a similar one for several years: http://www.prestoproducts.com/consumer/garden/bins.htm The ones for sale are being offered at cost. The Master Gardeners will also offer advice on various other methods such as sheet and hole composting, windrow, heap or pile composting, composting-in-place or no-till composting, and covered-bin composting. Light refreshments will be served (i.e. donuts or bagels, coffee, and juice).
11.
Local Future
Paths to Sustainability
* Conference on Michigan's Future
"*The Conference of Michigan's Future: Energy, Economy & Environment
monetary crisis and the oil crisis and proposes realistic, job
creating solutions for Michigan.
Over two-dozen speakers are confirmed including *Richard Heinberg*,
Albert Bates, Ellen Brown, Paul Murray, Tony Earley, and Jerry Norica.
If you care about Michigan's future, take a moment to visit the
Michigan Conference
consider participating to help create a brand new vision for Future
Michigan
*Conference on Peak Oil & Climate Change - Online*
Local Future hosts the * International Conference on Peak Oil and
Climate Change: Paths to Sustainability*.
The inaugural conference features 50 presenters including Richard
Heinberg, Julian Darley, Dr. David Goodstein, Megan Quinn Bachman,
Stephanie Mills, and Pat Murphy.
/*NEW!* /- Watch conference presentations & download podcasts for
free.
*Introduction to Local Future*
Unemployment, inflation, war, peak oil, climate change, biodiversity
loss, overpopulation -- global problems that need local solutions.
Local Future helps communities develop compassionate, sustainable,
local, systems to provide jobs, food, energy, transportation, and
essential services.
Local Future Network members develop these systems by helping their
community to transition from /dependent units/ of the failed global
economy; to /independent cultures/ of compassionate, sustainable,
local economy.
*Global Problems*
The global economic system creates problems which threaten humanity
and the planet:
* peak oil
* climate change
* over population
* resource depletion
* widespread pollution
* misallocation of power
* institutional cruelty
* economic instability
* environmental destruction
* geopolitical conflict & war
This unsustainable global economic system fails to protect humans,
the environment, and the natural systems on which all life depends. It does not meet the long term goals of civilization.
When a system fails to such a catastrophic degree, it is time for
change.
*Local Solutions*
New local systems must be developed that are grounded in a value
system of truth, compassion, understanding, sustainability, renewal
and community. Developing new systems takes dedicated individuals
who share the common value system, walk a common path, and move
towards a common vision of the future. Local systems are needed to
provide:
* *jobs - *that are challenging, safe and community oriented
* *money* - community currency that creates jobs, motivates
progress and reinforces values
* *food* - that is nutritious, compassionate, sustainable,
organic and available year-round
* *energy - *heat, electricity and fuels from renewable sun,
wind, water and biomass sources
* *transportation - *utilizing ride sharing, mass transit,
community vehicles and human power
* *homes* - safe, comfortable and welcoming, zero energy new
homes and retrofits
* *water* - fresh, clean, free water that is owned and managed
locally
* *waste management** - *emphasizing reduce, reuse and recycling
* *health care - *high quality, low cost, community based
services and prevention
* *education* - local teachers dedicated to providing continuing
service
* *security * - utilizing open communication, problem solving,
education and dialogue
* *entertainment - *opportunities for all to participate and enjoy
* *culture* - celebrating diversity and history
* *spirituality** - *inviting all people to explore the deeper
questions of life
Members of Local Future Network communicate and meet to learn,
support, plan, and act. They take the initiative to increase
independence for themselves and their communities. Their shared
value system of truth, compassion, understanding, sustainability,
renewal and community guides their actions toward a vision of a
prosperous local future.
*Join Local Future*
You are invited to make the future a better place.
Join the Local Future Network
The Conference on
Michigan's Future
Energy, Economy & Environment*
Crystal Mountain Resort, Thompsonville, MI
Friday, Nov. 14 - Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008
*
Local Future Videos
Lights, Camera, Action for Sustainability
Local Future published the following videos for educational use. These videos, when combined with recommended resources, provide an excellent start on learning how and why we will be living a local future.
Peak Oil: The Energy Crisis of Oil Supply Depletion
Aaron Wissner, 10 min
Supply, Demand and Price: The Economics 101 of Peak Oil
Aaron Wissner, 1 min
Conference Welcome and the Greening of Grand Rapids Michigan
George Heartwell, 10 min
Peak Oil and Energy Explained by Dr. Vernon Ehlers, U.S. Representative
Vernon Ehlers, 14 min
Peak Oil (and Gas Prices) in Five Slides
Aaron Wissner, 3 min
What Does it Take to be Sustainable? Some Examples
Aaron Wissner, 9 min
Beyond Sustainability: Surviving Peak Oil and Climate Change
Pat Murphy, 38 min
Surviving Peak Oil, Thriving in Community
Megan Quinn Bachman, 33 min
Peak Oil: How do we know? Is recession coming? What about insurance?
Aaron Wissner, 3 min
Crude Awakening: Peak Oil and the End of Cheap Energy: Part 1
Tim Hudson, 1 hour
Crude Awakening: Peak Oil and the End of Cheap Energy: Part 2
John Richter, 1 hour
Re-Energizing America: Rescuing America from its Costly Fossil Fuel Addiction
Dan Chiras, 1 hour
Curtailment & Community: Survival Strategies for Peak Oil & Climate Change
Megan Quinn Bachman, 20 min
Interview with Megan Quinn Bachman on Peak Oil and Community Solutions
Megan Quinn Bachman, 15 min
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Clivus Multrum composting toilets
When I lived in northern Cali., we had a Clivus Multrum composting toilet.
There were no odor issues, and it worked quite well. They do require some maintenance.
Their company also works with greywater systems, and they seem to be happy to talk through options for your living situation if you give them a call.
Their website is:
http://www.clivusmultrum.com/
Best, Christine
There were no odor issues, and it worked quite well. They do require some maintenance.
Their company also works with greywater systems, and they seem to be happy to talk through options for your living situation if you give them a call.
Their website is:
http://www.clivusmultrum.com/
Best, Christine
Monday, October 20, 2008
composting toilets
I would like to start a discussion on composting toilets. Does anybody have experience with any of the ready made ones? Having been hit hard by middle age coming on all of a sudden, quite unexpectedly I might add, I know that I can't be lugging humanure around in five gallon buckets for the rest of my life.
So have been thinking of buying something (desperate to spend the savings we have before the banks take it!). Someone said the SunMars are not that good because there is not enough air or space for the composting to occur.
So if you have an opinion on SunMars or any other variety please share.
Thanks,
Ann
So have been thinking of buying something (desperate to spend the savings we have before the banks take it!). Someone said the SunMars are not that good because there is not enough air or space for the composting to occur.
So if you have an opinion on SunMars or any other variety please share.
Thanks,
Ann
Friday, October 17, 2008
Upcoming events
Greetings All,
Below you will find info on upcoming Permaculture classes, a Root Cellar building workshop, John Jeavons coming to Virginia, Edible Landscaping events, a Relocalize Cville meeting, a Rain Barrel workshop, the next Green Matters workshop, and the awesome Bioneers conference and the upcoming DC Green Festival.
For more information about the upcoming permaculture courses, 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.
Blue Ridge Permaculture Network Courses
Introduction to Permaculture: Sustainability Strategies for the Blue Ridge
This 3 day Introduction to Permaculture workshop will focus on basic principles and strategies to live more sustainably in your home, neighborhood or community. The course will be held on October 31 - November 2 near Charlottesville Virginia. Workshop topics will include permaculture ethics and principles, observation and patterns in nature, and permaculture strategies to improve soil, grow food, harvest water, utilize renewable energy and regenerative building techniques, and build sustainable communities.
The course is offered through the Blue Ridge Permaculture Institute, and will be a hands-on, intensive weekend training workshop. The cost for the course is a sliding scale, $195-$250, and limited work-trade positions are available. For more information, contact Terry Lilley at tygerlilley@gmail.com or visit the website www.blueridgepermaculture.net.
------
2.
Spring Permaculture Design Course: Sustainability Strategies for the Blue Ridge
over 5 weekends in spring 2009
- Feb. 13-15, Feb. 28-Mar. 1, Mar. 14-15, Mar. 27-29, and April 4-5
This 72 hour certificate course is a rare opportunity to learn from some of the best teachers in the permaculture movement including Ted Butchart, Christine Gyovai, Dave Jacke, Dave O’Neil, and Joel Salatin.
Topics include permaculture ethics and principles, observation and patterns in nature, and permaculture strategies to improve soil, grow food, harvest water, utilize renewable energy and regenerative building techniques, and build sustainable communities.
For more information, contact Terry Lilley at tygerlilley@gmail.com or visit the website www.blueridgepermaculture.net.
3.
Green Matters Workshop
November 12, 2008
Social hour with refreshments: 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Workshop: 6:00pm-8:30pm
Passive/Active Solar and Other Alternative Energy Sources: Part 2 (EXPANDED WORKSHOP SESSION!)
A continued look at passive/active solar, then we'll move to a broader examination of other energy sources. Common filters will include value engineering, design consideration, technological and market trends, and homeowner motivations.
Speakers:Fred Oesch (Oesch Environmental Design) and Paul Risberg (Altenergy, Inc.)
http://www.greenmatters.info/
4.
Edible Landscaping Events
Persimmons For Everyone!
Saturday November 1, 2008, 10am to 5pm Big Sale All Persimmon Stock 20% off! Selected plants 50% to 60% off!
http://www.ediblelandscaping.com/2008PersimmonsForEveryone.php
AND:
6.
Pruning 101 at Edible Landscaping with Pierre Constans
November 22, 2008 1pm to 3pm
Pruning 101 to free people with pruning paralysis.
Hands on workshop! Bring gloves, pruners, loppers and warm clothing and hat. Pierre will explain the fundamentals of pruning: why, when, how and the lingo!
We will briefly expound on Fibonacci numbers, spirals and how it applies to pruning trees. We will cover fruit trees, berry bushes, grapes and kiwis.
Aspiring grafters will learn how to store their scion wood for grafting!
Attendance limited to 15.
Participation $25 (no one turned away for lack of funds, contact Janet)
Information: www.ediblelandscaping.com
email: info@ediblelandscaping.com
7.
Baltimore Bioneers
This year, Baltimore again joins seventeen other cities across the country hosting a broadcast of the Bioneers Conference. The Baltimore event, “Baltimore Bioneers'08: Cultivating Change. Inspiring Solutions.” will take place from Friday, November 7 through Sunday, November 9, 2008 at Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) and will feature screenings from the national conference along with live panel discussions, local speakers, workshops, and entertainment.
The annual Bioneers Conference presents leading scientists and social innovators who are creating practical solutions to help restore the Earth’s imperiled ecosystems and heal our human communities. Presenters at the 2008 Bioneers Conference will discuss some of the most important topics of the day including:
• How to dramatically reduce global warming pollutants from energy production;
• New, nontoxic technologies that emulate nature’s design genius;
• The best green business practices;
• How to build conservation-based, cooperative communities; an
• New strategies for safeguarding human rights and the environment.
The conference features a recording of the satellite downlink of the Bioneers Conference in San Rafael, CA to each of the participating regional Beaming Bioneer events. Please visit the Bioneers website at bioneers.org for more information about the Bioneers Conference and our partnership.
www.cultivatingchange.org
8.
John Jeavons is internationally known as the leading researcher, developer, teacher and consultant for small-scale food production techniques utilizing GROW BIOINTENSIVE culture. He is the author of the best-selling text “How to Grow More Vegetable: Fruits, Nuts, Berries, Grains, and Other Crops Than You Ever Thought Possible On Less Land Than You Can Imagine"
On Oct. 22 John Jeavons will be presenting a two hour public lecture at Lehman Auditorium at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. He will be hosting a three day workshop in Dayton, Virginia (just south of Harrisonburg), on Oct. 23-25. This is an excellent opportunity to hear someone who has made a difference as a catalyst for sustainable agriculture projects around the world.
"John Jeavons' Three-Day Workshop in GROW BIOINTENSIVE® Sustainable Mini-Farming provides an in-depth study of a successful food growing system that is appropriate to a more self-reliant lifestyle, and for use in developing countries.
The Program
The program will consist of lecture, discussion and demonstration sessions, and will include a full range of information on Sustainability and Efficient Resource Use, Arid Region Farming Principles, Crops and Diet, Fertilization, Compost and Compost Crops, Soil Preparation and Preservation, Seed Propagation, and Income, as well as the perspective to tie all these together."
Links to the websites are below. The lecture on Oct 22 is free, the workshop cost $350 plus $30 if you register early and the cost of reading materials if you don't already have them
http://www.johnjeavons.info/workshop-intro.html
http://www.johnjeavons.info/pdf/5-october_wednesday_evening_event.pdf
9.
Washington DC Green Festival
At the Washington DC Green Festival™, a joint project of Global Exchange and Co-op America, we’re celebrating what’s working in our communities—across the District, Maryland and Virginia—for people, for business and for the environment.You’ll enjoy more than 125 renowned speakers and 350 green businesses (start your holiday shopping now!), great how-to workshops, green films, a Fair Trade pavilion, yoga classes, organic beer, delicious organic cuisine and live music.Find out about DC environmental initiatives; and learn how neighbors, community nonprofits and city departments are working together to make their cities healthier places to live.
http://www.greenfestivals.org/washington-dc-2008/
10.
ROOT CELLAR BUILDING with native stone an inspirational experiential reskilling retreat in Wild, wonderful, West Virginia October 24th-November1stRoot cellar retreat: will be centered around the root cellar and low input food storage. The root cellar was, not long ago, a mainstay of the pre-fossil fuel subsistance homestead. I am rebuilding the old root cellar on my farm in Union, West Virginia and want to share this community building experience with people interested in reskilling for the changing times we are in. Also, being shared are the many permaculture projects that have been developing over the years from pond building and berm works, to fruit orchards. It is an abundant fruit year and apples hang heavy on the trees. We will be pressing cider which was a mainstay of the root cellar, and trying to fix and old cider barrel.What to expect: The rootcellar hole has been dug and the stones have been placed around the hole and are ready to be laid in place. Each person will commit to 5 hours a day of working on the rootcellar. This will involve physical labor of laying stones and mixing cement. There will also be opportunity for people who arent able to do this work to be on the support team. The 20.00 a day fee will cover all your room and board. Where in the world... is the West Virginia Permaculture Center? It is located in the mountains of southern West Virginia in a small farm town called Union. It is 40 minutes from Lewisburg, W.Va, 1 hour from Blacksburg, Virginia, 4.5 hours from Asheville, NC, and 5 hours from Washington, D.C. When do I come? This retreat will run from Friday, October 24th- November 1st. A person can come for any amount of time. One day drop-ins are welcome as well as 9 day stay overs.Who in the world? The West Virginia Permaculture Center's intention is to be an outpost for experimental ideas and alternatives for people who want to live a life that is not in deficit, or aggressive to the Earth.Fee: 20.00/day/person includes organic meals and accommodations (camping to old farm house bunk bed).To Register: make check out to:Bill Whipple70 Alabama Ave.Asheville, NC 28806For Registration, carpooling coordination, questions and more information contact: Bill Whipple @ 828-713 2424 or whipplebill@hotmail.com After October 15th @ 304-772-3625
11.
RAIN BARREL WORKSHOP
Join us Saturday November 8th
From 9am-12pm near Meade Park
to learn about rain water catchment. Brian Buckley of harvesting rain will demonstrate how to choose a site for your rain barrel, adapt gutters and downspouts, and construct a stand and direct overflow to drain properly. This workshop is designed as a starter for people who want to learn how to set up a rainwater catchment system for use at their home.
The course fee is $60, which includes a blue 55 gallon food grade rain barrel. Each additional barrel will be $45.
For more information email: brianbuckley4@yahoo.com or call 434.296.3963
12.
Greetings Transitioners!
The Charlottesville Relocalization Community will have our forth meeting on Monday, October 20th at 7PM. We'll be in the McIntire Room of the Central Library on Market Street.
If you are new to this group and would like more information, please refer to the websites below and catch up with the group by reading minutes from our last meeting, also posted below:
www.relocalizecville.org
www.transitiontowns.org
www.transitionus.ning.org
www.relocalize.net
Agenda for October 20th Meetup:
It is our intention to go through the Transition Town Primer and 12 Steps so that we can get more familiar with the "transition" concept and see what does -- and doesn't -- work for our community.
Ideally, everyone should bring their own copy of the these documents to the meeting (or share a copy with a friend). Additional copies may not be available at the meeting (unless someone is generously willing to make multiple copies), so if you want to be sure and have a copy, it is advised to go ahead and download one of your own. Or, to save paper (the Primer is just over 50 pages), download it to your laptop and bring it to the meeting.
To access the Primer and 12 Steps, go to:
www.transitiontowns.org
On the left side of the page, you will see buttons for the Primer and 12 Steps.
If there is something else that should be on our agenda for the evening, please let it be known. As with every meeting, we will take a few moments for announcements and introductions as well. Also, if anyone is interested in facilitating the meeting, please step up. We encourage the sharing of this role amongst the participants in this group.
Also, I have an exciting announcement to make. There is now an official U.S. Transition Town website!!! Access it here: http://transitionus.ning.com/
I encourage everyone to take a look at a site so that we can discuss our approach to networking with our brothers and sisters doing good work all over the country. Here is a sneak preview of what you’ll find:
TRANSITION UNITED STATES is a coordinating organization whose mission is to catalyze, inspire, encourage, network, support and train communities in the U.S. as they consider, adopt, adapt and implement Transition Initiatives.
The Transition approach empowers communities to squarely face the challenges of peak oil and climate change, and to unleash the collective genius of their own people to find the answers to this momentous question:
For all those aspects of life that this community needs in order to sustain itself and thrive, how are we going to:
-- drastically reduce carbon emissions (in response to climate change);
-- significantly rebuild resilience (in response to peak oil);
-- and greatly strengthen our local economy (in response to economic instability)?
Transition Initiatives make no claim to have all the answers, but by building on the wisdom of the past and accessing the pool of ingenuity, skills and determination in our communities, the solutions can readily emerge. Now is the time for us to take stock and start re-creating our future in ways that are not based on cheap, plentiful and polluting oil but on localized food, sustainable energy sources, resilient local economies and an enlivened sense of community well-being.
In case you were unable to be at the last meeting and want to catch up, here are the meeting notes (it is also recommended that you peruse the Forum section of the CRC website at www.relocalizecville.org to get up to snuff. Be sure to expand all threads, as replies are hidden. Also, please note there are two pages on the Forum to view):
Below you will find info on upcoming Permaculture classes, a Root Cellar building workshop, John Jeavons coming to Virginia, Edible Landscaping events, a Relocalize Cville meeting, a Rain Barrel workshop, the next Green Matters workshop, and the awesome Bioneers conference and the upcoming DC Green Festival.
For more information about the upcoming permaculture courses, 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.
Blue Ridge Permaculture Network Courses
Introduction to Permaculture: Sustainability Strategies for the Blue Ridge
This 3 day Introduction to Permaculture workshop will focus on basic principles and strategies to live more sustainably in your home, neighborhood or community. The course will be held on October 31 - November 2 near Charlottesville Virginia. Workshop topics will include permaculture ethics and principles, observation and patterns in nature, and permaculture strategies to improve soil, grow food, harvest water, utilize renewable energy and regenerative building techniques, and build sustainable communities.
The course is offered through the Blue Ridge Permaculture Institute, and will be a hands-on, intensive weekend training workshop. The cost for the course is a sliding scale, $195-$250, and limited work-trade positions are available. For more information, contact Terry Lilley at tygerlilley@gmail.com or visit the website www.blueridgepermaculture.net.
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2.
Spring Permaculture Design Course: Sustainability Strategies for the Blue Ridge
over 5 weekends in spring 2009
- Feb. 13-15, Feb. 28-Mar. 1, Mar. 14-15, Mar. 27-29, and April 4-5
This 72 hour certificate course is a rare opportunity to learn from some of the best teachers in the permaculture movement including Ted Butchart, Christine Gyovai, Dave Jacke, Dave O’Neil, and Joel Salatin.
Topics include permaculture ethics and principles, observation and patterns in nature, and permaculture strategies to improve soil, grow food, harvest water, utilize renewable energy and regenerative building techniques, and build sustainable communities.
For more information, contact Terry Lilley at tygerlilley@gmail.com or visit the website www.blueridgepermaculture.net.
3.
Green Matters Workshop
November 12, 2008
Social hour with refreshments: 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Workshop: 6:00pm-8:30pm
Passive/Active Solar and Other Alternative Energy Sources: Part 2 (EXPANDED WORKSHOP SESSION!)
A continued look at passive/active solar, then we'll move to a broader examination of other energy sources. Common filters will include value engineering, design consideration, technological and market trends, and homeowner motivations.
Speakers:Fred Oesch (Oesch Environmental Design) and Paul Risberg (Altenergy, Inc.)
http://www.greenmatters.info/
4.
Edible Landscaping Events
Persimmons For Everyone!
Saturday November 1, 2008, 10am to 5pm Big Sale All Persimmon Stock 20% off! Selected plants 50% to 60% off!
http://www.ediblelandscaping.com/2008PersimmonsForEveryone.php
AND:
6.
Pruning 101 at Edible Landscaping with Pierre Constans
November 22, 2008 1pm to 3pm
Pruning 101 to free people with pruning paralysis.
Hands on workshop! Bring gloves, pruners, loppers and warm clothing and hat. Pierre will explain the fundamentals of pruning: why, when, how and the lingo!
We will briefly expound on Fibonacci numbers, spirals and how it applies to pruning trees. We will cover fruit trees, berry bushes, grapes and kiwis.
Aspiring grafters will learn how to store their scion wood for grafting!
Attendance limited to 15.
Participation $25 (no one turned away for lack of funds, contact Janet)
Information: www.ediblelandscaping.com
email: info@ediblelandscaping.com
7.
Baltimore Bioneers
This year, Baltimore again joins seventeen other cities across the country hosting a broadcast of the Bioneers Conference. The Baltimore event, “Baltimore Bioneers'08: Cultivating Change. Inspiring Solutions.” will take place from Friday, November 7 through Sunday, November 9, 2008 at Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) and will feature screenings from the national conference along with live panel discussions, local speakers, workshops, and entertainment.
The annual Bioneers Conference presents leading scientists and social innovators who are creating practical solutions to help restore the Earth’s imperiled ecosystems and heal our human communities. Presenters at the 2008 Bioneers Conference will discuss some of the most important topics of the day including:
• How to dramatically reduce global warming pollutants from energy production;
• New, nontoxic technologies that emulate nature’s design genius;
• The best green business practices;
• How to build conservation-based, cooperative communities; an
• New strategies for safeguarding human rights and the environment.
The conference features a recording of the satellite downlink of the Bioneers Conference in San Rafael, CA to each of the participating regional Beaming Bioneer events. Please visit the Bioneers website at bioneers.org for more information about the Bioneers Conference and our partnership.
www.cultivatingchange.org
8.
John Jeavons is internationally known as the leading researcher, developer, teacher and consultant for small-scale food production techniques utilizing GROW BIOINTENSIVE culture. He is the author of the best-selling text “How to Grow More Vegetable: Fruits, Nuts, Berries, Grains, and Other Crops Than You Ever Thought Possible On Less Land Than You Can Imagine"
On Oct. 22 John Jeavons will be presenting a two hour public lecture at Lehman Auditorium at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. He will be hosting a three day workshop in Dayton, Virginia (just south of Harrisonburg), on Oct. 23-25. This is an excellent opportunity to hear someone who has made a difference as a catalyst for sustainable agriculture projects around the world.
"John Jeavons' Three-Day Workshop in GROW BIOINTENSIVE® Sustainable Mini-Farming provides an in-depth study of a successful food growing system that is appropriate to a more self-reliant lifestyle, and for use in developing countries.
The Program
The program will consist of lecture, discussion and demonstration sessions, and will include a full range of information on Sustainability and Efficient Resource Use, Arid Region Farming Principles, Crops and Diet, Fertilization, Compost and Compost Crops, Soil Preparation and Preservation, Seed Propagation, and Income, as well as the perspective to tie all these together."
Links to the websites are below. The lecture on Oct 22 is free, the workshop cost $350 plus $30 if you register early and the cost of reading materials if you don't already have them
http://www.johnjeavons.info/workshop-intro.html
http://www.johnjeavons.info/pdf/5-october_wednesday_evening_event.pdf
9.
Washington DC Green Festival
At the Washington DC Green Festival™, a joint project of Global Exchange and Co-op America, we’re celebrating what’s working in our communities—across the District, Maryland and Virginia—for people, for business and for the environment.You’ll enjoy more than 125 renowned speakers and 350 green businesses (start your holiday shopping now!), great how-to workshops, green films, a Fair Trade pavilion, yoga classes, organic beer, delicious organic cuisine and live music.Find out about DC environmental initiatives; and learn how neighbors, community nonprofits and city departments are working together to make their cities healthier places to live.
http://www.greenfestivals.org/washington-dc-2008/
10.
ROOT CELLAR BUILDING with native stone an inspirational experiential reskilling retreat in Wild, wonderful, West Virginia October 24th-November1stRoot cellar retreat: will be centered around the root cellar and low input food storage. The root cellar was, not long ago, a mainstay of the pre-fossil fuel subsistance homestead. I am rebuilding the old root cellar on my farm in Union, West Virginia and want to share this community building experience with people interested in reskilling for the changing times we are in. Also, being shared are the many permaculture projects that have been developing over the years from pond building and berm works, to fruit orchards. It is an abundant fruit year and apples hang heavy on the trees. We will be pressing cider which was a mainstay of the root cellar, and trying to fix and old cider barrel.What to expect: The rootcellar hole has been dug and the stones have been placed around the hole and are ready to be laid in place. Each person will commit to 5 hours a day of working on the rootcellar. This will involve physical labor of laying stones and mixing cement. There will also be opportunity for people who arent able to do this work to be on the support team. The 20.00 a day fee will cover all your room and board. Where in the world... is the West Virginia Permaculture Center? It is located in the mountains of southern West Virginia in a small farm town called Union. It is 40 minutes from Lewisburg, W.Va, 1 hour from Blacksburg, Virginia, 4.5 hours from Asheville, NC, and 5 hours from Washington, D.C. When do I come? This retreat will run from Friday, October 24th- November 1st. A person can come for any amount of time. One day drop-ins are welcome as well as 9 day stay overs.Who in the world? The West Virginia Permaculture Center's intention is to be an outpost for experimental ideas and alternatives for people who want to live a life that is not in deficit, or aggressive to the Earth.Fee: 20.00/day/person includes organic meals and accommodations (camping to old farm house bunk bed).To Register: make check out to:Bill Whipple70 Alabama Ave.Asheville, NC 28806For Registration, carpooling coordination, questions and more information contact: Bill Whipple @ 828-713 2424 or whipplebill@hotmail.com After October 15th @ 304-772-3625
11.
RAIN BARREL WORKSHOP
Join us Saturday November 8th
From 9am-12pm near Meade Park
to learn about rain water catchment. Brian Buckley of harvesting rain will demonstrate how to choose a site for your rain barrel, adapt gutters and downspouts, and construct a stand and direct overflow to drain properly. This workshop is designed as a starter for people who want to learn how to set up a rainwater catchment system for use at their home.
The course fee is $60, which includes a blue 55 gallon food grade rain barrel. Each additional barrel will be $45.
For more information email: brianbuckley4@yahoo.com or call 434.296.3963
12.
Greetings Transitioners!
The Charlottesville Relocalization Community will have our forth meeting on Monday, October 20th at 7PM. We'll be in the McIntire Room of the Central Library on Market Street.
If you are new to this group and would like more information, please refer to the websites below and catch up with the group by reading minutes from our last meeting, also posted below:
www.relocalizecville.org
www.transitiontowns.org
www.transitionus.ning.org
www.relocalize.net
Agenda for October 20th Meetup:
It is our intention to go through the Transition Town Primer and 12 Steps so that we can get more familiar with the "transition" concept and see what does -- and doesn't -- work for our community.
Ideally, everyone should bring their own copy of the these documents to the meeting (or share a copy with a friend). Additional copies may not be available at the meeting (unless someone is generously willing to make multiple copies), so if you want to be sure and have a copy, it is advised to go ahead and download one of your own. Or, to save paper (the Primer is just over 50 pages), download it to your laptop and bring it to the meeting.
To access the Primer and 12 Steps, go to:
www.transitiontowns.org
On the left side of the page, you will see buttons for the Primer and 12 Steps.
If there is something else that should be on our agenda for the evening, please let it be known. As with every meeting, we will take a few moments for announcements and introductions as well. Also, if anyone is interested in facilitating the meeting, please step up. We encourage the sharing of this role amongst the participants in this group.
Also, I have an exciting announcement to make. There is now an official U.S. Transition Town website!!! Access it here: http://transitionus.ning.com/
I encourage everyone to take a look at a site so that we can discuss our approach to networking with our brothers and sisters doing good work all over the country. Here is a sneak preview of what you’ll find:
TRANSITION UNITED STATES is a coordinating organization whose mission is to catalyze, inspire, encourage, network, support and train communities in the U.S. as they consider, adopt, adapt and implement Transition Initiatives.
The Transition approach empowers communities to squarely face the challenges of peak oil and climate change, and to unleash the collective genius of their own people to find the answers to this momentous question:
For all those aspects of life that this community needs in order to sustain itself and thrive, how are we going to:
-- drastically reduce carbon emissions (in response to climate change);
-- significantly rebuild resilience (in response to peak oil);
-- and greatly strengthen our local economy (in response to economic instability)?
Transition Initiatives make no claim to have all the answers, but by building on the wisdom of the past and accessing the pool of ingenuity, skills and determination in our communities, the solutions can readily emerge. Now is the time for us to take stock and start re-creating our future in ways that are not based on cheap, plentiful and polluting oil but on localized food, sustainable energy sources, resilient local economies and an enlivened sense of community well-being.
In case you were unable to be at the last meeting and want to catch up, here are the meeting notes (it is also recommended that you peruse the Forum section of the CRC website at www.relocalizecville.org to get up to snuff. Be sure to expand all threads, as replies are hidden. Also, please note there are two pages on the Forum to view):
Thursday, October 2, 2008
ROOT CELLAR BUILDING with native stone
ROOT CELLAR BUILDING with native stone
an inspirational experiential reskilling retreat in Wild, wonderful, West Virginia
October 24th-November1st
Root cellar retreat: will be centered around the root cellar and low input food storage. The root cellar was, not long ago, a mainstay of the pre-fossil fuel subsistance homestead. I am rebuilding the old root cellar on my farm in Union, West Virginia and want to share this community building experience with people interested in reskilling for the changing times we are in. Also, being shared are the many permaculture projects that have been developing over the years from pond building and berm works, to fruit orchards. It is an abundant fruit year and apples hang heavy on the trees. We will be pressing cider which was a mainstay of the root cellar, and trying to fix and old cider barrel.What to expect: The rootcellar hole has been dug and the stones have been placed around the hole and are ready to be laid in place. Each person will commit to 5 hours a day of working on the rootcellar. This will involve physical labor of laying stones and mixing cement. There will also be opportunity for people who arent able to do this work to be on the support team. The 20.00 a day fee will cover all your room and board.
Where in the world... is the West Virginia Permaculture Center? It is located in the mountains of southern West Virginia in a small farm town called Union. It is 40 minutes from Lewisburg, W.Va, 1 hour from Blacksburg, Virginia, 4.5 hours from Asheville, NC, and 5 hours from Washington, D.C. When do I come? This retreat will run from Friday, October 24th- November 1st. A person can come for any amount of time. One day drop-ins are welcome as well as 9 day stay overs.Who in the world? The West Virginia Permaculture Center's intention is to be an outpost for experimental ideas and alternatives for people who want to live a life that is not in deficit, or aggressive to the Earth.
Fee: 20.00/day/person includes organic meals and accommodations (camping to old farm house bunk bed).
To Register: make check out to:Bill Whipple70 Alabama Ave. Asheville, NC 28806
For Registration, carpooling coordination, questions and more information contact: Bill Whipple @ 828-713 2424 or whipplebill@hotmail.com After October 15th @ 304-772-3625
an inspirational experiential reskilling retreat in Wild, wonderful, West Virginia
October 24th-November1st
Root cellar retreat: will be centered around the root cellar and low input food storage. The root cellar was, not long ago, a mainstay of the pre-fossil fuel subsistance homestead. I am rebuilding the old root cellar on my farm in Union, West Virginia and want to share this community building experience with people interested in reskilling for the changing times we are in. Also, being shared are the many permaculture projects that have been developing over the years from pond building and berm works, to fruit orchards. It is an abundant fruit year and apples hang heavy on the trees. We will be pressing cider which was a mainstay of the root cellar, and trying to fix and old cider barrel.What to expect: The rootcellar hole has been dug and the stones have been placed around the hole and are ready to be laid in place. Each person will commit to 5 hours a day of working on the rootcellar. This will involve physical labor of laying stones and mixing cement. There will also be opportunity for people who arent able to do this work to be on the support team. The 20.00 a day fee will cover all your room and board.
Where in the world... is the West Virginia Permaculture Center? It is located in the mountains of southern West Virginia in a small farm town called Union. It is 40 minutes from Lewisburg, W.Va, 1 hour from Blacksburg, Virginia, 4.5 hours from Asheville, NC, and 5 hours from Washington, D.C. When do I come? This retreat will run from Friday, October 24th- November 1st. A person can come for any amount of time. One day drop-ins are welcome as well as 9 day stay overs.Who in the world? The West Virginia Permaculture Center's intention is to be an outpost for experimental ideas and alternatives for people who want to live a life that is not in deficit, or aggressive to the Earth.
Fee: 20.00/day/person includes organic meals and accommodations (camping to old farm house bunk bed).
To Register: make check out to:Bill Whipple70 Alabama Ave. Asheville, NC 28806
For Registration, carpooling coordination, questions and more information contact: Bill Whipple @ 828-713 2424 or whipplebill@hotmail.com After October 15th @ 304-772-3625
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