Greetings All,
Below you will find an amazing collection of info on upcoming permaculture and sustainability events in the near future in the central Virginia bioregion including several opportunities to learn about growing fruit.
For more information about permaculture events, see our website: www.blueridgepermaculture.net. If you know anyone else that would like to sign up for this newsletter, or if you have an announcement, email Christine at christinegyovai@gmail.com for the next update, which are sent monthly.
Best,
Christine and the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network team
www.blueridgepermaculture.net
1.
Put your Project on the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network website!
Several people have requested an expanded BRPN website to facilitate sharing knowledge and information. We are going to be significantly expanding “Members work” section of the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network website to help facilitate learning about each others’ project, and updating other elements of the website.
http://www.blueridgepermaculture.net/members.html
Please email Christine at christinegyovai@gmail.com up to three photos, a description of about 100 - 200 words, and a website link (if you have one) to your permaculture or sustainability project to be included on the website.
2.
Sponsored by Local Food Hub and Blue Ridge Permaculture Network.
Professor Barkslip's Fruit School
Date: April 16 & 17, 9am - 5pm
Location: Educational Farm at Maple Hill
Cost: BEFORE MARCH 19: $60/day, $120/weekend. AFTER MARCH 19: $70/day, $140/weekend
Register: info@localfoodhub.org or (434) 286-2176
It is recommended that you sign up for the full weekend as the material builds upon itself, but if you can't, here's the breakdown:
April 16, 2011
Fruit tree care and pruning workshop (for the home, farm, and public space):
This class will be half talk and half walk and will cover site analysis and selection, proper tree selection, orchard floor prep and care, and caring for the established orchard. Like all the classes at fruit school, emphasis will be on using organic methods. Bring your favorite pruners and saws if you have them for the hands on portion of the class!
Plant rooting and propagation (for the low budget fruit enthusiast):
This class emphasizes low tech, organic methods of plant production though seeds, layering, rooting, stooling, and division. This is by far the easiest and cheapest way to bring the nutritional abundance of plants into your life. Great activity ideas for kids as well!
April 17, 2011
Bench grafting and cloning around:
Learn to graft your own fruit trees! This is nothing short of magical when you learn to stick a branch of one tree onto another and it grows. Discussed and illustrated will be the whip and tongue, and the cleft grafts, rootstock varieties, seedlings versus clones, aftercare, and setting up your own nursery for income diversification. Included in the class is one rootstock, choice of several varieties of budwood, and aftercare materials. There will be plenty of rootstock for sale to do multiple grafts if desired. You are encouraged to bring your own varieties of apple tree cuttings to graft or to swap and share with other participants.
Top working and advanced grafting (Have your flower and eat it too!):
This class will hurl you headlong into the world of top working countless varieties onto existing trees. Within three years you can have a barren ornamental tree in production with 40 varieties! We’ll learn about compatibility, timing, and the world of countless grafting techniques including chip and T- budding, side grafting, rind graft. We’ll touch on festooning and arborsmithing as well. Also emphasized is the essential aftercare of the top worked tree.
http://locallectual.com/tenants/local-food-hub
www.blueridgepermaculture.net
3.
Radical Roots Farm has 35 remaining CSA shares available for pick up at the Meade Park Market in Charlottesville every Wednesday starting June 1 from 3:30 to 6:30
Certified Naturally Grown produce
direct from our farm to your table,
every week from June to September.
Sign up now to reserve your share! RadicalRootsFarm.com
CSA members also recieve a 10% discount at the Radical Roots booth at the Charlottesville Farmers Market starting April 2nd!
New this year, Mountain View Farm CHEESE and BUTTER shares available and Radical Roots EGGS.
Please forward this message to your healthy eating friends. More information on our website.
Thanks, Dave & Lee O’Neill
www.radicalrootsfarm.com
4.
Creating a Food Forest in Your Yard
a workshop with Toby Hemenway author of Gaia's Garden
April 3, 2011 (Sunday)
9:00 am- 5:00 pm
Lynchburg College, Room (TBA)
FREE!!!
Reply to yos@lynchburg.edu
to register …space is limited!
This day-long workshop will focus on the basics of designing, planting, and maintaining a many-layered woodland garden of fruit and nut trees, perennial and annual vegetables, and flowers. Toby will cover the theory behind food forests as well as give a wealth of practical information, including which plants to use, where to start, and what to expect as your food forest grows. Food forests, or edible forest gardens, are life-filled places that not only provide food for people, but habitat for wildlife, carbon sequestering, biodiversity, natural soil building, beauty and tranquility, and a host of other benefits.
5.
Mushroom Growing Workshops
Sharondale Farm, Cismont, VA
Spring 2011
for more info contact Mark Jones: info@sharondalefarm.com; p: 434-296-3301
Growing Mushrooms at Home: an Introduction to Permaculture of the Fungi.
Learn about mushroom biology, ecology and cultivation of mushrooms in the garden and woods. Demonstrations include simple outdoor methods for growing gourmet and medicinal mushrooms. We will inoculate logs and install a gourmet mushroom bed in the garden. Each person will take home a bag of spawn to start their own mushroom garden.
March 19th or April 2nd. 9am-12pm
Sharondale Farm, Cismont, VA (http://shop.sharondalefarm.com/)
Urban Mushroom Growing: Learn about mushroom biology, ecology & urban permaculture. Activities include several hands-on small space gardening methods for cultivating mushrooms on logs, coffee grounds, cardboard, and other urban wastes! Every participant takes home a small bag of oyster mushroom spawn - this is an excellent species for growing mushrooms on many available urban resources.
March 26th- Tricycle Gardens, Richmond, VA (http://tricyclegardens.org/programs/)
Backyard Sustainability Crash Course (April 1-3, Friday Night–Sunday) Ezekiel's Guild, Lynchburg, VA: We’ll start with permaculture design on Friday night, and on Saturday we’ll cover various traditions of sustainable gardening, with an emphasis on soil health and opportunities for hands-on learning. We will explore herb gardening and survey the primary herbal medicine preparations, helping you to start your own home apothecary. If all goes well, as the sun goes down we may even establish a top-bar beehive, and we’ll talk about sustainable and healthy beekeeping at home. Sunday we’ll dive into grafting fruit trees and talk about backyard chicken keeping. But perhaps most importantly, in the afternoon we’ll get into home mushroom cultivation (featuring fungus farmer Mark Jones of Sharondale Farm), with an emphasis on shittake, oyster, garden giant, and almond portobello. Upon completion students will take home a spiral notebook of sustainable gardening notes, medicinal herb preparations, at least one fruit tree that you’ve grafted yourself, and a 3lb bag of mushroom spawn to get you started cultivating at home. $200-250, sliding scale. For more info or to register: www.ezekielsguild.com
For more info about mushrooms at Sharondale Farm, check out this website:www.sharondalefarm.com
6.land Orchard Farm
Permaculture potluck near Harrisonburg, VA on Saturday evening, March 12, at 6:30 pm -- anyone with BRPN is welcome to join us. It is being hosted by a student in the current New Community Project Permaculture Design Course:
55 Transom Ct.
Mt. Crawford, VA 22841
Call Adam Campbell with any questions at: 540.209.7378.
7.
The Electricity Fairy, a new documentary by Appalshop filmmaker Tom Hansell, is set to screen at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville on March 15th in Minor Hall, Room 125. The screening will begin at 7:30 PM and is open to the public.
The film focuses on coal extraction and a power plant being built in Wise County, Virginia. Hansell follows the story of the plant, connecting the local controversy to the debate over a national energy policy.
Following the screening, Tom Hansell, the filmmaker, along with Kathy Selvage, a Wise County resident and activist, and Cale Jaffe, senior attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center, both featured in the documentary, and Tom Cormons, Virginia Director of Appalachian Voices, will participate in a discussion and interaction with the audience.
The event is sponsored by the UVA Student Council Environmental Sustainability Committee, the Green Grounds Group, UVA Beyond Coal, and Appalachian Voices.
For more information about the film and additional screenings you can visit www.electricityfairy.org
See www.virginia.edu for a map to room Minor 125
8.
Firsthand Farmers Cooperative CSA
We are a group of central Virginia area farms working together to provide a diverse offering of local products through Community Supported Agriculture or CSA. CSA is a method of purchasing farm goods directly from local farms that benefits both the farmer and the consumer. CSA members pay for their shares at the beginning of the season and then receive a weekly delivery of farm products during the season. Shares include vegetables, herbs, eggs, dairy, and mushroom options. Contact CSA manager – Kathryn Bertoni available at astarfarm@netzero.net or 434-277-9304 with questions or for more information.
9.
March 22: Piedmont Horticulture Conference "Strengthening the Local Food Economy"
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
8:30am-3pm
Graves Mountain Lodge, Syria, VA
Join the Virginia Cooperative Extension, Madison County Farmers Market, and FamilyFarmed.orgto learn about the local food economy at the 2011 Piedmont Horticulture Conference, at Graves Mountain Lodge in Syria. This year's theme is "Strengthening the Local Food Economy" and will include lectures from local speakers on a variety of topics to include marketing to the consumer, wholesale success, food safety programs, a regional food hubs panel discussion and more. To register for the Conference, please email Brad Jarvis: bjarvis@vt.edu, or call the Madison Extension Office at (540) 948-6881.
http://www.buylocalvirginia.org/index.cfm/1,31,825,-1,html
10.
Transition Blue Ridge updated website and upcoming meeting
http://transitionblueridge.org/Blog/
Also, the Transition Blue Ridge group is starting up again.
The next meeting on April 1 at Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church-UU
at 7 p.m. Everyone interested in moving the group forward and continuing the work is welcome to attend.
11.
Highland Orchard Farm
Seeking Experienced Farm Manager: Summer 2011 landOrchard Farm
Salary $30-$40k
Accommodation includes 3BR farm House
Highland Orchard Farm seeks an experienced, enthusiastic individual to manage our growing farm enterprise. Set on 900 acres in Albemarle County in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, we raise a growing herd of Black Angus and Red Devon cattle, which serves as the cornerstone of our business. We are also home to a small herd of dairy goats, and an emerging goat milk soap business, Sweet Magnolia Creamery. Along with our legacy peach orchard, and newly installed 8-acre vineyard, we aim to build a diversified, sustainable family farm.
Ideal candidate is a self-starter, with an eye toward new business ideas and development, and brings 5-10 years experience managing a grass-fed cattle herd. Spanish speaking skills are a plus. We promote an entrepreneurial environment with opportunities for profit sharing. Our goal is to continue to build a sustainable family farm in a warm, friendly environment. Our Manager’s home is a small three-bedroom 1.5 bath cottage built in the 1930’s with sweeping views over our pastures, and the network of streams that form the headwaters of the Hardware River. We are underway with a master plan to renovate our barn complex, and vegetable gardens. The first phase of our renovation was featured in Albemarle Magazine’s tribute to Virginia Farm Restoration projects entitled, Barn Again, in August 2010.
Contact: Jonathan Gilliland Office: 434.220.0195 Mobile: 434.996.8022
12.
VIRGINIA LOVES MOUNTAINS
Friday, March 25th is our second annual Virginia Loves Mountains Day! On March 25th, people across the commonwealth will join forces to let Senators Webb and Warner know, without a doubt, that Virginians want them to fully support the EPA and to stop mountaintop removal once and for all.
Wise Energy for Virginia
http://wiseenergyforvirginia.org/save-the-date/
13.
Shenandoah Sustainability Summit
Saturday, April 23, 2011 from 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM (ET)
Cally's Banquet Room
41 Court Square
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
http://shenandoah2011-eivtefrnd.eventbrite.com/
14.
Edible Forest Gardens with Dave Jacke
Edible Ecosystems Emerging: Food Forestry for the 21st Century
April 15th-24th
Join us for a nine-day forest garden design intensive with Dave Jacke and friends!
Forest ecosystems exhibit many beneficial properties we humans would be wise to emulate in our culture, agriculture and horticulture: they maintain, renew, fertilize and propagate themselves without human inputs; they build, store, and conserve clean air, clean water, nutrients, soil quality, and biodiversity; and they exhibit stability, resilience, and adaptability. These qualities emerge from the dynamics of the forest as a whole system, not from any one or more of the elements that comprise the forest alone. To design productive edible ecosystems that express these same qualities, we must understand forest structures, functions, patterns, and processes and use this knowledge wisely.
In this nine-day intensive course, you will dive deeply into the vision, theory, and practice of designing wholesome, dynamic, and resilient edible ecosystems using temperate deciduous forests as models. Dave Jacke and his Pennsylvania-based teaching team will offer lectures, site walks, and experiential exercises to help you understand how the architecture, social structure, underground economics, and successional processes of natural forests apply in the design of edible ecosystems of all kinds. You'll learn a variety of ecological design processes while designing a range of food-producing ecologies at our host farm. We'll also engage with issues of garden management, economics, and the deep paradigmatic shifts required to succeed at cocreating "humanatural" landscapes and cultures. You will leave inspired and empowered to design food forests at home for yourself, and your friends, neighbors and clients.
For more information and questions, contact Kim Walsh Email ~ info@wildmeadowsfarm.com
Farm # ~ 814-839-4962 or Cell # ~ 612-804-6230
http://wildmeadowsfarm.com/2011/01/11/forest-garden-design-intensive-with-dave-jacke-and-friends-april-15th-24th/
15.
Horticultural Therapy and Social Work
Greetings!
Are you a horticulture therapist in the region willing to share your experience?
A farmer, gardener, social worker, teacher, or foodie with a passion for people, plants, or both?
Someone with an interest in increasing education and outreach around permaculture and sustainable agriculture?
I welcome your experiences, insights, and resources on the multiple benefits of plants!
I am a graduate Social Work student in Richmond, VA completing Independent Study coursework on the topic of Horticultural Therapy (HT) and its use as a Social Work intervention. For the purposes of my research the definition of HT includes the use of both plants and the natural environment in the therapeutic process. While it is intuitive to many that plants are psychologically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually beneficial to individuals I am seeking further resources to support this philosophy. HT is used to enhance and improve the lives of many populations including: people with disabilities, youth with ADHD and other behavioral disorders, seniors, veterans with PTSD and traumatic brain injury, and refugee and immigration populations.
Please contact me and share what you know about HT. How is it beneficial? How could it improve your clients, students, or children’s functioning? Who is doing it? Would you like to be involved? I am developing an HT program model to be implemented in mental health settings in the Richmond area. Any ideas on program development, funding sources, and needs of the region would be greatly appreciated!
While many of you folks may not be engaging in explicitly obvious HT activities, your interest in permaculture, sustainability, and food production is certainly related and I would be grateful for your input! I imagine that many of you are "doing" HT without realization!
Please feel free to check out my blog on Horticultural Therapy and Social Work at www.htsw.blogspot.com or email me at waughec@gmail.com
Thanks in advance for any assistance you may be able offer!
Eileen Waugh
757-817-7334
16.
The next Arts and Culture series at All Saints' Church is "Food, Faith, and Agriculture", with guest speakers Jesse Straight, Ginger Hillery, and Daniel Malcolm. Jesse Straight practices sustainable pasture-based poultry and livestock farming in Warrenton, Virginia. Ginger Hillery runs Full Circle Farm, a family farm and bakery in Catawba, Virginia. Daniel Malcolm is the CSA Farmer for Coverdale Farm, a part of the Delaware Nature Society in Greenville, DE. Join us as they give brief descriptions about their work and reflect on the topics of eating locally, supporting local farmers, and how their Christian lives are important factors in their vocation and home making.
All Saints' Anglican Church
March 20th, 5:30 P.M.
Free Child Care provided.
Wine and Refreshments after lecture.
Call 434.987.3562 for inquiries.
17.
Charlottesville Screening of Lunch Line
Time
Friday, March 25 · 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Location
The Martin Luther King Performing Arts Center at Charlottesville High School
1400 Melbourne Road
Charlottesville, VA
Created By
Lunch Line
More Info
This event is free and open to the public!
Please join us for the Charlottesville premiere of Lunch Line, a film that chronicles the history of school lunch in America. Find out how school lunch became what it is today — and stay for a panel discussion about what we can do to fix it!
Participants include:
Ed Bruske, DC-based chef, journalist, blogger
Alicia Cost, Charlottesville City Schools Nutrition Services Dept. Registered Dietician
Andrea Early, Director of School Nutrition Harrisonburg City Schools
Charles Green, Dir. Marketing & Development, VA Dept of Agriculture & Consumer Services (oversees VA's Farm to School program)
Matt Trowbridge, Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine UVA School of Medicine
Tanya Denckla-Cobb (moderator), UVA Instructor of Urban & Environmental Planning, author of "The Gardener's A-to-Z Guide to Growing Organic Food"
18.
Rose Brown and the Zero Garbage Challenge
March 18, 7:30 p.m.
Join us to hear about how one resident of Charlottesville set out to earn how to live comfortably while producing very little garbage.
She reduced the garbage she generated into 2 small bags for the whole year! Come and learn from her.
An Earth Friendly Friday event sponsored by the Green Sanctuary Task force of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Unitarian Church.
717 Rugby Road in the Social Hall.
Free and open to the public
19.
On March 11 and March 18 from 2-4pm, Randolph College will host two free apple tree grafting workshops taught by Tom Burford, orchard and nursery consultant, specializing in the restoration, re-creation, and design of historic sites and private estates, as well as commercial and backyard orchards.
Participants will have the option of taking back home the apple tree they graft, or donating it to the Randolph College's nursery. The apple cultivars will be diverse and for the most part considered as "Heritage" and disease resistant.
The events will take place at the Randolph College Organic Garden and participants will be allowed to park at the Maier Museum parking lot for free (1 Quinlan Street, Lynchburg, VA 24503).
Any interested person can contact Ludovic at llemaitre@randolphcollege.edu to reserve a seat.
20.
Join Common Good's Volunteer Staff for the 2011 Season – Washington DC
As an almost-entirely volunteer-run organization, we can always use more hands as part of our committed volunteer staff. Contact info@commongoodcityfarm.org for more info. Specific roles we're seeking:
Farm Coordinator: Approximately 3-5 hours per week, hours to be determined, but we're usually open in the late afternoon so a flexible schedule is a major plus! Farm Coordinators co-manage the farm during open hours. Job details include: 1) Assisting volunteers and Green Tomorrows participants with farm work; 2) following weekly list of “to do’s” which usually include weeding, planting, or other farm work; 3) welcoming passers-by, answering questions about the farm and explaining farm programs; 4) maintaning the farm site and upholding its rules. Ideal candidates will have some background in gardening and be comfortable working with diverse groups and children, but we are happy and willing to train.
Volunteer coordinator: Helps respond to standard "I'd like to volunteer! How?" emails, coordinates group visits in communication with the Farm Manager, and leads monthly Volunteer Orientations.
Website & Social Media: Have some Drupal or other CMS experience? We'd like to recruit someone to make our website more user-friendly, as well as keep it updated with occasional news and events. If you'd also like to contribute to our social media presence, help us with Twitter, Facebook, and even a blog.
Greenhouse construction: In storage we have a glass greenhouse, but we need assistance piecing it back together. If you have experience with erecting such a structure, please contact us!
Community Garden plots: Applications accepted until lottery March 19
The new park around the Farm will feature 40 community garden plots, available only to LeDroit Park, Bloomingdale, and Shaw residents. (If you live elsewhere, we unfortunately can't accept an application from you; check out our friends at Neighborhood Farm Initiative'sCommunity Garden Census for a spot near you!) A section of raised beds will be reserved for elderly, beginner, or disabled gardeners, and tools and soil will be provided. The lottery will be held on the Farm at 10a, March 19. Click here to learn more and apply!
Brown Bag Lunch with Sustainable Farmer Eric Herm
March 19, 2011, 12 noon on the Farm
Fourth-generation Texas farmer Eric Herm deals with the harsh economic realities and complicated legislation facing farmers, as well as the undeniable health impact of GMO crops and excessive chemicals on all living creatures in his new book, Son of a Farmer, Child of the Earth: A Path to Agriculture's Higher Consciousness. Mr Herm will speak about the critical need for more American farmers, wider use of sustainable agriculture techniques, and more resilient local communities.
Copies of the book will be available on the farm and at a book signing at Sisterspace and Books, 3717 Georgia Avenue NW, at 6p.
"A Community of Gardeners" Documentary Premiering at Environmental Film Festival
The new documentary "A Community of Gardeners," produced by local filmmaker Cintia Cabib, will premiere at the Environmental Film Festival in the Nation's Capital on Thursday, March 24, at 7 p.m., at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. It will be shown again on Friday, March 25, at 4 p.m., at the Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (THEARC).
"A Community of Gardeners" explores the vital role of seven community gardens in Washington, D.C. and shows how these green spaces are changing people's lives, their communities and their environment. Among the gardens featured is the 7th Street Garden and its rebirth as Common Good City Farm. Executive Director Pertula George will be participating in the post-film discussion at the March 24th screening.
For ticket information and to make reservations, please visit http://www.dcenvironmentalfilmfest.org/films/show/678. To view the trailer and photo gallery, please visit http://www.communityofgardeners.com.
21.
a reference to permaculture while perusing a sight about peak oil:
http://www.energybulletin.net/primer.php
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
upcoming events
Greetings All,
Below you will find info on upcoming permaculture and sustainability events in the near future in the central Virginia bioregion, including a Food Storage 101 and Community Seed Swap this weekend.
For more information about permaculture events, see our website: www.blueridgepermaculture.net. If you know anyone else that would like to sign up for this newsletter, or if you have an announcement, email Christine at christinegyovai@gmail.com for the next update, which are sent monthly.
Best,
Christine and the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network team
www.blueridgepermaculture.net
1.
Put your Project on the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network website!
Several people have requested an expanded BRPN website to facilitate sharing knowledge and information. We are going to be significantly expanding “Members work” section of the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network website to help facilitate learning about each others’ project, and updating other elements of the website.
http://www.blueridgepermaculture.net/members.html
Please email Christine at christinegyovai@gmail.com up to three photos, a description of about 100 - 200 words, and a website link (if you have one) to your permaculture or sustainability project to be included on the website.
2.
BRPN and the Local Food Hub presents:
Barkslip’s Fruit school
Aren't you just nuts about fruits?
Barkslip’s fruit school is wreaking havoc on convention. Bill Whipple, a.k.a. Professor Barkslip, has been stumbling around fruit orchards for 25 years growing things that he wasnt supposed to grow and fruit school is a chance to come find out what he has learned. Packed tighter than fruit cake, there will be hands on classes in fruit tree care and pruning, rooting, and grafting. This series is a response to there being very little information available for alternative fruit care, and as a follow up intensive to a permaculture design class focusing on getting a low input orchard in production at minimal cost. This class is appropriate for continuous learners, as well as eager beginners. The plant material you walk away with nearly pays for the class.
You will leave with:
· basic skills needed to care for low input home, farm and community orchards
· pruning strategies that support a low input system
· hands-on experience rooting and grafting so you can produce your own plant material at little to no cost
· grafted fruit trees, cuttings and seed starts
· skills to convert ornamental trees into fruit producing mega giants in 3 years
Charlottesville, Va-
April 16th & 17th 9am- 5pm
Contact: info@localfoodhub.org
434-286-2176
3.
Local Food Hub Hosts SPIN Farming Workshop
Maple Hill, Scottsville, VA - March 12, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
The Local Food Hub in Charlottesville is hosting a day-long workshop on Small Plot Intensive (SPIN) Farming, which is an easy-to-learn method for getting the most production out of a small area (less than one acre, down to a hundred square feet or so) using sustainable and land-restoring practices. This method is excellent for urban farming and gardening, and demonstrates the economic viability and community-sustainability of small scale food production. Experienced SPIN farmer Linda Borghi will conduct the workshop and hands-on demonstration.
Registration is $100, which includes a workbook. To register, email info@localfoodhub.org or call (434) 286-2176.
4.
Would anyone like (for free, of course) a sliding glass door , to be used for a cold frame. Please call me. I am in Belmont in Charlottesville. Heather 434-923-8888.
5.
4th Annual Virginia Berry Production and Marketing Conference
L Douglas Wilder Building, Virginia State University, Petersburg, VA - March 17, 8 am - 4 pm
For a registration fee of just $15 (includes lunch), learn about high tunnel raspberry and blackberry production, new blackberry varieties, table grap production (special feature of this conference), berry crop pset management, and blueberry production and marketing. The day ends with an optional tour of high tunnel berry production.
http://www.virginiafruit.ento.vt.edu/VSUBerryConf2010
6.
Cultivating an Ecological Conscience: An Evening with Farmer Philosopher Fred Kirschenmann
Thursday, March 24, 2011 – 7pm, Fralin Auditorium, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg
Fred Kirshenmann is a world-renowned leader in sustainable agriculture who combines his experience as an organic farmer with an education in philosophy to offer a unique view of agriculture. Kirschenmann is the Distinguished Fellow for the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture at Iowa State University and President of Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture in Pocantico Hills, New York. He travels extensively nationally and abroad discussing the importance of maintaining soil health, developing small- and medium-sized farms, and incorporating biodynamic techniques into farms.
Kirschenmann oversees the management of his family's 3,500-acre certified organic farm in south central North Dakota and is a professor in the ISU Department of Religion and Philosophy. He holds a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Chicago and has written extensively about ethics and agriculture.
http://groups.google.com/group/sustainableaged_org/browse_thread/thread/8aaca17a2e7fd50d?pli=1
7.
Moon & Stars Farm Invites You to
Save Money and Increase Your Peace of Mind
Food Storage 101
Learn
- how having extra food on hand saves you time
- how you can save loads of money
- sneaky ways to find space
- low energy ways to keep things
- how to make your community safer
Saturday, February 19th
12-2pm
229 Blackberry Lane, Staunton
Call Holly Parker at 540-292-0991
to save a space and get directions
8.
Nationally recognized author and speaker on food heritage, Gary Nabhan will speak on
"CLIMATE CHANGE AND PLACE-BASED FOOD" in Charlottesville
DATE: Thursday, March 3
TIME: 5:00 PM, followed by a reception and book signing, launching Nabhan's new book, Chasing Chiles (Chelsea Green, 2011).
FREE & OPEN TO ALL: easily accessible by C'ville Trolley and Bus, and parking at nearby Newcomb Hall/bookstore parking and Culbreth Theater parking (after 5pm) (see attached map)
WHERE: Lecture Hall 160, Campbell Hall, School of Architecture, UVa (near Culbreth Theater, off Rugby Road)
Nabhan is an award-winning natural-history writer and ethnobotanist, recognized by Mother
Earth News and Time as a pioneer in the local foods movement. His collaborative conservation work has been honored with lifetime achievement awards from the Quivira Coalition and the Society for Conservation Biology, and with the Vavilov Medal. A pioneer in heirloom seed saving, he raises rare chile peppers and Mission-era orchard crops in Patagonia, Arizona.
www.virginia.edu/foodcollaborative
9.
Fruit Grafting and Propagation All Day Intensive
When: Saturday, April 23rd, 9 AM to 5 PM
Where: 912 Woodfolk Drive, Charlottesville VA, 22902
Registration Contact: Sara Tansey, sara.m.tansey@gmail.com, 843-694-8896
Cost: $50, checks made payable to Living Energy Farm
This all day workshop will be an overview of growing fruit and nuts in Virginia without pesticides and fungicides. Participants will learn which fruit trees can be grown from seed, which can be rooted, and which must be grafted. Participants will learn how to prepare fruit tree seeds for planting, how to root fruiting plants, and how to graft. Numerous grafting techniques will be demonstrated, including:
Whip and tongue grafting and saddle grafting for young trees. Bark grafting and cleft grafting for more mature rootstock. Specialized grafting for nuts and hardwoods. Chip bud and tee bud grafting for stone fruits and citrus. Rooting cuttings, ground and air layering. Growing from seed. Specialized techniques for rooting blueberries and hard to root plants.
The focus will be on techniques that can be used at home with a minimum of tools and expense. Each participant will take home two fruit trees that they graft themselves. Rootstock and scions (grafting wood) will be provided. There will also be extensive discussion of managing orchards in the Southeast without toxic sprays, and other issues relating to horticulture in this area.
10.
Community Seed Swap!
11am, Sunday, February 20th Co-hosted by Southern Exposure Seed Exchange. Bring some seeds (or just come and grab some) and gardening stories and questions. Location: Alexander House Inn & Hostel 1205 Monticello Road, Charlottesville, VA 22902
http://cvillefoodscapes.com/
11.
Saturday, February 19th - the Maryland Organic Food and Farming Association presents their 20th annual Winter Meeting. Our own Ira Wallace is their keynote speaker! From oyster farming to beekeeping, kitchen gardens to local distribution of organic food, there is something for everyone. Whether consumer or farmer, gardener or distributor, this gathering celebrates the rich agricultural atmosphere of Maryland. The day-long event will also feature a live auction, seed swap, and the first local showing of The Greenhorns.
http://www.marylandorganic.org/events.htm
Saturday, February 19th - DC's Field to Fork Network offers Rooting DC, with workshops on basic gardening, school gardens, youth gardening, and more. Stop by for Paul's workshop on seed saving at noon!
http://fieldtoforknetwork.org/rootingdc/
Saturday, March 5th - the Appalachian Farmers Market Association holds their 3rd annual Winter Conference in Bristol, TN. Be sure to attend our presentation to learn about saving seeds for fun and profit!
http://www.appfma.org/events/afma-winter-conference
12.
Virginia State Parks Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) Applications -- Deadline: April 13, 2011 -- The Virginia State Parks Youth Conservation Corps is accepting applications for summer 2011. YCC participants assist with an assortment of projects in Virginia State Parks, including wildlife and fisheries habitat improvement, trail and campground construction and restoration, timber and shoreline improvement, and landscape beautification. Teams of 10 participants will be chosen from current high school students aged 14-17 (participants must be 14 by June 1, 2011) who demonstrate an interest in protecting Virginia’s environment. While no prior experience is necessary, participants will work outside, and the service is physically demanding. The 2011 YCC sessions will be held at 10-12 State Parks across the Commonwealth. The two three-week sessions are scheduled as follows; session one: June 26 - July 16, session two: July 24 – Aug 13. Students may only attend one of the sessions. YCC crew members are provided room, board, tee-shirts and work-related equipment, and receive a $500 stipend at the end of the three weeks. For more information, contact Gaston at 703.583.5497, Fax 703.583.2514, e-mail vspycc@dcr.virginia.gov, or visit www.dcr.virginia.gov. You must have the email address of both your references when you apply on line at: http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/ycc.shtml.
13.
1. I have many back issues of the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy newsletter, mostly from this past decade, that I would like to give to someone who's either researching heritage breeds (like what they may want to have in their landscape) or who already uses heritage breeds and could benefit from the information. To my knowledge, ALBC covers every domestic animal, including rabbits. I'm in Annapolis, but will be making weekly trips to Charlottesville beginning mid-March.
2. I'm interested in setting up a reading/discussion group locally for Transitions Town exploration. I'd be interested in meeting anyone in Anne Arundel County in this vein. We would use the Transitions reading/discussion material and program created by Transitions NE Seattle, which is available at www.transitionus.org.
Contact Leigh at 410/757.4070 or mimictheforest@yahoo.com for more information.
14.
USDA Organic Farming Systems Conference
Georgetown University, Washington, DC - March 16-18
The USDA will be holding an Organic Farming Systems Conference at Georgetown University with the following objectives:
1 - To examine findings from U.S. research on organic farming systems, including two key types of research-long-term farming experiments and nationwide economic producer surveys.
2 - To explore the implications of these findings for U.S. agricultural productivity, economic viability, environmental stewardship, and quality of life goals.
3 - To facilitate dialogue among the various disciplines, farm groups and other stakeholders involved in organic farming systems research, and to generate recommendations for improving the way this research is conducted.
4 - To create new ideas for future research in organic farming systems.
For more information, and registration, visit: http://www.ers.usda.gov/ConferenceCenter/OrganicFarmingSystems/
15.
Charlottesville Tomorrow's Cville3D project is growing our city within Google Earth. Now YOU can learn how to build these 3D computer models and put Charlottesville-Albemarle on the map (in Charlottesville). We have just set the dates for our next FOUR FREE Google Sketchup trainings with local architect Bob Pineo. Each class will be limited to about 20 students, so sign up early to save a seat. Please feel free to share this invitation with your contacts who may also be interested.
BEGINNER CLASSES -NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY
Google Sketchup 101 (Beginner Class)
Wednesday, February 23, 2011, 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Location: PVCC Stultz Center
Google Sketchup 101 (Beginner Class)
Monday, March 14, 2011, 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Location: PVCC Stultz Center
INTERMEDIATE CLASSES - PAST EXPERIENCE WITH SKETCHUP REQUIRED
Google Sketchup 102 (Intermediate Class)
Wednesday, March 2, 2011, 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Location: PVCC Stultz Center
Google Sketchup 102 (Intermediate Class)
Monday, March 28, 2011, 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Location: PVCC Stultz Center
http://cvilletomorrow.typepad.com/charlottesville_tomorrow_/cville3d.html
16.
Design Thinking Mashup
A Symposium at the UVa School of Architecture – Charlottesville, VA
February 22-23, 2011
Collaboration, Creative Research, and Community
The symposium will explore collaboration, creative research, and community, using Architecture and the Arts as exemplars of creative problem solving techniques.
All events free and open to the public.
For additional information, please contact George Sampson gws6n@virginia.edu
or (434) 924-7307
Sponsored by:
The University of Virginia School of Architecture
https://secure.arch.virginia.edu/groups/designthinkingmashup/
17.
We need you to call your member of Congress RIGHT NOW and urge them to oppose budget bill Amendment 109, key in our fight to end mountaintop removal.
This dangerous amendment would remove the vital funding needed for the EPA to do its job in reviewing mountaintop removal permits and would reverse all action taken by the administration over the past two years to safeguard Appalachian streams and communities.
Call (202) 224-3121 and ask for your representative.
iLoveMountains.org
Below you will find info on upcoming permaculture and sustainability events in the near future in the central Virginia bioregion, including a Food Storage 101 and Community Seed Swap this weekend.
For more information about permaculture events, see our website: www.blueridgepermaculture.net. If you know anyone else that would like to sign up for this newsletter, or if you have an announcement, email Christine at christinegyovai@gmail.com for the next update, which are sent monthly.
Best,
Christine and the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network team
www.blueridgepermaculture.net
1.
Put your Project on the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network website!
Several people have requested an expanded BRPN website to facilitate sharing knowledge and information. We are going to be significantly expanding “Members work” section of the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network website to help facilitate learning about each others’ project, and updating other elements of the website.
http://www.blueridgepermaculture.net/members.html
Please email Christine at christinegyovai@gmail.com up to three photos, a description of about 100 - 200 words, and a website link (if you have one) to your permaculture or sustainability project to be included on the website.
2.
BRPN and the Local Food Hub presents:
Barkslip’s Fruit school
Aren't you just nuts about fruits?
Barkslip’s fruit school is wreaking havoc on convention. Bill Whipple, a.k.a. Professor Barkslip, has been stumbling around fruit orchards for 25 years growing things that he wasnt supposed to grow and fruit school is a chance to come find out what he has learned. Packed tighter than fruit cake, there will be hands on classes in fruit tree care and pruning, rooting, and grafting. This series is a response to there being very little information available for alternative fruit care, and as a follow up intensive to a permaculture design class focusing on getting a low input orchard in production at minimal cost. This class is appropriate for continuous learners, as well as eager beginners. The plant material you walk away with nearly pays for the class.
You will leave with:
· basic skills needed to care for low input home, farm and community orchards
· pruning strategies that support a low input system
· hands-on experience rooting and grafting so you can produce your own plant material at little to no cost
· grafted fruit trees, cuttings and seed starts
· skills to convert ornamental trees into fruit producing mega giants in 3 years
Charlottesville, Va-
April 16th & 17th 9am- 5pm
Contact: info@localfoodhub.org
434-286-2176
3.
Local Food Hub Hosts SPIN Farming Workshop
Maple Hill, Scottsville, VA - March 12, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
The Local Food Hub in Charlottesville is hosting a day-long workshop on Small Plot Intensive (SPIN) Farming, which is an easy-to-learn method for getting the most production out of a small area (less than one acre, down to a hundred square feet or so) using sustainable and land-restoring practices. This method is excellent for urban farming and gardening, and demonstrates the economic viability and community-sustainability of small scale food production. Experienced SPIN farmer Linda Borghi will conduct the workshop and hands-on demonstration.
Registration is $100, which includes a workbook. To register, email info@localfoodhub.org or call (434) 286-2176.
4.
Would anyone like (for free, of course) a sliding glass door , to be used for a cold frame. Please call me. I am in Belmont in Charlottesville. Heather 434-923-8888.
5.
4th Annual Virginia Berry Production and Marketing Conference
L Douglas Wilder Building, Virginia State University, Petersburg, VA - March 17, 8 am - 4 pm
For a registration fee of just $15 (includes lunch), learn about high tunnel raspberry and blackberry production, new blackberry varieties, table grap production (special feature of this conference), berry crop pset management, and blueberry production and marketing. The day ends with an optional tour of high tunnel berry production.
http://www.virginiafruit.ento.vt.edu/VSUBerryConf2010
6.
Cultivating an Ecological Conscience: An Evening with Farmer Philosopher Fred Kirschenmann
Thursday, March 24, 2011 – 7pm, Fralin Auditorium, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg
Fred Kirshenmann is a world-renowned leader in sustainable agriculture who combines his experience as an organic farmer with an education in philosophy to offer a unique view of agriculture. Kirschenmann is the Distinguished Fellow for the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture at Iowa State University and President of Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture in Pocantico Hills, New York. He travels extensively nationally and abroad discussing the importance of maintaining soil health, developing small- and medium-sized farms, and incorporating biodynamic techniques into farms.
Kirschenmann oversees the management of his family's 3,500-acre certified organic farm in south central North Dakota and is a professor in the ISU Department of Religion and Philosophy. He holds a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Chicago and has written extensively about ethics and agriculture.
http://groups.google.com/group/sustainableaged_org/browse_thread/thread/8aaca17a2e7fd50d?pli=1
7.
Moon & Stars Farm Invites You to
Save Money and Increase Your Peace of Mind
Food Storage 101
Learn
- how having extra food on hand saves you time
- how you can save loads of money
- sneaky ways to find space
- low energy ways to keep things
- how to make your community safer
Saturday, February 19th
12-2pm
229 Blackberry Lane, Staunton
Call Holly Parker at 540-292-0991
to save a space and get directions
8.
Nationally recognized author and speaker on food heritage, Gary Nabhan will speak on
"CLIMATE CHANGE AND PLACE-BASED FOOD" in Charlottesville
DATE: Thursday, March 3
TIME: 5:00 PM, followed by a reception and book signing, launching Nabhan's new book, Chasing Chiles (Chelsea Green, 2011).
FREE & OPEN TO ALL: easily accessible by C'ville Trolley and Bus, and parking at nearby Newcomb Hall/bookstore parking and Culbreth Theater parking (after 5pm) (see attached map)
WHERE: Lecture Hall 160, Campbell Hall, School of Architecture, UVa (near Culbreth Theater, off Rugby Road)
Nabhan is an award-winning natural-history writer and ethnobotanist, recognized by Mother
Earth News and Time as a pioneer in the local foods movement. His collaborative conservation work has been honored with lifetime achievement awards from the Quivira Coalition and the Society for Conservation Biology, and with the Vavilov Medal. A pioneer in heirloom seed saving, he raises rare chile peppers and Mission-era orchard crops in Patagonia, Arizona.
www.virginia.edu/foodcollaborative
9.
Fruit Grafting and Propagation All Day Intensive
When: Saturday, April 23rd, 9 AM to 5 PM
Where: 912 Woodfolk Drive, Charlottesville VA, 22902
Registration Contact: Sara Tansey, sara.m.tansey@gmail.com, 843-694-8896
Cost: $50, checks made payable to Living Energy Farm
This all day workshop will be an overview of growing fruit and nuts in Virginia without pesticides and fungicides. Participants will learn which fruit trees can be grown from seed, which can be rooted, and which must be grafted. Participants will learn how to prepare fruit tree seeds for planting, how to root fruiting plants, and how to graft. Numerous grafting techniques will be demonstrated, including:
Whip and tongue grafting and saddle grafting for young trees. Bark grafting and cleft grafting for more mature rootstock. Specialized grafting for nuts and hardwoods. Chip bud and tee bud grafting for stone fruits and citrus. Rooting cuttings, ground and air layering. Growing from seed. Specialized techniques for rooting blueberries and hard to root plants.
The focus will be on techniques that can be used at home with a minimum of tools and expense. Each participant will take home two fruit trees that they graft themselves. Rootstock and scions (grafting wood) will be provided. There will also be extensive discussion of managing orchards in the Southeast without toxic sprays, and other issues relating to horticulture in this area.
10.
Community Seed Swap!
11am, Sunday, February 20th Co-hosted by Southern Exposure Seed Exchange. Bring some seeds (or just come and grab some) and gardening stories and questions. Location: Alexander House Inn & Hostel 1205 Monticello Road, Charlottesville, VA 22902
http://cvillefoodscapes.com/
11.
Saturday, February 19th - the Maryland Organic Food and Farming Association presents their 20th annual Winter Meeting. Our own Ira Wallace is their keynote speaker! From oyster farming to beekeeping, kitchen gardens to local distribution of organic food, there is something for everyone. Whether consumer or farmer, gardener or distributor, this gathering celebrates the rich agricultural atmosphere of Maryland. The day-long event will also feature a live auction, seed swap, and the first local showing of The Greenhorns.
http://www.marylandorganic.org/events.htm
Saturday, February 19th - DC's Field to Fork Network offers Rooting DC, with workshops on basic gardening, school gardens, youth gardening, and more. Stop by for Paul's workshop on seed saving at noon!
http://fieldtoforknetwork.org/rootingdc/
Saturday, March 5th - the Appalachian Farmers Market Association holds their 3rd annual Winter Conference in Bristol, TN. Be sure to attend our presentation to learn about saving seeds for fun and profit!
http://www.appfma.org/events/afma-winter-conference
12.
Virginia State Parks Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) Applications -- Deadline: April 13, 2011 -- The Virginia State Parks Youth Conservation Corps is accepting applications for summer 2011. YCC participants assist with an assortment of projects in Virginia State Parks, including wildlife and fisheries habitat improvement, trail and campground construction and restoration, timber and shoreline improvement, and landscape beautification. Teams of 10 participants will be chosen from current high school students aged 14-17 (participants must be 14 by June 1, 2011) who demonstrate an interest in protecting Virginia’s environment. While no prior experience is necessary, participants will work outside, and the service is physically demanding. The 2011 YCC sessions will be held at 10-12 State Parks across the Commonwealth. The two three-week sessions are scheduled as follows; session one: June 26 - July 16, session two: July 24 – Aug 13. Students may only attend one of the sessions. YCC crew members are provided room, board, tee-shirts and work-related equipment, and receive a $500 stipend at the end of the three weeks. For more information, contact Gaston at 703.583.5497, Fax 703.583.2514, e-mail vspycc@dcr.virginia.gov, or visit www.dcr.virginia.gov. You must have the email address of both your references when you apply on line at: http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/ycc.shtml.
13.
1. I have many back issues of the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy newsletter, mostly from this past decade, that I would like to give to someone who's either researching heritage breeds (like what they may want to have in their landscape) or who already uses heritage breeds and could benefit from the information. To my knowledge, ALBC covers every domestic animal, including rabbits. I'm in Annapolis, but will be making weekly trips to Charlottesville beginning mid-March.
2. I'm interested in setting up a reading/discussion group locally for Transitions Town exploration. I'd be interested in meeting anyone in Anne Arundel County in this vein. We would use the Transitions reading/discussion material and program created by Transitions NE Seattle, which is available at www.transitionus.org.
Contact Leigh at 410/757.4070 or mimictheforest@yahoo.com for more information.
14.
USDA Organic Farming Systems Conference
Georgetown University, Washington, DC - March 16-18
The USDA will be holding an Organic Farming Systems Conference at Georgetown University with the following objectives:
1 - To examine findings from U.S. research on organic farming systems, including two key types of research-long-term farming experiments and nationwide economic producer surveys.
2 - To explore the implications of these findings for U.S. agricultural productivity, economic viability, environmental stewardship, and quality of life goals.
3 - To facilitate dialogue among the various disciplines, farm groups and other stakeholders involved in organic farming systems research, and to generate recommendations for improving the way this research is conducted.
4 - To create new ideas for future research in organic farming systems.
For more information, and registration, visit: http://www.ers.usda.gov/ConferenceCenter/OrganicFarmingSystems/
15.
Charlottesville Tomorrow's Cville3D project is growing our city within Google Earth. Now YOU can learn how to build these 3D computer models and put Charlottesville-Albemarle on the map (in Charlottesville). We have just set the dates for our next FOUR FREE Google Sketchup trainings with local architect Bob Pineo. Each class will be limited to about 20 students, so sign up early to save a seat. Please feel free to share this invitation with your contacts who may also be interested.
BEGINNER CLASSES -NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY
Google Sketchup 101 (Beginner Class)
Wednesday, February 23, 2011, 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Location: PVCC Stultz Center
Google Sketchup 101 (Beginner Class)
Monday, March 14, 2011, 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Location: PVCC Stultz Center
INTERMEDIATE CLASSES - PAST EXPERIENCE WITH SKETCHUP REQUIRED
Google Sketchup 102 (Intermediate Class)
Wednesday, March 2, 2011, 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Location: PVCC Stultz Center
Google Sketchup 102 (Intermediate Class)
Monday, March 28, 2011, 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Location: PVCC Stultz Center
http://cvilletomorrow.typepad.com/charlottesville_tomorrow_/cville3d.html
16.
Design Thinking Mashup
A Symposium at the UVa School of Architecture – Charlottesville, VA
February 22-23, 2011
Collaboration, Creative Research, and Community
The symposium will explore collaboration, creative research, and community, using Architecture and the Arts as exemplars of creative problem solving techniques.
All events free and open to the public.
For additional information, please contact George Sampson gws6n@virginia.edu
or (434) 924-7307
Sponsored by:
The University of Virginia School of Architecture
https://secure.arch.virginia.edu/groups/designthinkingmashup/
17.
We need you to call your member of Congress RIGHT NOW and urge them to oppose budget bill Amendment 109, key in our fight to end mountaintop removal.
This dangerous amendment would remove the vital funding needed for the EPA to do its job in reviewing mountaintop removal permits and would reverse all action taken by the administration over the past two years to safeguard Appalachian streams and communities.
Call (202) 224-3121 and ask for your representative.
iLoveMountains.org
Friday, January 14, 2011
upcoming events
Greetings All,
Below you will find info on upcoming permaculture and sustainability events in the near future in the central Virginia bioregion—info below on a BRPN potluck, Dave Jacke’s Feb. workshop and upcoming Permaculture Design Courses.
For more information about permaculture events, see our website: www.blueridgepermaculture.net. If you know anyone else that would like to sign up for this newsletter, or if you have an announcement, email Christine at christinegyovai@gmail.com for the next update, which are sent monthly.
Best,
Christine and the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network team
www.blueridgepermaculture.net
1. BRPN Potluck and upcoming workshops
Blue Ridge Permaculture Network potluck and seed swap on Friday, Feb. 4th in Charlottesville at 4:30 pm before Dave Jacke's community talk, which starts at 7 pm (workshop and talk announcement below - feel free to forward it to your networks - thanks!). We hope to have a time to get together to hang out, hear what people are working on, and plan strategies for how we, and how BRPN, can support each other's efforts. Bring utensils, a dish to share and seeds to swap (yours or extra seeds you have to trade).
The potluck will be in the middle school of the Mountaintop Montessori school in Charlottesville. Note that the middle school is at the far end of campus, and there is limited parking available right next to the middle school as well as at the campus. Directions may be found at the website:
http://mountaintopmontessori.org/index.php?option=com_contact&Itemid=3
Upcoming Blue Ridge Permaculture Network classes
The Blue Ridge Permaculture Network will offer a spring Introduction to Permaculture workshop and a fall Permaculture Design Course over three 4-day weekends: Sept. 9-12 Oct 7-10, Nov 4-7, 2011 (with childcare).
Gardening Like the Forest Workshop with Dave Jacke, author of Edible Forest Gardens
near Charlottesville, VA in February 2011
Friday Evening Public Talk:
February 4, 2011, 7-9 PM; Suggested donation $10 at the door.
Gardening Like the Forest: Home-Scale Ecological Food Production
At Mountaintop Montessori Community Hall
Healthy forests maintain, fertilize, and renew themselves, naturally. Wouldn’t you like to grow an abundant food-producing ecosystem like this in your back yard? You can! Edible forest gardens mimic the structure and function of natural forests through all their stages of development and grow food, fuel, fiber, fodder, fertilizers, farmaceuticals, and fun. We can meet our own needs and regenerate healthy ecosystems at the same time! This talk introduces the vision of forest gardening with some scientific background, a few living examples, and a sampling of some useful perennial edibles you can use in your own garden. The ecology of forest gardening can also teach us some interesting things about how we might organize human societies. Contact Terry Lilley at tygerlilley@gmail.com or see the website www.blueridgepermaculture for more information.
Weekend Workshop with Dave Jacke:
February 5-6, 2011, 9 AM – 5 PM, with a Saturday evening lecture.
Gardening Like the Forest: Designing Perennial Polycultures
Effective perennial polycultures combine useful perennial plants into vegetation patches that minimize competition, create additive yields, and minimize the gardener’s work and outside inputs. Guild and polyculture design are the most interesting and challenging part of the forest garden design process. This in-depth, intermediate-to-advanced workshop explores the specific ecological theories behind polyculture design through experiential exercises and games. Participants will design perennial polycultures together using a variety of design processes. We’ll also explore the implications of what we learn for the design of ecological human cultures. No prior experience necessary!
The cost for the weekend is a sliding scale of $250-$295. A few work trade positions are available for partial tuition; inquire soon about work trade guidelines and availability.
Contact Terry Lilley at tygerlilley@gmail.com or see the website www.blueridgepermaculture for more information.
2.
New Community Project is pleased to announce we will be teaching a Permaculture Design Course in Spring 2011 in Harrisonburg. This 72-hour certification course will be headquartered at our new Sustainable Living Center, at 715 N. Main St. in Harrisonburg.
Based on patterns and processes of ecological systems, permaculture is the art and science of creating healthy and resilient human environments abundant in food, water, shelter, energy, and community. This course will focus specifically on exploring sustainability strategies for the Shenandoah Valley, and participants will emerge as a thriving practitioner network, each with the ability to design and build gardens, homes, and communities modeled on living ecosystems.
This ecological design course covers such themes as: permaculture ethics and philosophy, ecological system understanding, organic food production, design concepts and techniques, natural soil improvement, edible forest gardening, aquaculture, healthy buildings and human settlements, renewable energy systems, local economies, mushroom cultivation, and much more. Hands-on work and play, group discussion, site tours, lecture, design projects, and work parties will all be used to facilitate a dynamic learning environment.
The dates for the four weekend, 12 day course are: Feb 18-21, Mar 11-13, Apr 8-10, and May 14-15. Cost is a sliding scale from $500-800.
Please contact Adam at ncppdc@gmail.com for details, or to register or read more, see the website:
http://ncpharrisonburg.wordpress.com/perma/
3.
Erik and Lindsay Curren, founders of the online magazine Transition Voice, and of the group, Transition Staunton Augusta, will give a talk Fri, Jan 28, at 7pm at Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church - Unitarian Universalist (717 Rugby Road).
The Currens will describe their organization's efforts to educate their community about peak oil and climate change and strengthen the local economy and food system. Transition Staunton Augusta, which is one of 75 Transition Initiatives in the U.S. and over 650 worldwide, aims to help its community prepare for a lower energy future by ramping up support for the local food system, local businesses, energy conservation, and clean energy. For more information, see transitionvoice.com or http://transitionstaunton.org/. Sponsored by TJMC-UU's Green Sanctuary Task Force. Free.
If you've never heard of the Transition movement, here's a 5-minute video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGHrWPtCvg0&feature=related
If you've got 18 minutes, this one goes into greater depth:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8meWY0W40OA&feature=related
For more information, contact Nancy at nhurrelbrinck@gmail.com.
4.
Carbon, Our Energy Future, and You: A Community Workshop
The City of Charlottesville, the County of Albemarle, and the University of
Virginia are hosting a Community Workshop inviting the public to learn more
about ongoing initiatives related to energy opportunities and impacts, including
recent efforts to identify effective energy management strategies.
Cost: Free
Date: Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Time: 6:00-8:00 pm
Note: Display Stations will be available for viewing
in the Lobby all day on January 26th
Place: Albemarle County Office Building
Auditorium and Lobby
401 McIntyre Road
Charlottesville, VA
Further information: www.charlottesville.org/agreencity
5.
Farm Work – Charlottesville area farm
Looking for a Farm Assistant for 2011 season. Would be responsible for all aspects of field work (seeding to harvesting of vegetables, flowers, and herbs) and selling at weekly farmers markets. Season would be March-November. Minimum of 1 year farming experience is required. This position would be a good fit for a person with some experience who wants to have more responsibility and learn more about all aspects of running a farm while receiving guidance and mentoring. Receives a weekly stipend with possibility for bonus based on season/sales (bonus reviewed 3 times a season). For more information: contact Steph at newbranch@ntelos.net
6.
A screening of Queen of the Sun about bees, on Sunday, Jan. 23 will be at the Haven at First and Market in Charlottesville from 4-6:30 pm. To learn more about the film, visit www.queenofthesun.com.
7.
Gardeners for the Bay is a free “pledge program” for people who love to garden and want to keep our rivers and streams clean. We have Gardener for the Bay members all across the state and try to offer various workshops – from professionals like you – to help further educate and engage them in Bay and Eco-friendly gardening and growing. For example, we helped host a workshop on composting last fall and winter gardening last winter season with local earth-friendly gardening groups and non-profits.
If you have ideas on how we could partner on any events or workshops please let me know!
Thanks for your time,
Jess
Jessica Barton
VA Grassroots Coordinator
1108 East Main Street, Suite 1600
Richmond, VA 23219
804-780-1392
8.
Anyone interested in having their own piece of land to garden? International Community in Greene County has garden space for individuals that don't have their own garden space or would prefer to garden with others. A great way to share your knowledge, techniques, and watering time etc. with other local Gardeners. Plowing, tilling, water, and a small greenhouse are available. Grow for yourself, share with your friends, or sell your extras at the local farmers market. Call or e-mail David for more details. 434-985-7895 or mrbillybobjimbo@yahoo.com
9.
Folks, there will be an onslaught of attacks on the EPA because of the ruling to deny the permit for the Spruce No.1 Surface Mine, outlined here on EPA's water quality page (linked below). The EPA needs to hear from people like us who believe that atomic-bomb-style mining in West Virginia and Kentucky needs to cease. Mountain top removal mining destroys more plentiful, legitimate mining jobs that go with environmental integrity. Communities in West Virginia are having their land, air and water quality poisoned by extensive, dangerous mining practices unchecked by most state and federal regulatory and environmental agencies.
Please share this email with your friends and look for the "Contact us" link on this page:
http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/guidance/cwa/dredgdis/404c_index.cfm
10.
GROWING COMMUNITIES WORKSHOP
From: The American Community Garden Association(ACGA)
www.communitygarden.org
Who: Gardeners, leaders, educators, volunteers, supporters of
community gardens, food justice advocates, master gardeners, and
others seeking to use community gardening to meet their program
objectives and create healthy communities.
What: Two-day interactive workshop giving participants the tools to
enhance community building and leadership development through
gardening.
Meet other people in the C-ville community, have fun, and leave with
new ideas!
When: Friday Feb 4 - 8:30 am-5:00 pm Saturday Feb 5 - 9:00 am-
4:00 pm
Registration includes BOTH Friday and Saturday !
Where: CitySpace 100 5th ST NE Charlottesville,VA 22902
Cost: $75 per individual, sliding scale based on ability to pay.
Fee includes: ACGA membership (invaluable for most, $30 for everyone
else),
Growing Communities Curriculum ($35 value)
2 days of workshop w/ breakfasts and lunches!
RSVP: Register online: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/141988
Contact: Healthy Food Coalition (434) 987-1026
www.HFCusa.org@gmail.com
Specific Workshop Topics include: Community Organizing, Leadership
Development, Grassroots Fundraising Basics, Asset-Based Community
Development, Communications Planning, Coalition Building, Diversity,
Meeting
Facilitation and Group Decisions.
Participants receive the “Growing Communities Curriculum,” a 352 page
resource workbook, which includes curriculum materials that walk the
reader through the process of conducting training workshops.
Below you will find info on upcoming permaculture and sustainability events in the near future in the central Virginia bioregion—info below on a BRPN potluck, Dave Jacke’s Feb. workshop and upcoming Permaculture Design Courses.
For more information about permaculture events, see our website: www.blueridgepermaculture.net. If you know anyone else that would like to sign up for this newsletter, or if you have an announcement, email Christine at christinegyovai@gmail.com for the next update, which are sent monthly.
Best,
Christine and the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network team
www.blueridgepermaculture.net
1. BRPN Potluck and upcoming workshops
Blue Ridge Permaculture Network potluck and seed swap on Friday, Feb. 4th in Charlottesville at 4:30 pm before Dave Jacke's community talk, which starts at 7 pm (workshop and talk announcement below - feel free to forward it to your networks - thanks!). We hope to have a time to get together to hang out, hear what people are working on, and plan strategies for how we, and how BRPN, can support each other's efforts. Bring utensils, a dish to share and seeds to swap (yours or extra seeds you have to trade).
The potluck will be in the middle school of the Mountaintop Montessori school in Charlottesville. Note that the middle school is at the far end of campus, and there is limited parking available right next to the middle school as well as at the campus. Directions may be found at the website:
http://mountaintopmontessori.org/index.php?option=com_contact&Itemid=3
Upcoming Blue Ridge Permaculture Network classes
The Blue Ridge Permaculture Network will offer a spring Introduction to Permaculture workshop and a fall Permaculture Design Course over three 4-day weekends: Sept. 9-12 Oct 7-10, Nov 4-7, 2011 (with childcare).
Gardening Like the Forest Workshop with Dave Jacke, author of Edible Forest Gardens
near Charlottesville, VA in February 2011
Friday Evening Public Talk:
February 4, 2011, 7-9 PM; Suggested donation $10 at the door.
Gardening Like the Forest: Home-Scale Ecological Food Production
At Mountaintop Montessori Community Hall
Healthy forests maintain, fertilize, and renew themselves, naturally. Wouldn’t you like to grow an abundant food-producing ecosystem like this in your back yard? You can! Edible forest gardens mimic the structure and function of natural forests through all their stages of development and grow food, fuel, fiber, fodder, fertilizers, farmaceuticals, and fun. We can meet our own needs and regenerate healthy ecosystems at the same time! This talk introduces the vision of forest gardening with some scientific background, a few living examples, and a sampling of some useful perennial edibles you can use in your own garden. The ecology of forest gardening can also teach us some interesting things about how we might organize human societies. Contact Terry Lilley at tygerlilley@gmail.com or see the website www.blueridgepermaculture for more information.
Weekend Workshop with Dave Jacke:
February 5-6, 2011, 9 AM – 5 PM, with a Saturday evening lecture.
Gardening Like the Forest: Designing Perennial Polycultures
Effective perennial polycultures combine useful perennial plants into vegetation patches that minimize competition, create additive yields, and minimize the gardener’s work and outside inputs. Guild and polyculture design are the most interesting and challenging part of the forest garden design process. This in-depth, intermediate-to-advanced workshop explores the specific ecological theories behind polyculture design through experiential exercises and games. Participants will design perennial polycultures together using a variety of design processes. We’ll also explore the implications of what we learn for the design of ecological human cultures. No prior experience necessary!
The cost for the weekend is a sliding scale of $250-$295. A few work trade positions are available for partial tuition; inquire soon about work trade guidelines and availability.
Contact Terry Lilley at tygerlilley@gmail.com or see the website www.blueridgepermaculture for more information.
2.
New Community Project is pleased to announce we will be teaching a Permaculture Design Course in Spring 2011 in Harrisonburg. This 72-hour certification course will be headquartered at our new Sustainable Living Center, at 715 N. Main St. in Harrisonburg.
Based on patterns and processes of ecological systems, permaculture is the art and science of creating healthy and resilient human environments abundant in food, water, shelter, energy, and community. This course will focus specifically on exploring sustainability strategies for the Shenandoah Valley, and participants will emerge as a thriving practitioner network, each with the ability to design and build gardens, homes, and communities modeled on living ecosystems.
This ecological design course covers such themes as: permaculture ethics and philosophy, ecological system understanding, organic food production, design concepts and techniques, natural soil improvement, edible forest gardening, aquaculture, healthy buildings and human settlements, renewable energy systems, local economies, mushroom cultivation, and much more. Hands-on work and play, group discussion, site tours, lecture, design projects, and work parties will all be used to facilitate a dynamic learning environment.
The dates for the four weekend, 12 day course are: Feb 18-21, Mar 11-13, Apr 8-10, and May 14-15. Cost is a sliding scale from $500-800.
Please contact Adam at ncppdc@gmail.com for details, or to register or read more, see the website:
http://ncpharrisonburg.wordpress.com/perma/
3.
Erik and Lindsay Curren, founders of the online magazine Transition Voice, and of the group, Transition Staunton Augusta, will give a talk Fri, Jan 28, at 7pm at Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church - Unitarian Universalist (717 Rugby Road).
The Currens will describe their organization's efforts to educate their community about peak oil and climate change and strengthen the local economy and food system. Transition Staunton Augusta, which is one of 75 Transition Initiatives in the U.S. and over 650 worldwide, aims to help its community prepare for a lower energy future by ramping up support for the local food system, local businesses, energy conservation, and clean energy. For more information, see transitionvoice.com or http://transitionstaunton.org/. Sponsored by TJMC-UU's Green Sanctuary Task Force. Free.
If you've never heard of the Transition movement, here's a 5-minute video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGHrWPtCvg0&feature=related
If you've got 18 minutes, this one goes into greater depth:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8meWY0W40OA&feature=related
For more information, contact Nancy at nhurrelbrinck@gmail.com.
4.
Carbon, Our Energy Future, and You: A Community Workshop
The City of Charlottesville, the County of Albemarle, and the University of
Virginia are hosting a Community Workshop inviting the public to learn more
about ongoing initiatives related to energy opportunities and impacts, including
recent efforts to identify effective energy management strategies.
Cost: Free
Date: Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Time: 6:00-8:00 pm
Note: Display Stations will be available for viewing
in the Lobby all day on January 26th
Place: Albemarle County Office Building
Auditorium and Lobby
401 McIntyre Road
Charlottesville, VA
Further information: www.charlottesville.org/agreencity
5.
Farm Work – Charlottesville area farm
Looking for a Farm Assistant for 2011 season. Would be responsible for all aspects of field work (seeding to harvesting of vegetables, flowers, and herbs) and selling at weekly farmers markets. Season would be March-November. Minimum of 1 year farming experience is required. This position would be a good fit for a person with some experience who wants to have more responsibility and learn more about all aspects of running a farm while receiving guidance and mentoring. Receives a weekly stipend with possibility for bonus based on season/sales (bonus reviewed 3 times a season). For more information: contact Steph at newbranch@ntelos.net
6.
A screening of Queen of the Sun about bees, on Sunday, Jan. 23 will be at the Haven at First and Market in Charlottesville from 4-6:30 pm. To learn more about the film, visit www.queenofthesun.com.
7.
Gardeners for the Bay is a free “pledge program” for people who love to garden and want to keep our rivers and streams clean. We have Gardener for the Bay members all across the state and try to offer various workshops – from professionals like you – to help further educate and engage them in Bay and Eco-friendly gardening and growing. For example, we helped host a workshop on composting last fall and winter gardening last winter season with local earth-friendly gardening groups and non-profits.
If you have ideas on how we could partner on any events or workshops please let me know!
Thanks for your time,
Jess
Jessica Barton
VA Grassroots Coordinator
1108 East Main Street, Suite 1600
Richmond, VA 23219
804-780-1392
8.
Anyone interested in having their own piece of land to garden? International Community in Greene County has garden space for individuals that don't have their own garden space or would prefer to garden with others. A great way to share your knowledge, techniques, and watering time etc. with other local Gardeners. Plowing, tilling, water, and a small greenhouse are available. Grow for yourself, share with your friends, or sell your extras at the local farmers market. Call or e-mail David for more details. 434-985-7895 or mrbillybobjimbo@yahoo.com
9.
Folks, there will be an onslaught of attacks on the EPA because of the ruling to deny the permit for the Spruce No.1 Surface Mine, outlined here on EPA's water quality page (linked below). The EPA needs to hear from people like us who believe that atomic-bomb-style mining in West Virginia and Kentucky needs to cease. Mountain top removal mining destroys more plentiful, legitimate mining jobs that go with environmental integrity. Communities in West Virginia are having their land, air and water quality poisoned by extensive, dangerous mining practices unchecked by most state and federal regulatory and environmental agencies.
Please share this email with your friends and look for the "Contact us" link on this page:
http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/guidance/cwa/dredgdis/404c_index.cfm
10.
GROWING COMMUNITIES WORKSHOP
From: The American Community Garden Association(ACGA)
www.communitygarden.org
Who: Gardeners, leaders, educators, volunteers, supporters of
community gardens, food justice advocates, master gardeners, and
others seeking to use community gardening to meet their program
objectives and create healthy communities.
What: Two-day interactive workshop giving participants the tools to
enhance community building and leadership development through
gardening.
Meet other people in the C-ville community, have fun, and leave with
new ideas!
When: Friday Feb 4 - 8:30 am-5:00 pm Saturday Feb 5 - 9:00 am-
4:00 pm
Registration includes BOTH Friday and Saturday !
Where: CitySpace 100 5th ST NE Charlottesville,VA 22902
Cost: $75 per individual, sliding scale based on ability to pay.
Fee includes: ACGA membership (invaluable for most, $30 for everyone
else),
Growing Communities Curriculum ($35 value)
2 days of workshop w/ breakfasts and lunches!
RSVP: Register online: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/141988
Contact: Healthy Food Coalition (434) 987-1026
www.HFCusa.org@gmail.com
Specific Workshop Topics include: Community Organizing, Leadership
Development, Grassroots Fundraising Basics, Asset-Based Community
Development, Communications Planning, Coalition Building, Diversity,
Meeting
Facilitation and Group Decisions.
Participants receive the “Growing Communities Curriculum,” a 352 page
resource workbook, which includes curriculum materials that walk the
reader through the process of conducting training workshops.
Monday, December 13, 2010
upcoming events
Greetings All,
Below you will find info on upcoming permaculture and sustainability events in the near future in the central Virginia bioregion—info below on Dave Jacke’s Feb. workshop and upcoming Permaculture Design Courses.
For more information about permaculture events, see our website: www.blueridgepermaculture.net. If you know anyone else that would like to sign up for this newsletter, or if you have an announcement, email Christine at christinegyovai@gmail.com for the next update, which are sent monthly.
Best,
Christine and the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network team
www.blueridgepermaculture.net
1.
Upcoming Blue Ridge Permaculture Network classes
Stay tuned here and on the website for information about 2011 permaculture classes
The Blue Ridge Permaculture Network will offer a spring Introduction to Permaculture workshop and a fall Permaculture Design Course over three 4-day weekends: Sept. 16-19, Oct 7-10, Nov 4-7, 2011 (with childcare).
Gardening Like the Forest Workshop with Dave Jacke, author of Edible Forest Gardens
near Charlottesville, VA in February 2011
Friday Evening Public Talk:
February 4, 2011, 7-9 PM; Suggested donation $10 at the door.
Gardening Like the Forest: Home-Scale Ecological Food Production
Healthy forests maintain, fertilize, and renew themselves, naturally. Wouldn’t you like to grow an abundant food-producing ecosystem like this in your back yard? You can! Edible forest gardens mimic the structure and function of natural forests through all their stages of development and grow food, fuel, fiber, fodder, fertilizers, farmaceuticals, and fun. We can meet our own needs and regenerate healthy ecosystems at the same time! This talk introduces the vision of forest gardening with some scientific background, a few living examples, and a sampling of some useful perennial edibles you can use in your own garden. The ecology of forest gardening can also teach us some interesting things about how we might organize human societies. Contact Terry Lilley at tygerlilley@gmail.com or see the website www.blueridgepermaculture for more information.
Weekend Workshop with Dave Jacke:
February 5-6, 2011, 9 AM – 5 PM, with a Saturday evening lecture.
Gardening Like the Forest: Designing Perennial Polycultures
Effective perennial polycultures combine useful perennial plants into vegetation patches that minimize competition, create additive yields, and minimize the gardener’s work and outside inputs. Guild and polyculture design are the most interesting and challenging part of the forest garden design process. This in-depth, intermediate-to-advanced workshop explores the specific ecological theories behind polyculture design through experiential exercises and games. Participants will design perennial polycultures together using a variety of design processes. We’ll also explore the implications of what we learn for the design of ecological human cultures. No prior experience necessary!
The cost for the weekend is a sliding scale of $250-$295. A few work trade positions are available for partial tuition; inquire soon about work trade guidelines and availability.
Contact Terry Lilley at tygerlilley@gmail.com or see the website www.blueridgepermaculture for more information.
2.
New Community Project is pleased to announce we will be teaching a Permaculture Design Course in Spring 2011 in Harrisonburg. This 72-hour certification course will be headquartered at our new Sustainable Living Center, at 715 N. Main St. in Harrisonburg.
Based on patterns and processes of ecological systems, permaculture is the art and science of creating healthy and resilient human environments abundant in food, water, shelter, energy, and community. This course will focus specifically on exploring sustainability strategies for the Shenandoah Valley, and participants will emerge as a thriving practitioner network, each with the ability to design and build gardens, homes, and communities modeled on living ecosystems.
This ecological design course covers such themes as: permaculture ethics and philosophy, ecological system understanding, organic food production, design concepts and techniques, natural soil improvement, edible forest gardening, aquaculture, healthy buildings and human settlements, renewable energy systems, local economies, mushroom cultivation, and much more. Hands-on work and play, group discussion, site tours, lecture, design projects, and work parties will all be used to facilitate a dynamic learning environment.
The dates for the four weekend, 12 day course are: Feb 18-21, Mar 11-13, Apr 8-10, and May 14-15. Cost is a sliding scale from $500-800.
Please contact Adam at ncppdc@gmail.com for details, or to register or read more, see the website:
http://ncpharrisonburg.wordpress.com/perma/
3.
Project Coordinator - Shenandoah Valley Farm-to-Table, Posting number 0100982
Quick link listings.jobs.vt.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=192651
The Northern District Cooperative Extension office in Harrisonburg Virginia is seeking highly motivated candidates for the position of Project Coordinator - Shenandoah Valley Farm-to-Table. This is a grant-funded, full-time position with duties related to grant project management, community-based food system and water quality extension activities, and Buy Fresh Buy Local. This position will coordinate work and be a liaison for local farmers, producers, institutions (schools, universities, restaurants, grocery stores), and food-related businesses to promote more procurement and purchase of local food and farm products in the Shenandoah Valley. Will work closely with community viability extension specialist and appropriate agents to identify issues, opportunities and educational strategies, identify outlets and markets for Shenandoah Valley food and farm products, evaluate demand and supply for different products and evaluate deficiencies and inefficiencies in the local food system (e.g., processing, packaging, marketing, distribution). Will keep interested stakeholders informed about the Chesapeake Bay Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction grant and Buy Fresh Buy Local through the development of educational materials, on-line resources and periodic newsletters. Other responsibilities include contributing to writing and preparing project reports for funding group(s), local food directories, presentations, manuscripts, posters, and grant proposals for seeking related funding opportunities, providing logistical support of the Chesapeake Bay Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction grant, farm-to-table and water quality grant activities, Shenandoah Valley Buy Fresh Buy Local, and community-based food systems including setting up meetings, calls, workshops, conferences, tours and other educational outreach programs.
4.
Charlottesville Community Design Center
http://www.cvilledesign.org/
Housing the Future: Reinventing Where We Age | December 3 - January 31
By 2025 1 in 4 Charlottesville residents will be over 60. What housing options exist for Charlottesville's growing population of older adults? See innovative approaches to inclusive housing design from home remodeling to accessory apartments. Featuring work by the University of Virginia's ecoMOD project and the Center for Universal Design at NC State. Visit livableforalifetime.org for a complete listing of aging in place events associated with the Housing the Future series.
JRGBC Luncheon: Looking Back on LEED 2010
Tuesday, December 14 12-1 pm
JRGBC hosts a panel discussion with local green building professionals to review their experiences with LEED projects over the past year. The panelists will speak to their successes as well as challenges. They can introduce their favorite or most innovative LEED point or the ones they struggled to qualify for. Presenters include Jeff Sties of Sunbiosis who will bring a residential designer’s perspective; Lindsay Snoddy, the Environmental Compliance Manager for the Albemarle County school system will speak to school projects; and a representative from UVA will reflect on institutional scale projects. Free and open to the public. Register in advance on the JRGBC website.
Green Matters: Alternative Energy Solutions
Tuesday, December 14 from 5-7 pm
A home is a complicated machine that requires large amounts of energy to function. A panel will discuss environmental strategies and mechanical systems that will help you save money, preserve resources, and reduce your carbon footprint. Free and open to all.
Neighborhood Leadership Institute
The City of Charlottesville is accepting applications for the 5th Annual Pilot Your City Neighborhood Leadership Institute. Classes are on Wednesday evenings from 6-9 pm beginning January 12. Applications accepted until January 1, 2011, or until class is full. Download an application here.
Request for Proposals: Lewis and Clark Exploratory Center
The Lewis & Clark Exploratory Center is seeking a design build team to construct a LEED certified museum building that embodies the green principles they will be teaching in their programs. Download the full RFP: http://lewisandclarkeast.org/ or email lewisandclark@lewisandclarkeast.org for more information. Deadline is January 11, 2011.
If you have an event or announcement that you would like to appear in a future edition of our e-newsletter, please email us at info@cvilledesign.org.
5.
Start Your Vegetable Production Business Today
Attend the Growers Academy for Small-Scale Vegetable and Flower Growers
Those with a dream of providing flowers and organic herbs and vegetables to the region will want to attend the Growers Academy.
The Growers Academy is an 8-week learning series offered on Tuesday nights starting January 11, 2011, from 6 – 9 pm, at the VT Roanoke Center in the Roanoke Higher Education Building in downtown Roanoke. The Growers Academy is offered through VT EarthWorks in partnership with Virginia Cooperative Extension ( http://offices.ext.vt.edu/roanoke/).
Registration for the Academy is $215 per person for the 8-week series.
You can register online at http://www.cpe.vt.edu/grac/
Registration is requested by January 5, 2011.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As many know, it is one thing to yearn to sell your backyard’s vegetable bounty to local stores and restaurants. It’s another to master the tools of business plans, loans, and market connections.
The Growers Academy is a learning series designed to build a peer cohort to help new and transitioning vegetable production businesses succeed.
Academy topics include production planning, low-input vegetable production, soils and cover crops, pest and weed management, business plan development, rotational plantings, equipment, marketing, and more. Each weekly session is presented by subject matter experts, including successful producers. Previous participants value hearing from the “local speakers who actually work in the markets, restaurants, and farms.” Participants complete the course with a preliminary business plan for their new enterprise and are provided an opportunity to sell directly at a nearby farmers market.
If you don’t have land and still want to pursue your vegetable production dream. No worries, graduates of the Growers Academy receive a preliminary membership to VT EarthWorks and are eligible to lease land through VT EarthWorks at the Catawba Sustainability Center in Catawba, VA.
For more information, contact Christy Gabbard, Director of VT Earthworks (tel. 540-767-6114; email: cgunnels@vt.edu), or Sheri Dorn, Virginia Cooperative Extension – Roanoke (tel. 540-772-7524; email: sherid@vt.edu) for more information or to receive a Growers Academy registration form.
Christy Gabbard
Director, Catawba Sustainability Center
- accelerating land-based businesses
Outreach & International Affairs
Virginia Tech Roanoke Center
108 N. Jefferson Street, Suite 701
Roanoke VA 24016
(540) 767-6114 - office
(540) 558-8010 - mobile
(540) 767-6110 - fax
6.
USDA_AMS_NEWS: Learn more about Specialty Crop Grants during the Dec. 16 USDA webinar. Register now! http://go.usa.gov/C67
7.
http://www.vabf.org/opportunities
Tenant Opportunity - White Hall/Free Union Farm
Tenant opportunity, September 1, 2010.
BEATUIFUL FARM IN WHITE HALL/FREE UNION SEEKS RELIABLE PERSON/COUPLE TO LIVE IN TENANT HOUSE. QUAINT (BUT BRAND NEW) 3 BEDROOM 2 BATHROOM AND VERY PRIVATE. MUST LOVE ANIMALS AND HAVE SOME PRIOR EXPERIENCE WITH CATTLE and operating farm equipment. ORGANIC FARMING KNOWLEDGE A PLUS AND MUST BE COMFORTABLE WITH EMAIL. OFFERING EITHER PART-TIME HOURS OR FULL TIME HOURS DEPENDING ON YOUR SITUATION. THE BEST VIEWS IN THE COUNTY! RENT and utilities WOULD BE FREE IN RETURN FOR 10 to 15 hours a week of your time, including DOG-SITTING WHEN NECESSARY, FEEDING OF CATTLE and other farm animals ON WEEKENDS, and other chores. Excellent references required.
Please email susanbell92@gmail.com with a letter telling us about you and/or a resume.
Marisa Vrooman
Director, Farm Services & Development
Local Food Hub
PO Box 4647
Charlottesville, VA 22905
marisa@localfoodhub.org
(434) 286-2176 office
(434) 960-0155 cell
www.localfoodhub.org
Nelson County Farm
Richard Bean of Double H Farm is selling his Nelson County farm. They will keep their house and 5 acres.
For sale is a 25 acre, turn key farm with 8 acres under organic vegetable cultivation, 100 fine Berkshire hogs, 350 chickens, all the farm equipment, greenhouse, awesome signature delivery vehicle, and barns. There is a large trailer/house on the farm property. Richard, himself, would be available for transition consulting.
Price is $300,000
$30,000 down
$1,000 a month payments starting in year 2
$2,000 a month payments from years 3-10
Payment in full due at 10 years
Double H Farm - Home of Healthy Food is a very well respected local brand.
This is a wonderful opportunity for anyone looking to purchase an existing, successful and recognized farm business. Please contact Richard Bean if interested. His contact information is: 434-263-8704 farmily@ceva.net
Below you will find info on upcoming permaculture and sustainability events in the near future in the central Virginia bioregion—info below on Dave Jacke’s Feb. workshop and upcoming Permaculture Design Courses.
For more information about permaculture events, see our website: www.blueridgepermaculture.net. If you know anyone else that would like to sign up for this newsletter, or if you have an announcement, email Christine at christinegyovai@gmail.com for the next update, which are sent monthly.
Best,
Christine and the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network team
www.blueridgepermaculture.net
1.
Upcoming Blue Ridge Permaculture Network classes
Stay tuned here and on the website for information about 2011 permaculture classes
The Blue Ridge Permaculture Network will offer a spring Introduction to Permaculture workshop and a fall Permaculture Design Course over three 4-day weekends: Sept. 16-19, Oct 7-10, Nov 4-7, 2011 (with childcare).
Gardening Like the Forest Workshop with Dave Jacke, author of Edible Forest Gardens
near Charlottesville, VA in February 2011
Friday Evening Public Talk:
February 4, 2011, 7-9 PM; Suggested donation $10 at the door.
Gardening Like the Forest: Home-Scale Ecological Food Production
Healthy forests maintain, fertilize, and renew themselves, naturally. Wouldn’t you like to grow an abundant food-producing ecosystem like this in your back yard? You can! Edible forest gardens mimic the structure and function of natural forests through all their stages of development and grow food, fuel, fiber, fodder, fertilizers, farmaceuticals, and fun. We can meet our own needs and regenerate healthy ecosystems at the same time! This talk introduces the vision of forest gardening with some scientific background, a few living examples, and a sampling of some useful perennial edibles you can use in your own garden. The ecology of forest gardening can also teach us some interesting things about how we might organize human societies. Contact Terry Lilley at tygerlilley@gmail.com or see the website www.blueridgepermaculture for more information.
Weekend Workshop with Dave Jacke:
February 5-6, 2011, 9 AM – 5 PM, with a Saturday evening lecture.
Gardening Like the Forest: Designing Perennial Polycultures
Effective perennial polycultures combine useful perennial plants into vegetation patches that minimize competition, create additive yields, and minimize the gardener’s work and outside inputs. Guild and polyculture design are the most interesting and challenging part of the forest garden design process. This in-depth, intermediate-to-advanced workshop explores the specific ecological theories behind polyculture design through experiential exercises and games. Participants will design perennial polycultures together using a variety of design processes. We’ll also explore the implications of what we learn for the design of ecological human cultures. No prior experience necessary!
The cost for the weekend is a sliding scale of $250-$295. A few work trade positions are available for partial tuition; inquire soon about work trade guidelines and availability.
Contact Terry Lilley at tygerlilley@gmail.com or see the website www.blueridgepermaculture for more information.
2.
New Community Project is pleased to announce we will be teaching a Permaculture Design Course in Spring 2011 in Harrisonburg. This 72-hour certification course will be headquartered at our new Sustainable Living Center, at 715 N. Main St. in Harrisonburg.
Based on patterns and processes of ecological systems, permaculture is the art and science of creating healthy and resilient human environments abundant in food, water, shelter, energy, and community. This course will focus specifically on exploring sustainability strategies for the Shenandoah Valley, and participants will emerge as a thriving practitioner network, each with the ability to design and build gardens, homes, and communities modeled on living ecosystems.
This ecological design course covers such themes as: permaculture ethics and philosophy, ecological system understanding, organic food production, design concepts and techniques, natural soil improvement, edible forest gardening, aquaculture, healthy buildings and human settlements, renewable energy systems, local economies, mushroom cultivation, and much more. Hands-on work and play, group discussion, site tours, lecture, design projects, and work parties will all be used to facilitate a dynamic learning environment.
The dates for the four weekend, 12 day course are: Feb 18-21, Mar 11-13, Apr 8-10, and May 14-15. Cost is a sliding scale from $500-800.
Please contact Adam at ncppdc@gmail.com for details, or to register or read more, see the website:
http://ncpharrisonburg.wordpress.com/perma/
3.
Project Coordinator - Shenandoah Valley Farm-to-Table, Posting number 0100982
Quick link listings.jobs.vt.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=192651
The Northern District Cooperative Extension office in Harrisonburg Virginia is seeking highly motivated candidates for the position of Project Coordinator - Shenandoah Valley Farm-to-Table. This is a grant-funded, full-time position with duties related to grant project management, community-based food system and water quality extension activities, and Buy Fresh Buy Local. This position will coordinate work and be a liaison for local farmers, producers, institutions (schools, universities, restaurants, grocery stores), and food-related businesses to promote more procurement and purchase of local food and farm products in the Shenandoah Valley. Will work closely with community viability extension specialist and appropriate agents to identify issues, opportunities and educational strategies, identify outlets and markets for Shenandoah Valley food and farm products, evaluate demand and supply for different products and evaluate deficiencies and inefficiencies in the local food system (e.g., processing, packaging, marketing, distribution). Will keep interested stakeholders informed about the Chesapeake Bay Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction grant and Buy Fresh Buy Local through the development of educational materials, on-line resources and periodic newsletters. Other responsibilities include contributing to writing and preparing project reports for funding group(s), local food directories, presentations, manuscripts, posters, and grant proposals for seeking related funding opportunities, providing logistical support of the Chesapeake Bay Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction grant, farm-to-table and water quality grant activities, Shenandoah Valley Buy Fresh Buy Local, and community-based food systems including setting up meetings, calls, workshops, conferences, tours and other educational outreach programs.
4.
Charlottesville Community Design Center
http://www.cvilledesign.org/
Housing the Future: Reinventing Where We Age | December 3 - January 31
By 2025 1 in 4 Charlottesville residents will be over 60. What housing options exist for Charlottesville's growing population of older adults? See innovative approaches to inclusive housing design from home remodeling to accessory apartments. Featuring work by the University of Virginia's ecoMOD project and the Center for Universal Design at NC State. Visit livableforalifetime.org for a complete listing of aging in place events associated with the Housing the Future series.
JRGBC Luncheon: Looking Back on LEED 2010
Tuesday, December 14 12-1 pm
JRGBC hosts a panel discussion with local green building professionals to review their experiences with LEED projects over the past year. The panelists will speak to their successes as well as challenges. They can introduce their favorite or most innovative LEED point or the ones they struggled to qualify for. Presenters include Jeff Sties of Sunbiosis who will bring a residential designer’s perspective; Lindsay Snoddy, the Environmental Compliance Manager for the Albemarle County school system will speak to school projects; and a representative from UVA will reflect on institutional scale projects. Free and open to the public. Register in advance on the JRGBC website.
Green Matters: Alternative Energy Solutions
Tuesday, December 14 from 5-7 pm
A home is a complicated machine that requires large amounts of energy to function. A panel will discuss environmental strategies and mechanical systems that will help you save money, preserve resources, and reduce your carbon footprint. Free and open to all.
Neighborhood Leadership Institute
The City of Charlottesville is accepting applications for the 5th Annual Pilot Your City Neighborhood Leadership Institute. Classes are on Wednesday evenings from 6-9 pm beginning January 12. Applications accepted until January 1, 2011, or until class is full. Download an application here.
Request for Proposals: Lewis and Clark Exploratory Center
The Lewis & Clark Exploratory Center is seeking a design build team to construct a LEED certified museum building that embodies the green principles they will be teaching in their programs. Download the full RFP: http://lewisandclarkeast.org/ or email lewisandclark@lewisandclarkeast.org for more information. Deadline is January 11, 2011.
If you have an event or announcement that you would like to appear in a future edition of our e-newsletter, please email us at info@cvilledesign.org.
5.
Start Your Vegetable Production Business Today
Attend the Growers Academy for Small-Scale Vegetable and Flower Growers
Those with a dream of providing flowers and organic herbs and vegetables to the region will want to attend the Growers Academy.
The Growers Academy is an 8-week learning series offered on Tuesday nights starting January 11, 2011, from 6 – 9 pm, at the VT Roanoke Center in the Roanoke Higher Education Building in downtown Roanoke. The Growers Academy is offered through VT EarthWorks in partnership with Virginia Cooperative Extension ( http://offices.ext.vt.edu/roanoke/).
Registration for the Academy is $215 per person for the 8-week series.
You can register online at http://www.cpe.vt.edu/grac/
Registration is requested by January 5, 2011.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As many know, it is one thing to yearn to sell your backyard’s vegetable bounty to local stores and restaurants. It’s another to master the tools of business plans, loans, and market connections.
The Growers Academy is a learning series designed to build a peer cohort to help new and transitioning vegetable production businesses succeed.
Academy topics include production planning, low-input vegetable production, soils and cover crops, pest and weed management, business plan development, rotational plantings, equipment, marketing, and more. Each weekly session is presented by subject matter experts, including successful producers. Previous participants value hearing from the “local speakers who actually work in the markets, restaurants, and farms.” Participants complete the course with a preliminary business plan for their new enterprise and are provided an opportunity to sell directly at a nearby farmers market.
If you don’t have land and still want to pursue your vegetable production dream. No worries, graduates of the Growers Academy receive a preliminary membership to VT EarthWorks and are eligible to lease land through VT EarthWorks at the Catawba Sustainability Center in Catawba, VA.
For more information, contact Christy Gabbard, Director of VT Earthworks (tel. 540-767-6114; email: cgunnels@vt.edu), or Sheri Dorn, Virginia Cooperative Extension – Roanoke (tel. 540-772-7524; email: sherid@vt.edu) for more information or to receive a Growers Academy registration form.
Christy Gabbard
Director, Catawba Sustainability Center
- accelerating land-based businesses
Outreach & International Affairs
Virginia Tech Roanoke Center
108 N. Jefferson Street, Suite 701
Roanoke VA 24016
(540) 767-6114 - office
(540) 558-8010 - mobile
(540) 767-6110 - fax
6.
USDA_AMS_NEWS: Learn more about Specialty Crop Grants during the Dec. 16 USDA webinar. Register now! http://go.usa.gov/C67
7.
http://www.vabf.org/opportunities
Tenant Opportunity - White Hall/Free Union Farm
Tenant opportunity, September 1, 2010.
BEATUIFUL FARM IN WHITE HALL/FREE UNION SEEKS RELIABLE PERSON/COUPLE TO LIVE IN TENANT HOUSE. QUAINT (BUT BRAND NEW) 3 BEDROOM 2 BATHROOM AND VERY PRIVATE. MUST LOVE ANIMALS AND HAVE SOME PRIOR EXPERIENCE WITH CATTLE and operating farm equipment. ORGANIC FARMING KNOWLEDGE A PLUS AND MUST BE COMFORTABLE WITH EMAIL. OFFERING EITHER PART-TIME HOURS OR FULL TIME HOURS DEPENDING ON YOUR SITUATION. THE BEST VIEWS IN THE COUNTY! RENT and utilities WOULD BE FREE IN RETURN FOR 10 to 15 hours a week of your time, including DOG-SITTING WHEN NECESSARY, FEEDING OF CATTLE and other farm animals ON WEEKENDS, and other chores. Excellent references required.
Please email susanbell92@gmail.com with a letter telling us about you and/or a resume.
Marisa Vrooman
Director, Farm Services & Development
Local Food Hub
PO Box 4647
Charlottesville, VA 22905
marisa@localfoodhub.org
(434) 286-2176 office
(434) 960-0155 cell
www.localfoodhub.org
Nelson County Farm
Richard Bean of Double H Farm is selling his Nelson County farm. They will keep their house and 5 acres.
For sale is a 25 acre, turn key farm with 8 acres under organic vegetable cultivation, 100 fine Berkshire hogs, 350 chickens, all the farm equipment, greenhouse, awesome signature delivery vehicle, and barns. There is a large trailer/house on the farm property. Richard, himself, would be available for transition consulting.
Price is $300,000
$30,000 down
$1,000 a month payments starting in year 2
$2,000 a month payments from years 3-10
Payment in full due at 10 years
Double H Farm - Home of Healthy Food is a very well respected local brand.
This is a wonderful opportunity for anyone looking to purchase an existing, successful and recognized farm business. Please contact Richard Bean if interested. His contact information is: 434-263-8704 farmily@ceva.net
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
upcoming events
Greetings All,
Below you will find info on upcoming permaculture and sustainability events in the near future in the central Virginia bioregion.
For more information about permaculture events, see our website: www.blueridgepermaculture.net. If you know anyone else that would like to sign up for this newsletter, or if you have an announcement, email Christine at christinegyovai@gmail.com for the next update, which are sent monthly.
Best,
Christine and the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network team
www.blueridgepermaculture.net
1.
Upcoming Blue Ridge Permaculture Network classes
Stay tuned here and on the website for information about 2011 permaculture classes
Gardening Like the Forest Workshop with Dave Jacke, author of Edible Forest Gardens
near Charlottesville, VA in February 2011
Friday Evening Public Talk:
February 4, 2011, 7-9 PM; Suggested donation $10 at the door.
Gardening Like the Forest: Home-Scale Ecological Food Production
Healthy forests maintain, fertilize, and renew themselves, naturally. Wouldn’t you like to grow an abundant food-producing ecosystem like this in your back yard? You can! Edible forest gardens mimic the structure and function of natural forests through all their stages of development and grow food, fuel, fiber, fodder, fertilizers, farmaceuticals, and fun. We can meet our own needs and regenerate healthy ecosystems at the same time! This talk introduces the vision of forest gardening with some scientific background, a few living examples, and a sampling of some useful perennial edibles you can use in your own garden. The ecology of forest gardening can also teach us some interesting things about how we might organize human societies. Contact Terry Lilley at tygerlilley@gmail.com or see the website www.blueridgepermaculture for more information.
Weekend Workshop with Dave Jacke:
February 5-6, 2011, 9 AM – 5 PM, with a Saturday evening lecture.
Gardening Like the Forest: Designing Perennial Polycultures
Effective perennial polycultures combine useful perennial plants into vegetation patches that minimize competition, create additive yields, and minimize the gardener’s work and outside inputs. Guild and polyculture design are the most interesting and challenging part of the forest garden design process. This in-depth, intermediate-to-advanced workshop explores the specific ecological theories behind polyculture design through experiential exercises and games. Participants will design perennial polycultures together using a variety of design processes. We’ll also explore the implications of what we learn for the design of ecological human cultures. No prior experience necessary!
The cost for the weekend is a sliding scale of $250-$295. A few work trade positions are available for partial tuition; inquire soon about work trade guidelines and availability.
Contact Terry Lilley at tygerlilley@gmail.com or see the website www.blueridgepermaculture for more information.
2.
EXPLORING THE SMALL FARM DREAM - Is starting an agricultural business right for you?
What is it?
“Exploring the Small Farm Dream” was first developed by the New England Small Farm Institute to address a gap in practical short courses for small farm explorers, who are interested in starting a small farm operation but, unsure how to evaluate ideas, opportunities and resources.. If you’ve considered starting a small farm enterprise, but aren’t sure where to start, this course is for you!
Participants can expect:
- Creative exercises, research and class, discussions that will help you assess your skills and resources
- Interviews with local farm business owners that will assist you in deciding how to carry your dream forward
- The opportunity to connect with others interested in starting new agricultural enterprises in our region
This is the third time the course is being hosted by the Local Food Project at Airlie and The Piedmont Environmental Council in Warrenton, VA.
When is it?
Sundays from 4 PM-7 PM
November 7, 21 & Dec. 5th
(Course is all three session)
Where is it?
Airlie Center, 6809 Airlie Road, Warrenton, VA
For more information or to register:
Contact Pablo Elliott at pelliott@airlie.org or 540-347-1300 ext. 3163
Visit http://www.airlie.org/activities/foodproject.htm or
http://pecva.org/anx/index.cfm/1,266,3408,0,html/Nov-7-21-amp-Dec-5-Exploring-the-Small-Farm-Dream
The course costs $90 for nine hours of instruction and accompanying Exploring the Small Farm Dream workbook costs $30. A limited number of reduced-fee scholarships are available.
" How we eat determines, to a considerable extent, how the world is used." - Wendell Berry, What Are People For?
3.
http://transitionvoice.com/
Here's a new online magazine about transition, put out by a couple in Staunton, VA. Good reading and they are also looking for contributions about peak oil, resilience, etc.
4.
Is there a Food Policy Council in Your Future? A to Z with Mark Winne
Mark Winne is Community Food Security Coalition's (CFSC) Food Policy Council Program Director, and provides training and technical assistance to communities that are developing local or state food policy organizations.
Date: November 15th
Time: 2 to 4:30 P.M
Where: Mary Baldwin College – See directions to Spencer Hall attachment.
Let ' s all car pool. Please RSVP to this email.
If you want to stay on for his book talk at 7:00 PM, let me know. See below info.
Joanie Freeman
Dave Redding
Healthy Food Coalition
hfcusa.info
434-826-9505
434-770-5765
5.
Food Rebels, Guerrilla Gardeners, and Smart-Cookin’ Mamas
Fighting Back in an Age of Industrial Agriculture
Shenandoah Valley Book Talks by Author Mark Winne
Mark Winne, author of Food Rebels, Guerrilla Gardeners, and Smart-Cookin’ Mamas will be speaking at two locations this November in the Shenandoah Valley. Winne’s second book, which carries the subtitle Fighting Back in the Age of Industrial Agriculture asks if factory farms, genetically modified organisms, and mega-food and farm corporations are the best way to feed a hungry world. The book suggests that we are fast approaching the point where we will be forced to sacrifice our democracy and freedom in return for the industrial food system’s promise to feed us.
Of Food Rebels Academy Award-winning actress Meryl Streep said, “This book is a lively, personal journey through one man’s efforts to make sustainably grown food available and affordable to regular folks.”
Mark Winne will be speaking at:
Barnes and Noble Bookstore in Harrisonburg, November 14 (Sunday) at 1:00 PM. The store is located at 289 Burgess Road at Harrisonburg Crossing shopping center.
Mary Baldwin College in Staunton, November 15 (Monday) at 7:00 PM in the Hunt Gallery on the campus of Mary Baldwin College.
6.
Social Media for Farmers Where to be on the Web: From Google Maps to Facebook Fee: $15
Thursday, November 18 6:30 - 8:30 pm
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Western Campus
1851 Dickinson Road, Goochland, VA 23063
Instructors: Theresa Nartea, Marketing & Agribusiness Specialist, VSU, VCE
Sandra F. Tanner, Tourism Development Specialist, Virginia
Tourism Corporation
Mark Klingman, Computer Literacy Expert, VSU Small Farm
Outreach
Virginia Tourism is collaborating with Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) to train small entrepreneurs and existing local businesses on how to effectively use social media, like Facebook and Twitter, and self-list on Google Maps and Virginia Tourism web directories to boost business profitability.
Hosted By Center for Rural Culture
The Center for Rural Culture is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization whose mission is to educate, promote and inspire members of our community to sustain a culture that supports agriculture and the local economy, protects natural and historic resources, and maintains our rural character and traditions. Since 2004, we have been working hard to provide the members of our community with quality programs that serve to sustain our rural culture. As founders of the popular Goochland Farmers Market and now a licensee for an online Farm to Family Co-op Program through Lulus Local Food, we have helped to keep valuable agricultural land in use by providing a means for farmers to sell fresh, local, seasonal food and other land based products. We serve as a conduit for handing down the history, stories, music and lifestyles related to a rich, rural culture and have helped to cultivate our local roots.
We also offer classes, workshops, movies, panel discussions, seminars and forums relating to land and water conservation, smart growth, sustainable agriculture and issues relating to our local food system. Please contact us if you are interested in sponsoring or attending a CRC event.
www.centerforruralculture.org
Questions? email programs@centerforruralculture.org or call 804-955-7986.
Beth Hopkins
Program Coordinator
804-955-7986
Center for Rural Culture - Cultivating Local Roots
7.
New Branch Farm will be making a weekly delivery of produce to Charlottesville this fall and winter. First delivery starts November 4th. The pickup location is Fifth Season Gardening (900 Preston Avenue) on Thursdays from 4-6pm. Each week, we will send an email with a list of what produce is available and the prices. Folks email back what items and quantity they want and then we will deliver every Thursday.
Farm produce credit is purchased - initial deposit of $20 to start. As desired, you can add money to your "farm account". Each week, we deduct the produce ordered from your balance. You can choose what vegetables you want and the quantity. Anticipated crops for fall/winter: lettuce/lettuce mix, greens mix, arugula, radishes, kale, and collards. More information and a sign-up sheet is available on our website: www.newbranchfarm.com
Thanks-
Stephanie Meyers
NEW BRANCH FARM
Charlottesville, Virginia
www.newbranchfarm.com
8.
Hello friends!
We hope this message finds you fulfilled and healthy after a wonderful summer/autumn. I'm writing because Mark Krawczyk and I have begun writing what will be, to our knowledge, the first North American manual on coppice agroforestry, and we have two favors to ask of you.
For those of you who don't know, coppicing is a traditional forest management practice where deciduous trees get cut during dormancy and then regrow from the stump. We can later harvest these sprouts to make crafts, fuel, fodder for livestock, and many other useful products. Though humans have coppiced for over 6,000 years, no comprehensive resource exists that describes coppice system design, management, and establishment for our continent, well-suited North American species and projected yields, and the economics of coppice systems. It's a big gap to fill and we're eager to fill it as best we can!
We're already well underway, writing, researching, and building connections and a portfolio of case studies. Mark will travel to the west coast and Midwest this December to learn more about how folks have been using coppice there. Dave has begun combing the literature for any and all existing research on the subject so we can consolidate what researchers know. He is also building a database of species and their coppicing characteristics. We hope to complete our first draft by winter's end.
The first favor: while we've contacted publishers about this project (and they are interested), we've elected to self-fund our manuscript development. We ask you, our friends, colleagues, students and supporters, to help make it happen by engaging in our Kickstarter campaign. If you're not familiar with it, this wonderful web-based service enables folks to financially support creative projects in return for various creative rewards and a connection to the project’s creative process. Like Community Supported Agriculture, this Community Supported Authoring structure helps us maintain our financial viability while we create a resource the permaculture community needs. Even small amounts—$5 and $10 offerings—will help us achieve and pass our $5,000 goal so we can travel to interview and photograph practitioners, acquire resources from overseas, and cover at least some of our living expenses while we work. Check out the write-up, video, and rewards on our campaign page at:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/coppiceagroforestry/dave-and-mark-write-a-coppice-agroforestry-book.
The second favor: if you or someone you know already uses coppicing as a way to produce crafts, biochar, animal fodder, or other products, we would LOVE to hear about it. Please send the person’s contact information to both of us at the email addresses above. Also, if you have or know of any written materials, research papers, or references, we’d also love to hear about those. You can send references to Dave at davej@edibleforestgardens.com or at 308 Main St. #2C, Greenfield, MA 01301.
We feel grateful for whatever support you can provide (moral and otherwise) and will deeply appreciate you passing this email along to friends, listservs, and networks that may also be interested in helping support our work. (I guess that makes three favors! Thanks! :-)
With sincere thanks,
Mark and Dave
-------------
Dave Jacke
Dynamics Ecological Design
308 Main St. #2C • Greenfield, MA • 01301
603-831-1298 • davej@edibleforestgardens.com
Visit www.edibleforestgardens.com for information on or to purchase my award-wining two-volume book, Edible Forest Gardens.
Mark Krawczyk and I are now writing a new book on Coppice Agroforestry! Find out more and support our effort at
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/coppiceagroforestry/dave-and-mark-write-a-coppice-agroforestry-book.
9.
Greetings from the Permaculture Institute of El Salvador (IPES),
IPES is a grassroots, not-for-profit organisation in El Salvador which
supports Permaculture practices throughout the country to ensure that
subsistence farmers are farming sustainably and in a way that is not
harmful to the environment and to the health of rural families.
Please find our October Newsletter at the weblink below informing you of the
latest advances within Permaculture, the Institute, and El Salvador.
I hope you find it of interest!
Feel free to contact with any questions or comments,
And thank you to everyone who has already lent their support to IPES!
Thanks,
Ally Shepherd
The Permaculture Institute of El Salvador
www.permacultura.com.sv
503.2335.1891
The Permaculture Institute of El Salvador
(IPES)
- TROPICAL STORMS AFFECT THE COUNTRY
- CHANGE IN GOVERNMENT APPROACH TO AGRICULTURE IN EL SALVADOR
- DEVELOPMENT OF IPES´ DEMONSTRATION SITE
- SUCCESSES OF THE PERMACULTURE DESIGN COURSE IN TWO MUNICIPALITIES
- ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH GROUP SUPPORT
http://permacultura.com.sv/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/IPES-Newsletter-October-2010.pdf
Below you will find info on upcoming permaculture and sustainability events in the near future in the central Virginia bioregion.
For more information about permaculture events, see our website: www.blueridgepermaculture.net. If you know anyone else that would like to sign up for this newsletter, or if you have an announcement, email Christine at christinegyovai@gmail.com for the next update, which are sent monthly.
Best,
Christine and the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network team
www.blueridgepermaculture.net
1.
Upcoming Blue Ridge Permaculture Network classes
Stay tuned here and on the website for information about 2011 permaculture classes
Gardening Like the Forest Workshop with Dave Jacke, author of Edible Forest Gardens
near Charlottesville, VA in February 2011
Friday Evening Public Talk:
February 4, 2011, 7-9 PM; Suggested donation $10 at the door.
Gardening Like the Forest: Home-Scale Ecological Food Production
Healthy forests maintain, fertilize, and renew themselves, naturally. Wouldn’t you like to grow an abundant food-producing ecosystem like this in your back yard? You can! Edible forest gardens mimic the structure and function of natural forests through all their stages of development and grow food, fuel, fiber, fodder, fertilizers, farmaceuticals, and fun. We can meet our own needs and regenerate healthy ecosystems at the same time! This talk introduces the vision of forest gardening with some scientific background, a few living examples, and a sampling of some useful perennial edibles you can use in your own garden. The ecology of forest gardening can also teach us some interesting things about how we might organize human societies. Contact Terry Lilley at tygerlilley@gmail.com or see the website www.blueridgepermaculture for more information.
Weekend Workshop with Dave Jacke:
February 5-6, 2011, 9 AM – 5 PM, with a Saturday evening lecture.
Gardening Like the Forest: Designing Perennial Polycultures
Effective perennial polycultures combine useful perennial plants into vegetation patches that minimize competition, create additive yields, and minimize the gardener’s work and outside inputs. Guild and polyculture design are the most interesting and challenging part of the forest garden design process. This in-depth, intermediate-to-advanced workshop explores the specific ecological theories behind polyculture design through experiential exercises and games. Participants will design perennial polycultures together using a variety of design processes. We’ll also explore the implications of what we learn for the design of ecological human cultures. No prior experience necessary!
The cost for the weekend is a sliding scale of $250-$295. A few work trade positions are available for partial tuition; inquire soon about work trade guidelines and availability.
Contact Terry Lilley at tygerlilley@gmail.com or see the website www.blueridgepermaculture for more information.
2.
EXPLORING THE SMALL FARM DREAM - Is starting an agricultural business right for you?
What is it?
“Exploring the Small Farm Dream” was first developed by the New England Small Farm Institute to address a gap in practical short courses for small farm explorers, who are interested in starting a small farm operation but, unsure how to evaluate ideas, opportunities and resources.. If you’ve considered starting a small farm enterprise, but aren’t sure where to start, this course is for you!
Participants can expect:
- Creative exercises, research and class, discussions that will help you assess your skills and resources
- Interviews with local farm business owners that will assist you in deciding how to carry your dream forward
- The opportunity to connect with others interested in starting new agricultural enterprises in our region
This is the third time the course is being hosted by the Local Food Project at Airlie and The Piedmont Environmental Council in Warrenton, VA.
When is it?
Sundays from 4 PM-7 PM
November 7, 21 & Dec. 5th
(Course is all three session)
Where is it?
Airlie Center, 6809 Airlie Road, Warrenton, VA
For more information or to register:
Contact Pablo Elliott at pelliott@airlie.org or 540-347-1300 ext. 3163
Visit http://www.airlie.org/activities/foodproject.htm or
http://pecva.org/anx/index.cfm/1,266,3408,0,html/Nov-7-21-amp-Dec-5-Exploring-the-Small-Farm-Dream
The course costs $90 for nine hours of instruction and accompanying Exploring the Small Farm Dream workbook costs $30. A limited number of reduced-fee scholarships are available.
" How we eat determines, to a considerable extent, how the world is used." - Wendell Berry, What Are People For?
3.
http://transitionvoice.com/
Here's a new online magazine about transition, put out by a couple in Staunton, VA. Good reading and they are also looking for contributions about peak oil, resilience, etc.
4.
Is there a Food Policy Council in Your Future? A to Z with Mark Winne
Mark Winne is Community Food Security Coalition's (CFSC) Food Policy Council Program Director, and provides training and technical assistance to communities that are developing local or state food policy organizations.
Date: November 15th
Time: 2 to 4:30 P.M
Where: Mary Baldwin College – See directions to Spencer Hall attachment.
Let ' s all car pool. Please RSVP to this email.
If you want to stay on for his book talk at 7:00 PM, let me know. See below info.
Joanie Freeman
Dave Redding
Healthy Food Coalition
hfcusa.info
434-826-9505
434-770-5765
5.
Food Rebels, Guerrilla Gardeners, and Smart-Cookin’ Mamas
Fighting Back in an Age of Industrial Agriculture
Shenandoah Valley Book Talks by Author Mark Winne
Mark Winne, author of Food Rebels, Guerrilla Gardeners, and Smart-Cookin’ Mamas will be speaking at two locations this November in the Shenandoah Valley. Winne’s second book, which carries the subtitle Fighting Back in the Age of Industrial Agriculture asks if factory farms, genetically modified organisms, and mega-food and farm corporations are the best way to feed a hungry world. The book suggests that we are fast approaching the point where we will be forced to sacrifice our democracy and freedom in return for the industrial food system’s promise to feed us.
Of Food Rebels Academy Award-winning actress Meryl Streep said, “This book is a lively, personal journey through one man’s efforts to make sustainably grown food available and affordable to regular folks.”
Mark Winne will be speaking at:
Barnes and Noble Bookstore in Harrisonburg, November 14 (Sunday) at 1:00 PM. The store is located at 289 Burgess Road at Harrisonburg Crossing shopping center.
Mary Baldwin College in Staunton, November 15 (Monday) at 7:00 PM in the Hunt Gallery on the campus of Mary Baldwin College.
6.
Social Media for Farmers Where to be on the Web: From Google Maps to Facebook Fee: $15
Thursday, November 18 6:30 - 8:30 pm
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Western Campus
1851 Dickinson Road, Goochland, VA 23063
Instructors: Theresa Nartea, Marketing & Agribusiness Specialist, VSU, VCE
Sandra F. Tanner, Tourism Development Specialist, Virginia
Tourism Corporation
Mark Klingman, Computer Literacy Expert, VSU Small Farm
Outreach
Virginia Tourism is collaborating with Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) to train small entrepreneurs and existing local businesses on how to effectively use social media, like Facebook and Twitter, and self-list on Google Maps and Virginia Tourism web directories to boost business profitability.
Hosted By Center for Rural Culture
The Center for Rural Culture is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization whose mission is to educate, promote and inspire members of our community to sustain a culture that supports agriculture and the local economy, protects natural and historic resources, and maintains our rural character and traditions. Since 2004, we have been working hard to provide the members of our community with quality programs that serve to sustain our rural culture. As founders of the popular Goochland Farmers Market and now a licensee for an online Farm to Family Co-op Program through Lulus Local Food, we have helped to keep valuable agricultural land in use by providing a means for farmers to sell fresh, local, seasonal food and other land based products. We serve as a conduit for handing down the history, stories, music and lifestyles related to a rich, rural culture and have helped to cultivate our local roots.
We also offer classes, workshops, movies, panel discussions, seminars and forums relating to land and water conservation, smart growth, sustainable agriculture and issues relating to our local food system. Please contact us if you are interested in sponsoring or attending a CRC event.
www.centerforruralculture.org
Questions? email programs@centerforruralculture.org or call 804-955-7986.
Beth Hopkins
Program Coordinator
804-955-7986
Center for Rural Culture - Cultivating Local Roots
7.
New Branch Farm will be making a weekly delivery of produce to Charlottesville this fall and winter. First delivery starts November 4th. The pickup location is Fifth Season Gardening (900 Preston Avenue) on Thursdays from 4-6pm. Each week, we will send an email with a list of what produce is available and the prices. Folks email back what items and quantity they want and then we will deliver every Thursday.
Farm produce credit is purchased - initial deposit of $20 to start. As desired, you can add money to your "farm account". Each week, we deduct the produce ordered from your balance. You can choose what vegetables you want and the quantity. Anticipated crops for fall/winter: lettuce/lettuce mix, greens mix, arugula, radishes, kale, and collards. More information and a sign-up sheet is available on our website: www.newbranchfarm.com
Thanks-
Stephanie Meyers
NEW BRANCH FARM
Charlottesville, Virginia
www.newbranchfarm.com
8.
Hello friends!
We hope this message finds you fulfilled and healthy after a wonderful summer/autumn. I'm writing because Mark Krawczyk and I have begun writing what will be, to our knowledge, the first North American manual on coppice agroforestry, and we have two favors to ask of you.
For those of you who don't know, coppicing is a traditional forest management practice where deciduous trees get cut during dormancy and then regrow from the stump. We can later harvest these sprouts to make crafts, fuel, fodder for livestock, and many other useful products. Though humans have coppiced for over 6,000 years, no comprehensive resource exists that describes coppice system design, management, and establishment for our continent, well-suited North American species and projected yields, and the economics of coppice systems. It's a big gap to fill and we're eager to fill it as best we can!
We're already well underway, writing, researching, and building connections and a portfolio of case studies. Mark will travel to the west coast and Midwest this December to learn more about how folks have been using coppice there. Dave has begun combing the literature for any and all existing research on the subject so we can consolidate what researchers know. He is also building a database of species and their coppicing characteristics. We hope to complete our first draft by winter's end.
The first favor: while we've contacted publishers about this project (and they are interested), we've elected to self-fund our manuscript development. We ask you, our friends, colleagues, students and supporters, to help make it happen by engaging in our Kickstarter campaign. If you're not familiar with it, this wonderful web-based service enables folks to financially support creative projects in return for various creative rewards and a connection to the project’s creative process. Like Community Supported Agriculture, this Community Supported Authoring structure helps us maintain our financial viability while we create a resource the permaculture community needs. Even small amounts—$5 and $10 offerings—will help us achieve and pass our $5,000 goal so we can travel to interview and photograph practitioners, acquire resources from overseas, and cover at least some of our living expenses while we work. Check out the write-up, video, and rewards on our campaign page at:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/coppiceagroforestry/dave-and-mark-write-a-coppice-agroforestry-book.
The second favor: if you or someone you know already uses coppicing as a way to produce crafts, biochar, animal fodder, or other products, we would LOVE to hear about it. Please send the person’s contact information to both of us at the email addresses above. Also, if you have or know of any written materials, research papers, or references, we’d also love to hear about those. You can send references to Dave at davej@edibleforestgardens.com or at 308 Main St. #2C, Greenfield, MA 01301.
We feel grateful for whatever support you can provide (moral and otherwise) and will deeply appreciate you passing this email along to friends, listservs, and networks that may also be interested in helping support our work. (I guess that makes three favors! Thanks! :-)
With sincere thanks,
Mark and Dave
-------------
Dave Jacke
Dynamics Ecological Design
308 Main St. #2C • Greenfield, MA • 01301
603-831-1298 • davej@edibleforestgardens.com
Visit www.edibleforestgardens.com for information on or to purchase my award-wining two-volume book, Edible Forest Gardens.
Mark Krawczyk and I are now writing a new book on Coppice Agroforestry! Find out more and support our effort at
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/coppiceagroforestry/dave-and-mark-write-a-coppice-agroforestry-book.
9.
Greetings from the Permaculture Institute of El Salvador (IPES),
IPES is a grassroots, not-for-profit organisation in El Salvador which
supports Permaculture practices throughout the country to ensure that
subsistence farmers are farming sustainably and in a way that is not
harmful to the environment and to the health of rural families.
Please find our October Newsletter at the weblink below informing you of the
latest advances within Permaculture, the Institute, and El Salvador.
I hope you find it of interest!
Feel free to contact with any questions or comments,
And thank you to everyone who has already lent their support to IPES!
Thanks,
Ally Shepherd
The Permaculture Institute of El Salvador
www.permacultura.com.sv
503.2335.1891
The Permaculture Institute of El Salvador
(IPES)
- TROPICAL STORMS AFFECT THE COUNTRY
- CHANGE IN GOVERNMENT APPROACH TO AGRICULTURE IN EL SALVADOR
- DEVELOPMENT OF IPES´ DEMONSTRATION SITE
- SUCCESSES OF THE PERMACULTURE DESIGN COURSE IN TWO MUNICIPALITIES
- ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH GROUP SUPPORT
http://permacultura.com.sv/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/IPES-Newsletter-October-2010.pdf
Sunday, October 3, 2010
upcoming events
Greetings All,
Below you will find info on upcoming permaculture and sustainability events in the near future in the central Virginia bioregion, including some TODAY!
For more information about permaculture events, see our website: www.blueridgepermaculture.net. If you know anyone else that would like to sign up for this newsletter, or if you have an announcement, email Christine at christinegyovai@gmail.com for the next update, which are sent monthly.
Best,
Christine and the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network team
www.blueridgepermaculture.net
1.
UVa Food Collaborative – Charlottesville, VA
The UVa Food Collaborative (http://www.virginia.edu/foodcollaborative/) presents "What's On Your Plate? A Public Forum on Local Food and the Media." The event takes place Thursday, October 7th at 4 pm at the Jefferson Scholars Foundation building* with a panel featuring three of today's pre-eminent food writers and thinkers: Marian Burros, food columnist, New York Times; Tom Philpott, food editor, Grist.org; and James McWilliams, author, Just Food: Where Locavores Get it Wrong and How We Can Truly Eat Responsibly. Be a part of this discussion on modern agriculture and the media forces that are shaping our perceptions of the sustainable food movement. The event is free and open to the public; the panel discussion will include audience Q and A. Reception (with locally sourced food) to follow.
*The Jefferson Scholars Building is just off-campus at 112 Clarke Ct., off Maury Ave. and Fontaine Ave. in Charlottesville. Parking is very limited on-site, so please consider walking, biking, or public transportation. The Trolley stops in front of the building
http://www.virginia.edu/foodcollaborative/calendar/forum.php
2.
A class on "Building Community Resilience in Response to Peak Oil, Climate Change, and a No-Growth Economy" will be offered at Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church - Unitarian Universalist (at 717 Rugby Road, Charlottesville, VA), starting Oct. 3 and meeting weekly for 6 sessions, skipping Halloween. It's fine for folks to attend the first meeting, which includes a showing of Chris Martenson's Crash Course chapters on peak oil and the economy, before deciding whether to sign up. People are also welcome to attend individual sessions -- 10/17 on gardening for maximum food production, presented by Stephen Bach; 10/24 on weatherizing the home, presented by John Semmelhack; and 11/7 on harvesting rainwater, presented by Garnett Mellon.
Please email Nancy Hurrelbrinck at: nhurrelbrinck@gmail.com for more information or to register. Child care provided at every class.
3.
All are invited to Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church's second annual “Vigil for the People and Mountains of Appalachia” on Sunday, Oct. 17 at 7:00 p.m. The church presents this program in witness to the human and ecological devastation that results from mountaintop removal (MTR) mining, whose coal powers Charlottesville. The Rev. Rose Edington of Charleston, WV, will speak on "Justice, Equity, and Compassion in the Mountains,” and the evening will include music from The Murphys and Friends and the Charlottesville Women's Choir, a performance by Adelind Horan from "Cry of the Mountain," a candle-lighting ceremony, and a lost mountain roll call. MTR has so far destroyed 500 Appalachian mountains and continues to pollute headwaters for our entire region. For more information, contact Nancy Hurrelbrinck at nhurrelbrinck@gmail.com.
4.
The movie Food, Inc. (2009, 91 minutes) will be shown Friday, Nov. 12 at 7pm at Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church -- Unitarian Universalist (717 Rugby Rd, Charlottesville, VA). The film
lifts the veil on our nation's food industry, exposing how our food supply is controlled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihood of the American farmer, the safety of workers, and the environment. The film reveals surprising and often shocking truths about what we eat, how it's produced, and who we have become as a nation.
5.
Common Good City Farm in Washington DC
• Cultivating Community with Urban Gardens, Oct. 15-17. Spend a weekend learning the basics of urban food gardening, annual and perennial garden design and gardening with your community. Learn how to winterize an existing garden and prepare an area now for a new garden in the spring. Discussion on basic theories of how to design with nature will be mixed with hands-on activities. Instructors: Liz Falk, founder and former Director, and Steve Gabriel, teacher and Lead Designer, Work With Nature. Course fee: $200. Scholarship applications available by emailing Info@commongoodcityfarm.org.
More information and course outline at Common Good's events page.
• LeDroit Park Community Day / Common Good fall harvest party, Saturday Oct. 23, 10a-2p. Save the date for a day of fun, food, and friendliness in our neighborhood and on the farm! If you live nearby, consider contacting Info@commongoodcityfarm.org, attn: Ayo Handy-Kendi, for ways to get involved!
• Accokeek Foundation’s Edible Forest Gardens workshop, Oct. 1-3, Accokeek Ecosystem Farm. Edible forest gardens mimic the structures and functions of natural woodland ecosystems, while producing food and other products, with an emphasis on low-maintenance perennial crops. Design and plant selection help provide fertility, control of weeds and pests, and more. Come for a hands-on introduction to this fascinating and delicious approach to food production. Instructor: Eric Toensmeier (author, Perennial Vegetables and Edible Forest Gardens). More information at http://www.accokeek.org/events/#20101001.
www.commongoodcityfarm.org
6.
Saddle up your bikes and join us for the first annual Community Garden Bike Tour of Charlottesville! On Sunday, October 3, we'll tour five of our town's amazing community gardens. We'll meet at 1pm at the Bridge PAI, and finish there with good food courtesy of Slow Food Albemarle-Piedmont, cold beverages, door prizes and socializing.
Participating gardens:
UVa Community Garden
Hereford Residential College Mini-Farm
Buford Schoolyard Garden Project
The Haven's PATCH Garden
QCC Farms! Garden of Goodness
The tour is free for kids 16 and younger, $5 for UVa students, and $10 for the general public. All proceeds benefit the Buford Schoolyard Garden Project, the Haven's PATCH garden, and QCC Farms!
For more information, please visit cvillebiketour.blogspot.com
Want to join the tour? Space is limited; to reserve your spot, email us at cvilleopengardens [at] gmail [dot] com.
7.
Matthew Wood and Constitutional Herbalism
Oct 8 - 10
How exciting to have Matthew return to SPT once again and bring his wisdom to our area. Enjoy another great weekend with Matthew at the beautiful lodge at Camp Albemarle. We have been gathering here for a number of years with Matt by the fire, listening with deep intent to his stories and his wisdom. Whether this is your first time or you are an alumni, this is not to be missed.
Learn to evaluate people constitutionally, starting with the most basic and useful typology, tridosha (vata, pitta, kapha) and its Western analogs (ectomorph, mesomorph, endomorph). More complex constitutions will be covered as well, including some of the Animal Medicine types. Evaluation of pathology according to the six tissue states, which can be seen as an expansion on tridosha. Most useful herbs for each category will be covered as well as evaluation from the tone and color of the skin. Introduction to tongue and pulse will be presented if time allows.
Fee for the weekend is $295 and this includes camping and rustic cabins, three meals on Saturday and two on Sunday. We are committed to keeping herbal medicine accessible and with each passing year it becomes more difficult to keep fees low as those around us rise. Our food is organic, wild where possible and always fantastic.
www.sacredplanttraditions.com
8.
Want to learn about what's involved in keeping miniature dairy goats (which were recently legalized in Charlottesville)?
The Charlottesville Goat Justice League has organized an urban goat keeping workshop at Dragon Hill Farm in Scottsville next Saturday, Oct. 9, 2-4:30pm, rain or shine. Wear farm-friendly clothes and bring a folding chair.
$20/person with pre-registration, $25/person at the farm. To pre-register, make check out to Dragon Hill Farm for $20/person and mail to Meghan Keith-Hynes, P.O. Box 835, Cville, 22902 For more information, please contact Meghan at 434-293-2145 ormeghankh@gmail.com.
Everyone who pre-registers will receive 2 free bags of shavings from Tractor Supply. There will be other door prizes donated by Whole Foods, Rebecca's, and Fifth Season.
You can mapquest or googlemap directions to farm: 2531 Ruritan Lake Road, Scottsville 24590
9.
Fiber Arts: Felting 101
How to Make a Felted Purse or or wall hanging
Instructor Libby Parrish will guide you through the process of turning an old wool garment into a beautiful felted treasure. Libby has a degree in Textiles from NC State University, holds a number of patents in the field, and loves the creative side of what fibers can do. In this entry-level fibers course, you do not need to be an expert knitter (or even know how to knit!) because the purse, wall hanging, or other fiber art project is made from a favorite old sweater that is out of style or no longer fits!
In this weekend course you will learn:
*a basic understanding of fibers
*what to look for that can be re-purposed in felting
*different types of felting techniques
*how to use a sewing machine to assemble the components
November 6, 2010 Saturday 9-5
Course Fee: $60 Material Fee: $10 [or bring your own materials for free!]
Location: “The Barn” @ Green Meadows Farm 10876 Zilles Road, Blackstone, VA
There is only space for 10 participants, so reserve yours now!
info@transitionstudio.org or 434.294.0372
www.transitionstudio.org
10.
Autumn 2010 Workshops
Workshop descriptions are included below. To register for unlimited classes please purchase a SEASON PASS (pay one fee of $120; it also includes a $25 CRC Individual Membership) and then sign up as a Season Pass Holder for each class you would like to attend. To register for individual classes please pay the General Public fee per class. Some classes have limited availability - register early! Class times and places are subject to change.
Please contact Beth Hopkins at 804-955-7986 or at: programs@centerforruralculture.org with any questions.
Canning & Preserving Workshops - Sponsored by:
Canning I: Chutneys and Relishes Fee: $30
Thursday, October 7 5:30 - 8:30 pm
St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 12291 River Road, Richmond, VA 23238
Instructor: Keith Flannagan
A hands-on workshop that will provide you with a full understanding of the basics of home canning. We'll go over safety tips and focus on canning chutney and relishes to preserve the harvest of the season.
Canning II: Fruit Jellies Fee: $30
Thursday, October 14 5:30 - 8:30 pm
St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 12291 River Road, Richmond, VA 23238
Instructor: Keith Flannagan
A hands-on workshop that will provide you with a full understanding of the basics of home canning. We'll go over safety tips and focus on canning fruit jellies to preserve the harvest of the season.
Fermenting Basics/Yogurt Fee: $30
Thursday, October 21 5:30 - 8:30 pm
Center for Rural Culture, 3009 River Road West, Goochland, VA 23063
Instructor: Sally Norton, MPH
We focus on making yogurt, but other fermented foods will be discussed along with the health benefits of fermented foods and the safety issues involved.
Poultry Processing Workshops - Sponsored by:
"Girlz Got Gutz": For Women Only Fee: $30
Saturday, October 23 10 am - 12:30 pm
17215 Beaverdam Rd, Beaverdam, VA 23015
Instructors: Molly Sharp and Linda Anderson
Learn the proper procedures and techniques for processing your poultry. This is a by women for women class.
Poultry Processing for All Fee: $30
Saturday, October 16 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Avery's Branch Farms, 16923 Genito Road, Amelia Court House, VA 23002
Instructors: Joy, Elliott and Oliver Alexander
Learn the proper procedures and techniques for processing your poultry. This class is open to all. *We will meet at the Center for Rural Culture and convoy to the farm together.
Looking Ahead Workshops
Developing A Sustainable Vegetable Garden Plan Fee: $15
Tuesday, Oct. 5 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Center for Rural Culture, 3009 River Road West, Goochland, VA 23063
Instructor: Lisa Dearden, A.A.S. Hort.
Utilizing sustainable farming guru Cindy Connor's DVD, this course includes the movie and hands on instruction with worksheets.
Season Extension Structures Fee: $15
Sunday, October 17 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Center for Rural Culture, 3009 River Road West, Goochland, VA 23063
Instructor: Backyard Farmers
Extend your garden's harvest throughout the fall, winter and spring seasons. You'll learn how to construct several structures, including coldframes, hoops, and solar cones.
Growing Fruit - Trees, Bushes, Ground Fee: $30
Saturday, November 6 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Center for Rural Culture, 3009 River Road West, Goochland, VA 23063
Instructor: Michael Lachance, Extension Agent, ANR, Crop & Soil Science/Unit
Coordinator, VCE
This half-day workshop will provide you with a basic knowledge of growing your own fruit trees, bushes or ground fruit. You will learn first hand how to plant fruit trees.
Marketing for Small Farmers Workshops - Sponsored by:
Personal Marketing Plan for Farmers Fee: $15
Thursday, October 28 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Center for Rural Culture, 3009 River Road West, Goochland, VA 23063
Instructor: Theresa Nartea, Marketing & Agribusiness Specialist, VSU, VCE
This class walks through the five basic steps of marketing, from realistic goal setting to finding actual people to buy your products. This is a must have class for any beginning farmer. Don't start planning next year without a marketing plan that will grow your business.
Social Media for Farmers Where to be on the Web: From Google Maps to Facebook Fee: $15
Thursday, November 18 6:30 - 8:30 pm
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Western Campus
1851 Dickinson Road, Goochland, VA 23063
Instructors: Theresa Nartea, Marketing & Agribusiness Specialist, VSU, VCE
Sandra F. Tanner, Tourism Development Specialist, Virginia
Tourism Corporation
Mark Klingman, Computer Literacy Expert, VSU Small Farm
Outreach
Virginia Tourism is collaborating with Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) to train small entrepreneurs and existing local businesses on how to effectively use social media, like Facebook and Twitter, and self-list on Google Maps and Virginia Tourism web directories to boost business profitability.
Hosted By Center for Rural Culture
The Center for Rural Culture is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization whose mission is to educate, promote and inspire members of our community to sustain a culture that supports agriculture and the local economy, protects natural and historic resources, and maintains our rural character and traditions. Since 2004, we have been working hard to provide the members of our community with quality programs that serve to sustain our rural culture. As founders of the popular Goochland Farmers Market and now a licensee for an online Farm to Family Co-op Program through Lulus Local Food, we have helped to keep valuable agricultural land in use by providing a means for farmers to sell fresh, local, seasonal food and other land based products. We serve as a conduit for handing down the history, stories, music and lifestyles related to a rich, rural culture and have helped to cultivate our local roots.
We also offer classes, workshops, movies, panel discussions, seminars and forums relating to land and water conservation, smart growth, sustainable agriculture and issues relating to our local food system. Please contact us if you are interested in sponsoring or attending a CRC event.
The Center for Rural Culture serves as the umbrella organization for the Richmond Area Buy Fresh, Buy Local Chapter. We are also actively involved in supporting our community’s tourism and economic development through our popular Discover Goochland website.
Our choices make a difference every day. Please choose to sustain your community’s rural culture and make a difference through an annual membership with the Center for Rural Culture.
www.centerforruralculture.org
11.
October 5th: Speak for the Forest
Public meeting on the George Washington Forest Plan
Tuesday, October 5th
6:30 – 8:30pm
Augusta County Governmental Center,
18 Government Lane, Verona, VA (north of Staunton, VA)
http://vasierraclub.org/2010/09/gwnf/
Virginia’s George Washington National Forest is the largest National Forest in the eastern United States, stretching along both sides of the Shenandoah Valley, just a short drive away from cities and towns across Virginia. It provides high quality drinking water to Virginia ommunities as well as a home to a vast array of wildlife such as neo-tropical songbirds, black bears, and native trout. A healthy George Washington National Forest is vital to the health of our state, our people and our environment.
Forest planning has resumed and we need your comments now more than
ever! With the looming threat of climate change, potential natural gas drilling and logging, how will we best manage the George Washington National Forest to preserve the natural wonders and ecological integrity of one of the most accessible forests in Virginia? Come out on Tuesday to put in your two cents and help us to protect our forest.
Can you attend the hearing on Tuesday and have your voice heard for the
trees? RSVP and get more information here:
http://vasierraclub.org/2010/09/gwnf/
Contact: Antigone Ambrose (804) 225-9113 ext 103 or
antigone.ambrose@sierraclub.org
12.
October 3, Sunday
FALL FIBER FESTIVAL AND SHEEP DOG TRIALS
Montpelier.
This celebration of rural life includes sheep shearing and spinning demonstrations, Scottish dancing and border collies herding sheep. Montpelier. Directions: 11407 Constitution Highway, Montpelier Station. Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday 10am-4pm. $5 adults, children under 16 free. All ages welcome. http://www.fallfiberfestival.org/
Below you will find info on upcoming permaculture and sustainability events in the near future in the central Virginia bioregion, including some TODAY!
For more information about permaculture events, see our website: www.blueridgepermaculture.net. If you know anyone else that would like to sign up for this newsletter, or if you have an announcement, email Christine at christinegyovai@gmail.com for the next update, which are sent monthly.
Best,
Christine and the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network team
www.blueridgepermaculture.net
1.
UVa Food Collaborative – Charlottesville, VA
The UVa Food Collaborative (http://www.virginia.edu/foodcollaborative/) presents "What's On Your Plate? A Public Forum on Local Food and the Media." The event takes place Thursday, October 7th at 4 pm at the Jefferson Scholars Foundation building* with a panel featuring three of today's pre-eminent food writers and thinkers: Marian Burros, food columnist, New York Times; Tom Philpott, food editor, Grist.org; and James McWilliams, author, Just Food: Where Locavores Get it Wrong and How We Can Truly Eat Responsibly. Be a part of this discussion on modern agriculture and the media forces that are shaping our perceptions of the sustainable food movement. The event is free and open to the public; the panel discussion will include audience Q and A. Reception (with locally sourced food) to follow.
*The Jefferson Scholars Building is just off-campus at 112 Clarke Ct., off Maury Ave. and Fontaine Ave. in Charlottesville. Parking is very limited on-site, so please consider walking, biking, or public transportation. The Trolley stops in front of the building
http://www.virginia.edu/foodcollaborative/calendar/forum.php
2.
A class on "Building Community Resilience in Response to Peak Oil, Climate Change, and a No-Growth Economy" will be offered at Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church - Unitarian Universalist (at 717 Rugby Road, Charlottesville, VA), starting Oct. 3 and meeting weekly for 6 sessions, skipping Halloween. It's fine for folks to attend the first meeting, which includes a showing of Chris Martenson's Crash Course chapters on peak oil and the economy, before deciding whether to sign up. People are also welcome to attend individual sessions -- 10/17 on gardening for maximum food production, presented by Stephen Bach; 10/24 on weatherizing the home, presented by John Semmelhack; and 11/7 on harvesting rainwater, presented by Garnett Mellon.
Please email Nancy Hurrelbrinck at: nhurrelbrinck@gmail.com for more information or to register. Child care provided at every class.
3.
All are invited to Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church's second annual “Vigil for the People and Mountains of Appalachia” on Sunday, Oct. 17 at 7:00 p.m. The church presents this program in witness to the human and ecological devastation that results from mountaintop removal (MTR) mining, whose coal powers Charlottesville. The Rev. Rose Edington of Charleston, WV, will speak on "Justice, Equity, and Compassion in the Mountains,” and the evening will include music from The Murphys and Friends and the Charlottesville Women's Choir, a performance by Adelind Horan from "Cry of the Mountain," a candle-lighting ceremony, and a lost mountain roll call. MTR has so far destroyed 500 Appalachian mountains and continues to pollute headwaters for our entire region. For more information, contact Nancy Hurrelbrinck at nhurrelbrinck@gmail.com.
4.
The movie Food, Inc. (2009, 91 minutes) will be shown Friday, Nov. 12 at 7pm at Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church -- Unitarian Universalist (717 Rugby Rd, Charlottesville, VA). The film
lifts the veil on our nation's food industry, exposing how our food supply is controlled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihood of the American farmer, the safety of workers, and the environment. The film reveals surprising and often shocking truths about what we eat, how it's produced, and who we have become as a nation.
5.
Common Good City Farm in Washington DC
• Cultivating Community with Urban Gardens, Oct. 15-17. Spend a weekend learning the basics of urban food gardening, annual and perennial garden design and gardening with your community. Learn how to winterize an existing garden and prepare an area now for a new garden in the spring. Discussion on basic theories of how to design with nature will be mixed with hands-on activities. Instructors: Liz Falk, founder and former Director, and Steve Gabriel, teacher and Lead Designer, Work With Nature. Course fee: $200. Scholarship applications available by emailing Info@commongoodcityfarm.org.
More information and course outline at Common Good's events page.
• LeDroit Park Community Day / Common Good fall harvest party, Saturday Oct. 23, 10a-2p. Save the date for a day of fun, food, and friendliness in our neighborhood and on the farm! If you live nearby, consider contacting Info@commongoodcityfarm.org, attn: Ayo Handy-Kendi, for ways to get involved!
• Accokeek Foundation’s Edible Forest Gardens workshop, Oct. 1-3, Accokeek Ecosystem Farm. Edible forest gardens mimic the structures and functions of natural woodland ecosystems, while producing food and other products, with an emphasis on low-maintenance perennial crops. Design and plant selection help provide fertility, control of weeds and pests, and more. Come for a hands-on introduction to this fascinating and delicious approach to food production. Instructor: Eric Toensmeier (author, Perennial Vegetables and Edible Forest Gardens). More information at http://www.accokeek.org/events/#20101001.
www.commongoodcityfarm.org
6.
Saddle up your bikes and join us for the first annual Community Garden Bike Tour of Charlottesville! On Sunday, October 3, we'll tour five of our town's amazing community gardens. We'll meet at 1pm at the Bridge PAI, and finish there with good food courtesy of Slow Food Albemarle-Piedmont, cold beverages, door prizes and socializing.
Participating gardens:
UVa Community Garden
Hereford Residential College Mini-Farm
Buford Schoolyard Garden Project
The Haven's PATCH Garden
QCC Farms! Garden of Goodness
The tour is free for kids 16 and younger, $5 for UVa students, and $10 for the general public. All proceeds benefit the Buford Schoolyard Garden Project, the Haven's PATCH garden, and QCC Farms!
For more information, please visit cvillebiketour.blogspot.com
Want to join the tour? Space is limited; to reserve your spot, email us at cvilleopengardens [at] gmail [dot] com.
7.
Matthew Wood and Constitutional Herbalism
Oct 8 - 10
How exciting to have Matthew return to SPT once again and bring his wisdom to our area. Enjoy another great weekend with Matthew at the beautiful lodge at Camp Albemarle. We have been gathering here for a number of years with Matt by the fire, listening with deep intent to his stories and his wisdom. Whether this is your first time or you are an alumni, this is not to be missed.
Learn to evaluate people constitutionally, starting with the most basic and useful typology, tridosha (vata, pitta, kapha) and its Western analogs (ectomorph, mesomorph, endomorph). More complex constitutions will be covered as well, including some of the Animal Medicine types. Evaluation of pathology according to the six tissue states, which can be seen as an expansion on tridosha. Most useful herbs for each category will be covered as well as evaluation from the tone and color of the skin. Introduction to tongue and pulse will be presented if time allows.
Fee for the weekend is $295 and this includes camping and rustic cabins, three meals on Saturday and two on Sunday. We are committed to keeping herbal medicine accessible and with each passing year it becomes more difficult to keep fees low as those around us rise. Our food is organic, wild where possible and always fantastic.
www.sacredplanttraditions.com
8.
Want to learn about what's involved in keeping miniature dairy goats (which were recently legalized in Charlottesville)?
The Charlottesville Goat Justice League has organized an urban goat keeping workshop at Dragon Hill Farm in Scottsville next Saturday, Oct. 9, 2-4:30pm, rain or shine. Wear farm-friendly clothes and bring a folding chair.
$20/person with pre-registration, $25/person at the farm. To pre-register, make check out to Dragon Hill Farm for $20/person and mail to Meghan Keith-Hynes, P.O. Box 835, Cville, 22902 For more information, please contact Meghan at 434-293-2145 ormeghankh@gmail.com.
Everyone who pre-registers will receive 2 free bags of shavings from Tractor Supply. There will be other door prizes donated by Whole Foods, Rebecca's, and Fifth Season.
You can mapquest or googlemap directions to farm: 2531 Ruritan Lake Road, Scottsville 24590
9.
Fiber Arts: Felting 101
How to Make a Felted Purse or or wall hanging
Instructor Libby Parrish will guide you through the process of turning an old wool garment into a beautiful felted treasure. Libby has a degree in Textiles from NC State University, holds a number of patents in the field, and loves the creative side of what fibers can do. In this entry-level fibers course, you do not need to be an expert knitter (or even know how to knit!) because the purse, wall hanging, or other fiber art project is made from a favorite old sweater that is out of style or no longer fits!
In this weekend course you will learn:
*a basic understanding of fibers
*what to look for that can be re-purposed in felting
*different types of felting techniques
*how to use a sewing machine to assemble the components
November 6, 2010 Saturday 9-5
Course Fee: $60 Material Fee: $10 [or bring your own materials for free!]
Location: “The Barn” @ Green Meadows Farm 10876 Zilles Road, Blackstone, VA
There is only space for 10 participants, so reserve yours now!
info@transitionstudio.org or 434.294.0372
www.transitionstudio.org
10.
Autumn 2010 Workshops
Workshop descriptions are included below. To register for unlimited classes please purchase a SEASON PASS (pay one fee of $120; it also includes a $25 CRC Individual Membership) and then sign up as a Season Pass Holder for each class you would like to attend. To register for individual classes please pay the General Public fee per class. Some classes have limited availability - register early! Class times and places are subject to change.
Please contact Beth Hopkins at 804-955-7986 or at: programs@centerforruralculture.org with any questions.
Canning & Preserving Workshops - Sponsored by:
Canning I: Chutneys and Relishes Fee: $30
Thursday, October 7 5:30 - 8:30 pm
St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 12291 River Road, Richmond, VA 23238
Instructor: Keith Flannagan
A hands-on workshop that will provide you with a full understanding of the basics of home canning. We'll go over safety tips and focus on canning chutney and relishes to preserve the harvest of the season.
Canning II: Fruit Jellies Fee: $30
Thursday, October 14 5:30 - 8:30 pm
St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 12291 River Road, Richmond, VA 23238
Instructor: Keith Flannagan
A hands-on workshop that will provide you with a full understanding of the basics of home canning. We'll go over safety tips and focus on canning fruit jellies to preserve the harvest of the season.
Fermenting Basics/Yogurt Fee: $30
Thursday, October 21 5:30 - 8:30 pm
Center for Rural Culture, 3009 River Road West, Goochland, VA 23063
Instructor: Sally Norton, MPH
We focus on making yogurt, but other fermented foods will be discussed along with the health benefits of fermented foods and the safety issues involved.
Poultry Processing Workshops - Sponsored by:
"Girlz Got Gutz": For Women Only Fee: $30
Saturday, October 23 10 am - 12:30 pm
17215 Beaverdam Rd, Beaverdam, VA 23015
Instructors: Molly Sharp and Linda Anderson
Learn the proper procedures and techniques for processing your poultry. This is a by women for women class.
Poultry Processing for All Fee: $30
Saturday, October 16 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Avery's Branch Farms, 16923 Genito Road, Amelia Court House, VA 23002
Instructors: Joy, Elliott and Oliver Alexander
Learn the proper procedures and techniques for processing your poultry. This class is open to all. *We will meet at the Center for Rural Culture and convoy to the farm together.
Looking Ahead Workshops
Developing A Sustainable Vegetable Garden Plan Fee: $15
Tuesday, Oct. 5 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Center for Rural Culture, 3009 River Road West, Goochland, VA 23063
Instructor: Lisa Dearden, A.A.S. Hort.
Utilizing sustainable farming guru Cindy Connor's DVD, this course includes the movie and hands on instruction with worksheets.
Season Extension Structures Fee: $15
Sunday, October 17 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Center for Rural Culture, 3009 River Road West, Goochland, VA 23063
Instructor: Backyard Farmers
Extend your garden's harvest throughout the fall, winter and spring seasons. You'll learn how to construct several structures, including coldframes, hoops, and solar cones.
Growing Fruit - Trees, Bushes, Ground Fee: $30
Saturday, November 6 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Center for Rural Culture, 3009 River Road West, Goochland, VA 23063
Instructor: Michael Lachance, Extension Agent, ANR, Crop & Soil Science/Unit
Coordinator, VCE
This half-day workshop will provide you with a basic knowledge of growing your own fruit trees, bushes or ground fruit. You will learn first hand how to plant fruit trees.
Marketing for Small Farmers Workshops - Sponsored by:
Personal Marketing Plan for Farmers Fee: $15
Thursday, October 28 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Center for Rural Culture, 3009 River Road West, Goochland, VA 23063
Instructor: Theresa Nartea, Marketing & Agribusiness Specialist, VSU, VCE
This class walks through the five basic steps of marketing, from realistic goal setting to finding actual people to buy your products. This is a must have class for any beginning farmer. Don't start planning next year without a marketing plan that will grow your business.
Social Media for Farmers Where to be on the Web: From Google Maps to Facebook Fee: $15
Thursday, November 18 6:30 - 8:30 pm
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Western Campus
1851 Dickinson Road, Goochland, VA 23063
Instructors: Theresa Nartea, Marketing & Agribusiness Specialist, VSU, VCE
Sandra F. Tanner, Tourism Development Specialist, Virginia
Tourism Corporation
Mark Klingman, Computer Literacy Expert, VSU Small Farm
Outreach
Virginia Tourism is collaborating with Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) to train small entrepreneurs and existing local businesses on how to effectively use social media, like Facebook and Twitter, and self-list on Google Maps and Virginia Tourism web directories to boost business profitability.
Hosted By Center for Rural Culture
The Center for Rural Culture is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization whose mission is to educate, promote and inspire members of our community to sustain a culture that supports agriculture and the local economy, protects natural and historic resources, and maintains our rural character and traditions. Since 2004, we have been working hard to provide the members of our community with quality programs that serve to sustain our rural culture. As founders of the popular Goochland Farmers Market and now a licensee for an online Farm to Family Co-op Program through Lulus Local Food, we have helped to keep valuable agricultural land in use by providing a means for farmers to sell fresh, local, seasonal food and other land based products. We serve as a conduit for handing down the history, stories, music and lifestyles related to a rich, rural culture and have helped to cultivate our local roots.
We also offer classes, workshops, movies, panel discussions, seminars and forums relating to land and water conservation, smart growth, sustainable agriculture and issues relating to our local food system. Please contact us if you are interested in sponsoring or attending a CRC event.
The Center for Rural Culture serves as the umbrella organization for the Richmond Area Buy Fresh, Buy Local Chapter. We are also actively involved in supporting our community’s tourism and economic development through our popular Discover Goochland website.
Our choices make a difference every day. Please choose to sustain your community’s rural culture and make a difference through an annual membership with the Center for Rural Culture.
www.centerforruralculture.org
11.
October 5th: Speak for the Forest
Public meeting on the George Washington Forest Plan
Tuesday, October 5th
6:30 – 8:30pm
Augusta County Governmental Center,
18 Government Lane, Verona, VA (north of Staunton, VA)
http://vasierraclub.org/2010/09/gwnf/
Virginia’s George Washington National Forest is the largest National Forest in the eastern United States, stretching along both sides of the Shenandoah Valley, just a short drive away from cities and towns across Virginia. It provides high quality drinking water to Virginia ommunities as well as a home to a vast array of wildlife such as neo-tropical songbirds, black bears, and native trout. A healthy George Washington National Forest is vital to the health of our state, our people and our environment.
Forest planning has resumed and we need your comments now more than
ever! With the looming threat of climate change, potential natural gas drilling and logging, how will we best manage the George Washington National Forest to preserve the natural wonders and ecological integrity of one of the most accessible forests in Virginia? Come out on Tuesday to put in your two cents and help us to protect our forest.
Can you attend the hearing on Tuesday and have your voice heard for the
trees? RSVP and get more information here:
http://vasierraclub.org/2010/09/gwnf/
Contact: Antigone Ambrose (804) 225-9113 ext 103 or
antigone.ambrose@sierraclub.org
12.
October 3, Sunday
FALL FIBER FESTIVAL AND SHEEP DOG TRIALS
Montpelier.
This celebration of rural life includes sheep shearing and spinning demonstrations, Scottish dancing and border collies herding sheep. Montpelier. Directions: 11407 Constitution Highway, Montpelier Station. Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday 10am-4pm. $5 adults, children under 16 free. All ages welcome. http://www.fallfiberfestival.org/
Friday, September 3, 2010
upcoming events
Greetings All,
Below you will find info on upcoming permaculture and sustainability events in
the near future in the central Virginia bioregion.
For more information about permaculture events, see our website:
www.blueridgepermaculture.net. If you know anyone else that would like to sign
up for this newsletter, or if you have an announcement, email Christine at
christinegyovai@gmail.com for the next update, which are sent monthly.
Best,
Christine and the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network team
1.
Stop by and see the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network table, with permaculture
demonstrations, at this year's Heritage Harvest Festival, which will take place
Saturday, September 11, 2010, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on the West Lawn of Monticello
and the new Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center in Charlottesville, VA. Thanks to
Vicky, Terry, Denise and the BRPN crew for being at the table!
For more info, see: http://heritageharvestfestival.com
2.
Sharon Astyk will speak at Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church --
Unitarian-Universalist on Friday, September 10, at 7 p.m. (Childcare provided)
in Charlottesville, VA.
Her topic will be "Climate Change, Peak Oil, and the Economic Crisis: Why You
Should Think About Them (Though We'd All Rather Not)."
Astyk farms on 30 acres in upstate New York and is the author of three books:
Depletion and Abundance: Life on the New Home Front, Independence Days: A Guide
to Sustainable Food Storage and Preservation, and, with Aaron Newton, A Nation
of Farmers: Defeating the Food Crisis on American Soil. You can find her blog
at sharonastyk.com.
This Earth-Friendly Friday is sponsored by TJMC's Green Sanctuary Task Force.
3.
Hello friends and fellow gardeners,
Blue Ridge Backyard Harvest is pleased to announce that we now offer freshly
brewed compost tea. Compost tea is one of the best organic treatments you can
give your plants and garden soil. Full of beneficial bacteria, fungi and other
healthful microflora, compost tea has been proven to improve plants’ ability
to take up soil nutrients, improve the soil’s ability to hold water and
nutrients, build soil structure, and decrease both bacterial and fungal plant
diseases.
Compost tea starts with well-aged, nutrient-rich compost that is “brewed”
using well water and a small aquarium pump. The aeration provided by the pump
aids in the rapid replication of aerobic fungi and bacteria (found in the
compost). The “tea” brews for 24 hours, in which time the beneficial
microflora present in the compost reproduce, literally, hundreds of times. When
applied to the leaves of plants and to garden soil, these beneficial
microorganisms begin colonizing immediately, occupying leaf surfaces and
infection sites that otherwise could be invaded by harmful fungi or bacteria.
For more information on compost tea, click on this link from the National
Sustainable Agriculture Information Service or visit the Soil Foodweb Oregon
website of compost tea pioneer Dr. Elaine Ingham.
If you are interested in compost tea, please email us with your name and
contact information, and we will contact you when our next brew becomes
available.
Thank you for considering compost tea for your garden!
Guinevere Higgins & Mike Parisi
Blue Ridge Backyard Harvest
www.blueridgebackyard.com
4.
Appalachia Rising. A mass mobilization to end mountaintop removal.
Announcing the nation's largest summit and day of action to end mountaintop
removal:
Appalachia Rising
September 25 to 27, Washington DC.
Mountaintop removal has already destroyed over 500 of the world's oldest
mountains, more than 2,000 miles of streams, and has contaminated our nation's
waters. Stand for the abolition of mountaintop removal with the named and
unnamed heroes of coalfield organizing and celebrities Woody Harrelson, Ashley
Judd, Gloria Reuben, Ed Begley Jr., Kathy Mattea, Kyra Sedgwick, Kevin Bacon,
Darryl Hannah, author Silas House, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and climate scientist
James Hansen on the Monday, September 27 Day of Action!
Register Now! Click here or go to
www.appalachiarising.org/registration/reg1.php
Join people from across Appalachia and America in building the movement to
abolish mountaintop removal and create sustainable economies from the ground
up: mobilize your friends, family, and community for Appalachia Rising by
filling out this 5 question form by clicking here.
5.
Mushroom Workshops 2010 with Sharondale Farm
**Growing Mushrooms at Home-* an Introduction to the Permaculture of the Fungi*
An introduction to outdoor mushroom growing. Learn about the biology and
ecology of the fungi in your garden and woods. Explore different methods of
outdoor cultivation through hands-on activity. Discussion will focus on
several easy-to-grow gourmet and medicinal mushroom species. Each participant
will receive a bag of spawn to start a home mushroom garden. Workshop dates
are Saturdays October 30th or November 13th from 9a-12p, at the farm in
Cismont, Va. For more information or to register visit:
http://www.sharondalefarm.com/workshops.html or call Mark at 434-296-3301
September 24th- Bear Mountain Farm and Retreat in Highland County
(http://www.mountain-retreat.com/index.htm)
November 20th- Urban Mushroom Gardening- Tricycle Gardens-Richmond
(http://tricyclegardens.org/)
http://www.sharondalefarm.com/
6.
Special Benefit Talk: An Evening with Joel Salatin
You won't want to miss the rare opportunity to see Joel Salatin speak in
Staunton on Saturday, Sept. 4 in a special benefit for Transition Staunton
Augusta.
While Joel keeps busy talking to groups around the country, appearing in films
including Food, Inc. and Fresh: The Movie, and talking to CNN, Martha Stewart,
Smithsonian, National Geographic, and Gourmet, it's seldom that he gets a
chance to speak to a hometown audience.
Now, to support the work of Transition Staunton Augusta running the Local
Motion Film Series and advocating for clean energy and good jobs in our area,
Joel is donating his usual speaker's fee to fire up the home team for local
food.
His topic for the evening will be "Emancipating Your Food," and his energetic
and irreverant style will be sure to inspire you to take back your food from
big industry. Joel will also share concrete ways that you can support local
producers and make healthy local food a bigger part of your life.
Joel's talk will be in the new ShenanArts at the nTelos Theatre at Gypsy Hill
Place, 300 Churchville Avenue in Staunton at 7:30 pm on Saturday, Sept. 4.
Tickets will be available at the door for $25, and discount advance tickets are
available at selected downtown stores or online. We expect the event to sell
out, so to make sure you're not left out, we recommend that you get your
tickets now.
Get info and tickets » About Us
Transition Staunton Augusta is a group of local citizens who’ve united to
make a difference in our community. Our mission is to help Staunton and its
surrounding area in Augusta County, Virginia, move to an economy beyond fossil
fuels.
Help us in our work to prepare Staunton and Augusta County for a future beyond
fossil fuels while creating sustainable jobs and business opportunities.
http://transitionstaunton.org/food/locavore-fest/
7.
GaiaYoga
Initiation-Internship
Whether you’re a student looking for meaningful life-experiences, a
family looking to unplug from the “rat race”, a spiritual/social/ecological
warrior looking for home and deep camaraderie, or simply a human
being wanting to be whole, healthy, responsible, and happy, our
GaiaYoga 101 Initiation-Internship will satisfy deep needs for you.
GaiaYoga Gardens is a 7-year-old, 17.75 acre, permaculture homestead
and evolving intentional community in Puna, on the East side of the Big
Island, Hawaii. Beyond sustaining and growing our community, our main
service is to offer life-changing, 2-month-long, educational, and healing
initiations into sustainable and holistic living. In them you will:
-Immerse yourself in a tropical Permaculture® community, gaining practical
skills
-Learn to think, speak, and listen using Nonviolent Communication® (NVC)
-Discover the ancient power and pleasure of raw-food Instinctive Eating
-Integrate the principles of GaiaYoga® to create wholeness and balance
-Practice Re-evaluative Co-counseling, working with peers to release trauma
-Study Connection Parenting, and experience communal co-parenting
-Live in beautiful, simple eco-structures, in an off-grid neighborhood
-Experience the majesty, beauty, and shamanic fire of Pele’s Hawaii
-Delight in new skills, health, clarity, and perhaps your new home! ! !
Check out www.gaiayoga.org
For an application
email aloha@gaiayoga.org
8.
Greetings from Earthen Hand,
We have some fun workshops coming up, covering a variety of natural building
skills.
Two workshops are coming up back to back in Puerto Rico on Earthbag domes and
oven making (flights to PR are low right now!). Plus there are two one-day
workshop in Portland on plasters and paints. Full schedule to the left. For
details, view website and info attached.
Please help us fill these events by spreading the word to others. Forward this
email to a friend
These workshops are packed with information, fun, and leave people with
practical skills that will last them a lifetime.
10% off for bringing a friend, 20% for groups of 4 or more.
www.earthenhand.com
9.
Sacred Plant Traditions classes
Saturday, Sept 11
Wild Fermentation with Suzanna Stone
_________
Six Week Introduction to Herbal Healing
September 14 - October 19
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 $200 (Deposit: $50).
Fee includes all materials & text.
Tuesdays Morning Classes, 10am - noon
www.sacredplanttraditions.com
________________________________________
Constitutional Herbalism
Matthew Wood and Constitutional Herbalism
Oct 8 - 10
How exciting to have Matthew return to SPT once again and bring his wisdom to
our area. Enjoy another great weekend with Matthew at the beautiful lodge at
Camp Albemarle. We have been gathering here for a number of years with Matt by
the fire, listening with deep intent to his stories and his wisdom. Whether
this is your first time or you are an alumni, this is not to be missed.
Learn to evaluate people constitutionally, starting with the most basic and
useful typology, tridosha (vata, pitta, kapha) and its Western analogs
(ectomorph, mesomorph, endomorph). More complex constitutions will be covered
as well, including some of the Animal Medicine types. Evaluation of pathology
according to the six tissue states, which can be seen as an expansion on
tridosha. Most useful herbs for each category will be covered as well as
evaluation from the tone and color of the skin. Introduction to tongue and
pulse will be presented if time allows.
Fee for the weekend is $295 and this includes camping and rustic cabins, three
meals on Saturday and two on Sunday. We are committed to keeping herbal
medicine accessible and with each passing year it becomes more difficult to
keep fees low as those around us rise. Our food is organic, wild where possible
and always fantastic.
www.sacredplanttraditions.com
10.
We have a place for sale that connects to our property with a green house and
18 acres with community gardens. The house we are selling has 3 acres and a
small home. David VanDerveer
phone # 434-985-7895 cell 434-960-7591
Below you will find info on upcoming permaculture and sustainability events in
the near future in the central Virginia bioregion.
For more information about permaculture events, see our website:
www.blueridgepermaculture.net. 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.
Stop by and see the Blue Ridge Permaculture Network table, with permaculture
demonstrations, at this year's Heritage Harvest Festival, which will take place
Saturday, September 11, 2010, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on the West Lawn of Monticello
and the new Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center in Charlottesville, VA. Thanks to
Vicky, Terry, Denise and the BRPN crew for being at the table!
For more info, see: http://heritageharvestfestival.com
2.
Sharon Astyk will speak at Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church --
Unitarian-Universalist on Friday, September 10, at 7 p.m. (Childcare provided)
in Charlottesville, VA.
Her topic will be "Climate Change, Peak Oil, and the Economic Crisis: Why You
Should Think About Them (Though We'd All Rather Not)."
Astyk farms on 30 acres in upstate New York and is the author of three books:
Depletion and Abundance: Life on the New Home Front, Independence Days: A Guide
to Sustainable Food Storage and Preservation, and, with Aaron Newton, A Nation
of Farmers: Defeating the Food Crisis on American Soil. You can find her blog
at sharonastyk.com.
This Earth-Friendly Friday is sponsored by TJMC's Green Sanctuary Task Force.
3.
Hello friends and fellow gardeners,
Blue Ridge Backyard Harvest is pleased to announce that we now offer freshly
brewed compost tea. Compost tea is one of the best organic treatments you can
give your plants and garden soil. Full of beneficial bacteria, fungi and other
healthful microflora, compost tea has been proven to improve plants’ ability
to take up soil nutrients, improve the soil’s ability to hold water and
nutrients, build soil structure, and decrease both bacterial and fungal plant
diseases.
Compost tea starts with well-aged, nutrient-rich compost that is “brewed”
using well water and a small aquarium pump. The aeration provided by the pump
aids in the rapid replication of aerobic fungi and bacteria (found in the
compost). The “tea” brews for 24 hours, in which time the beneficial
microflora present in the compost reproduce, literally, hundreds of times. When
applied to the leaves of plants and to garden soil, these beneficial
microorganisms begin colonizing immediately, occupying leaf surfaces and
infection sites that otherwise could be invaded by harmful fungi or bacteria.
For more information on compost tea, click on this link from the National
Sustainable Agriculture Information Service or visit the Soil Foodweb Oregon
website of compost tea pioneer Dr. Elaine Ingham.
If you are interested in compost tea, please email us with your name and
contact information, and we will contact you when our next brew becomes
available.
Thank you for considering compost tea for your garden!
Guinevere Higgins & Mike Parisi
Blue Ridge Backyard Harvest
www.blueridgebackyard.com
4.
Appalachia Rising. A mass mobilization to end mountaintop removal.
Announcing the nation's largest summit and day of action to end mountaintop
removal:
Appalachia Rising
September 25 to 27, Washington DC.
Mountaintop removal has already destroyed over 500 of the world's oldest
mountains, more than 2,000 miles of streams, and has contaminated our nation's
waters. Stand for the abolition of mountaintop removal with the named and
unnamed heroes of coalfield organizing and celebrities Woody Harrelson, Ashley
Judd, Gloria Reuben, Ed Begley Jr., Kathy Mattea, Kyra Sedgwick, Kevin Bacon,
Darryl Hannah, author Silas House, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and climate scientist
James Hansen on the Monday, September 27 Day of Action!
Register Now! Click here or go to
www.appalachiarising.org/registration/reg1.php
Join people from across Appalachia and America in building the movement to
abolish mountaintop removal and create sustainable economies from the ground
up: mobilize your friends, family, and community for Appalachia Rising by
filling out this 5 question form by clicking here.
5.
Mushroom Workshops 2010 with Sharondale Farm
**Growing Mushrooms at Home-* an Introduction to the Permaculture of the Fungi*
An introduction to outdoor mushroom growing. Learn about the biology and
ecology of the fungi in your garden and woods. Explore different methods of
outdoor cultivation through hands-on activity. Discussion will focus on
several easy-to-grow gourmet and medicinal mushroom species. Each participant
will receive a bag of spawn to start a home mushroom garden. Workshop dates
are Saturdays October 30th or November 13th from 9a-12p, at the farm in
Cismont, Va. For more information or to register visit:
http://www.sharondalefarm.com/workshops.html or call Mark at 434-296-3301
September 24th- Bear Mountain Farm and Retreat in Highland County
(http://www.mountain-retreat.com/index.htm)
November 20th- Urban Mushroom Gardening- Tricycle Gardens-Richmond
(http://tricyclegardens.org/)
http://www.sharondalefarm.com/
6.
Special Benefit Talk: An Evening with Joel Salatin
You won't want to miss the rare opportunity to see Joel Salatin speak in
Staunton on Saturday, Sept. 4 in a special benefit for Transition Staunton
Augusta.
While Joel keeps busy talking to groups around the country, appearing in films
including Food, Inc. and Fresh: The Movie, and talking to CNN, Martha Stewart,
Smithsonian, National Geographic, and Gourmet, it's seldom that he gets a
chance to speak to a hometown audience.
Now, to support the work of Transition Staunton Augusta running the Local
Motion Film Series and advocating for clean energy and good jobs in our area,
Joel is donating his usual speaker's fee to fire up the home team for local
food.
His topic for the evening will be "Emancipating Your Food," and his energetic
and irreverant style will be sure to inspire you to take back your food from
big industry. Joel will also share concrete ways that you can support local
producers and make healthy local food a bigger part of your life.
Joel's talk will be in the new ShenanArts at the nTelos Theatre at Gypsy Hill
Place, 300 Churchville Avenue in Staunton at 7:30 pm on Saturday, Sept. 4.
Tickets will be available at the door for $25, and discount advance tickets are
available at selected downtown stores or online. We expect the event to sell
out, so to make sure you're not left out, we recommend that you get your
tickets now.
Get info and tickets » About Us
Transition Staunton Augusta is a group of local citizens who’ve united to
make a difference in our community. Our mission is to help Staunton and its
surrounding area in Augusta County, Virginia, move to an economy beyond fossil
fuels.
Help us in our work to prepare Staunton and Augusta County for a future beyond
fossil fuels while creating sustainable jobs and business opportunities.
http://transitionstaunton.org/food/locavore-fest/
7.
GaiaYoga
Initiation-Internship
Whether you’re a student looking for meaningful life-experiences, a
family looking to unplug from the “rat race”, a spiritual/social/ecological
warrior looking for home and deep camaraderie, or simply a human
being wanting to be whole, healthy, responsible, and happy, our
GaiaYoga 101 Initiation-Internship will satisfy deep needs for you.
GaiaYoga Gardens is a 7-year-old, 17.75 acre, permaculture homestead
and evolving intentional community in Puna, on the East side of the Big
Island, Hawaii. Beyond sustaining and growing our community, our main
service is to offer life-changing, 2-month-long, educational, and healing
initiations into sustainable and holistic living. In them you will:
-Immerse yourself in a tropical Permaculture® community, gaining practical
skills
-Learn to think, speak, and listen using Nonviolent Communication® (NVC)
-Discover the ancient power and pleasure of raw-food Instinctive Eating
-Integrate the principles of GaiaYoga® to create wholeness and balance
-Practice Re-evaluative Co-counseling, working with peers to release trauma
-Study Connection Parenting, and experience communal co-parenting
-Live in beautiful, simple eco-structures, in an off-grid neighborhood
-Experience the majesty, beauty, and shamanic fire of Pele’s Hawaii
-Delight in new skills, health, clarity, and perhaps your new home! ! !
Check out www.gaiayoga.org
For an application
email aloha@gaiayoga.org
8.
Greetings from Earthen Hand,
We have some fun workshops coming up, covering a variety of natural building
skills.
Two workshops are coming up back to back in Puerto Rico on Earthbag domes and
oven making (flights to PR are low right now!). Plus there are two one-day
workshop in Portland on plasters and paints. Full schedule to the left. For
details, view website and info attached.
Please help us fill these events by spreading the word to others. Forward this
email to a friend
These workshops are packed with information, fun, and leave people with
practical skills that will last them a lifetime.
10% off for bringing a friend, 20% for groups of 4 or more.
www.earthenhand.com
9.
Sacred Plant Traditions classes
Saturday, Sept 11
Wild Fermentation with Suzanna Stone
_________
Six Week Introduction to Herbal Healing
September 14 - October 19
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 $200 (Deposit: $50).
Fee includes all materials & text.
Tuesdays Morning Classes, 10am - noon
www.sacredplanttraditions.com
________________________________________
Constitutional Herbalism
Matthew Wood and Constitutional Herbalism
Oct 8 - 10
How exciting to have Matthew return to SPT once again and bring his wisdom to
our area. Enjoy another great weekend with Matthew at the beautiful lodge at
Camp Albemarle. We have been gathering here for a number of years with Matt by
the fire, listening with deep intent to his stories and his wisdom. Whether
this is your first time or you are an alumni, this is not to be missed.
Learn to evaluate people constitutionally, starting with the most basic and
useful typology, tridosha (vata, pitta, kapha) and its Western analogs
(ectomorph, mesomorph, endomorph). More complex constitutions will be covered
as well, including some of the Animal Medicine types. Evaluation of pathology
according to the six tissue states, which can be seen as an expansion on
tridosha. Most useful herbs for each category will be covered as well as
evaluation from the tone and color of the skin. Introduction to tongue and
pulse will be presented if time allows.
Fee for the weekend is $295 and this includes camping and rustic cabins, three
meals on Saturday and two on Sunday. We are committed to keeping herbal
medicine accessible and with each passing year it becomes more difficult to
keep fees low as those around us rise. Our food is organic, wild where possible
and always fantastic.
www.sacredplanttraditions.com
10.
We have a place for sale that connects to our property with a green house and
18 acres with community gardens. The house we are selling has 3 acres and a
small home. David VanDerveer
phone # 434-985-7895 cell 434-960-7591
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