October 6 - 10:00-12:30 A Fungi Foray
This fall, join biologist Tovi Lehmann for a foray into the fascinating world of fungi. In this two-part workshop, Tovi will introduce participants to mushroom life cycles and habitats, as well as the important role that fungi play in the natural world. Tovi will also discuss the basics of mushroom identification. Participants will take a guided trail walk to hunt for fungi. Please wear closed-toe shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather. Pre-registration is required by Thursday, October 4, 2012.
Registration and More Info: http://accokeekfoundation.org/a-fungi-foray/
October 13 - 8:30-3:30 Livestock 101
Ever wonder what the difference between a cow and heifer is? Here is your chance to find out. This intensive class covers everything from farm jargon and basic animal anatomy and physiology to basic husbandry through a combination of classroom and field (barnyard) instruction about the various heritage breeds of livestock preserved by the Accokeek Foundation: American Milking Devons, Hog Island Sheep, Ossabaw Hogs, Buckeye Chickens, and Black Turkeys. Participants will receive their own copy of The Backyard Homestead Guide to Raising Farm Animals to take home.
Registration and More Info: http://accokeekfoundation.org/livestock-101/
October 13 4:00-9:00 Food and Farming Mixer
This third installment in the 2012 Food Justice Series, the Food and Farming Mixer is a networking opportunity for the farm and food systems community to get to know more about the various organizations in the area that are working towards a more sustainable food system. This evening will include a tour through Chesapeake CRAFT of the Accokeek Foundation's certified organic vegetable farm operation, a short hike, folks from various local organizations with resources about getting involved, an open barn for heritage breeds of livestock, potluck, and more! Please bring lawn chairs, hiking boots, bug spray and a dish to share, and bring your own beverages as water will be provided.
Schedule:
4:00 pm - CRAFT Tour - Ecosystem Farm OR Heritage Breeds Open Barn5:30 pm - Networking and Potluck
6:30-9:00 pm - Riverfront Hang Out
Registration and More Info: http://accokeekfoundation.org/food-justice-series-food-and-farming-mixer/
October 20 9:00-12:00 Farming for Seed
Join Accokeek Foundation Ecosystem Farm staff, Becky Cecere Seward, and Molly Meehan for this exciting exploration of the ins and outs of growing for seed, seed saving, and the historic and cultural context of heirloom vegetable varieties grown at the Ecosystem Farm. All participants will receive a copy of Seed to Seed: Seed Saving and Growing Techniques for Vegetable Gardeners by Suzanne Ashworth. Registration is required and the class has limited seating.
Registration and More Info: http://accokeekfoundation.org/farming-for-seed/
November 2,3, 4 from 8:30-4:30 Skills, Scale, Sustainability
A holistic approach for assessing and matching skills to appropriate levels of scale for sustainability - in agriculture, business, and in life. Join Shane J. LaBrake for a 3-day intensive workshop that blends philosophy and pragmatic advice with hands-on training and real-life problem solving as you develop your small-scale agricultural endeavors. Based on lessons learned from a lifetime of work and travel in food and farming, Shane provides unique insights from his practical experience of reconciling idealism with the nitty-gritty, day-to-day reality of maintaining a viable and sustainable enterprise. As we consider small farm design, we will address real life skills and knowledge that aspiring farmers need to know. On-site and hands-on demonstrations with scale-appropriate tools, equipment, and gear will allow workshop attendees to make better decisions for their own operations. Classroom lectures and discussions will explore the rhythm and evolution of a season, and offer tips and ideas for better management of time and resources. Shane's unique approach will leave you informed and empowered. He encourages holistic thinking and rational problem solving as opposed to hasty decisions based on emotion and circumstance. This class encourages thinking to clarify intention, and challenges the participants to create designs that will work for them. Please dress for the weather and be prepared to be challenged and engaged. A binder of readings and other resource materials will be provided to each participant.
Registration and More Info: http://accokeekfoundation.org/skills-scale-and-sustainability/
December 1 & 2 from 8:30-5:00pmTractor and Machinery Operation and Maintenance
Back by popular demand! This two-day, hands-on workshop demystifies tractors and empowers their users to operate and maintain their machines more safely and with greater skill and confidence. Day one focuses on the fundamentals of tractor operation; reviewing everything from the historical purpose and use of tractors to the functions and safe use of all of the pedals and levers, the drawbar, power take-off (PTO), and the front-end loader. We will end the first day with tractor driving practice for the novices in the class.The second day is a hands-on lesson in do-it-yourself tractor maintenance, performing a variety of routine tractor maintenance chores including oil and filter change, coolant change, hydraulic-transmission fluid and filter change, air filter replacement, fuel filter replacement, belt tension adjustment, battery care, and a range of other do-it-yourself tasks that are typically performed at regularly scheduled intervals. Participants will receive take-home materials, including a tractor user's resource list. Lunch will be provided and there will be an one-hour break each day. Participants should bring snacks and water bottles. Please note that this workshop is meant to be hands-on, and portions of it will be conducted outside. Participants must wear appropriate clothing and footwear, i.e., clothing that can be dirtied with oil and grease stains, and that is adequate for the forecast weather conditions. Please no sandals or open-toed shoes.
Registration and More Info: http://accokeekfoundation.org/tractor-operation-and-maintenance-2-day-workshop/
To apply for a scholarship download and send the Scholarship Application to caes@accokeek.org.
Traducción al español está disponible, si necesita estos servicios por favor díganosdurante el registro. Becas disponibles; pongase en contacto con Molly Meehan enmmeehan@accokeek.org o 301-283-2113 ext 32.
