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2017 ​Beekeeping for Beginners

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2017 BEEKEEPING FOR BEGINNERS

With Imagine That Honey
Swanzey, NH – Saturdays 9:00am – Noon, or 1 to 4pm
March 11, April 8, May 13, June 10, July 8 & September 9
Group #2: June 18, July 23 & September 24

This complete series of classes will help guide you through the steps necessary to begin, keep and maintain healthy bees. Everyone participating in the course will receive introductory instruction and recommendations for starting your own apiary, and most importantly hands-on experience.  $35/Class – Please bring a veil, and dress appropriately.

Learn more about the Beekeeping for Beginners Series

Is a Permaculture Design Certificate Course Right for You?

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By Martin Castriotta, Village Roots Permaculture

Is a Permaculture Design Certificate Course right for you? Here are some commonly asked questions.

What is permaculture?
Permaculture is an ecologically-based design system. Permaculture designs produce human habitats (food, shelter, community) that are highly resilient (responsive to change), restorative and regenerative. Permaculture grows positive solutions to feed the future.

What is a Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) course?
A PDC is a set of coursework aimed to provide an overview of permaculture; its origins, its current context, its principles and its practices. PDCs provide at least 72 hours of course work. Lead instructors hold design certificates themselves and are proven experienced educators and practitioners of permaculture. PDCs provide a foundational education in ecology, soil science, water management solutions, site analysis and assessment, mapping and perennial food production systems.

Who is permaculture for?
Permaculture is for Earth and for Humanity. In that sense, it is for all of us.

Who takes a PDC?
Permaculture is not just for farmers and gardeners. Many people take PDCs to learn better management practices for a parcel of land that they steward. This could be a 1/4 acre lot, a parkway (strip between road and sidewalk) or a small farm. Maybe it’s your land, or maybe it’s not. Builders take PDCs to learn how to integrate permaculture into home design. Landscapers are often drawn to the possibilities of creating ecosystems. New business owners draw from principles to increase efficiency and resilience. Educators and artists share with the world positive solutions. High schoolers prepare for their future and elders build upon accumulated knowledge and share wisdom.

How will I benefit from a PDC?
By participating in this course you will access a foundational understanding of ecological design. You will look at natural systems in a whole new way and you will be able to apply this new understanding to your own systems of production. Credit for this course is now accepted by a growing number of universities around the world. A PDC gets many new farmers off on the right (bare) foot. For many professionals, a PDC is a further credential in their field. For many lifelong learners, a PDC is the next logical step in developing a deeper understanding about how to inhabit our living planet.

Check out the upcoming Permaculture Design Course offered by Village Roots Permaculture at Orchard Hill Farm in Alstead, NH.

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Co-op Announces Grant to Help Farms Grow

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Monadnock Food Co-op is proud to announce the Monadnock Food Co-op Farm Fund; a new grant opportunity for local farmers through a partnership with the Cheshire County Conservation District.

The Monadnock Food Co-op Farm Fund’s mission is to support local farmers in increasing sustainable food production and wholesale sales to contribute to a thriving local farm economy.  This grant supports several of the co-op’s goals, including a healthy, sustainable food system, the support of local farmers and producers and a strong, sustainable and improving local economy.

There will be $9,500 available for the 2017 grant cycle and a Request for Proposals is now available.  Proposals are due February 1, 2017.

Funds can be used for a range of needs including the purchase of equipment or infrastructure, packaging and labeling design needs and technical assistance.  Eligible applicants include farms in Cheshire County and abutting NH towns who would like to develop or expand their production for wholesale markets, including the Monadnock Food Co-op and Monadnock Menus.

“This grant fund and partnership with CCCD will allow us to provide much-needed capital for our local farm and food economy, creating an increase in the quantity of food that can be produced and consumed locally. We couldn’t be happier to offer this grant fund to farmers who want to increase wholesale production.” Said Michael Faber, Monadnock Food Co-op General Manager.

Tax deductible donations to this fund can be made to the Cheshire County Conservation District.  Watch for additional fundraising activities at the Monadnock Food Co-op in the coming months, including the ability to Round Up your purchases to the next dollar or $5 in early 2017.

For more information on eligibility, to apply for a grant, or make a donation to the fund, please visit www.monadnockfood.coop/farmfund or call Amanda Littleton at 603-756-2988 ext 116.