Better Farm Announces Summer Sustainable Workshop Schedule

Hello! Better Farm, and artist retreat and education center located on 65 acres in Redwood, NY (North Country) is pleased to announce that our summer workshop schedule has been finalized and is now open for registration. Below is a selection we felt would be interesting to the Evolver Community. To see full workshop schedule, along with pricing, please visit us at http://www.betterfarm.org/summer-workshops.

All workshops unless otherwise noted include in their price shared- lodging accommodations, parking, laundry access, wireless Internet, all linens, meals (including vegan options), and group activities such as field trips and movie nights. All sign-ups are non-refundable except for instances of a workshop being canceled. After you sign up, you will be sent a confirmation e-mail requesting further information regarding meals, lodging preferences, and special needs.

Please contact us at info@betterfarm.org with any questions.

JUNE 8-12: “Cob Oven Construction” with Mark Mazziotti of Red Earth Farms Community Land Trust
Cob is an ancient building method utilizing mud, sand, water, and straw. Participants will together construct a cob bread oven and adjacent cob bench, roof structure framed with round poles, and a living roof. Students will leave with hands-on cob building skills, detailed knowledge of cob bread ovens, and a general knowledge of natural building principles. Building with mud has a way of transforming people—come get dirty with us!

JUNE 18-20: “Step Away from the Grid” with Adam Katzman, accredited rainwater catchment & sustainability expert
What if, one appliance at a time, we could transition ourselves away from dependence on grid-supplied, non-renewable utility service? In this class we will discuss and experiment with various low-tech, do-it-yourself sustainability projects designed to empower people to reshape and redesign the environments they live in. From cell phones to our sinks, we can learn to create our own affordable, sustainable energies and resources. The course will culminate with the construction of a self-supporting outdoor shower that will incorporate concepts of alternative energy, permaculture concepts, water, and wastewater designs. Emphasis will be placed on building with salvaged/low-cost materials and hands-on experience.

JUNE 25-27: “Intro to Permaculture for the Rural and Urban Homesteader” with Steven Gabriel of the Fingerlakes Permaculture Institute
Permaculture is a style of sustainable design which mimics natural ecologocal relationships. Successful permaculture results in mimimal waste, energy, and labor. In this course students will become versed in the basics of permaculture principles, ecology, design, gardening, compost, water catchment, and agriculture systems on a wide variety of scales.

AUG. 14: “Rustic Furniture Building” with Mark Sears of Creations in Wood
First -time woodworkers will learn the basics of rustic creation with the making of a four-legged stool which can double as a low table if desired. Materials will be gathered from the woods and utilized from the lumbermill on the property. The project will be completed by the end of the day. Traditional hand tools are available, but power tools will be utilized in
the process. Lunch will be provided by Better Farm. This course will be held at the instructor’s business on English Settlement Road in Redwood (further information will be sent to registered students). Option to stay overnight on-site at Better Farm: All students staying at Better Farm will be provided with linens, meals, and transportation to and
from Creations in Wood; as well as involvement in any planned evening activities. Students should dress accordingly for outdoor activity with good walking shoes, work gloves, and hand-pruning clippers.

Hope to see you this summer!
- The Better Crew