Upcoming Events and Opportunities
We are in full swing of spring one whole week in advance! Cool season crops are putting out more leaves every day and we have already broken ground at 4 sites this year! Our recent call for a Sustainable Agriculture Internship received an overwhelming response and we are glad to be moving forward with the selection process in the next week. If you are interested in learning more about our internship, contact us at byfarmer@gmail.com. We will be accepting new applicants every 4 weeks, so please get in touch with us for this unique learning opportunity.
We have a lot of great projects in the works, including a number of community events that we need your help with! If you want to volunteer a few hours with us in exchange for hands on experience in Sustainable Agriculture, consider spending the day with us at any of the following events
- March 17th – St. Patricks Day Celebration at Legends Brewery
- March 20th – Irish Festival in Churchill
- March 27th – Tricycle Gardens Workshop at Chimbarazoo Park
- April 1st – Leadership Metro Richmond Community Roots Project
- April 11th – Whats the 4/11 Job Fair at Carter Jones Park
- April 21st – VCU Earth Day Celebration at Monroe Park
- April 25th – Manchester Earth Day Festival
Please contact us if you are intersted in working with us for any of these events; or just make sure to come and check us out!
Seed Swap – Seed Starting Workshop
Winter Workshop at the Sacred Heart Center
Come join the Sacred Heart Center, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Backyard Farmer for a winter garden workshop where you will learn how to plan your garden with maximum effieciency and ease. Backyard Farmer will go through the simple steps we can all take to make sure our gardens are productive and healthy. We will be discussing crop selection, garden charts, resources for home gardeners, as well as the basics of sustainable agriculture at home and in the neighborhood. Enjoy a special presentation by Jay Burlinsone of JMB Greengardens; he will share his experience with the tastiest and most successful plants he has trialed in Virginia.
After the workshop, there will be an opportunity to take a look at the Sacred Heart Community Garden and apply what you just learned to a sample garden plan; or, you can learn about the simple wonder of sprouting in a jar ($25 fee covers your sprout kit, jars, seeds and instructions)
A special thanks to the Sacred Heart Center who has lent us the use of their facility, which is located at 1400 Perry Street, Richmond Va 23225. Save the date, tell your friends, bring the family, just make sure you are there! If you want, download a flyer and put it up at your place of work or share it with a friend.
Contact Jess Barton or Backyard Farmer for more information.
Compost Workshop Saturday the 17th
This Saturday, October 17th, join us for a Compost Workshop at the Humphrey Calder Community Garden at the corner of Patterson and Thompson. The event starts at 10:00 am and will feature discussions on the composting process, cover crops, vermicompost and biodegradable products. This event has been put together by local businesses and organizations who are interested in educating people to lead more sustainable lives. Special thanks to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Backyard Farmer, Tricycle Gardens, Green Duck and Worm Crusaders.
Schedule
- 10:00 am – Welcome, Introductions and Overview of Compost
- 10:30 am – Break Out Groups
· What Is Compost – a detailed overview of what it is and how it happens
· Growing Soil – a discussion on the importance of organic matter and soil fertility and how we can accomplish this in our homes and on our farms
· WORMS – a discussion and demonstration about the wonderful work of worms and how to use worms at home to recycle your food waste
· Trashenomics – a discussion of where we are today and how much we could and should be composting. - 11:45 – Compost Grab Bag and Conclusion
- 12:00-1:00 – Community Conversation on Composting in Richmond (optional)
This event is a great opportunity to learn a lot about one of the easiest ways to have a positive impact on the environment. You will learn how to grow your own compost and prepare your soil for a plentiful harvest in the Spring. Bring your friends, family, colleagues; tell your teachers to bring their students! There is a suggested $10 donation, but this event is open to the public.
Registration is suggested, but not required. Please Contact Jess Barton at JBarton@cbf.com or Backyard Farmer at byfarmer@gmail.com to confirm your attendance.