gardening/farming

Date: Thursday, September 12 - 6pm-8pm
Location: TBD
Cost: $10-$30 sliding scale donation (No one turned away for lack of funds)

Permaculture is inspired by observation of natural ecosystems and applying ecological principles to garden design. In this 2-hour workshop, we'll explore the foundations of permaculture, beginning with its history and the ethics and design principles that distinguish permaculture from other related fields. Participants will learn the value of zone and sector analysis, using examples ranging from small urban lots and neighborhoods to more social/organizational realm. The workshop will include a pattern recognition exercise and a resources/needs activity where participants will discover ways to meet some of each others needs in their work lives.

Presenter Information: Matthew Bibeau MSEd, is the Development Director of Mother Earth School, an all-outdoor preschool and kindergarten located at Tryon Life Community Farm. Trained in permaculture design by Toby Hemenway (2006) and in permaculture teaching by Tom Ward and Jude Hobbs (2008), Matt has been generating momentum as a permaculture educator, co-coordinating Toby's PDC and co-teaching TLC Farm's PDC from 2009-2011. He serves as an active board member of the Learning Gardens Institute, represents TLC Farm on the board of the Oregon Sustainable Agriculture Land Trust and is a veteran coordinator of the City Repair Project's Village Building Convergence. (2006-2013).

Learn to grow a rain garden! A rain garden is a sunken garden bed that captures stormwater and allows it to soak back into the ground naturally. This workshop provides step-by-step details on how to plan, design and build your own rain garden. You'll find out how to decide the best size & placement, which plants to choose, and how to maintain your new rain garden. Participants receive a free how-to manual, and where possible, take a field trip to a nearby rain garden. Space is limited and advanced registration is required. Register online at www.emswcd.org/workshops-events/register-for-a-workshop. Information: 503.222.7645

Want to design a low-maintenance, low-cost landscape that conserves water, prevents pollution, and saves you time & energy? Come learn how gardening with native plants can make your outdoor space a more vibrant & healthy place for people, pets and wildlife. You'll get native gardening & design tips and pick up a plethora of fresh ideas & resources for your yard. Includes field trip to a nearby project to see naturescaping principles in action. Space is limited & pre-registration is required. Register online at http://www.emswcd.org/workshops-events/register-for-a-workshop. Information: 503-222-7645

Want to design a low-maintenance, low-cost landscape that conserves water, prevents pollution, and saves you time & energy? Come learn how gardening with native plants can make your outdoor space a more vibrant & healthy place for people, pets and wildlife. You'll get native gardening & design tips and pick up a plethora of fresh ideas & resources for your yard. Includes field trip to a nearby project to see naturescaping principles in action. Space is limited & pre-registration is required. Register online at http://www.emswcd.org/workshops-events/register-for-a-workshop. Information: 503-222-7645

Please join us for Rural Living Field Day, Saturday, September 28 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at Howell Territorial Park on Sauvie Island!  Get to know your neighbors and learn about issues facing rural landowners every day. Multiple sessions feature experts on topics including pollinators, small farms, invasive weeds, wildlife, healthy woods, stream restoration and more.  It's easy to register--just click Events at www.wmswcd.org and fill out the form. The cost is only $10 per person/$15 per couple/family.

For more information, contact Carolyn Lindberg at carolyn@wmswcd.org or 503.238.4775, ext. 101.

The event is sponsored by the West Multnomah, Tualatin and Columbia Soil & Water Conservation Districts.