Becoming a Real Farmer 101

Who's gonna go live on a farm in rural New York and learn how to design a sustainable homestead in the city? THIS GIRL!! (enthusiastically points to self)

Photo: Better Farms girls by Erin Covey

I signed up for a 3-day summer workshop at Better Farms, an artist retreat on a farm that is built around sustainable and communal living. They offer lots of personal-growth summer workshops focused on green living- that's real green living folks, not greenwashed convenience. Classes range from Step Away From the Grid ("From cell phones to our sinks, we can learn to create our own affordable, sustainable energies and resources") to Within The Mystery: Yoga and Meditation ("There will be space for art making, nature walks, and to journal"). Workshop prices include the classes and room & board on the farm, plus you get to participate in community activities while you're there!

The class I'm registered for is Intro to Permaculture for the Rural and Urban Homesteader. Here's the description:

Permaculture is a style of sustainable design which mimics natural ecological 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. (June 25-27)

Awesome.

There is still space to register for upcoming classes on the Better Farms website.

Photo: The Better Farms community by Erin Covey

Comments

[michelle finn]

Come farm with us here in Maine! We'll feed you lobbies and organic blueberries!

[Sadiq]

How are they grown? Does this farm use pesticides and heidcirbes? I love local foods but I heard that blueberries are sprayed so much that it is recommended to buy them organic.I am looking forward to your answer.Thanks