Overview:  Designing and planting a food forest involves creating a sustainable and diverse ecosystem that mimics the structure and function of a natural forest while producing a variety of edible crops.  Benefits of planting a food forest will normally include reduced water consumption, increased soil hydration from water capture techniques, increased biodiversity (plants, birds, animals and insects), increased food security by growing your own high quality food, increased shade to cool your yard and home during those hot summer days, and increased yard privacy by strategically planting trees and plants. Make your yard the talk of the neighborhood by designing and planting your very own food forest custom designed by you to fit your unique space.

By planting a food forest, your old yard can become part of the solution to help mitigate climate change in your community.

We will provide you with a step-by-step process so you are successful with your own project – effective ways of growing healthy, organic food in urban environments!

Topics Covered:

• Explained: Sights and Sounds of a Forest Garden
• Tree Crop/Layering
• Food Forest Tool Kit
• Objectives, Pattern Language and Design
• Annual Farming vs. Successional Agro-Systems
• Eco forestry and Nutrient Sufficiencies
• AlnoCulture / Milpa
• Growing Timber
• Animals in the Forest System
• Mitigating Fire and Water
• “Invasive Species”
• Social Forestry

Workshop Schedule (subject to change as needed to meet workshop needs).

Friday

• 6:00 – 7:00 PM check in (set up tent, socialize, etc.)
• 7:00 – 8:00 Fireside  Discussion (eat dinner before arrival or bring a meal to eat during the discussion)
• 8:00 – 10:00.  Socialize.

Saturday

• 7:00 – 8:00 am –  Coffee
• 7:00 – 8:30 am – Check in for those arriving on Saturday.
• 8:00 – 8:45 am –  Breakfast
• 8:45 – 9:00 am – Morning Circle
• 9:00 am – Morning Modules
• 12:30 pm – Lunch and rest
• 1:30 pm – Afternoon Sessions
• 5:30 pm – Rest and Integration Time
• 6:30 pm – Dinner
• 7:45 – 9:00 pm – Talent Show
• 10:00 pm – Quiet Hours

Sunday

• 7:00 – 8:00 am –  Coffee
• 8:00 – 8:45 am –  Breakfast.  Also check in for those arriving on Saturday.
• 8:45 – 9:00 am – Morning Circle
• 9:00 am – Morning Modules
• 12:30 pm – Lunch and rest
• 1:30 pm – Afternoon Sessions
• 4:00 pm – Workshop ends – Rest and Integration Time
• 4:00 – 5:00 pm – Workshop Review and Q & A
• 5:00 6:00  pm – Departure

Workshop Location: Terra Vida Academy at Vernonia Springs.  54658 Nehalem Hwy S. Vernonia, Oregon 97064 Vernonia Springs

You will need to bring:  Appropriate clothing and camping gear for staying the night.  Bring rain gear in case it rains and one or more changes of clothing as needed.  Bring your own gloves.  Class will go on as scheduled regardless of weather conditions.

Who is this class for: This class is open to all people 15 years of age and older.  No animals allowed.

Pre-requisites: None.

Take Home: You will receive a course completion certificate for completing the workshop.

Meals:  All meals are provided (except Friday night).  Vegetarian option is available.  You will receive a menu via email after registration is paid.  Meals are tasty and nutritious.  If you have dietary restrictions of any kind, you can bring food and store it in the shared refrigerator.  Microwave will be available for use.  No menu substitutions are allowed.  There is one central fire pit.  No other campfires or camp stoves are allowed due to fire danger.  Filtered water is available at all times.  Coffee is served with breakfast.  Bring any other beverages you may want.

Accommodations:

Yurts.  There are 5 yurts available on a first come first serve basis.  $100 fee includes both Friday and Saturday nights.  Select “yurt” during checkout.  Yurts have linens, comforters, pillows, electricity and heat.  Bring your own towel.   2 person max in each yurt.  If you have two people but don’t want to share a bed, bring a pad and sleeping bag for the floor.

Bring Your Own Tents and RV’s.  You can bring your own tent and or RV at no additional cost.  Select “Tent/RV” during checkout.  You also have the option of sleeping in your car at no additional cost.  No hook ups are available.  30 foot maximum RV or Car + Trailer length.  Camping with full hookups is also available 3 miles up the road at Stub Stewart State Park.

Wifi. Wifi is available around lodge area.

Bathrooms and Hot Showers:  There is a bathroom/shower building with flush toilets and hot showers.  Bring your own towels, and biodegradable bath products.

Fires:  There is one central fire pit.  No other fires or cook stoves are allowed due to extreme fire danger.

Cycling.  Bring your bike if you would like to ride the Banks-Vernonia State Trail on your free time or after the workshop ends.