Fresh cut willow is strong and flexible, and it’s an abundant resource that decomposes into the earth. Join Roxane Mitten as she demonstrates how to create a graceful natural trellis of willow, tied with twine. Use your creativity to envision the trellis of your dreams. One dreamer sent blooming runner beans up her trellis and found hummingbirds at the flowers! Fresh willow will be provided. If possible please bring a pair of hand pruners and a pocket knife or scissors.

More information: www.NewPi.coop

“Where the root meets the soil, food starts here!” says New Pi Soilmates organic garden educator Scott Koepke. Bring the family to this worm-loving, dirt-digging session designed to help you connect with the source of all food: fertile, well-balanced, biologically active soil. As Scott always says, "The food needs to eat first before we can eat the food."

More information: www.NewPi.coop

Meet the helpful composting worms! Worms can eat your vegetable trimmings and make fertile castings for natural plant fertilizer. Learn how it is done, indoors and out. First 15 students get a free starter pack of worms!

More information: www.NewPi.coop

It’s a bug-eat-bug world – if you manage things right! Create the appropriate conditions to reduce pests and disease. Learn about natural pest remedies, including the insect-eating insects, with Master Gardener Joanne Leach. We’ll also consider how to address concerns with rabbits, deer, raccoons, and crows.

More information: www.NewPi.coop

Turn pulled weeds, animal waste, and spent garden plants into fertile soil by making compost! Join Loren Leach and friends as they manage the ambitious compost program at Earth Source Gardens. Join the fun for a hands-on learning experience.

More information: www.NewPi.coop

Sustainable living encompasses all aspects of our lives. “Children and adults who have a connection with the natural environment are more able to adjust to stress and are more likely to take care of the environment as a result,” says Kristi Cooper, Family Life Field Specialist for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

Beginning Thursday, January 5, a virtual conference for families will be held once a month through June. The Eco Family Conference will help families make attitude and behavior changes that will ultimately improve the environment, human health and family finances.

The Keynote address will begin at 7 PM on Thursday, Jan. 5 and will feature Brenda Ranum, the Regional Director for ISU Extension and driving force behind the Northeast Iowa Food and Fitness Imitative. Once registered, participants will receive directions as to how to log into the virtual class room. Participants will need high speed internet, a headset with a microphone to participate or can use a chat box.

The first Thursday of each month, January through June, a 90 minutes program will feature a different speaker addressing a different topic.

• Jan. 5 Brenda Ranum
  Regional Extension Education Director and driving force behind the Northeast Iowa Food & Fitness Initiative
• Feb. 2 Connection to Nature
  Kristi Cooper - ISU Extension Family Life Field Specialist
• March 1 Energy
  Pat Higby UNI Energy Educator
• April 5 Water, Our Precious Resource
  Pat Sauer, ISWEP, Rainscaping Iowa Amy Bouska, Urban Conservationist, Johnson County SWCD
• May 3 Permaculture and Edible Landscape Design
  Fred Meyer, Ecological designer, Founder and Executive Director of Backyard Abundance, will discuss how permaculture and top edible landscaping plants can improve the health of your landscape.
• June 7 Transforming Trash to Treasure Composting basics
  Master Gardener and Master Composter

Registration fee is $15. For registration information contact Kristi Cooper at 319-377-9839 (kcoop@iastate.edu) or Brenda Schmitt at 641-512-0650 (schmitt@iastate.edu)

View the Registration Form
 

Learn this sustainable building technique practiced around the world at this 6-day hands-on training by Cal-Earth founder Naker Khalili. June 26 - July 1.

Includes professional instruction in building, plastering, waterproofing, design and more. Learn to use local materials and tools to complete a project.

For more information, Contact Suzan Erem at 319-643-4055 or suzan@lastdraft.com.

Cost: $900

Culinary herbs make good food taste great! Learn which herbs grow best in Iowa: how, when, and where to plant, how to gather and dry, and get useful recipes for butters, pestos, and vinegars.

More information: www.NewPi.coop

Permaculture is founded on the idea that nature knows best. We look to existing plant relationships for inspiration in creating mutually beneficial communities called “guilds.” Backyard Abundance created the design for Sweet Gift Orchard, embedded in Earth Source Gardens. Join Mary Crooks and Roxane Mitten as they discuss the ‘food forest,’ and demonstrate how garden design, planting of mutually beneficial plants, and other aspects of ecological design can enhance orchard production.

More information: www.NewPi.coop