What do beer cans, car tires and water bottles have in common? Not much unless you’re renegade architect Michael Reynolds, in which case they [...]]]> Register Here by June 9th

FRIDAY FILM & DISCUSSION: 7:30 pm (FREE & OPEN to the Public)

GARBAGE WARRIOR (2007)

What do beer cans, car tires and water bottles have in common? Not much unless you’re renegade architect Michael Reynolds, in which case they are tools of choice for producing thermal mass and energy-independent housing. For 30 years New Mexico-based Reynolds and his green disciples have devoted their time to advancing the art of “Earthship Biotecture” by building self-sufficient, off-the-grid communities where design and function converge in eco-harmony. However, these experimental structures that defy state standards create conflict between Reynolds and the authorities, who are backed by big business. Frustrated by antiquated legislation, Reynolds lobbies for the right to create a sustainable living test site. While politicians hum and ha, Mother Nature strikes, leaving communities devastated by tsunamis and hurricanes. Reynolds and his crew seize the opportunity to lend their pioneering skills to those who need it most. Shot over three years and in four countries, Garbage Warrior is a timely portrait of a determined visionary, a hero of the 21st century.

Earthship n. 1. passive solar home made of natural and recycled materials 2. thermal mass construction for temperature stabilization. 3. renewable energy & integrated water systems make the Earthship an off-grid home with little to no utility bills.

Biotecture n. 1. the profession of designing buildings and environments with consideration for their sustainability. 2. A combination of biology and architecture.

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION

Building with natural materials locally sourced is the ideal. Designing dwellings that integrate food production, water capture and storage, healthy living space, passive solar, and energy efficiency is the essence of permaculture. These topics and more will be examined and discussed. Hands on activities include constructing an outdoor cob oven.

GOALS OF THE WORKSHOP

• Learn about natural building techniques
• Construct an outdoor cob oven
• Enjoy an age-old technique of community building & design

INSTRUCTORS

Andy Purke has been an artisan blacksmith for over 20 years and is an accomplished homesteader and “jack of all trades.”  He’s locally sourced all the materials to construct a cob oven and knows the phases and challenges of foundation digging & building, dry-stacking stones, and cob oven mixtures.

Joel Cahalan is a certified permaculture teacher and aspiring biointensive gardener whose mentors include Dave Jacke and John Jeavons .  He manages the production aspects of Wild Meadows Farm and in a former life co-founded and helped manage a  successful worker cooperative (thehubbikecoop.org).  He dreams of a future in which all species are respected and valued and humans live in harmony with their home planet.  Other interests include all things related to bicycles, anarchism and nature.

REGISTRATION

To register, click HERE. Please register by June 9, 2010 so that we can plan accordingly.

The cost for this workshop is a sliding scale fee of $150-$200 which includes lodging in an 1850’s rustic farmhouse, vegan/vegetarian cuisine, and instruction. Work trade is available and negotiable. Discounted fees are available for Bedford, Fulton, and Blair County residents of PA and Garrett County residents of MD.

SCHEDULE

Plan to arrive by 7:00 PM on Friday evening to attend the film showing followed by a community discussion. We will be starting at 9:00 AM on Saturday and ending the workshop on Sunday by 3:00 PM.

For further questions, email Kim at (info(at)wildmeadowsfarm.com) or call at 814-839-4962.

LOCATION

Wild Meadows Farm ¦ 456 Smith Road ¦ Schellsburg, PA 15559

This workshop is a collaboration of Chesapeake, Education, Arts, and Research Society (CHEARS) and Wild Meadows Farm.

Peak oil, peak water and climate chaos are looming. Learn how you can grow all your own food while building soil in as little as 4,000 square feet. Starting with a 100 square feet garden bed and 10 minutes [...]]]>

Imagine a forest that provides an abundance of food, fiber, fuel and pharmacy while requiring a minimum of human intervention. The system works together in a multi-layered and resilient ecosystem. [...]]]> Register here by April 12th

DESCRIPTION

Imagine a forest that provides an abundance of food, fiber, fuel and pharmacy while requiring a minimum of human intervention. The system works together in a multi-layered and resilient ecosystem. Learn how to design and create such a system for your own permanent or temporary dwellings. Hands on activities will include planting a forest garden, site visit to an established food forest, and sharing ideas in conviviality.  To start off our weekend, a public film showing with the community of Bedford County, PA will take place in the barn on Friday evening at dusk.

GOALS OF THE WORKSHOP

• To understand basic concepts of edible forest gardens.
• To provide installation techniques & skills through hands-on practice.
• To inspire through existing designs & examples.

FRIDAY FILM: A Farm for the Future 7:30 pm (FREE & OPEN to the Public)

Wildlife film maker Rebecca Hosking investigates how to transform her family’s farm in Devon into a low energy farm for the future, and discovers that nature holds the key.

With her father close to retirement, Rebecca returns to her family’s wildlife-friendly farm in Devon, to become the next generation to farm the land. But last year’s high fuel prices were a wake-up call for Rebecca. Realising that all food production in the UK is completely dependent on abundant cheap fossil fuel, particularly oil, she sets out to discover just how secure this oil supply is.

Alarmed by the answers, she explores ways of farming without using fossil fuel. With the help of pioneering farmers and growers, Rebecca learns that it is actually nature that holds the key to farming in a low-energy future.

GUEST INSTRUCTOR

Darrell E. Frey of Three Sisters Permaculture Design, is a sustainable design consultant with a focus on sustainable community development. He is also co-owner and manager of Three Sisters Farm, a certified organic market garden farm with a large bioshelter (ecologically managed solar greenhouse). Mr. Frey’s background includes 22 years of commercial market gardening, 25 years teaching of sustainable design and consultation on sustainable systems application. Work experience and research includes ecological landscaping, organic farm design and management, sustainable energy systems, community food systems with an emphasis on diet and health, natural and green building, environmental education, GIS mapping and business planning.

Other work experience includes 18 years as an MR direct care worker, teaching gardening and landscaping to at-risk youth, managing farm interns and lecturing to groups of all ages. Mr. Frey has completed a BA in Sustainable Community Development at Prescott College April 3,  2006.

REGISTRATION

To register, click HERE. Please register by April 12, 2010 so that we can plan accordingly.

The cost for this workshop is a sliding scale fee of $150-$200 which includes lodging in an 1850’s rustic farmhouse, vegan/vegetarian cuisine, and instruction. Work trade is available and negotiable. Discounted fees are available for Bedford, Fulton, and Blair County residents of PA and Garrett County residents of MD.

SCHEDULE

Plan to arrive by 5:00 PM on Friday evening to share a meal with the other participants and to attend the film showing. We will be starting at 9:00 AM on Saturday and ending the workshop on Sunday by 3:00 PM.

For further questions, email us info(at)wildmeadowsfarm.com or call us at 814-839-4962.

LOCATION

Wild Meadows Farm ¦ 456 Smith Road ¦ Schellsburg, PA 15559

RELATED RESOURCES

Edible Forest Gardens, Agroforestry Research Trust,

This workshop is a collaboration of Chesapeake, Education, Arts, and Research Society (CHEARS), Threes Sisters Permaculture Design, and Wild Meadows Farm.