Thursday, March 22, 2012–To help farmers understand the recent changes and addition of new federal nutrition programs that can be accepted at farmers’ markets, the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) is partnering with the Accokeek Foundation to offer a free training for both the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP – WIC and Seniors) and the Fruit and Vegetable Check (FVC) Program. This training is mandatory for farmers who want to accept checks from participants at authorized farmers’ markets.
Training participants will learn about the different federal nutrition benefit programs, be provided with the policies and procedures for both the FMNP and the FVC program, and upon completion of the training will receive new signs to display at their market stands.
Pre-registration is required.
For questions regarding this training and scholarships, and translation services for our programs please email Molly Meehan or call 301-283-2113 ext. 32.
Saturday, March 10 and Sunday, March 11, 2012 – Permaculture is about whole systems, not about separate components. Paying attention to all details — from topography, climate, and water to the waste stream, plant,s and animals — enables us to make best use of what is already on the ground and what we intend to put there. With a dynamic interaction of elements in process and an assessment of both spatial and temporal attributes, organized around sound ecological principles, we can maximize yields and balance the landscape.
This workshop will explore the practice of Permaculture as it pertains to sustainable land use design based on ecological and biological principles, and often using patterns that occur in nature to maximize effect while minimizing wasted energy.
Topics of this two-day intensive study of Permaculture include:
Permaculture Ethics and Principles
The Local Ecosystem
Planning the homestead
Pattern Understanding
Concepts, Themes, and Methods of Design
Water, Soils, Earth-Working, and Earth Resources
Gardening and Farming Systems
Plants and Trees
Healthy Use of Animals in Permaculture Systems
Plants and Trees and Their Energy Interactions
Climate and Micro-Climate
Soils, Aquaculture, and Aquaponics
Invisible Structures
About the Instructor
Wayne Weiseman is certified by The Permaculture Institute of Australia as an instructor of the Permaculture Design Certificate Course. He is also certified by the American Institute of Architecture and the American Society of Landscape Architects to teach continuing education in Permaculture. He has worked as a builder and contractor, herbalist, renewable energy expert and farmer for 25 years. For many years he managed a land-based, self-reliant community project combining organic crop/food production, ecologically built shelter and renewable energy. Learn more about Wayne Weiseman and his work at www.permacultureproject.com.
Registration
Pre-registration is required by March 2, 2012. This is a two-day intensive workshop. Participants should bring a bagged lunch each day. Coffee, tea, and refreshments will be provided.
For questions regarding this training and scholarships, and translation services for our programs, please email Molly Meehan or call 301-283-2113 ext. 32.
Colonial interpreters spin and card wool (but no one to sew!)
A new year is upon us and our period clothing is showing the scars of last year’s work! We have rips and tears, fadings and stainings, missing buttons and missing pieces–and I can’t sew!
All kidding aside the National Colonial Farm could definitely use a few good volunteers to help us–by that I mean making everything–create some new wardrobe pieces for the coming season. Some Gentry folk plan on visiting this year and that means suits for the gentlemen and fine caps for the ladies. If you know your way around a needle and thread, sewing machine and patterns and are looking for a beautiful, fun and informative place to spend a few hours a week then welcome to the best view in town! We provide everything; you just bring your experience!
Volunteer Foodways interpreter assists with the food preparation at the National Colonial Farm
Familiarity with garment construction is a definite plus as colonial clothing can be a little challenging to construct. Anyone interested please contact Tricia Hardin at programs@accokeek.org or 301-283-2113, ext. 12.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012–As the new food movement gains momentum, Community Supported Agriculture has become a popular and successful sales model for fresh and local food. The arrangement allows consumers to purchase their produce directly from the source and can give farmers a solid sales base before planting season even begins. For those farmers interested in starting a CSA or refining their current program, the Accokeek Foundation is proud to present a Community Supported Agriculture workshop. The workshop will feature a panel of experienced farmers who will discuss the “how to” details of operating a CSA—from finding a customer base and setting up a planting schedule to packaging produce and communicating with shareholders. Participants will receive a handbook and other take-home materials.
Pre-registration is required.
For questions regarding this training and scholarships, and translation services for our programs please email Molly Meehan or call 301-283-2113 ext. 32.
Saturday, March 3, 2012–Collecting and reusing rainwater can benefit the environment and your bank account, lessening the impact of runoff on our waterways and lowering your water bill. Join Jennifer Willoughby of the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB) to learn more about rain barrel installation, maintenance, and integration into your landscape. During an optional second hour, Jennifer will discuss two popular ways for watershed-wise homeowners to “green” their backyards: pollinator gardens and “xeriscapes,” or landscapes that reduce the need for supplemental watering.
Pre-registration is required. Rain Bear rain barrels (which come pre-assembled) may be purchased for $90. For more information about Rain Bear rain barrels, click here. To reserve a rain barrel for purchase, please email Catherine Krikstan or call 301-283-2113 ext. 26.
Saturday, March 17, 2012–The Green Thumbs is a volunteer group that invites gardeners of all ages and skill level to lend a hand in the Accokeek Foundation’s Museum Garden and, on occasion, the National Colonial Farm. Volunteers will have an opportunity to learn more about the history of heirloom vegetables and the practices behind organic gardening, from planting and harvesting produce to better managing weeds and pests. We will work together in the garden space, sharing ideas, knowledge, skills, and stories. We will meet on the first and third Thursdays and third Saturdays of each month throughout the growing season. Water and light snacks will be provided.
Questions? For more information, email Catherine Krikstan or call 301-283-2113 ext 26.
Thursday, March 15, 2012–The Green Thumbs is a volunteer group that invites gardeners of all ages and skill level to lend a hand in the Accokeek Foundation’s Museum Garden and, on occasion, the National Colonial Farm. Volunteers will have an opportunity to learn more about the history of heirloom vegetables and the practices behind organic gardening, from planting and harvesting produce to better managing weeds and pests. We will work together in the garden space, sharing ideas, knowledge, skills, and stories. We will meet on the first and third Thursdays and third Saturdays of each month throughout the growing season. Water and light snacks will be provided.
Questions? For more information, email Catherine Krikstan or call 301-283-2113 ext 26.
Thursday, March 1, 2012–The Green Thumbs is a volunteer group that invites gardeners of all ages and skill level to lend a hand in the Accokeek Foundation’s Museum Garden and, on occasion, the National Colonial Farm. Volunteers will have an opportunity to learn more about the history of heirloom vegetables and the practices behind organic gardening, from planting and harvesting produce to better managing weeds and pests. We will work together in the garden space, sharing ideas, knowledge, skills, and stories. We will meet on the first and third Thursdays and third Saturdays of each month throughout the growing season. Water and light snacks will be provided.
Questions? For more information, email Catherine Krikstan or call 301-283-2113 ext 26.
Saturday, March 24, 2012–Stitch ‘n Time is a volunteer-based textiles club where members enjoy learning about the cultivation of fleece, dyeing of wool, and colonial textiles. Club members join Foundation staff and other textile artists to use wool from the farm’s heritage breed sheep to card, spin, and knit. The club meets on the 4th Saturday of each month from 1 pm to 4 pm, and is open to novice and expert spinners and knitters, as well as those handy with a sewing needle or sewing machine to make costumes for our interpreters.
To become a Stitch ‘n Time Club volunteer please email the volunteer coordinator or call 301.283.2113 ext. 12.
Just 9 days old! Bliss is a sweet addition to the Milking Devon herd.
by Polly Festa, Livestock Manager
It’s a girl! “Liz” of the National Colonial Farm and Meadow Brook’s “Gabe” are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, “Bliss”.
Born on December, 20, 2010, Bliss is a very active and healthy calf, and she loves to play chase with the other recent additions to the herd, “Loin” and “Mary Gertrude”. “Lorelei”, “Patty”, and “JuJubee” are big girls now and don’t want to be seen playing with babies. (Though Lorelei was the first member of the herd to come and see the new baby.) Mother Nature was kind enough to grant us a daytime birth so that we can observe and watch the birth–for some staff it was the first time for them to see an animal born. For me, personally, it does not matter how many times I see a birth. It is always magical to watch a new life come into the world. Come down and see our little bit of “Bliss”, as she is growing like a weed!
