Abundant Backyard

Why and how to keep chickens; more than you want or need to know about the ecology and economy of backyard poultry. Topics include benefits to the earth and ourselves, coop and space requirements, equipment and feed options, chicken physiology-happiness, and gardening synergy. Includes a hands-on equipment display, visit to the chicken yard, and lengthy Q&A session. This workshop is designed for folks who are new to poultry ownership, or those with limited experience that need make sure they’ve covered all the basics. Backyard Chicken books are available at a 10% discount to all SLA workshop participants at The Old Feed Store. Books can also be purchased for this discount during the workshop.

In this class we will cover the basics of soil and soil building. Come learn what’s in your soil, how to care for  and nurture it and ways to improve the structure and tilth of your soil for better growing.  The class will include three different ways to make compost along with pros and cons of each method, diagnosing problems with your compost, and more. If you’ve ever struggled to make good compost and wondered what the secret might be, this class is for you.  Course instruction by Kelly Simmons, permaculture teacher and manager of the CU Sustainable Practices Program in Boulder, CO.

If you’d like to get optimal food production from an area as small as your own backyard (and front yard for that matter) this workshop is for you. Learning from the work of biointensive method pioneer John Jeavons through his book, How to Grow More Vegetables…Than You Ever Thought Possible on Less Land Than You Can Imagine, discussion will focus heavily on soil biology, fertility and preparation. Other topics include compost production, mulching, plant propagation, insect friends and foes, crop rotations, companion-succession-inter-planting, seasonality, seed saving, tools-techniques, and more. This workshop includes lecture as well as garden time with hands-on trials, instructions, and demonstrations. Intended for the beginners, as well as advanced gardeners interested in the biointensive method. Biointensive Gardening books are available at a 10% discount to all SLA workshop participants at The Old Feed Store. Books can also be purchased for this discount during the workshop.

We have combined this course offering with Sunrise Ranch in Loveland, Colorado and the DATES HAVE CHANGED.  To register for this PDC Course and for more detailed information visit www.SunriseRanch.org  Be sure to tell our friends over there that you learned about the course through the Sustainable Living Association!

This 11-day PDC Course runs March 28th through April 7th, 2012.  In this course, you will learn: Regenerative design studies, full loop waste systems, food forest design and implementation, community scale fruit and vegetable production, plant propagation, greenhouse operations, home/community scale composting, fractal patterning application, water harvesting, pasture management, rotational grazing strategies and implementation, home scale permaculture, food preservation and storage, social permaculture and much more.

Permaculture teaches the language of nature, how to communicate within the systems we depend on, and how to redesign them with innate intelligence that supports life and abundance. The full certificate course, led by seasoned permaculture instructors, will be held at Sunrise Ranch in Loveland, Colorado.

Tuition is $950.  Tuition includes lunch daily during the course, official design course T-shirt, and an internationally recognized certificate of completion. Camping or a shared room and all meals are available for an additional fee. Register directly with Sunrise Ranch online or call (970) 679-4200.

A greater consciousness of the interconnectedness of human life with the environment is the next great learning curve that we are all a part of.

Why and how to keep chickens; more than you want or need to know about the ecology and economy of backyard poultry. Topics include benefits to the earth and ourselves, coop and space requirements, equipment and feed options, chicken physiology-happiness, and gardening synergy. Includes a hands-on equipment display, visit to the chicken yard, and lengthy Q&A session. This workshop is designed for folks who are new to poultry ownership, or those with limited experience that need make sure they’ve covered all the basics. Backyard Chicken books are available at a 10% discount to all RMSLA workshop participants at The Old Feed Store. Books can also be purchased for this discount during the workshop

Come and learn the ancient skill of fruit tree grafting at our hands on workshop.  Skill at grafting opens up many doors in the world of gardening. Once you learn the secrets and develop proper techniques it is easy and fun to do.  You will leave the workshop with not only knowledge, but with your own grafted apple tree.  Rootstocks and scion wood will be provided.  Bring your own sharpened thin bladed pocket knife with a 2-3 inch blade and a pair of hand pruners. For those without, a few extra pairs will be available.  Course instruction by Scott Skogerboe and Justin Tanner.

Learn the basics of back yard beekeeping, how to get started, what equipment you will need, setting up a hive and how to maintain it for long term success.

Do you yearn for fresh garden salads and greens even in the winter?  Not ready to give up when the frost comes?  This course introduces everything you need to know to get started growing outside year round.  Course covers climatic factors, types of plants suited to cold season growing, as well as tools and techniques to help you be successful.  Learn the secrets of microclimate, cold frames, temperature management, and heat sinks. You CAN have fresh homegrown salads in your backyard November through February! (Some knowledge of and experience in gardening is recommended for this course.)