CANCELLED! Maple Syrup Workshop

Course date: March 24th

Jeremy Solin of Solin's Syrup and "Dr. Garlic," Mr. Dave Peterson of Maplewood Gardens will help you explore the the ecology, biology, and production involved with maple syrup.  Jeremy will teach you how to identify the trees, tap them for sap, and several different techniques of collection.  Later in the day, participants can head to Maplewood Gardens where Dr. Garlic will lead you through his maple forest and tell stories from 40 years of sugaring.  He will then show participants the transformation of sap into syrup.

Workshop topics: Ecology and biology of sugar maple trees, identification and indicators of production, weather’s role in production and yield, equipment necessary for sugaring, how to tap a maple tree, collection and hauling techniques, making sap into syrup.

Workshop fee: $25 and includes educational materials and a light snack.

Call 715.544.6154 to sign up today!  Online registration coming soon! 

Hoop House  and Seed Starting Workshop

Course dates: March 10th and 11th

Spring is almost here!  Time for garden planning and seed starting.  Thinking about a hoop house?  We have a workshop for you!

On March 10^th and 11^th, Farmshed is hosting a hoop house and seed starting workshop.  Day 1, we will teach how to build and design an affordable hoop house, the resources needed, and how to control the environment. Day 2, we will teach the importance of healthy soil, germination and planting techniques, and create a garden plan and schedule. 

Workshop topics: Design and build a hoop house, learn about seasonal advantages, pest control, and hoop house environment control, soil building, seed starting, sourcing seeds, heating, lighting, garden planning, and more.
 
Workshop fee: $40 per day or $75 for both days. This cost includes lunch, informational hand outs, and a flat of starts (day 2 only). 

Sign up here for the workshop!  Call 715.544.6154, if you prefer to sign-up over the phone.    

For more information about this course, or a paper application, please contact Katrina Hittner at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 715.544.6154. Please mail your payment to the address below.  We accept both cash and check.  Checks should be made out to "The Central Rivers Farmshed" with "Hoophouse & Seed Starting Workshop" in the memo line.

The Central Rivers Farmshed
Attn: Hoop House and Seed Starting Workshop
PO Box 1023

Stevens Point, WI 54481 

SPONSORED BY: WISCONSIN NATURAL FOOD ASSOCIATES 

2012 Beginning Farmer Course Application Now Available!

Course dates: Feb 11, 12, 18, and 19th, 9am-4pm

Are you thinking about starting a farm or market garden to grow sustainable, local food?  During this two-weekend course taught by a group of experienced local farmers in Central Wisconsin, you will hear their stories about how they got started, their current practices and markets, and their future visions.  Course participants will also learn a variety of strategies to grow healthy, local food.  Farmer instructors represent a range of growing and marketing styles, including vegetable and meat CSA, rotational grazing, Permaculture, urban farming, and value added processing.
 
Course topics: soil building and composting, seed starting and saving, weed and pest management, irrigation, harvesting, value-added processing, marketing strategies, small animals and grazing, season extension, perennials, and more.
 
Course fee: $100-200 on a sliding scale, includes local lunches and textbook “New Organic Grower” by Eliot Coleman.  Funds raised by the course will support internships on farms in Central Wisconsin.

The online application is linked below. Paper applications are also available.

Beginning Farmer Course Online Application

For more information about this course, a paper application, or the optional internship program, please contact Joelle Groshek at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or 715-544-6154. Please mail your payment to the address below.  We accept both cash and check.  Checks should be made out to "The Central Rivers Farmshed" with "Beginning Farmer Course" in the memo line.

The Central Rivers Farmshed
Attn: Beginning Farmer Course
PO Box 1023
Stevens Point, WI 54481

Thank you!