February 2010

Feb. 3: To Every Season Turn,Turn: Working with the Planting Calendar, Petaluma, CA

February 3rd, 2010, 9:30am-3:30pm. Sophia’s Garden, Petaluma, California. $85 ($45 students/apprentices) includes lunch. Pre-registration required - Seating is limited.
"To Every Season Turn,Turn: Working with the Planting Calendar, Part I, Germination and Growth."
Agricultural practices like cultivation, sowing and transplanting disturb the soil and fix into it elemental qualities that mirror the passage of the moon through the zodiac. These elemental qualities then unfold in the growth patterns of a plant during the growing season. The rising tide of life forces in Spring is linked in a unique way to lunar rhythms around the time of the equinox. This first of two workshops will address these critical patterns of early spring, highlighting optimum times for working with plants.
Part II, Flowering and Fruiting
Working with fundamental lunar rhythms while cultivating, spraying and harvesting enables the practitioner to enter more directly into the flowering and fruiting processes of the plant. This can greatly enhance the keeping qualities of produce and the potency of herbs, and prove highly effective in post harvest operations such as fermentation and seed gathering. This workshop completes the work with the planting calendar through studying the elemental patterns of the moon during harvest season.
Register online at DennisKlocek.com.
Questions? Payment by check? contact LauraLiska@cs.com.

Feb. 4-6: Sustainable Agronomic Education Association Conference, Edinburg, TX

SAEA hosts an annual conference to present topics of interest relating to sustainable and organic agriculture in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. The Conference is broadly designed to provide basic and practical knowledge for novice gardeners through large producers. The conference will be held February 4-6, 2010 at the Echo Hotel & Conference Center at 1903 S. Closner Blvd. (Bus. Hwy 281),Edinburg, Texas. The theme this year is “Healthy Soils – Healthy Foods”. Everyone interested in learning more about sustainable and organic food production is cordially invited to attend. Registration will be limited, so don’t delay making your plans to attend. For more information: sustainableagrgv.org/page2.html.

Feb. 4-6: PASA Farming for the Future Conference, State College, PA

PASA's 19th annual Farming for the Future Conference, at the Penn State Conference Center Hotel in State College, PA. This year's conference offers 11 pre-conference tracks and over 70 workshops with expert presenters at the cutting edge of sustainable agriculture. For more information, visit www.pasafarming.org/conference2010/index.cfm.

Feb. 5-7: Colours of Money Seminar, Stroud, UK

The Colors of Money© seminar looks at the history and purpose of money and how it can be the main instrument for bringing about real and lasting change in our economic circumstances. Ranging from the problems of small businesses to larger questions of global finance and the power of corporations, it offers a radical yet concrete and in-depth approach to money in our times. For more information, visit www.anthromedia.com/articles/economics/events/2010/COMUK10/. Registration due by Jan. 29.

Feb. 6: Biodynamic Gardening Class: Working Consciously with Cosmic Rhythms, Part II: A Better Bucket, CO

Saturday, Feb 6 - Biodynamic Gardening Class, 9:30 - 11am; Working Consciously with Cosmic Rhythms Part II and A Better Bucket: Learn a better way to potentize the BD preps and/or prepare an essential oil for a dispersion oil bath. This simple, elegant "better bucket" method was designed and developed by Dennis Klocek. It is a perfect technique for beginning and experienced practitioners, small holders and urban gardeners. $15 drop-in. Contact Kim Youngblood 3-442-7010, kimberlyyoungblood@me.com for more information.

Feb. 7 - Apr. 25: Herbs A-Z: Learn Your Herbal ABC’s, Eugene, OR

Learn to use more than 100 medicinal herbs to keep yourself, your family and your pets healthy. Taught by Dr. Sharol Tilgner, author of "Herbs From the Heart of the Earth." $375-$425 sliding scale fee/discounts available. Meets every other Sunday near Eugene, Oregon. More details on the website at www.herbaltransitions.com or 541-736-0164.

Feb. 9-11: Northern Plains Sustainable Ag Winter Conference, Watertown, SD

Guest Speakers Include:
* Tom Stearns • High Mowing Organic Seeds
* Dr. Paul Dettloff, DVM
* Karl Schmidt • Glacial Lakes Permaculture
* Dwayne Beck • Dakota Lakes Research Farm
Workshops • Entertainment • Over 50 Exhibitors
For more information: www.npsas.org/events.html#2010WC.

Feb. 11: The Living Garden, Eugene, OR

Learn to grow, harvest and preserve healthy, nutritious food as well as culinary and medicinal herbs. This multi-season class takes place near Eugene OR. $425 - $525 sliding scale fee/discounts available. Includes class time, hands-on time in food and medicinal herb garden, preserving of vegetables and herbs as well as tasting and getting to take extra herb, fruit and veg home.Early bird discounts available. More details on the website at www.herbaltransitions.com or 541-736-0164.

Feb. 11-12: The Effect of Rhythmic Cycles in Preparation Making, Eugene, OR

The Oregon Biodynamic Group presents "Biodynamic Farming and Gardening — The Effects of Rhythmic Cycles in Preparation Making," a workshop intensive with Dennis Klocek.
February 11th 5:30 - 7pm and February 12th 9:30am-3:30pm, 2010. Eugene Waldorf School - Great Hall, 1350 McLean Blvd.
Effects of Rhythmic Cycles in Preparation Making
Agricultural practices like cultivation, sowing and transplanting disturb the soil and fix into it elemental qualities that mirror the passage of the moon through the zodiac. These elemental qualities then unfold in the growth patterns of a plant during the growing season. The same can be said for any agricultural activity, including the making of preparations. This workshop will look at the various uses of rhythm in agricultural practices. An introductory lecture on the fundamental solar rhythm through the zodiac will be followed by a lecture detailing the three most useful rhythms of the moon for work on the land. The introduction to cosmic rhythms will be followed by presentations on the use of rhythms in the alchemical month of forty days and elemental sequences that are useful for building a rhythmic force in any process where ripening or fermentation is the goal.
Dennis Klocek is an artist, scientist, teacher, researcher, gardener, alchemist and author. He is the author of Bio-Dynamic Book of Moons, Weather and Cosmology, Drawing from the Book of Nature, Seeking Spirit Vision, and The Seer’s Handbook: A Guide To Higher Perception.
Cost: $85 ($45 students/interns), includes lunch, $25 for Thursday intro only.
For more information or to purchase tickets please call (541) 942-2241, tickets may also be purchased at the door.

Feb. 12-14: 2nd Annual Farmer-Mentor Circle Workshop: "The Art of Teaching", Hawthorne Valley Farm, Harlemville, NY

Do you have an apprenticeship program on your farm? Are you thinking about developing one? Join us for a weekend workshop to explore the art of teaching on the farm. Miranda Smith, editor of the New England Small Farms Institute's "On-Farm Mentor's Guide," will keynote, and we will be joined by Robert Karp, Leanor Russell, and Steffen Schneider.
This event is presented by the North American Biodynamic Apprenticeship Program (www.bdtraining.org) and is sponsored by the Agriculture Section of the School of Spiritual Science. Contact Kimberly Barnes at info@bdtraining.org or visit www.bdtraining.org for more information.

Feb. 13: Tree Care and Animal Husbandry, Rudolf Steiner College, Fair Oaks, CA

With Dan Crebbin. Fruit trees and animals complete a farm or large garden. The tree is a special bearer of life, and provides bird and insect habitat, and shade. Learn to select appropriate fruit trees for your locale and how pruning helps trees respond with an abundance of fruit. Animals ensoul a farm or garden, bringing additional joy. Gain an understanding of their role in the “farm individuality” through their capacity to process plant matter, produce manure, and give us meat and other products. This is Session 5 of 8, which can be taken as a series or individually. $95 (Regular), $75 (Students/Seniors). For information and registration contact Rudolf Steiner College • 916.961.8727 • www.steinercollege.edu • rsc@steinercollege.edu.

Feb. 14-19: Biodynamic Winter Intensive: Plant, Earth, and Cosmos, Hawthorne Valley Farm Learning Center, NY

“Plants, Earth and Cosmos,” a workshop for farmers, gardeners and others seeking a working relation to the land
February 14-19 and/or February 21-26. Led by The Nature Institute and the Hawthorne Valley Farm Learning Center in partnership with the Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association.
The Nature Institute and the Hawthorne Valley Farm Learning Center are offering two complementary weeks of instruction to those seeking a fuller understanding of biodynamic agriculture. The first week will offer participants a way to deepen their own observations in relation to the world of plants and to practice flexible thinking as a means of becoming more perceptive land workers. The second week will focus on concepts and practices more specifically related to biodynamic agriculture including: a general introduction to the kingdoms of nature from the point of view of biodynamics; the genesis of and management of soils; the diversity of plant growth forms in relation to soil, climate and cosmos; wild relatives of our cultivated plants and weeds, ecological methods of weed management, principles of crop rotation; planting to support beneficial insects; managing orchards and other perennials; the use of planting calendars and more.
The first week will be led by Craig and Henrike Holdrege of The Nature Institute. The second week will feature presenters including: Jean Paul Courtens of Roxbury Farm; Malcolm Gardner, editor of the Agriculture Lectures, by Rudolf Steiner; Walter Goldstein, research scientist at Michael Fields Agricultural Institute; Eric Nordell, (on DVD and by phone), of Beech Grove Farm; Claudia Knab-Vispo of the Farmscape Ecology Program; Hugh Williams of Threshold Farm and others. This is the first of two such intensives. In 2011 the workshop will focus on the animal kingdom, the integration of livestock on biodynamic farms and other, related topics.
Fees are on a sliding scale: $250-450 for each week; or $400 to 480 for both weeks. (North American Biodynamic Apprenticeship Program apprentice fees are covered by the program.) For more information, contact the Hawthorne Valley Farm Learning Center, 518-672-7500 x 105; or email caroline@hawthornevalleyfarm.org.
This winter intensive has been developed as part of the North American Biodynamic Apprenticeship Program and fulfills one its diploma requirements. It is open to the public.

Feb. 19-21: Fellowship of the Preparation Makers 2010 Conference, Josephine Porter Institute for Applied Biodynamics, Woolwine, VA

Announcing the Fellowship of Preparation Makers 2010 Conference. Friday evening February 19 - Sunday noon February 21, 2010 at Josephine Porter Institute, Woolwine, Virginia. (Pre-Conference meeting: Friday February 19, 1-5pm).
If you have been involved in prep making and are interested in working with other prep makers to ensure the goals of this group, please join us at our 2010 conference. Each conference focuses on a different preparation. This year we deepen our understanding of the Equisetum preparation through a series of lectures, discussions, and sharing of information and experience. In addition, the pre-conference meeting will continue the work begun at the 2008 conference to address the future of our work together, developing the Fellowship. We are particularly interested in having representation from various regions of the continent and from various BD organizations.
The mission of the Fellowship of Preparation Makers is to ensure availability of quality biodynamic preparations in North America, now and in the future, by supporting the making and using of biodynamic preparations by individuals, regional groups, and national facilities.
Contact Florence Rewinski for details and a registration form: info@jpibiodynamics.org or 276.930.2463.

Feb. 20: Introduction to Organic Beekeeping, The Pfeiffer Center, Chestnut Ridge, NY

Learn the basics to get started with your own bees this spring, including building a wooden hive. Presenter: Chris Harp of HoneybeeLives. $95.
Contact: info@pfeiffercenter.org / 845-352-5020 x20 / www.pfeiffercenter.org/events.

Feb. 21-26: Biodynamic Winter Intensive: Plant, Earth, and Cosmos, Hawthorne Valley Farm Learning Center, NY

“Plants, Earth and Cosmos,” a workshop for farmers, gardeners and others seeking a working relation to the land
February 14-19 and/or February 21-26. Led by The Nature Institute and the Hawthorne Valley Farm Learning Center in partnership with the Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association.
The Nature Institute and the Hawthorne Valley Farm Learning Center are offering two complementary weeks of instruction to those seeking a fuller understanding of biodynamic agriculture. The first week will offer participants a way to deepen their own observations in relation to the world of plants and to practice flexible thinking as a means of becoming more perceptive land workers. The second week will focus on concepts and practices more specifically related to biodynamic agriculture including: a general introduction to the kingdoms of nature from the point of view of biodynamics; the genesis of and management of soils; the diversity of plant growth forms in relation to soil, climate and cosmos; wild relatives of our cultivated plants and weeds, ecological methods of weed management, principles of crop rotation; planting to support beneficial insects; managing orchards and other perennials; the use of planting calendars and more.
The first week will be led by Craig and Henrike Holdrege of The Nature Institute. The second week will feature presenters including: Jean Paul Courtens of Roxbury Farm; Malcolm Gardner, editor of the Agriculture Lectures, by Rudolf Steiner; Walter Goldstein, research scientist at Michael Fields Agricultural Institute; Eric Nordell, (on DVD and by phone), of Beech Grove Farm; Claudia Knab-Vispo of the Farmscape Ecology Program; Hugh Williams of Threshold Farm and others. This is the first of two such intensives. In 2011 the workshop will focus on the animal kingdom, the integration of livestock on biodynamic farms and other, related topics.
Fees are on a sliding scale: $250-450 for each week; or $400 to 480 for both weeks. (North American Biodynamic Apprenticeship Program apprentice fees are covered by the program.) For more information, contact the Hawthorne Valley Farm Learning Center, 518-672-7500 x 105; or email caroline@hawthornevalleyfarm.org.
This winter intensive has been developed as part of the North American Biodynamic Apprenticeship Program and fulfills one its diploma requirements. It is open to the public.

Feb. 25: ELA Conference and Eco-Marketplace: Expanding the Ecological Landscape, Springfield, MA

2010 ELA Conference & Eco-Marketplace: Expanding the Ecological Landscape, with Keynote Speaker Toby Hemenway. February 25, 2010, MassMutual Center, Springfield, MA.
Learn how to maximize biological potential, minimize environmental impacts, and obtain spectacular results at this one-day conference. Seventeen sessions offer multiple tracks focused on water use, landscape design, pest control, and application of practical skills. Experienced educators and practitioners provide sessions covering many aspects of ecological, sustainable, and organic landscaping (CEUs available). The concurrent Eco-Marketplace provides opportunities to explore new options in landscaping products and services.
Dinner features a keynote address by Toby Hemenway, author of Gaia’s Garden, a Guide to Home-scale Permaculture. Adjunct professor at Portland State University and Scholar in Residence at Pacific University, Hemenway will share his design approach based on ecological principles that create sustainable landscapes, homes, and workplaces.
Full brochure and online registration available late December at www.ecolandscaping.org, or call 617-436-5838 (attendees); 617-308-7063 (exhibitors).

Feb. 25-27: MOSES Organic Farming Conference, La Crosse, WI

The Organic Farming Conference is the largest organic farming conference in the U.S. Organized by the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES), and held annually in La Crosse, WI, the OFC is an extraordinary, farmer-centered event. With over 60 informative workshops, 140+ exhibitors, locally-sourced organic food, live entertainment and inspirational keynote speakers, the OFC is celebrated as the foremost educational and networking event in the organic farming community. From its humble beginning with 90 attendees twenty years ago, our most recent conference
in February attracted over 2,600 farmers, advocates, educators, and community members! For more information, visit www.mosesorganic.org/conference.html.

Feb. 27: The Role of Man in Nature, Rudolf Steiner College, Fair Oaks, CA

With David Basile and Laura Liska. As conscious stewards and designers, we overcome the destructive forces of materialism and rejuvenate our planet and ourselves. As we find our place in the world, nature adores us. In this final workshop, we’ll discuss garden design and planning and learn to apply the artistic, living technologies of biodynamics--the spray preparations. This is Session 4 of 4, which can be taken as a series or individually. $95 (Regular), $75 (Students/Seniors). For information and registration contact Rudolf Steiner College • 916.961.8727 • www.steinercollege.edu • rsc@steinercollege.edu.

Feb. 27: OSU Extension Small Farms Conference, Corvallis, OR

Keynote speaker: David Mas Masumoto. More details to come. Watch the Oregon Small Farms website for updates. Registration will open in December 2009.

Feb. 27: Biodynamics Today: Let's Talk Gardening, Floyd, VA

With Jeff Poppins. Whether you want to create a vibrant backyard garden or a professional one, here you will get loads of information, suggestions, tips from a long-time biodynamic gardener and farmer. For more information, visit www.spikenardfarm,org, or email spikenardfarm@spikenardfarm.org.

March 2010

Mar. 5-6: TN Organics Conference, Franklin, TN

Tennessee’s only organic growers association prepares for their 6th annual conference with the theme "Local and Organic Food to the Rescue" — this year expanded to two days and featuring noted farmer and activist Joel Salatin, in Franklin, Tennessee on Friday and Saturday, March 5th and 6th, 2010. Held at the Cool Springs Marriott, this yearly event has been expanded to two days of educational workshops, speakers and farm tours, capped with a keynote address by author, activist and farmer Joel Salatin of Polyface Farms located in the picturesque and productive Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Hosted by the Tennessee Organic Growers Association. For more information, visit www.tnorganics.org.

Mar. 6: NOFA-NH Winter Conference, Concord, NH

NOFA-NH is pleased to announce that Sharon Astyk, will address our theme "A Place at the Table. Sharon Astyk is author of Depletion and Abundance: Life On the New Home Front, A Nation of Farmers: Defeating the Food Crisis on American Soil, and Independence Days: A Guide to Sustainable Food Storage and Preservation. For more information, visit www.nofanh.org.

Mar. 13: Cosmic Rhythms and Planting Calendars, Rudolf Steiner College, Fair Oaks, CA

With Harald Hoven. Life is rhythm. The plant is embedded in cosmic rhythms of days and seasons, guided by sun, moon, and planets. Learn about cosmic influences that affect plants and how planting calendars help you see plants in relationship to cosmic events, increasing awareness of the land’s cosmic surroundings. This is Session 6 of 8, which can be taken as a series or individually. $95 (Regular), $75 (Students/Seniors). For information and registration contact Rudolf Steiner College • 916.961.8727 • www.steinercollege.edu • rsc@steinercollege.edu.

Mar. 16: Scientific Research, Spiritual Research, Glen Ellen, CA

March 16th, 2010, 9:30am-3:30pm. "Scientific Research, Spiritual Research," by Dennis Klocek, at Benziger Family Winery, Glen Ellen, California.
$85 ($45 students/apprentices) includes lunch. Pre-registration required - Seating is limited.
Work with the land, plants, and animals is greatly enhanced when one eye is kept on the practical aspects and one on the spiritual. This workshop highlights research techniques that use the alchemical mandala of the four elements to gain insight into patterns of the physical world. These same research techniques can then be used in contemplative approaches to problem solving through the development of enhanced imaginative capacities.
Register online at DennisKlocek.com.
Questions? Payment by check? contact LauraLiska@cs.com .

Mar. 20: Natural Beekeeping — The Honeybee, Rudolf Steiner College, Fair Oaks, CA

With David Basile. By understanding the instinctual wisdom of the honeybee, we discover how to work with her. You’ll be introduced to the respectful ways of biodynamic beekeeping and get hands-on experience by assembling a hive, housing or catching a swarm, and inspecting a hive (weather depending). By day’s end you’ll be able to begin natural beekeeping in your school or garden. This is Session 1 of 3, which can be taken as a series or individually. $95 (Regular), $75 (Students/Seniors). For information and registration contact Rudolf Steiner College • 916.961.8727 • www.steinercollege.edu • rsc@steinercollege.edu.

Mar. 27: Beginning a Vegetable Garden, The Pfeiffer Center, Chestnut Ridge, NY

Gardeners of all levels of experience will benefit from Mac Mead's many years of vegetable growing experience in this one-day workshop. Beginners will gain the tools and information they need to get started with their own garden this spring.
Contact: info@pfeiffercenter.org / 845-352-5020 x20 / www.pfeiffercenter.org/events.

April 2010

Apr. 10: Biodynamics Today: Composting...doesn't just happen!, Floyd, VA

Composting…doesn't just happen! It's an art and a science. With Gunther Hauk, Hugh Courtney. We will not only talk about it, but actually make at least two composts and inoculate them with the compost preparations. For more information, visit www.spikenardfarm,org, or email spikenardfarm@spikenardfarm.org.

Apr. 17: Spring! Plant Propagation, Weed Management, Rudolf Steiner College, Fair Oaks, CA

With Harald Hoven and David Basile. Techniques for preparing soil to plant or transplant summer crops will be demonstrated. Methods of propagating annuals and perennials will also be demonstrated, including direct sowing, use of greenhouses or cold frames, pricking out, and propagation through cuttings, layering and divisions. We’ll explore strategies and biodynamic methods for dealing with another Spring feature: quickly appearing weeds. Additionally, last year’s preparations will be dug up. This is Session 7 of 8, which can be taken as a series or individually. $95 (Regular), $75 (Students/Seniors). For information and registration contact Rudolf Steiner College • 916.961.8727 • www.steinercollege.edu • rsc@steinercollege.edu.

Apr. 17: Raised Beds in the Garden and Farm Organism, Pfeiffer Center, Chestnut Ridge, NY

Raised Beds in the Garden and Farm Organism, with Mac Mead. Both hand methods and machinery will be covered in this workshop on one of the fundamental principles of biodynamic gardening. Highly recommended for farm apprentices. 9 am to 5 pm, $95. 845.352.5020 x20 / info@pfeiffercenter.org / www.pfeiffercenter.org.

Apr. 17-18: Global Health & Innovation Summit, New Haven, CT

200 Speakers representing all disciplines of global health, social entrepreneurship, international development, and innovation. Keynote speakers include Seth Godin, Jeffrey Sachs and Sonia Sachs. Social innovation sessions by the CEOs and Directors of Acumen Fund, Partners in Health, WaterPartners, Save The Children, HealthStore Foundation, and many others. 2,200 participants from all 50 states and from more than 55 countries who are immersed in global health and international development, public health, eye care, medicine, social entrepreneurship, nonprofits, philanthropy, microfinance, human rights, anthropology, health policy, advocacy, public service, environmental health, and education. Presented annually by Unite For Sight, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization free of commercial interests and committed to promoting high quality care for all. GH/Innovate 2010 is the 7th annual conference. Collaborate on designs and strategies to identify global problems, engage in social entrepreneurship, and create real solutions. Network with leading innovators, organizations, universities, and other change-makers. For more information, visit www.uniteforsight.org/conference/.

Apr. 23-24: Organic Beekeeping: Principles and Practices, Pfeiffer Center, Chestnut Ridge, NY

Organic Beekeeping: Principles and Practices, with Ross Conrad and Chris Harp. For beginners and experienced beekeepers who wish to learn the most natural, holistic methods of caring for bees. Friday 4 pm - Saturday 6 pm, $185 ($225 with optional beginners session at 2 pm Friday). 845.352.5020 x20 / info@pfeiffercenter.org / www.pfeiffercenter.org.

Apr. 24: The Cosmic Nature of Water, Rudolf Steiner College, Fair Oaks, CA

A day-long workshop with Patrick Garretson. An exploration of the mysteries of water and its relation to the greater universe. We begin with simple observations of water’s structure, fluid motion, and expressions of vital quality. Then, from the scientific perspective, we’ll consider water’s role in mythology and culture, and cross-reference it with further scientific findings. From this perspective, a deeper understanding of flowforms and their uses will emerge. Different flowform styles will be on hand for exploration. Patrick Garretson is Creative Director of California Flowform Artisans. $75 (Regular) $60 (Students/Seniors) Pre-registration is required. For information and registration contact Rudolf Steiner College • 916.961.8727 • www.steinercollege.edu • rsc@steinercollege.edu.

May 2010

May 1: Music of the Spheres: the Formative Forces in Plants, Grass Valley, CA

May 1st, 2010, 9:30am-3:30pm. "Music of the Spheres: the Formative Forces in Plants," with Dennis Klocek, at Fulcrum Farm, Grass Valley, California. $85 ($45 students/apprentices) includes lunch. Pre-registration required - Seating is limited.
The great harmony behind the forms of Nature is known as the Music of the Spheres. In this workshop we will work with the contemporary evolution of the music of the spheres known as projective geometry. Beginning with demonstrations of the Pythagorean monochord, chladni plates and other instruments that have traditionally been used to reveal harmonic forms in sound, we will create simple geometric thought experiments and make drawings that reveal the sublime experience of the infinitely distant plane. These experiences will be used to illustrate the formative forces in plants. Bring a compass and a ruler to the workshop.
Register online at DennisKlocek.com.
Questions? Payment by check? contact LauraLiska@cs.com.

May 8: Pests, Insects, Beneficials, and Beekeeping, Rudolf Steiner College, Fair Oaks, CA

With Harald Hoven and David Basile. The garden and farm can’t exist without insects, but when the natural balance is disturbed, pests of all sorts creep in. From managing pests to attracting beneficials, this workshop looks at insect identification, biodynamic methods of pest control, pollinator habitat, and care of the honeybee. This is Session 8 of 8, which can be taken as a series or individually. $95 (Regular), $75 (Students/Seniors). For information and registration contact Rudolf Steiner College • 916.961.8727 • www.steinercollege.edu • rsc@steinercollege.edu.

May 21-23: Annual BALLE (Business Alliance for Local Living Economies) Business Conference, Charleston, SC

8th ANNUAL BALLE BUSINESS CONFERENCE: Lighting the Way to a New Economy. MAY 21-23, 2010 ♦ Charleston, South Carolina. In these uncertain economic times, BALLE is convening the community of business owners and innovation leaders who are proving that things can and should be different! Our economy ought to be by the people and for the people. The BALLE conference will demonstrate how the new economy is being shaped at the grassroots level in local communities around North America. Join hundreds of entrepreneurs and business owners, BALLE network leaders, economic developers, local government representatives and community connectors, as we explore innovative best practices in growing community health and wealth. Together we will find inspiration, share proven tools and successful programs, and explore how communities (like yours) are stepping forward as leaders of the new economy. For more information, visit www.livingeconomies.org/conference/2010-conference.

May 22: Natural Beekeeping — Care of the Hive, Rudolf Steiner College, Fair Oaks, CA

With David Basile. The second workshop deepens our understanding of the honeybee and our skills in hive management according to Biodynamic standards. We’ll explore what the bees are doing and what we need to do in response. We might even harvest some goods of the hive (honey, pollen, wax). This is Session 2 of 3, which can be taken as a series or individually. $95 (Regular), $75 (Students/Seniors). For information and registration contact Rudolf Steiner College • 916.961.8727 • www.steinercollege.edu • rsc@steinercollege.edu.

June 2010

June 5: The Role of the Horse in the Farm Organism, Pfeiffer Center, Chestnut Ridge, NY

The Role of the Horse in the Farm Organism, with Mac Mead. Learn more about this fascinating animal including hands-on sessions on draft horse care and tasks. 9 am to 5 pm, $95. 845.352.5020 x20 / info@pfeiffercenter.org / www.pfeiffercenter.org.

June 9-13: Weeklong Advanced Biodynamic Intensive, Rudolf Steiner College, Fair Oaks, CA

With Harald Hoven and Cynthia Hoven. Culminating the year’s biodynamic workshop series (8 sessions), this week recapitulates and deepens the entire series’ experiences. It includes presentations on the self-enclosed farm organism, plant observations, theoretical discussions, hands on activities, and lectures and eurythmy based on the four kingdoms of nature. (The advanced intensive can be taken separately, with permission, by those who have some experience with biodynamics.) $390 (Regular), $305 (Students/Seniors). For information and registration contact Rudolf Steiner College • 916.961.8727 • www.steinercollege.edu • rsc@steinercollege.edu.

June 12: Biodynamics Today: Rarely Used Tools, Floyd, VA

With Gunther Hauk. Add valuable tools in farming and gardening by working with life rhythms in support of growth and quality. We have become estranged from basic rhythms supporting life, so to understand and learn how to apply the knowledge will help you create a healthy, thriving organism. We will also make the silica preparation (# 501) which is especially important for the nutritious quality in food and feed. For more information, visit www.spikenardfarm,org, or email spikenardfarm@spikenardfarm.org.

June 26: Summer Organic Beekeeping, Pfeiffer Center, Chestnut Ridge, NY

Summer Organic Beekeeping, with Ross Conrad. Focuses on seasonal tasks including working with swarms and preparing for the honey harvest. 9 am to 6 pm, $95. 845.352.5020 x20 / info@pfeiffercenter.org / www.pfeiffercenter.org.

July 2010

July 17: Continuing the Vegetable Garden, Pfeiffer Center, Chestnut Ridge, NY

Continuing the Vegetable Garden, with Mac Mead. More gardening skills for your growing summer garden, including composting. 9 am to 5 pm, $95. 845.352.5020 x20 / info@pfeiffercenter.org / www.pfeiffercenter.org.

August 2010

Aug. 7: From Garden to Table: Harvesting and Cooking with Fresh, Local, Biodynamic Produce, Pfeiffer Center, Chestnut Ridge, NY

From Garden to Table: Harvesting and Cooking with Fresh, Local, Biodynamic Produce, with Anthony LoPinto and Mac Mead. Learn about biodynamics, harvest fresh produce from the garden, and then enjoy a delicious five-course meal prepared before your eyes by Chef Anthony LoPinto.Recipes and information packet included. 9 am to 3 pm, $95 (includes lunch). 845.352.5020 x20 / info@pfeiffercenter.org / www.pfeiffercenter.org.

September 2010

Sept. 25: Natural Beekeeping — The Harvest, Rudolf Steiner College, Fair Oaks, CA

With David Basile. This final workshop prepares us to care for the honeybee year round. We’ll discuss what is required before and during winter, including hive size, ventilation, overwinter feeding, and preventing mites. We’ll finish by enjoying gifts of the hive as we taste the year’s honey and dip beeswax candles. This is Session 3 of 3, which can be taken as a series or individually. $95 (Regular), $75 (Students/Seniors). For information and registration contact Rudolf Steiner College • 916.961.8727 • www.steinercollege.edu • rsc@steinercollege.edu.

Sept. 25: Biodynamics Today: Making of the Autumn Biodynamic Preps, Floyd, VA

With Hugh Courtney and Gunther Hauk. Experience alchemistry in practice. Modern research into enzyme and ferment action, into transformation of substances and chemicals lets us understand why this "crazy-sounding" BD works. We will make 4-5 of the preparations and give instructions for their use. For more information, visit www.spikenardfarm,org, or email spikenardfarm@spikenardfarm.org.

Sept. 30 - Oct. 3: BDA Annual Conference, Chestnut Ridge, NY

Thursday, Sept. 30 — Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010, at the Threefold Educational Center in Chestnut Ridge, NY. More details coming soon. See our conference page for updated information and our upcoming call for workshop presenters.

October 2010

November 2010

Nov. 13: Biodynamics Today: Food Does Matter!, Floyd, VA

With Gunther Hauk. We will not only talk about carbs, proteins and fats, but mainly about the mystery of breaking down and building up in the process of digestion, about forces instead of only substances, about quality instead of quantity, and much more. For more information, visit www.spikenardfarm,org, or email spikenardfarm@spikenardfarm.org.

December 2010