NOFA/Mass Winter Conference
32nd NOFA/Mass Winter Conference
January 12, 2019 (All day)
Worcester State University
Worcester, MA
Cost: $99 - $145 | Walk-in rates add $10 | All Youth $10/child
January 12, 2019 (All day)
Worcester State University
Worcester, MA
Cost: $99 - $145 | Walk-in rates add $10 | All Youth $10/child
The growing popularity of small-scale beekeeping is good news for the bees, but it also raises its own set of challenges. Rarely does a small-scale beekeeper encounter Colony Collapse — but every beekeeper must contend with Varroa mites, scant forage, and scarce high-quality package bees and nucs.
This half-day orientation for beginning beekeepers will cover: Basic biology of the honeybee colony; rhythms of the year and the beekeeper’s role in the life of the hive; a comparison of Langstroth, top bar and Warré hives; siting your hives; and the basics of working with bees.
Weather permitting, we will visit the Pfeiffer Center’s apiary, where we’ll open a hive and illuminate topics discussed in the classroom.
Beginning beekeepers who plan to attend the Conscious Beekeeping workshop on Saturday, April 27 are strongly encouraged to register for this session.
This workshop is for anyone who wants to start a vegetable garden, incorporating basic skills for new gardeners. Topics covered will include: planning the garden (what goes where and when), preparing the soil, fencing the garden, planting and raising seedlings, companion planting, making and using compost, and weeding and mulching. Participants will walk away with the information and hands-on experience they need to get started this spring in their own garden.
With Mac Mead, Megan Durney, Harald Hoven, and Beth Corymb
Using Rudolf Steiner’s agriculture course as a foundation, we will explore “the seed” in its dynamic and complex relationship to the depths of the Earth, the expanses of the cosmos, and the agricultural individuality. Working in large and small groups, through art, movement, plant observation, and hands-on seed work (threshing and winnowing), we will delve into the mysteries of the seed-forming process.
The region's premier farm and food gathering is celebrating 20 years! Join us for an extra special three days of deep-dive workshops, farm fresh meals, inspiring speakers, and farmer and foodpreneur learning and networking!
Foundation Course in Goethean Science at The Nature Institute