Farm and Food Systems spring 2014 courses at Greenfield Community College

All four classes can be taken for credit or credit-free.

SCI 137 Permaculture Design (4 cr) with Abrah Dresdale 

Meets 1/28/14 – 5/20/14, Tues, 2-3:15p, and Thurs 12:30-4:50p

Students receive the internationally recognized Permaculture Design Certificate with successful completion of this course.

An introduction to permaculture: a practice of designing systems, modeled from ecological relationships, that respects the land while serving its inhabitants. Topics include permaculture theory, innovative  techniques, systems-thinking, and site assessment and analysis (e.g. patterns of sun/shade, drainage, vegetation). Lab components include hands-on learning and technical skills through field work on campus, field trips, and design studio. Students apply these skills to a real design project and recommend appropriate permaculture applications such as perennial food production, soil regeneration, and integrated water management.

AGR 110 Beekeeping (1 cr) with Cliff Hatch

Meets Tues, Apr 15 & 22 from 6:30-8p; and Fri Apr 18-May 2 from 1-5pm (Fridays meet @ Just Roots/Greenfld Community Farm)

Provides strategies and techniques for the beginner beekeeper. Topics include: hive  construction, life cycle of the honey bee, hive management through the seasons, threats to the health and wellness of bees, diverse approaches and the joys of beekeeping. Note: Students work with bees.

AGR 111 Four Season Farming (1 cr) with Danny Botkin

Meets Weds, Mar 26 & Apr 9 from 6-8:30pm; and Sat Mar. 29 & Apr. 12 fom 10a-3p (Saturdays meet at Laughing Dog Farm, Gill)

Explores strategies for extending growing seasons into the fall and winter. Topics include: hoophouses, coldframes, raised beds, mulch, managing seasonal crops, frost proofing, cold hardy crops, early spring greenhouse management, winter snow removal, and seed germination under unheated conditions.

EVS 152 Organic Gardening (1 cr) with Tony Reiber

Meets Thurs, Apr 24 from 6-8:50p; and Sat, Apr 26 & May 10 from 9a-3p

Provides instruction in a natural gardening program and practical “hands-on” introduction to the basic philosophy, content, and methods of organic gardening and permaculture design. Using a model garden site, participants plan and design a garden, prepare the soil, plant the seeds, and prepare for harvesting and storage. Topics include compost, soil improvement, seed selection, crop rotation, and pest management.

Feel free to contact Abrah Dresdale with any questions about the courses dresdalea@gcc.mass.edu