Archive for February, 2012
Only 3 more days to register for Fruiting Trees Pruning Workshop]
Fruiting Trees & Shrubs Pruning Workshop
with Akiva Silver
presented by the Finger Lakes Permaculture Institute
March 3, 2012
1-4 p.m.
at Ecovillage at Ithaca
Sliding scale fee: $15-40 per person
We can only accept 10 more students for this workshop.
Register at: http://FingerLakesPermaculture.org to reserve your spot in the class.
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Earn your Permaculture Design Certificate
with the Finger Lakes Permaculture Institute
http://www.fingerlakespermaculture.org
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Organic Grain Farm, Mill, and Bakery Apprenticeship – Ithaca, NY
From: Sara E Worden
Subject: Grain Farm, Mill, and Bakery Apprenticeship – Ithaca, NY
http://www.farmergroundflour.com/
We are looking for an apprentice who is interested in learning more about organic grain production, processing, and distribution through a unique collaborative relationship between a farmer, a miller and a baker. The apprentice will work primarily on Oechsner Farm, but will also have opportunities to work with near-by Farmer Ground Mill and Wide Awake Bakery.
Oechsner Farm has 600 acres under organic grain production and grows many varieties of wheat, along with corn, buckwheat, rye and spelt. The grain is milled and distributed through Farmer Ground, a mid scale mill operation 10 miles from the farm. Wide Awake Bakery uses the flour to bake artisanal breads and distributes through local markets and a bread CSA.
The apprentice will have the opportunity to learn about all three areas of production. We would like to work with someone who has some experience (or at least a serious interest) in organic farming and is looking to specialize in grains. Applicant must have ability to work long days doing physical labor and enjoy working independently as well as a part of a team. Some machine/tractor experience is preferred, however, we will train the right person. Willingness to be near and/or operating loud, heavy machinery is a must.
Apprenticeship is April through November. The schedule is five days per week, 40-50 hours per week with one week off during the season. Housing, some food (bread, eggs), and a stipend will be provided. There is a small kitchen garden where the apprentice can grow his or her own vegetables. High-speed wireless Internet is available on the farm. Having your own vehicle is required to travel between the farm, mill, and bakery. We are located in the heart of the Finger Lakes Region and you will be able to connect with and explore other innovative agriculture projects in our area.
Please send a cover letter telling us about you and why this apprenticeship interests you, three references, and resume to:
. We prefer that applicants who seem like a good fit come for a working visit in March before hire. Thank you!
http://www.farmergroundflour.com/
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Earn your Permaculture Design Certificate
with the Finger Lakes Permaculture Institute
http://www.fingerlakespermaculture.org
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Tilapia Fingerlings for sale for Aquaponics and more.–Ithaca
Hi All,
I’m considering a small scale breeding operation out of Ithaca, NY providing Tilapia fingerlings (and fry) for local hobbyists, schools and farmers. I will be working with “Blues”, a good choice for the North East. Tilapia is an easy fish to raise for food and pond maintenance and is often part of an Aquaponic growing system. I would love to hear your feed-back and/or interest.
Thanks,
Steve Austin
Shiitake mushrooms a superfood; CSA announced
FOREST GROWN MUSHROOMS A SUPERFOOD
Announcing Understory Mushrooms 2012 CSA
Many people appreciate the texture and unique taste of mushrooms without really knowing the full extent of their nutritional qualities. In fact, its easy to make the case that shiitake mushrooms are a superfood.
Understory Mushrooms, based out of Mecklenburg, NY is selling weekly CSA shares of log-grown shiitake mushrooms this season, conveniently available alongside vegetable CSA pick up locations in Ithaca and Trumansburg, NY or mailed directly to your door!
Read more at: http://tinyurl.com/agforestry-shiitake-nutrition
Please support the future of fuel today
Hello friends and neighbors,
My apologies if you’ve received this more than once!
As you may know, Ithaca Biodiesel Cooperative is in the midst of some very exciting plans. As part of our March Membership Drive and general revitalization efforts we are hoping to raise a rather significant amount of money. If we can get at least $100,000 in gifts from our community then we’ll be able to provide you with a local, sustainable, and certified fuel that can be used in diesel engines, home heating oil furnaces, diesel tractors, and diesel generators. Even if you think that biodiesel doesn’t apply to you, your contribution to our start-up campaign will enable us to work towards making an energy secure future for all of us.
Wether or not you plan to become a member of Ithaca Biodiesel Cooperative, please consider giving us a gift and sharing our message with your networks. For individuals or organizations interested in making large donations, please do not hesitate to contact us about different levels of sponsorship. The more funds we are able to raise now, the sooner our pumps will open!
Please visit us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Swidjit to stay updated on our events and progress.
Thank you for your support,
McKenzie
New blog post: Funding granted for mushroom/duck research
As mentioned in a post made last December, Work With Nature LLC applied for funding through Northeast SARE to support researching the feasibility of integrating meat duck production with cultivation of forest-grown shiitakes. We are please to announce we’ve been granted the funds to proceed with our research!
LINK to full article: http://agroforestrysolutions.blogspot.com/2012/02mushroomsduckssaregrantagroforestryperm.html
Sign up to receive updates on the project & other agroforestry developments:
“Like” us on Facebook
@agroforestryNY
cheers,
Steve
Cornell Agricultural Outreach and Education Job Announcement
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2012 2:01 PM
To: CCE-STAFF-YOUTH-L
Subject: Cornell Agricultural Outreach and Education Job Announcement
Hello,
We appreciate your help in spreading the word about this position with Cornell Agricultural Outreach & Education. The position is posted online here and is also below my signature. Applications are accepted through Cornell’s website “Jobs at Cornell”.
Thanks,
Angela
Angela McGregor Hedstrom
Interim Coordinator, New York Agriculture in the Classroom
Department of Horticulture
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853
NYAITC
Learn more about our spring educator workshops!
Administrative Assistant III – Agriculture Outreach and Education Program
(Administrative Assistant III- Band C- Part Time 20h/week)
Department of Horticulture
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)
Cornell University
Ithaca, New York
As the only horticulture department in the Ivy League, our faculty, staff and students are working to shape the food systems and landscapes of today and for the future. Our faculty includes more than 40 scientists working across New York to make discoveries and share knowledge about fruits, vegetables, and landscape plants. They are called on by farmers, golf course managers, urban foresters, government officials and many others to solve problems around the globe.
This is a part time position, 20 hrs/week. This is a term position and its continuation beyond 06/30/2013 will be contingent upon successful performance and availability of funds.
Under the direct supervision of Dr. Travis Park, provide administrative assistance for the Agricultural Outreach and Education Program in the administration and delivery of the following programs: (1) New York Agriculture in the Classroom, (2) New York FFA, and (3)New York Association of Agricultural Educators. Major responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Assist in delivering meetings and conferences for teachers, students, and volunteers. Prepare print materials, track registrations, contact venues and arrange food and facility logistics.
- Assist with development and preparation of program and policy documents. Gather input from stakeholders and prepare briefs for stakeholders, State Education Department, Farm Bureau, and Department of Agriculture and Markets. Edit and assist in formatting of research reports, department publications, and journal articles.
- Serve as point person for general inquiries. Receive, redirect and respond to routine and non-routine inquiries..
- Maintain and update programmatic NYAOE, NYAITC, and NYFFA websites.
- Communicate with teachers, students, volunteers, and stakeholders as directed by AOE staff, such as registration notices for conferences, press releases, and other correspondence.
- Coordinate travel, and process travel reimbursements.
- Coordinate and assist with the planning of program events. Assist with data collection involving membership dues, convention and conference registrations and evaluations.
- Coordinate meeting and conference setup with faculty, guest speakers, and attendees, including arrangement of meeting room rental and accommodations, catering services, invitations, maintenance of attendee list and collection of registration fees.
- Under the direct supervision of the AOE Director, help to administer the New York State Agricultural Education Technical Assessment system. This includes log test requests, prepare test mailings, score tests, enter results of testing into a database, submit report to schools requesting the test, coordinate invoicing, and prepare annual report.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
· Formal training beyond a HS Diploma of 6 months to 1 year; and more than 2 years and less than 4 years of experience.
· Aptitude and skills with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Publisher, PowerPoint), Outlook, desktop publishing, and Photoshop.
· Must have excellent customer service skills and demonstrated ability to serve and communicate with a broad range of people.
· Illustrate a proven track record of successfully managing multiple projects and priorities.
· Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
· Experience with marketing and outreach.
· Experience in event planning and coordination.
· Must be able to work independently while supporting the efforts of an overall team.
· Ability to work with and represent work unit professionally and ethically with tact, diplomacy, and advocacy, while creating a high-quality and respectful work environment. Attention to detail and organization skills are critical.
· Must have demonstrated ability to handle sensitive/confidential material in a highly professional manner.
· Knowledge and understanding of education, agriculture, agricultural literacy, and food system concepts.
Preferred Qualifications
· Bachelor’s degree in education, agricultural education, business, marketing, or equivalent.
· Web and graphic design experience
· Working knowledge of outreach education.
· Knowledge of garden-based learning, environmental education, farm-based education, and/or Farm to School.
· Experience in production agriculture.
· Curriculum development knowledge and experience.
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Developing Leaders. Improving Lives, Shaping the Future.
Cornell University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer.
Job Opening: Program Assistant – National Audubon Society – location: Ithaca (March-May) and Bremen, Maine (June-August)
The Seabird Restoration Program (Project Puffin) of the Science Division of the National Audubon Society is seeking applicants for a 6-month Program Assistant position coordinating residential programs at the Audubon Camp in Maine on Hog Island for adults and teens. The position would be based out of Ithaca, NY (at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology) from March – May and then the person would travel to Maine from mid-May through June and be based on Hog Island in Bremen, Maine. In July and August some work would be in Maine, and there would be some flexibility to either work from Ithaca or Maine. See position description copied below.
Website of the Audubon Camp in Maine: http://projectpuffin.org/OrnithCamps.html
To apply: https://careers-audubon.icims.com/jobs/1291/job
Applications will be reviewed beginning Friday, February 24th and interviews scheduled for February 29th. Please feel free to distribute this posting widely. Thank you!
Erica Marx
Hog Island Program Coordinator
National Audubon Society
Position Summary:
Audubon’s first Nature Study Camp for teachers and adult students was launched at Hog Island in 1936. Since then the Hog Island Audubon Camp in Maine has offered reidential environmental education programs for adults, teens, families and conservation leaders on Hog Island in Muscongus Bay, Maine. Sessions are taught by some of the country’s leading birders, scientists, authors and environmental educators.
Building on the traditions of Hog Island’s legendary ornithology instructors, Roger Tory Peterson and Allan D. Cruickshank, today’s instructors are world-class ornithologists and enthusiastic teachers. Group sizes of 10 to 15 participants ensure personalized instruction for all. Accomodations at Hog Island are in authentic early-20th-century buildings at the edge of the sea.
The Hog Island Program Assistant will provide office and administration support for the Program Manager from the Ithaca, New York office until approximately mid-May when the position location transitions to the Hog Island Camp facilities in Bremen, Maine (travel expenses are reimbursable).
While in Maine, the Program Assistant is required to live and work on Hog Island; a semi-private room on the island and shared bath are provided. During the camp sessions, the Program Assistant is expected to join the campers and other staff for meals in the dining hall. There will also opportunities to join campers on field trips and in educational workshops.
Essential Functions:
Work closely with the Hog Island Program Manager and Registrar to coordinate delivery of June-September 6-day residential programs at the Audubon Camp in Maine.
Work at the Ithaca, NY office from February to mid-May and relocate to Bremen, Maine during camp sessions (housing is provided on Hog Island)
Field telephone and email inquiries about the program and facilities, responding in a timely manner
Assist Hog Island campers with the logistics of getting to and departing from the camp
Assist with Hog Island marketing and publicity, updates to social networking sites
Mail registration, enrollment and informational materials to enrolled campers, manage online and paper files on campers, follow through with registered campers to complete files
Manage paperwork required for payment to Hog Island instructors
Manage and update the Hog Island website
Administer the pre-camp and post-camp online evaluations, create reports
During camp sessions meet with instructors and camp director daily, create program materials to ensure smooth operation of camp (schedules, contact lists, sign-up sheets, name tags, housing lists, etc.)
Prepare tuition revenue deposit reports for the SRP Office Manager
Operate with competence: online documents, word processing, spreadsheets, online surveys, graphic design, and camper registration programs
Other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications and Experience:
At least a B.S., minimum of 1 years of registration, marketing, administration or similar training or equivalent experience.
Must possess a valid driver’s license
Competence with computer programs including Microsoft Office, especially Excel and Word, basic HTML and CSS skills, as well as use of online database, social networking and filesharing sites.
An understanding and appreciation for working for a decentralized organization where excellent communication skills and online coordination skills are essential
Ability to work with minimal supervision at times and problem solve in fast-paced camp environment
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team
Highly Desirable Experience:
Operation of hand-held radios
Driving 7-passenger vans
Prior experience working in a nature camp or environmental education setting
Birding experience
First aid training
Small motor and row boat operation
Physical Requirements:
Ability to safely get in and out of boats, and participate in nature hikes.
Schedule:
Approximately 20 hours per week in Ithaca and 40 hours per week on Hog Island during camps sessions
Compensation:
$13-15/hour, depending on qualifications
Housing and food provided while based in Maine on Hog Island
.
For more information:
Erica Marx
Hog Island Program Coordinator
National Audubon Society
159 Sapsucker Woods Road
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607)257-7308 x14 (office)
607-279-6402 (cell)
“Hydrilla Happy Hours” start 2/29!
Hydrilla Happy Hour
Wednesday, February 29, 5:00-6:00pm
at Corks & More, 708 West Buffalo Street, Ithaca
Join members of the The Cayuga Inlet Hydrilla Task Force for a presentation about ongoing plans to combat highly invasive Hydrilla verticillata in Cayuga Inlet, followed by an open conversation period. Share information, ideas and concerns with Task Force members in an informal setting. This event kicks off the first monthly forum to be held at Corks & More on the last Wednesday of each month February through May. The forums promote community input and transparency as a long-term hydrilla response plan is created. A more formal public meeting will be scheduled for March 8. Corks & More is located on the Cayuga Inlet at 708 West Buffalo St. in Ithaca. For more information, contact Sharon Anderson at Tompkins County Cooperative Extension (607) 272-2292, or browse http://ccetompkins.org/hydrilla to learn more about this invasive plant. Hydrilla Happy Hours also are scheduled for: Wednesdays, March 28, April 25 & May 30.
Permaculture needed on Pine Ridge. – Volunteer Opportunity
Hi Everyone, Here’s an exciting volunteer opportunity I wanted to share with you.
-Ryan Clover
Groundswell’s Sustainable Farming Certificate Program now accepting applications!
Please continue to pass the word on to anyone who may be interested in this opportunity.
Thank you!
NEWS RELEASE
For immediate release: 2/14/12
Contact: Rachel Firak, New Farmer Training Coordinator, rfirak
Groundswell’s Sustainable Farming Certificate Program now accepting applications
New Farmers: Apply online for the 100-hour, April-November program
Ithaca, NY – This spring, the Groundswell Center for Local Food & Farming will again offer its full-season training program for aspiring and beginning farmers and market gardeners. Running April 18 to November 14, the Sustainable Farming Certificate Program provides 124 hours of classroom training, hands-on workshops, farm visits, and supervised work experience on sustainable farms.
Trainees can choose to concentrate their studies on the management of vegetables and fruits, livestock and poultry, or pursue a diversified curriculum. Each trainee will have an individualized Learning Contract, and will be evaluated on the basis of that contract before being awarded Groundswell’s Sustainable Farming Certificate. Instruction will be provided by experienced farmer mentors, as well as subject matter experts from our partner institutions such as Cornell University, USDA, and Cornell Cooperative Extension. Trainees who complete 100 hours of training or more are eligible to receive Groundswell’s Sustainable Farming Certificate.
Groundswell is committed to the vision of a regionally self-reliant food system that provides good food and economic opportunities for everyone. The Sustainable Farming Certificate Program, like each of Groundswell’s New Farmer Training Programs, seeks to engage trainees from diverse cultural, racial, and economic backgrounds to participate in a supportive, trainee-driven learning environment. People of color, new immigrant and limited resource trainees are especially encouraged to apply. Tuition for the Sustainable Farming Certificate Program is on a sliding scale and ranges from $125 to $800, with substantial support offered to people of color, new immigrant and limited-resource trainees.
Applications for the Sustainable Farming Certificate Program are now online. Visit www.groundswellcenter.org to learn more and apply today.
The Groundswell Center for Local Food & Farming is an initiative of the EcoVillage Center for Sustainability Education/Center for Transformative Action. Support for Groundswell comes from individuals and businesses who believe in the importance of strong local food systems, and from the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program of the National Institute for Food and Agriculture-USDA, Grant #2010-49400-21799. For more information, visit www.groundswellcenter.org.
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Groundswell is an initiative of the not-for-profit Center for Transformative Action, Tax ID: 16‐0990318
Help make it happen for ‘Rahma Free Health Clinic Edible Forest Garden’ on IndieGoGo
http://www.indiegogo.com/Rahma-Free-Health-Clinic-Edible-Forest-Garden?a=373323&i=emal
And please, share far and wide, a crowdfunding grassroots campaign
such as this relies heavily on word of mouth and sharing. Thank you.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Frank Raymond Cetera
The Alchemical Nursery
200 S. Geddes St, Syracuse NY 13204
315.308.1372
www.AlchemicalNursery.org
Support the Rahma Edible Forest Garden in Syracuse at http://www.indiegogo.com/Rahma-Free-Health-Clinic-Edible-Forest-Garden
Tompkins Wkly Article, “Why Active Forest Mgmt Matters”
Link to the full text published in this week’s Tompkins Weekly with hot links to resources, and the full PDF of the paper:
http://tinyurl.com/ForestMgmtMatters
thanks,
Steve
Employment Opportunities with a Wilderness Education & Environmental Summer Camp
Hello Mr. Burns,
Greetings from Primitive Pursuits here in Ithaca! I’m writing to ask for your assistance in spreading the word about our vast employment opportunities. Primitive Pursuits has been a local leader in the nature awareness movement for ten years, and our year-round youth programs currently serve over 1,000 participants annually. The skills to be gained by working with this program are highly valued in both traditional and outdoor education spheres.
Below is information on a full-time and summer employment positions. Would you please this with members of your listserv.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.
In gratitude,
Tim Drake
Primitive Pursuits
Cornell Cooperative Extension – Tompkins County
615 Willow Avenue
Ithaca NY 14850
www.PrimitivePursuits.com
office (607) 272-2292, ext.195 or 198
fax (607) 272-7088
Employment Opportunities with a Wilderness Education
& Environmental Summer Camp
PrimitivePursuits.com
Full time position, pay commensurate with experience, Ithaca, NY
Seeking enthusiastic, gregarious, and enterprising individual to join central New York’s premiere wilderness skills mentoring team! As part of our team, you will work side by side with seasoned Primitive Pursuits staff to plan and implement environmental education programs offered to youth in a variety of local wilderness settings.
In the Field: You will lead trips into undeveloped natural areas, designing group challenges, building fires without matches, gathering and preparing wild foods – learning the skills of cutting-edge nature connection while creating experiences destined to become campfire stories to last a life time. Positions include:
· Wilderness Instruction
· Environmental Educator
· Assistant Program Director
In the Office: Be part of a cutting edge social enterprise, honing your skills & abilities in the real world. Work side by side with a team of entrepreneurial minded program leaders dedicated to building financially successful models of lasting social change. Positions include:
· Registrar
· Administrative Assistant
Qualifications include ability to: understand and incorporate teaching philosophy into program delivery; maintain a positive, professional and inclusive environment; collaborate effectively with others and engage youth; promote the Primitive Pursuits nature education mission; keep effective records; and demonstrate commitment to your own professional growth.
Expect a great deal of learning opportunities and a friendly, innovative work environment.
Employment through Cornell Cooperative Extension/Primitive Pursuits
To applyor to request more information please visit our website at:
Primitivepursuits
Plantations’ Natural Areas Academy-Registration ends 3/2/12 (or when full)
NY Small Farms Summit: Feb. 29, 2012. Register Now!
From: “Violet Stone”
Small Farmers: Shape Your Future!
Register Now for the 2012 NY Small Farms Summit
Register now for the 2012 NY Small Farms Summit! The Summit will take place Wednesday, February 29th, from 9:30am 3:30pm, with lunch provided.
What is the NY Small Farm Summit?
The Summit is an interactive meeting with an opportunity for all participants to take part in lively discussion, both locally, and across the state. The goals of the Summit are to increase visibility of small farmers and their needs, encourage local collaboration among regions, and to prioritize emerging opportunities to enhance viabilities of small farms in New York and the Northeast.
Who should attend the Summit?
Farmers, educators or agricultural service providers, farm businesses, policy makers, students, and members of the community who are interested and committed to a vibrant small farm sector in NY.
What can I expect?
In the morning, we will hear from two 2011 recipients of Small Farms Program grants to understand how stakeholder feedback turns into meaningful projects that have direct benefit in the field. Then, we will hear from two farmer speakers about the visions they have for the short-term future of small farms in their regions. Well also have a brief visit with Dean Boor, from the College of Agriculture and Life Science, to learn more about how Cornell is supporting the small farm sector. In the afternoon, we will work in small groups to evaluate emerging opportunities and prioritize investments to enhance the viability of small farms. We plan to end the day with a list of top priorities that can inform small farm research, education and policy over the next 5 years.
Why should I participate?
The New York Small Farms Summit is the only event in the state that brings together the entire small farm community. You should attend the Summit if you are interested in voicing your ideas, if you enjoy networking with others, or if you want to learn more about supporting small farms.
How do I register?
The Summit will take place in 5 locations across the state. Sign up at the site nearest you. The event is free to attend and lunch will be provided. After you register, your site host will be in touch regarding directions, parking information and an agenda for the day. See contact information below.
Pre-Summit Survey
Please take the survey, regardless of your attendance at the Summit. It helps to identify and prioritize issues you care about! The link to the survey is: https://cornell.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_bxrjyekn3mqaUy8
2012 Summit Host Sites:
Central NY
Location: Mann Library, Agriculture Quad, Cornell University Campus Address: Tower Road, Ithaca, NY 14853
To register: Violet Stone at 607-255-9227 or vws7@cornell.edu
Eastern NY
Location: Albany County, Cornell Cooperative Extension office Address: 24 Martin Road, Voorheesville, NY 12186
To register: Gale Kohler at gek4@cornell.edu
Northern NY
Location: St. Lawrence County, Cornell Cooperative Extension office Address: Extension Learning Farm Classroom at 2043 SH 68, Canton, NY 13617 To register: Brent Buchanan at bab22@cornell.edu or 315-379-9192 Ext 231
Western NY
Location: Wyoming County, Cornell Cooperative Extension Office Address: 401 North Main Street, Warsaw, NY 14569
To register: Joan Petzený at jsp10@cornell.edu or 585-786-2251
Long Island
Location: Suffolk County, Cornell Cooperative Extension Office Address: 423 Griffing Ave, Riverhead, NY 11901
To register: Sandy Menasha at srm45@cornell.edu or 631-727-7850
Earth Day Ithaca Registration now open
Dear Friends:
Please join me along with Sustainable Tompkins for the 2012 Earth Day Celebration, to once again be held at the Ithaca Farmers’ Market Pavilion on Sunday April 22 from noon-5pm. While it has been a couple of years since we last celebrated there, interest has continued to be strong and we anticipate another great event.
We invite your active participation in planning for this and future Earth Days. If you would like to table or be a part of the planning process, email me at solkitchen1@gmail.com for more information or a registration form. Examples of contributions include the media/public relations, set up or cleanup crew, coordination of a special performance and so on. Meetings will be held Wednesday February 15th, Wednesday March 28th at the office of Sustainable Tompkins and then Wednesday the 4th and the 18th of April at the Farmers’ Market Pavilion, all from 6-8pm.
If you have questions contact Joey at (607) 387-7799 or email solkitchen1@gmail.com.
We look forward to seeing you!
Yours for a more sustainable future,
Joey
