Denise and Alison hosted a homeschool group from Concord today. The group of kids and their moms got a tour of the urban farm and house, learned about the Rodgers family and their history, learned how to churn butter, do laundry the old-fashioned way (pumping water, using washboards and wringers, and hanging clothes to dry), and tried their hand at quill writing with an ink recipe used to write the Declaration of Independence (oak galls and rusty nails!).  Today was a beautiful but chilly day and everyone warmed up by the fire with mulled cider and later ate wheat bread with the butter they had churned. We all had a great time!                                                                   Photos by Alison Clary

Last week, the permaculture class learned about trees and guilds and worked on diagramming their gardens at home (see below). Next week is the final class!
Learn if it's better to plant seeds or seedlings for the best outcome. Learn what is most cost and time effective to plant versus buy and what to know when working with seed packets or 6-packs of seedlings. Plant some seeds for your own garden. (Materials fee may apply.)
Participants will be able to: read a seed packet, know where to find crucial growing information, set up recordkeeping, and distinguish which nursery plants are best to take home. Know which type of growing medium to use when, and how to make their own.
To register, go to www.sustainablecoco.org and click onto February 24, Growing More Food In Harmony With Nature.                                                                                                  Photo by Alison Clary

February 17: Trees, Guilds & Food Forests: Options for Application
* Learn how to identify which plants are needed, and then place plants so that they help each other grow for increased yield, soil health and less work for the gardener.
* Identify 6 critical functions of trees and how to use them in the garden; what types of trees and plants to use for desired functions; what to plant around trees; how to build high-density planting structures.
For info and registration: 
​www.eventbrite.com/e/grow-more-food-home-permaculture-series-tickets-40925305691

Touching on elements from Marie Kondo's "KonMari" method of organizing and simplifying the home from the book Life Changing Method of Cleaning Up as well as Bea Johnson's book Zero Waste Home, Denise Koroslev gave the class practical tips for getting the home in shape for  mental and physical clarity. Anne Baker from Republic Services rounded out the workshop by providing resources for reducing and recycling all that stuff through thrift shops, hazardous waste drop-offs, recycling centers, and more.                                                                                               Photos by Alison Clary

Sometimes, the more you have, the more you have to lose, as those affected by the wildfires discovered last year. Denise Koroslev will help us focus on what really matters by finding balance in the home and eliminating unnecessary items to help maintain a clutter-free lifestyle. Organizing and de-cluttering can offer more freedom from excess housecleaning, more space in your home, and more time to spend with family and friends. Experts from Republic Services will provide sustainable tips on recycling the clutter you clear!
$25 fee. REGISTER HERE

This past week-end, Tomas Triana led his fellow scouts from Eagle Scout Troop 401 in installing a new split-rail fence in front of Rodgers Ranch! Doesn't it look great? Thank you Tomas, and congratulations!
                                                                                                                                        Photos by Denise Koroslev

Today, the 4th permaculture class in the 6-part series focused on water! Marian taught students all about how to "Slow it, Sink it, Spread it" using solutions such as swales, A-frames, and bunyips, as well as spiral gardens, keyhole beds, and mandalas. Only two classes left in the series! #5 is "Trees, Guilds, and Food Forests," and #6 is "To Seed or to Seedling." You can still pre-register for either or both at www.sustainablecoco.org.                                                                                  Photos by Alison Clary