Register for Spring Eco Farm classes now at FRC
Learn to grow fresh carrots and lots of other healthy veggies in your garden through the FRC Eco Farm Program. Photo Ken EtzelWinter is coming, but food is still a part of every day. Before you know it, the time will come for garden planning. To get your grow on, take some classes through the FRC Ecological Farming program. All classes are hands-on and experiential – the best way to learn.
Ecological farming offers a possible solution to some of our modern day problems like climate change, obesity, and poverty. The Sustainable Food Systems course, which begins in January, will explore how communities are working to create sustainable futures and how farmers are choosing to create regenerative food systems.
“With the pandemic continuing to expand, working on community food security has never been more important,” said Jessie Mazar, lead instructor for Feather River College’s Ecological Farming Certificate. “Three times a day we participate in chains of production, distribution, and consumption. Being aware of those connections is fun and informative.”
Spring Classes
Also on the schedule is Season Extension Structures starting in mid-March, which will help with the challenges of growing food in our mountain climate. Learn about design and use of floating row covers, mulch, cold frames, caterpillar tunnels, high tunnels, and green houses.
A Fruit Tree and Berry Production class will be offered April 9 – 11 with opportunities to learn pruning, grafting, planting, harvesting, and storage techniques. Labs include field days to local farms, gardens, and community-based food projects.
Animal Husbandry on the Small Farm is another short course, April 13 – 25 (Monday evenings and Saturday/Sundays), where students can explore the benefits of poultry, pigs, goats, and other small animals for building soil and food production.
Hands-on activities with appropriate COVID-19 protocols will be practiced, along with assignments that apply to students’ own growing spaces. More information can be found at https://www.frc.edu/envr/eco-farming-certificate or by contacting Darla DeRuiter at (530) 283-0202 x262.
