Sustainability Schools

The Dickinson College Farm is ringing in the new year with some Summer Dreamin’ – the title of the first in a series of educational workshops, which will be held monthly throughout 2012 as part of the Sustainability Schools program.

A project of the Pennsylvania Association of Sustainable Agriculture (PASA), the Sustainability Schools program focuses on homesteading, homemaking and backyard conservation workshops for consumers interested in living more sustainably.

“We are excited for this partnership and look forward to empowering and inspiring others to grow food and help build a foundation for community-based education,” says Jenn Halpin, Dickinson College Farm director. “Farm-based educational programs provide hands-on learning and a means to exchange information that will benefit gardeners and food lovers alike,” she says.

Select locations

The Dickinson College Farm is one of three Pennsylvania locations hosting the workshops. Other Sustainability Schools programs are scheduled in central and southeastern Pa., with intentions to expand the program across the Commonwealth and surrounding states.

“Living more sustainably is something we can all do to contribute not only to the viability of our own families, but increasingly of our local communities,” says Hannah Smith, who heads up PASA’s community outreach efforts. “Our local communities are gaining strength by the networking of folks who have much to offer in the way of living sustainably and our Sustainability Schools draw on these community resources.”

Monthly workshops

The Summer Dreamin’ workshop will be held at the College Farm on Saturday, Jan. 28 from 2–4 p.m. Presenters will discuss how to start a backyard garden—from designing garden beds and soil preparation to starting seeds and planning for continual harvests throughout the growing season—and will share strategies for healthy crop rotations, disease prevention and lessons learned from last year’s growing season.

Subsequent workshops will cover composting, insect and pest management, renewable energy for homeowners and much more.

Published January 4, 2012