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Field Days are a great opportunity for small farmers, homesteaders, and home gardeners to network and learn from their fellow food growers. During the field day, hosts will lead the group on a short farm tour, focusing in on one element of production that has been a success or challenge that they can share with the group. Participants are encouraged to ask questions and share experiences during the event. Most field day will conclude with a potluck and opportunities to ask questions, build relationships, and explore additional topics.
Field Days are free for Food Works members. A $5 donation is suggested for non-members. |
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2017 Field Day Schedule
April
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May
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June
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June - St. Clair County
Permaculture Design in a Suburban Setting
Saturday, June 17th at 1:00 p.m.
29 Roselawn Ave.
Fairview Heights, IL 62208
Jeffrey Pitts of Regenerative Landscaping will lead a tour of his half acre suburban site showing how he has incorporated permaculture principles in a suburban setting. Pitts has planted herbs, vegetables, and fruit trees including apple, apricot, peach, plum, pear, nectarine, persimmon, pawpaw, along with mulberry, sassafras, 50ft of blackberries, cherry bushes, raspberries, honey berries, currants, hardy kiwi, and goji berries around his home. Pitts' yard and gardens have been planned using permaculture principles to minimize maintenance and maximize production and efficiency.
29 Roselawn Ave.
Fairview Heights, IL 62208
Jeffrey Pitts of Regenerative Landscaping will lead a tour of his half acre suburban site showing how he has incorporated permaculture principles in a suburban setting. Pitts has planted herbs, vegetables, and fruit trees including apple, apricot, peach, plum, pear, nectarine, persimmon, pawpaw, along with mulberry, sassafras, 50ft of blackberries, cherry bushes, raspberries, honey berries, currants, hardy kiwi, and goji berries around his home. Pitts' yard and gardens have been planned using permaculture principles to minimize maintenance and maximize production and efficiency.
July
Organic Fruit Tree Production for Southern Climates
This presentation and field day will provide a solid foundation for understanding the challenges and opportunities for growing fruit trees organically in southern Illinois. Growing fruit trees without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers in challenging in southern climates where tree fruits are highly susceptible to rusts, insect damages, and disease. Learn how to select varieties appropriate for this region, the importance of quality rootstock, and what to do with blemished fruit.
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Monday July 10th, 1-3pm
Formal Presentation by Guy Ames $10 Suggested Donation Carbondale Township Offices 217 E Main St, Carbondale IL (enter in back through green door) $15 suggested donation at the door Guy K. Ames. has over 40 years of successes and failures trying to grow fruit organically in the South. He has operated Ames Orchard & Nursery in northern Arkansas, producing both fruit and fruit plants adapted to Ozark conditions, for 25 years. In addition to the orchard and nursery, Guy is currently a Horticulture Specialist with ATTRA, the national sustainable agriculture information service managed by the National Center for Appropriate Technology. |
Monday July 10th, 5:30-7:30 pm
Field Day: Rattlesnake Ferry Solar Farm 1170 Rattlesnake Ferry Rd, Alto Pass IL 62905 $10 suggested donation at the door Dennis Connolly operates a small orchard of disease resistant stone fruits, apples, and berries Rattlesnack Ferry Solar Farm in Alto Pass with his partner Georganne Hartzog. Dennis carefully researched trees that would be hardy for this region, many of which are coincidentally sold by Ames Orchard & Nursery. Participants at this field day can get up close and personal with varieties of fruit trees well suited for this region and ask questions of our local growers and fruit tree expert, Guy Ames. |
August
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December
Small Grains: Production Tips & Opportunities in Southern Illinois
Sunday December 1st, time TBD
Scratch Brewing Company (Serpent Room)
264 Thompson Rd, Ava, IL
Getting started with small grains can be intimidating. What equipment do you need, and where will you sell the grain once you’ve grown it? At this field day, Matthew Currier will talk about transitioning the family farm to organic grain crops, what equipment & implements he’s worked with, and tips about growing different grains and varieties. Scratch Brewery will discuss how they plan to incorporate local grains in their brewing process and for milling flours for baked goods.
Scratch Brewing Company (Serpent Room)
264 Thompson Rd, Ava, IL
Getting started with small grains can be intimidating. What equipment do you need, and where will you sell the grain once you’ve grown it? At this field day, Matthew Currier will talk about transitioning the family farm to organic grain crops, what equipment & implements he’s worked with, and tips about growing different grains and varieties. Scratch Brewery will discuss how they plan to incorporate local grains in their brewing process and for milling flours for baked goods.
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2016 Field Day ScheduleMarch 10th... AgroForestry and Commercial Maple Production at Principia College, Elsah, IL
April 11th... Improving Cold Storage with a Low-Cost Walk-In Cooler at Countrysprout Organics, Carbondale, IL May 9th... Intensive Mulching and Managing a Mature Berry Patch at BackAchers Farm, Anna, IL July 11th... Permaculture-Inspired Linear Food Forest at Organic Energy Works, Tamms, IL August 7th... Summer Social at Scratch, Ava, IL October 10th... Perennial Herbs and Companion Planting at Flora Bay Farm, Carbondale, IL November 15th... Root Cellar Design and Storage at Dayempur Farm, Anna, IL |
2015 Field Day ScheduleMay 18th... Mushroom Cultivation: Incorporating Mycelium into Permaculture Design at Flyway Family Farm, Makanda, IL
June 15th... Succession Planting: Tips for Southern Illinois at Hollow Pumpkin Farm, Anna, IL July 20th.. Chef Farmer Mixer at Yellow Moon Cafe, Cobden, IL August 17th... Utilizing Livestock for Fertility and Weed Management at Fern Clyffe Farm, Bumcombe, IL October 19th... Healthy Soils, Healthy Plants at All Seasons Farm, Cobden, IL |
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