March Update

Spring has sprung and the SLUGS youth and staff are busy getting prepared for the season ahead! In the first month of the program we were introduced to this awesome concept called Permaculture and have been starting to rethink what it means to have a sustainable food system. We've been sowing seeds, designing our veggie gardens, and getting inspired by local farmers on our fieldtrip to Ragley Farm (thanks to Susan, Vivi & Josie!). We have some awesome workshops and fieldtrips coming up, so keep on reading to find out what is in store for March...

Thursday, March 11  4:00-6:00 pm

Sheet Mulching Workparty! Ever heard of “lasagna” gardening? Nope, unfortunately lasagna doesn’t grow on trees, but you can build your soil in layers that make it look a bit like lasagna! Come discover how to create a no-dig sheet mulch in your garden. We’ll be layering manure, compost, veggie scraps, cardboard, straw, leaves and other delicious materials to create healthy garden beds without having to ship in soil. There’s no cost for this workshop and all are welcome! Bring your gloves and gumboots because we will definitely get dirty!

Thursday, March 18  4:00-6:30 pm

Community Mapping Where is your favourite chill-out spot?  Are there hidden pockets of fruit trees in your neighbourhood?  Unused soil that could be growing food?  Piles of leaves to jump in – or turn into a lasagna garden?  What is your vision for your neighbourhood?  In this workshop we will be creating maps of our communities, based on what YOU think should be on a map, and what resources might be just around the corner for our gardens and compost piles.  These maps might be just the beginning of bigger maps for your use and for green city and neighbourhood maps. We’ll finish off this workshop with an intro to Brassicas and Legumes. Come find out what plants are in these families and how to grow them!

Thursday, March 25  4:00-6:30 pm

Blogging and Photographing Your Garden  We’re teaming up with the Power of Hope (www.powerofhope.org) to bring you this exciting workshop on how to use social media to record and share your gardening experience! Learn how to use photography, writing, and personal stories to create journals and blogs that will show how you and your garden evolves over time and will inspire others along the way.

FIELD TRIP: Saturday, March 27

Eco-Sense Come meet Ann and Gord Baird and visit their beautiful cob home just outside of Victoria. You’ll have the chance to see their solar and wind power systems, green roof, composting toilets, greywater systems, amazing cob structures and organic gardens. We’ll be having a potluck picnic out there and checking out another farm en route. Take a look at photos of Eco-Sense at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/eco-sense/sets/72157600040396645. This workshop is available for youth who have attended our Thursday workshops. For more info and registration, give us a call at 386-9676.   Thursday, April 1st Befriending Weeds and Pests Weeds often get a bad rap in our culture. What we often don’t see is all the amazing services these tenacious little suckers provide for us. Just a few of these benefits include holding topsoil, pulling up water and nutrients, providing food, and helping control insects. Many weeds are also good for our health, providing nutritious food and medicine! In this workshop, join our guest presenter Alix Link as she takes us on an adventure to identify common weeds, discover practical uses for them, and enjoy a tasting of edible weeds. We’ll also be meeting plants in the Solanaceae family! Don’t know what this means? Come check out the workshop to find out!

Here's an updated workshop schedule. Changes are highlighted in yellow. *** Note that the workshops on March 18th and 25th have been switched but not updated on this schedule.***

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Any youth aged 15-18 who want to come to a workshop are welcome to drop in for $5 a session. Saturday Fieldtrips are for open to folks who have attended some of our Thursday workshops and are $10 for drop-in. To register or get more info, give us a shout at 250-386-9676!