Urban Farm School Upcoming Classes & Events - July 2009

July is packed full of GREAT classes from Kendra and Toree and the Urban Farm School. Tons of information on canning, pickling, preserving, extending your harvest, and an evening of bat viewing at Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge! VERY COOL STUFF!!

Contact the Urban Farm School and sign up for some classes ASAP, 'cause they're filling up fast. Here's the schedule:

UPCOMING CLASSES

Jams and Jellies Primer
Thursday, July 9, 5 to 8pm
Submerge yourself in the wonderful world of jams and jellies. An easy way to reduce your grocery bills and increase the healthiness of the food you eat. We will discuss pectin options (including how to make your own!), seasonal fruits, sweeteners, and savory jellies as well as tools and materials needed at home. Workshop includes hands-on jam and jelly activity, all supplies, seasonal fruit for canning, and materials. You will leave this class with a bevy of jam and jelly options for home and the goodies you’ve canned in class.
Fee: $40
Location: Pioneer Grange, 3803 NE 199th St. Ridgefield, 98642,
http://www.wa-grange.org/pioneergrange.htm
Registration required: 360-907-5814 or e-mail.
Note: This class is limited to 10 people and requires payment in advance to secure your space.

Drying and Freezing the Harvest Primer
Sunday, July 12, 1 to 4pm
This workshop is designed to aid you in saving some of the harvest without canning. Learn about freezing fruits and vegetables, blanching, and storage as well as how to dry fruits and herbs for use throughout the year. Workshop includes hands-on drying activity, all supplies, seasonal herbs, and materials. You will leave this class with a bundle of knowledge, preservation confidence, and the goodies you’ve prepped in class.
Fee: $40
Location: Pioneer Grange, 3803 NE 199th St. Ridgefield, 98642,
http://www.wa-grange.org/pioneergrange.htm
Registration required: 360-907-5814 or e-mail.
Note: This class is limited to 10 people and requires payment in advance to secure your space.

Thursday, July 16, 6:30 to 8:30pm
Extending the Season’s Harvest
Learn about how to extend the growing and harvesting season throughout the fall and winter. Class will focus on seed selection, planting schedules, harvesting tips, mulching and other garden protectors.
Fee: $15
Location: Five Star Farms, 8806 NE 159th Street, Battle Ground, WA 98604
Registration required: 360-907-5814 or e-mail.

Canning for Couples and Food Tasting
Saturday, July 18, 9am to 1pm
We are happy to be offering a class through Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation at Luepke Center. Spend the day with someone special, exploring the wonderful world of seasonal foods and home preservation. Walk away with a canned
item, basic waterbath canning confidence, and a greater
knowledge of our local food system. There will be seasonal food snacks served during the event.
Fee: $75/couple
Location: Luepke Kitchen Multi-Purpose Room, 1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd., Vancouver 98663
Registration required: (Parks and Recreation office) 360-487-7050

Pickling Primer
Sunday, July 19, 1 to 4pm
There aren’t many things better than homemade pickles. Discussion will include appropriate foods for pickling, brine options, fermentation techniquesas well as tools and materials needed for home. Workshop includes hands-on pickling activity, all supplies, seasonal vegetables, and materials. You will leave this class with a new eye for pickling possibilities and the goodies you’ve pickled in class.
Fee: $40
Location: Pioneer Grange, 3803 NE 199th St. Ridgefield, 98642,
http://www.wa-grange.org/pioneergrange.htm
Registration required: 360-907-5814 or e-mail.
Note: This class is limited to 10 people and requires payment in advance to secure your space.

Waterbath Canning Primer
Thursday, July 23, 5 to 8pm
The workshop will cover the basics of water bath canning including what foods are appropriate for water bath canning vs. pressure canning, safety, syrups, tools, and materials. Workshop includes hands-on canning activity, all supplies, seasonal fruit for canning, and materials. You will leave this class with a greater knowledge of food safety, waterbath canning confidence, and the goodies you’ve canned in class.
Fee: $40
Location: Pioneer Grange, 3803 NE 199th St. Ridgefield, 98642,
http://www.wa-grange.org/pioneergrange.htm
Registration required: 360-907-5814 or e-mail.
Note: This class is limited to 10 people and requires payment in advance to secure your space.

Pressure Canning Primer
Sunday, July 26, 1 to 4pm
The workshop will cover the basics of pressure canning including what foods are appropriate for pressure canning vs. water bath canning, safety, pressure and time requirements, food preparation as well as tools and materials needed for home. Workshop includes hands-on canning activity, all supplies, seasonal vegetable for canning, and materials. You will leave this class with a greater knowledge and confidence of pressure canning and the goodies you’ve canned in class.
Fee: $40
Location: Pioneer Grange, 3803 NE 199th St. Ridgefield, 98642,
http://www.wa-grange.org/pioneergrange.htm
Registration required: 360-907-5814 or e-mail.
Note: This class is limited to 10 people and requires payment in advance to secure your space.

Thursday, July 30, 6:30 to 8:30pm
Family Bat Night!
We’re batty for bats and the whole family can join us for an evening out! We will discuss the important role that these misunderstood mammals play in pest control and pollination. Class will consist of a lecture and short walk to view the bats in action. Come prepared for walking and outdoor weather.
Fee: $15/person, $30/family (up to 4 people)
Location: TBA
Registration required: 360-907-5814 or e-mail.

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