Back to Basics: The Pile

Don't throw out yard waste or kitchen scraps. Use them to make low-cost compost for natural fertilizer or mulch for your garden, landscape beds, and potted plants.

This is the perfect class for people interested in starting a compost pile or who are looking to improve established piles. Learn the simple do's and don'ts that can help ensure composting success, and see working compost piles in action. Instructor: Derek Greene. For all ages.

F ·5/24 · 7-8 p.m.
Winslow Woods Park, Playground Shelter

$4/in-city, $5/non-city ―Register by 5/20 (Code 54001-A)

Classic Compost Bin

Don't throw out yard waste or kitchen scraps. Use them to make low-cost compost for natural fertilizer or mulch for your garden, landscape beds, and potted plants.

This aesthetically pleasing compost bin made from natural cedar and sturdy wire mesh is easy to assemble and to use. The modular design allows quick access to the compost inside, and makes transporting the finished bin a snap. In addition to a ready-to-use compost bin, participants will also receive information on how to use and maintain the bins. Cost is per bin. Instructor: Derek Greene. For ages 16 yrs. and up.

Sa · 6/1 · 1-2:30 p.m.
Winslow Woods Park, Playground Shelter

$115/in-city, $120/non-city ―Register by 5/20 (Code 54001-A)

Domestic Resilience: Growing Food in the Neighborhood

Through the lens of permaculture, we will take a look at food security at the home and neighborhood levels. This is where we have the greatest impact, so let's be creative and build the future of which we want to be a part! We will cover perennial foods, food storage, utilizing open neighborhood spaces, creating edible neighborhoods, waste streams and fertility cycles, niche and staple crops, and the development of neighborhood identity. Co-sponsored by Bloomingfoods and Hilltop Garden and Nature Center. Instructor: Jonas Carpenter, permaculture designer and educator. For all ages.

Th · 6/6 · 6-8 p.m.
Hilltop Garden and Nature Center, 2367 E. 10th St.

$11/in-city, $14/non-city ―Register by 6/3 (Code 56501-A)

Utilizing Water in the Landscape: Going with the Flow

When it rains, it pours. So why not harvest that abundance and learn to dance with drought? Dry times aren't going away, but with a bit of planning and good design we can buffer harsh conditions. Permaculture design offers a holistic approach to water management. We will cover drought-proofing strategies, water catchment and storage, passive water management, and learn to stop sending water "away". Co-sponsored by Bloomingfoods and Hilltop Garden and Nature Center. Instructor: Jonas Carpenter, permaculture designer and educator. For all ages.

Th · 6/13 · 6-8 p.m.
Hilltop Garden and Nature Center, 2367 E. 10th St.

$11/in-city, $14/non-city ―Register by 6/10 (Code 56507-A)

Master Composter Class

Learn how to be an expert composter and how to share your expertise with others. The class is based on the Cornell Waste Management Institute's Master Composter curriculum with additional content added. Students may take the class for their own enrichment or, with the completion of a final presentation and 20 hours of volunteer educational outreach, be certified as Master Composters. A reference notebook is included in the registration fee. Optional field trips and hand-on activities will be scheduled on some Saturdays during the class. Co-sponsored by Bloomingfoods, Bloomington Food Policy Council, Center for Sustainable Living, and The District ... Where Green Living Begins. Instructor: H. Michael Simmons, Advanced Master Gardener and Master Composter. For all ages.

Tu · 6/18-7/16 · 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Hilltop Garden and Nature Center, 2367 E. 10th St.

$55/in-city, $60/non-city ―Register by 6/14 (Code 56504-A)

Wild Fermentations

Join Kayte Young and Stephanie Solomon of Mother Hubbard's Cupboard to explore the exciting world of lacto-fermented foods. We'll do an in-class demonstration transforming fresh seasonal produce into delicious and nutritious probiotic foods. We'll also discuss basic methods for making delicacies such as kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha and yogurt in your own home. Co-sponsored by Bloomingfoods and Mother Hubbard's Cupboard. Instructors: Kayte Young and Stephanie Solomon, nutrition educators. For all ages.

W · 7/10 · 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Mother Hubbard's Cupboard, 1100 W. Allen St.

$8/in-city, $9/non-city ―Register by 7/8 (Code 56508-A)

Grow Organic Educator Series

Learn organic gardening from the experts and share your knowledge with the community in this organic outreach horticultural certification program, which covers soil science to seed saving and everything in between. Complete the course and volunteer hours in a number of community projects to be certified as a Grow Organic Educator or just take the course for your own enrichment. Get gardening with GOES! Textbook and comprehensive reference notebook included in fee. There are a number of optional Saturday workshops and field trips scheduled. Class does not meet on 11/27. Co-sponsored by the Center for Sustainable Living and Bloomingfoods. Instructors: A team of organic gardening experts. For ages 18 yrs. and up.

Thanks to the generosity of a GOES graduate, scholarship assistance is now available through the Cassell Memorial Scholarship fund. Scholarship applications must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the start of the program and are available at the Parks and Recreation office. Applicants must provide proof of income and a brief statement indicating why they are interested in completing the GOES series. For more information about applying for a scholarship, call 349-3710.

W · 9/4-12/4 · 6-9 p.m.
Hilltop Garden and Nature Center, 2367 E. 10th St.

$125/in-city, $145/non-city ―Register by 8/30 (Code 56503-A)