Calendar for Renaissance Farms Permaculture
Courses and Events at Renaissance Farms Permaculture
There are 16 species of turtles here in Massachusetts. They are wonderful animals. In addition to helping with seed disbursal and pest control, they actually create and modify habitats for other animals, and improve soils through their burrowing and mineral cycling! We’ll talk about some of the turtle species that live in our area, and[…]
We have just two species of toad here in Massachusetts. They are increasingly threatened by climate change. They’re very friendly creatures and provide pest control in our gardens and farms. They are also very important indicator species that tell us about the health of our ecosystem. We’ll talk about each of the toad species that[…]
Massachusetts is home to NINE species of bats. Sadly, five of those species are endangered. Bats provide pollination, seed disbursal, and pest management. They do a lot of work to balance ecosystems all over the world. They also produce some of the very best plant fertiliser you can get. We’ll talk about each of the[…]
There are a lot of beautiful butterflies that live here in Massachusetts. We see them throughout each summer here on our farm. They play an important role in pollination, alongside native bees and honeybees. They can also be important indicator species, telling us about the health of our ecosystem. We’ll talk about each of the[…]
We talk a lot about the importance of honeybees, and about conserving their food sources and wild ranges. Sometimes we forget about other native bees who – although they don’t make honey – provide a very valuable service to farmers and to wild places. They are under threat by many of the same things that[…]
In this hands-on workshop, we will be talking about insect bite prevention and treatment. Students will be making a natural insect repellent spray and a soothing salve to use on insect bites. Each student will leave class with a a 4 oz. spray bottle of repellent and a 4oz. jar of salve, recipes and instructions[…]
In this hands-on workshop, we will be talking about sunburn prevention and treatment. Students will be making a natural sunscreen with an SPF of 30 and a soothing salve to use on not only mild sunburn, but also on other mild burns and hot rashes (like diaper rash). Each student will leave class with a[…]
In this intimate, hands-on class, we’ll take a deep dive into the art and science of natural soap-making. You will learn everything you need to know to make your own cold process soap at home. Each participant will make a one pound batch of tallow soap, scented with essential oil and coloured naturally with plant[…]
In this intimate, hands-on class, we’ll take a deep dive into the art and science of natural soap-making. You will learn everything you need to know to make your own cold process soap at home. Each participant will make a one pound batch of my best-selling Plain Jane soap. It has myriad uses around the[…]
Summer kitchens – outdoor kitchens – appear in many cultures around the globe. In some places, outdoors was (and still IS) the only place for a kitchen. Here in North America, they are considered luxury amenities. We all know that food cooked outside over a wood or charcoal fire just tastes better, right? We will[…]
