Community Update February 2019
|
|
Despite the weather, winter is a busy time for us! Our students have been nurturing their roots in our Food Justice course with Farmer Yon of
Hattie Carthan Community Farm
, while our advanced students
are just beginning Soilless Practices with Yemi Amu of
Oko Farms
.
As first year students move on to Botany, we're preparing for our last course together with Uli Lorimer. He has taught our Botany and NYC as an Ecosystem courses for many years and will be moving to Massachusetts to lead the New England Wildflower Society garden this spring. Lise Lorimer will also be making the transition from Queens Botanical Garden and our Crop Management course. It's a bittersweet moment as
we're disappointed to see them move, yet excited for their new growth.
On a similar note, Farm School has made a recent transition as well. Last month, we moved out of the Just Food office. We've continued to strengthen our relationship with
The People's Forum
, where you can find us co-working and hosting courses. Next on our horizon are our upcoming mushroom collaboration with Cornell and spring courses, beginning with Propagation below!
|
|
|
Course Registration
Propagation
Wednesdays, 3/6, 3/13, 3/20 from 6-9pm
Saturdays, 4/6 and 4/13 from 10am-4pm
This course covers basic aspects of plant propagation and best practices, including: plant reproduction, greenhouses and hoop houses (managing microclimates, pests and diseases), creating soil mixes, and proper watering techniques for different types of seedlings and stages of growth.
Registration will close when courses are full. All weekday classes will take place at The People's Forum, located at 320 W 37th Street NY, NY
|
|
The Green New Deal
is taking Washington by storm. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (Dem, NY) and Senator Ed Markey (Dem, MA) introduced the Green New Deal, a package of legislation aimed at cutting carbon emissions and eliminating greenhouse gases from agricultural, transportation and manufacturing industries over the next ten years.
According to
Civil Eats
, the legislation stands in alliance with food and farming movements demanding an overhaul of unjust labor and environmental practices in the agricultural industry. Public monies would be pushed toward renewable energy, local-scale farming practices and “green” technology. The legislation would support basic income programs, universal health care, labor unions, job-readiness programs and other measures that promote economic security for workers.
Sunrise Movement
, a national organization of young environmentalists, claim this could be the greatest commitment to climate change mitigation and agricultural reform the United States has ever seen.
While the Green New Deal is admittedly ambitious, hopefully it will help center progressive climate legislation in future policies.
Tune in to NPR
to find out more.
|
|
Practicing ancestral rituals at La Finca del Sur,
Photo credit: Tracee Brown
|
|
Connor and Farmer Yon,
Photo credit: Yonnette Fleming
|
|
What did you like best about the Food Justice course?
"I loved that we unpacked the history of racism and oppression in the food system and in the history of people of color."
"Farmer Yon. I cannot even express my gratitude towards her. Now, I truly understand what it means to learn using your five senses."
"This class will be in my heart and mind forever."
|
|
Farmer Yon and Kolu Zigbi presenting on structural racism during Food Justice course, Photo credit: Tracee Brown
|
|
Friday, February 22, 6:30-10pm
Brooklyn / Mayday
Tuesday, February 26, 9-10:15am
Friday, March 1, 9am-3:15pm
Brooklyn / The Xerces Society
|
|
Saturday, March 9, 10am-4pm
Brooklyn / BBG
Thursday, March 14, 7:30-10pm
Brooklyn / Queer Kitchen Brigade
6 Saturdays, March 16 - August 17
Chester, NY / Rise & Root Farm
|
|
Earth Matter
Project Eats
City Parks Foundation
Edgemere Farm
Banana Kelly Community Improvement Association
Socrates Sculpture Park
Harlem Grown
|
|
Gowanus Canal Conservancy (GCC)
Woke Foods
Randall's Island Urban Farm
Horticultral Society of New York
The Campaign Against Hunger
NSAC
Groundswell Center
|
|
|
|
|
|
|