First Light Farm's Educational Mission is to offer learning experiences that help people reconnect with the sacredness of the living soil, learn new life skills, and build more resilient communities.
Upcoming Classes:
#1. July 15 - "Learning from the Earth" - Ethnobotany Class #2, 10:30-1 pm with Renee Fredrickson, ethnobotanist and former teacher from Northwest School, where she taught a year-long Ethnobotany program for seniors. Register now for the upcoming ethnobotany classes: Saturdays, July 15, August 19th, and September 9th, 10:30-1:30 pm. Class size is limited so sign up early!
"Ethnobotany is not a class. It's a way of looking at the world. It is science in its fundamental form: to look, to wonder, to ask questions, to figure out how knowledge came to be. It's that process of learning and knowing from very first-hand experience. The science isn't separate from the deep respect for the plant world" (Renee Fredrickson).
Participants learn how to forage in the wild, discover the culinary and medicinal uses of different plants, record medicinal and culinary uses of the plant in their field journal, and learn to make/sample treats from nature for their own use.
Participants will be sent an email prior to the class with instructions on purchasing a field journal and what to bring and wear. Cost: $75/family; $50/individual. Sign up for all four classes and receive one class for free. Register online: https://firstlightfarm-upick.square.site/
#2. August 19th Ethnobotany Class #3, 10:30-1 pm with Renee Fredrickson (4th class of a 4-class series; see above for description.) Register online: https://firstlightfarm-upick.square.site/
#3. August 26th - Learn how to make Hot Water Bath Dill Cucumber Pickles with Kaila Russell, 1-3:00 pm.
This is a hands-on learning experience! Participants will learn the basics of canning using the hot water bath method. Together we'll make dill pickles. Each participant will prep their cucumbers, onions and garlic and take home a quart jar of dill pickles to enjoy later. (Individuals and families welcome.) Cucumbers, canning jars, onions, dill and garlic provided. Bring your own knife and cutting board.Limited to 14 participants. $35.00. Register online: https://firstlightfarm-upick.square.site/
#4. September 9th - Ethnobotany Class #4, 10:30-1 pm with Renee Fredrickson
Other classes to be scheduled: seed saving
Past 2023 Classes:
"Learn and Grow" with Jeremy Houston, First Light Farm's Farm Manager
An Experiential Learning Program for people wanting to learn to grow their own vegetables. Taking reservations for the 2024 season.
There's so much to learn if you want to know how to grow your own fruits and vegetables. Consider joining this experiential class with First Light Farm's lead farmer, Jeremy Houston to learn how to become more knowledgeable as a gardener or would-be farmer.
In this experiential class, you'll learn about soil preparation and amendments, seeding techniques and propagation, familiarity with planting different crops, seasonal cycles, and crop rotation. You'll learn how to use some small equipment, irrigation techniques, weed and pest control, harvest techniques, and how to build a high tunnel. You will also be able to sell any of your produce at First Light Farm's farm stand.
Join us and participate in our community of farmers to learn the skills you'll need to become proficient as a grower.
Time Commitment: Two-three hours on Sunday afternoons, May through October.
First two classes:
- April 9 or 16th (choose one), 10-2 pm
- May 7 or 21st (choose one), 10-2 pm
Interested? Email us at firstlightfarm84@gmail.com to get your questions answered or to sign up for the program. We love to have you join us for a great season of growing and learning!
Learn How to Weave your own Basket with Kaila Russell
Back by popular demand, participants will enjoy learning one of the oldest crafts known.Each participant will make their own 8-10" round basket using dyed and natural round reed. No previous experience necessary; only willing hands! All supplies provided. Taught by Carnation's Kaila Russell, basket weaver for over 25 years. 1-4 pm. $45.00 per basket ($40 member price). Children ages 5-10, $10 a piece.
Space is Limited; sign up early online
Drying fruit (and some veggies) with Brenda Bennett, 10-noon
For the cook in the family: In this class, you will learn how to dry many different fruits (apples, bananas, peaches, cherries, mango, strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, grapes, and apricots. You'll also learn how to dry onions, potatoes and zucchini. The class will cover cutting techniques and timing hints. Also ways to stretch your dollar and how to become more sustainable with your family food needs. This is a great way to provide snacks for you and your kids with no added sugar or preservatives. Lots of tips and tricks to learn! (This class is geared towards adults but families are welcome.) $25. Class size limited. Register online: https://firstlightfarm-upick.square.site/
