Agriculture workshops

Workshops

Fruit Tree Management and Pruning

Course ID: HGGP 001

Would you like to be able to confidently prune your own fruit trees? Join Bernie Dinter to gain a basic understanding of how to manage and prune fruit trees to keep them healthy and productive for many years. This workshop will include a presentation in the classroom (St. Ann's building) and a demonstration in the orchard at Providence Farm.

Guest Instructor: Bernie Dinter

February 23  | 1:30 to 4 pm.
Fee: $35 + GST 

Register for Fruit Tree Management and Pruning

How to Prevent and Prepare for Fires on your Farm

Course ID: BAYF 001

Join a local farmer and representatives from the FireSmart Program at Emergency Management Cowichan (CVRD) to learn how to apply FireSmart principles to farm properties. Proactive planning and implementation of FireSmart activities is proven to increase the resiliency of farms to wildfire and other hazards. It will also improved human and livestock safety. This half-day workshop will be held at a working farm to examine typical at-risk structures and landscapes in detail.

 After a short presentation on the program and services available specifically for farmers, there will be an outdoor workshop with a number of themed stations: 

farm house hazard mitigation

outbuilding hazard mitigation

landscape management

forest edge fuel reduction. 

In addition to planning and mitigation, the workshop will also address other topics such as response, evacuation and recovery.  

March 9  | 1 to 4 pm.
Fee: $15 + GST 

Register for How to Prevent and Prepare for Fires on your Farm

Basic Maintenance and Operation of Farm Equipment

Course ID: SWIC 011

Would you like to increase productivity, decrease machine down time, and limit costly repairs? This course will review practices used in the maintenance, preventative maintenance, and operation of farm equipment.
 
John Spencer will discuss the engine cooling system, engine lubrication system, engine fuel system, engine air system, electrical system, transmission and hydraulic systems, tires and ballasting, proper attachment of towed implements, implement drive lines (PTO), fuels, oils and lubricants, blade sharpening and more. 

Session 1 will focus on lawn mowers, weedwhackers, chainsaws and other small equipment

Session 2 will focus on large equipment

Register for one or both sessions.

March 23 + 30 |  1-4 pm
Fee: $60 + GST/session

Register for Basic Maintenance and Operation of Farm Equipment

Introduction to Backyard Beekeeping

Course ID: HGBK 001

Are you interested in becoming a beekeeper, or are you new to raising bees? In this course, you will learn about tools and equipment, pests and diseases of the honeybee, and other essentials for the first years of beekeeping. In addition, this workshop will explore the top pollinator plants that you could establish to provide forage for honeybees and other native pollinators.

Guest Instructor: Gordon MacKay

April 12, 19, 26 |  1 to 3 pm.
Fee: $95 + GST 

Register for Backyard Beekeeping

Backyard Chickens – Basics and Biosecurity

Course ID: HGCE 001

Would you like to learn more about keeping your backyard chickens happy and healthy? Join James Lockwood of Lockwood Farms for an introduction to breed selection, housing, protection from predators, feed requirements, health concerns, biosecurity and more.

Next workshop date to be announced.
Fee: TBA

Rainwater Capture and Storage

Course ID: HGOL 004

Are you interested in learning to harvest and store rainwater for use in your garden or on your farm? Rainwater harvesting is a vital alternative water source in our region. This presentation explores rainwater harvesting, delving into:

• fundamental concepts
• design principles
• regulatory considerations,
• optimal approaches for small to medium-scale residential and agricultural applications. 

Intrinsically linked to rainwater harvesting is conservation, a theme Gord will illuminate with practical insights drawn from his experiences nurturing a 650-tree orchard. The orchard serves not only as a source of fruit and nuts but also as a means of land remediation, transforming a former scrap yard and gravel pit into a thriving ecosystem. Expect a dynamic and engaging session, with ample opportunity for participant interaction and inquiry, as Gord thrives on fostering dialogue and sharing knowledge.
 
Next workshop date to be announced.
Fee:  TBA

Introduction to Meadow Making

Course ID: HGBL 002

Join us to learn about establishing a native plant meadow that is inspired by Prairie-Oak or Garry Oak Ecosystems and kwetlal food systems of Southeastern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Learn techniques you can use for:

• lawn
• boulevard septic field, 
• green roof
• community gardens 
• and more

This includes details on:

• how to remove unwanted grass
• seeding and planting approaches
• timing
• expectations
• maintenance

Explore the benefits of planting with native plants and the wildlife rewards you might experience. This workshop will prepare you to dig into your meadow-making project!
 
Next workshop date to be announced.
Fee: TBA