Sustainable Living Association workshops include backyard chickens, organic gardening and fruit-tree grafting

The Sustainable Living Association has released its workshops for the months of March and April.

•Introduction to Backyard Chickens workshop takes place on March 24 from 12-4 p.m. at the Old Feed Store in Laporte. The workshop discusses the practicality, ecology, and economy of keeping backyard poultry. The workshop also includes a hands-on equipment display, a visit to the chicken yard and a lengthy question-and-answer session. This workshop is designed for folks who are new to poultry ownership, or for those with limited experience that need make sure they’ve covered all the basics. The class has a maximum occupancy of 20 people and a cost of $40 per person.

•Organic Gardening Ecology workshop takes place on April 14 from 12-4 p.m. at the Old Feed Store in Laporte. Learning from the work of bio-intensive method pioneer John Jeavons, discussion will focus heavily on soil biology, fertility and preparation. Other topics covered will include compost production, mulching, plant propagation, insect friends and foes, crop rotations, companion-succession-inter-planting, seasonality, seed saving, tools-techniques and more. This workshop includes lecture and garden time with hands-on trials, instructions, and demonstrations. The class has a maximum occupancy of 20 people and a cost of $40 per person.

•Fruit Tree Grafting workshop takes place on April 27 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Fort Collins Wholesale Nursery. This hands-on workshop is designed to teach the ancient skill of fruit tree grafting. You will leave the workshop with your own grafted apple tree. Rootstocks and scion wood will be provided. Participants should bring their own sharpened thin bladed pocket knife with a 2-3 inch blade and a pair of hand pruners — a few extra pairs will be available at the class. This workshop has a maximum occupancy of 20 people and a cost of $25 per person.

•Permaculture Design Course workshop takes place from April 1-13. Classes, lodging and meals will be held at Sunrise Ranch in Loveland, which includes a mature food forest, a vegetable farm, pastured animal systems, ecological buildings, appropriate technologies and a tight-knit community. To register for this PDC Course and for more detailed information visit www.SunriseRanch.org

For more information and to register for these workshops please visit www.SustainableLivingAssociation.org.