Saturday, May 30, 2015

Regional Agriculture Forum

New River Gorge Regional Development Authority & Robert C. Byrd Institute for Advanced Flexible Manufacturing

Thursday, June 11, 2015 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM (EDT)


The Robert C. Byrd Institute and New River Gorge Regional Development Authority are hosting a regional Agriculture Forum to educate local producers about topics that contribute to stronger local food systems. 
Presenters will focus on a range of topics such as what technical assistance might be available for local producers, farm to school initiatives, new and emerging markets, how to brand your goods, and how to prepare for selling at farmers markets.  
After presentations, attendees will have the opportunity to connect one on one with local resource providers.
Here's what your afternoon with us will look like. . . 
11:00am
Attendees pick up lunch
11:15am
New and emerging markets
-Bill Woodrum, Robert C. Byrd Institute 
11:35am
The role branding plays in local food
-Value Chain Cluster Initiative 
11:55pm
Break
12:00pm
How to prepare to sell at farmers markets
 
12:20pm
How to connect to CSAs and food hubs-Value Chain Cluster Initiative  
12:40pm
1pm
State of the industry
-Brian Sparks, West Virginia University Extension Service 
Q&A pannel with all speakers
Lunch is included, and attendance is FREE!!

Register HERE


Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Edible Herb Fair - The Wild Ramp


Join The Wild Ramp on June 6th for the Edible Herb Fair! The covered parking lot will feature flower pressing and paper making demonstrations, free herb-infused food and beverage samples, chemical-free herb and plant sales, and more.

The Edible Herb Fair opening event is a special Morning Tea beginning at 10 am. Click the link below for more information on reserving your seat, only 16 spots are available. Local, seasonal refreshments with a traditional English twist will be served. 

https://www.facebook.com/events/1624777867757774/

We will also be hosting an Herb-Infused Soda Making workshop at 11:30am. In this workshop, participants will learn how to save money by making premium soda with only a few ingredients! Samples will be provided. 

Raffle tickets are currently on sale for a Moon Garden Gift Basket, and the winner will be announced at 4 pm. Tickets are 1 for $2 or 3 for $5.

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Pollination Workshops

The following upcoming workshops may be of interest to CCMGA members and associates.


1. 
A WEBINAR

It's free from the Wildlife Habitat Council - you just need to register:

June 9: Plants and Pollinators with Dr. Stephen Buchmann.

In anticipation of National Pollinator Week, June 15-21, join renowned author Dr. Stephen Buchmann for a memorable conversation about pollinators and the plants to which they are intimately linked. Dr. Buchmann first called our attention to the world of pollinators through his book "The Forgotten Pollinators" and will share his stunning photos, scientific knowledge, and engaging stories as he previews his latest book, "The Reason for Flowers."

Dr. Buchmann, International Director, Pollinator Partnership, is perhaps the world's foremost authority on native and honey bees, and plant/pollinator interactions. His research interests include native bee nesting behavior, conservation biology and pollination ecology, especially buzz pollination.

Course highlights
  • Learn about the fascinating and complex world of pollination
  • Get an update on the current state of pollinators

http://www.wildlifehc.org/event/conservation-academy-plants-and-pollinator-buchmann/
 

register now

2.
YOU’RE INVITED!
US Forest Service Pollinator Training Workshop
Helping You Help Pollinators. Protect Their Lives. Preserve Ours
June 17, 2015
Cranberry Mountain Nature Center
Elkins, West Virginia

REGISTER NOW
Dear Helen Gibbins:

The USDA Forest Service’s Eastern Region is partnering with the Pollinator Partnership (P2) to develop and execute pollinator training workshops this Pollinator Week June 15-21, 2015. These workshops will focus on the importance of pollinators, the threats they currently face, and actions to help support them.

Government agencies, non-profits, for-profits, citizen scientists, and pollinator enthusiasts are welcome to join this invitation- only pollinator training workshop to learn and explore more about the importance of pollinators properly functioning ecosystems, with pollinator habitat resources intact, are integral to ensuring a sustainable path for the planet and all its life forms.

This is by invitation only and is on a first come first served basis.

Agenda (subject to change):

TIME            ACTIVITY
8:00 AM           Check-in
8:30 AM           Welcome and Logistics (15 min)
8:45 AM           Participant Round Robin (30 min)
9:15 AM           About Pollinators (45 min)
10:00 AM         Break
10:15 AM         Ecosystem Management and Pollinators (15 min)
11:00 AM         Local Pollinator Project(s) (30 minutes)
11:30 AM         Land Management and Pollinators (30 min)
Noon                Lunch
1:00 PM           NRCS and Pollinators (30 min)
1:30 PM           Ecosystem Management and Pollinators – Pollinator Friendly Practices (60 min)
2:30 PM           Bombus Monitoring as an Indicator of Pollinator Health (30 min)
3:00 PM           Bombus Field Work (60 min)
4:00 PM           Discussion, Brainstorm, Conclusion (30 min)
 
 

LOCATION
Cranberry Mountain Nature Center
Monongahela National Forest – Elkins, West Virginia
At intersection of Rt. 39/55 and Rt. 150 (Highland Scenic Highway), 14 miles west of Marlinton, 21 miles east of Richwood.
The physical address doesn’t work in GPS units.

NOTE
Please come prepared to give a brief (2 minute maximum) introduction to your work and goals (big or small) for pollinator projects.

Participants are responsible for their own transportation to/from the training along with bringing their own lunch and snacks.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.  We look forward to seeing you in June!

Sincerely,

Mary Byrne on behalf of the USDA Forest Service Eastern Region and the Pollinator Partnership
 
Jan Schultz
Program Leader Botany, Nonnative Invasive Species and Special Forest Products
Regional Office Eastern Region USFS
626 E. Wisconsin Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53202
414-297-1189
jschultz@fs.fed.us
Whitney Bailey
Forest Ecologist
Monongahela National Forest (WV)
USFS
200 Sycamore Street
Elkins, WV 26241
304-636-1800 x280
whitneybailey@fs.fed.us
Mary Byrne
Plant Ecologist
Pollinator Partnership
423 Washington Street, 5th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94111
415-362-1137
mb@pollinator.org

ADA Act
If you plan on attending one of these training sessions and need special accommodations, please call the Pollinator Partnership office at 415.362.1137 at least two weeks in advance of your training.