Kentuckians for the Commonwealth is hosting a follow up to last year's very successful Growing Appalachia gathering. The day will be filled with workshops presented by local experts, featuring ways to save and earn money through local small-scale farming, forestry and energy solutions. The event will be held at the Convention Center at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park on Saturday, April 9. There is no cost for the conference but pre-registration is appreciated. Register here to attend the event.
For more information, see the KFTC website.
Schedule
9:30 Registration
9:45 Opening Plenary (KFTC)
10:15 Workshop 1 (choose 1 of 3)
11:15 Workshop 2 (choose 1 of 3)
2:15 Lunch (Randy Wilson will provide music and encourage networking/conversation)
1:30 Workshop 3 (choose 1 of 3)
2:30 Workshop 4 (choose 1 of 3)
3:30 Closing/Wrap up
3:45 Adjourn
| Workshop schedule | |
|---|---|
Workshop Session #1 – 10:15 a.m. |
|
| Growing your own edible mushrooms | Tim Hensley, Forest Retreats |
| What it takes to get your farm certified organic in Kentucky | Ronald Bruno, Holy Mountain Farm |
| How to get a community garden or community orchard going | Sustainable Morehead |
Workshop Session #2 – 11:15 a.m. |
|
| Setting up Community Supported Agriculture to benefit local growers and consumers | David Wagoner, Three Springs Farm |
| How$mart: An exciting new approach to home weatherization offered by the Big Sandy Rural Electric Cooperative | Jeff Fugate of the Mountain Association for Community Economic Development and invited participants from the utility |
| Transition Town: ideas and strategies for working as a community to support more local and sustainable practices | Vanessa Hall and Lisa Abbott of Kentuckians For The Commonwealth |
Workshop Session #3 1:30 p.m. |
|
| Home weatherization tips and strategies | |
| Opportunities for sustainable forestry and agriculture | Farmer and author Wendell Berry |
| Beginning gardening: tips and best practices for small spaces | University of Kentucky Extension Service |
Workshop Session #4 2:30 p.m. |
|
| Horse-drawn logging | Jason Rutledge of Healing Harvest Forest Foundation |
| Putting solar energy solutions to work for families and businesses in eastern Kentucky | Andy McDonald, Solar Energy Partnership |
| Extending the growing season: Hoop- Houses and Cold Frames | |
