2014 Sustainable Living Series Class Guide

Who we are North Carolina Cooperative Extension partners with communities to deliver education and technology that enrich the lives, land and economy of North Carolinians.

The Mecklenburg County Cooperative Extension staff provides targeted research-based educational programming in the following major areas, which were identified in an environmental scan of Mecklenburg county: (a) improving health and nutrition, (b) environmental stewardship and natural resource management, (c) increasing educational achievement, and (d) local food education and food safety.

Currently, our field faculty lead the following programs to meet the needs of our citizens: • • • •

4-H Youth Development Horticulture Family and Consumer Sciences Expanded Foods & Nutrition Education (EFNEP)

Contact Us Mecklenburg Cooperative Extension Service 1418 Armory Dr. Charlotte, NC 28204 Phone: 704.336.2082 Email: Kristin_Davis@ncsu.edu Web: Mecklenburg.ces.ncsu.edu

The

Sustainable

Living Series

THE SUSTAINABLE LIVING SERIES The Mecklenburg Cooperative Extension Sustainable Living Series is a collaboration of Mecklenburg Family and Consumer Sciences and Mecklenburg Extension Master Gardeners to provide citizens with education to incorporate sustainable practices into their lifestyle. From gardening to canning, the Sustainable Living Series connects families with nature, nutrition and sustainability in a practical and fun way!

Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) view the family, in all its diverse forms, as the cornerstone of a healthy society. Our mission is to improve the well-being of the family through programs that educate, influence public policy, and help families put research-based knowledge to work in their lives.

For more information about the Family and Consumer Sciences program visit mecklenburg.ces.ncsu.edu.

Extension Master Gardeners are dedicated gardening enthusiasts from Mecklenburg County with their love of gardening and environmental stewardship, have expanded their horticultural education and skills in order to help others. Master Gardeners use their knowledge, abilities and enthusiasm to teach, advise, and assist the general public on a wide range of green, gardening topics.

For more information about the Mecklenburg Extension Master Gardener program visit www.mastergardenersmecklenburg.org.

CLASS DESCRIPTION & FEE GUIDE FREE WORKSHOPS

F

Free workshops are provided to the public to provide introductory knowledge on topics outlined in this guide. Registration for free workshops can be completed at Mecklenburg.CES.NCSU.edu/sustain

FEE-BASED WORKSHOPS

$

Fee-based workshops assess a nominal fee to cover the cost of supplies for the workshop. Any remaining funds support Mecklenburg Cooperative Extension programming.

DEMONSTRATION

D

We learn by doing! This symbol notates classes that will include a demonstration and/or hands-on instruction approach.

5

ALL CLASSES WILL BE HELD AT THE MECKLENBURG COUNTY COOPERATIVE EXTENSION TRAINING FACILITY LOCATED AT 1418 ARMORY DRIVE, CHARLOTTE, NC 28204.

FEB. 11 (Tues.) | Spring into Gardening F D

Mecklenburg Cooperative Extension Training Facility 12:00 NOON – 1:30 PM

Eat healthy, exercise, and save money by planting a spring garden.

From gardening basics like soil preparation, seed propagation, planting dates, and harvesting techniques to recommended vegetables to enjoy through the spring and early summer, to easy gardening tips to ensure a bountiful harvest, Extension Master Gardeners teach how to grow healthy, delicious food in the spring.

FEB. 26 | Understanding Our Food System

F

Mecklenburg Cooperative Extension Training Facility 12:00 NOON – 1:30 PM

Local, sustainable, organic, commercial...all terms that relate to our food system. Learn what they mean and how the food system affects your family. Kristin Davis, Extension Agent, provides an experiential learning experiment for everyday consumers who want to understand our food system.

MAR. 12 | Small Gardens for Small Spaces Container Gardening 101

F

D

Mecklenburg Cooperative Extension Training Facility 12:00 NOON – 1:30 PM No land? No problem! Learn how to grow garden-fresh vegetables and herbs year-round in containers. In this workshop, Extension Master Gardeners teach planting and maintenance basics for a healthy container garden: materials, styles of containers, various potting mixes, fertilization, and watering requirements. Discover which varieties do best in containers including those varieties that not only taste great but are also attractive.

4

MAR. 26 | Green Cleaning for Healthy Housekeeping

F

Mecklenburg Cooperative Extension Training Facility 12:00 NOON – 1:30 PM Reduce your footprint. Kristin Davis, Extension Agent presents techniques for green cleaning using water-safe home cleaners and money saving recipes. Learn how to effectively clean the house using common pantry items!

APR. 9 | Time to Grow Terrific Tomatoes Mecklenburg Cooperative Extension Training Facility 12:00 NOON – 1:30 PM

F

Learn how to grow a bountiful, organic summer garden. In this workshop, Extension Master Gardeners teach gardening basics like soil preparation, seeds or transplants, planting dates, and harvesting techniques as well as best vegetable selections to enjoy through summer into early fall and fool-proof gardening tips to ensure juicy, tasty tomatoes as well as other summer vegetables.

APR. 23 | Introduction to Raw Food Dishes Mecklenburg Cooperative Extension Training Facility 12:00 NOON – 1:30 PM

F

D

JUN. 11 | Got Gardening Problems? Get Solutions!

Mecklenburg Cooperative Extension Training Facility 12:00 NOON – 1:30 PM

F

Learn how to turn garden abundance into edible delights with little to no heat. Kristin Davis, Extension Agent teaches quick, healthy, balanced meals prepared using raw food techniques through an inclass demonstration.

Learn about common plant pests and diseases that can cause problems in your garden. Extension Master Gardeners teach how to properly identify your problem and offers safe, research-based, environmentally friendly management practices.

MAY 14 | Garden Beauty on a Budget

JUN. 27 | Basics of Waterbath Canning

Mecklenburg Cooperative Extension Training Facility 12:00 NOON – 1:30 PM

F

D

From bright, fragrant annual and perennial flowers to leafy, blooming shrubs and trees leave this class with ideas to improve the look and feel of your garden without breaking the bank.

Extension Master Gardeners share tips on to create how a stylish, beautiful outdoor green space with ideas for selecting healthy flowers, shrubs, and trees that are economical, too.

MAY 28 | Backyard Chickens in the City Mecklenburg Cooperative Extension Training Facility 12:00 NOON – 1:30 PM

Mecklenburg Cooperative Extension Training Facility 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM , $18

$ D

Preregistration is required. No onsite registration available.

Learn the basics of waterbath canning and get started immediately canning the produce from your own garden! Kristin Davis, Extension Agent teaches hands-on techniques for preserving high acid foods.

Each participant will leave with a preserved item and a canning booklet including recipes and step-by-step instructions.

JUL. 9 | From Kitchen Scraps to Garden Gold F

Chickens in the city are more than just a trend! Join us for a special workshop with Richard Goforth, Area Poultry Specialist, as we learn about selection of appropriate breeds, space requirements for raising backyard chickens, space maintenance and sanitation, treating disease, and governmental/ordinance regulations.

Mecklenburg Cooperative Extension Training Facility 12:00 NOON – 1:30 PM

F

D

Worm composting is a cost-effective, ecofriendly way of turning your kitchen scraps into rich organic nutrients for your garden. Extension Master Gardeners offer a step-by-step demonstration on creating a worm bin.

JUL. 25 | Jams, Jellies and Fruit Spreads Mecklenburg Cooperative Extension Training Facility 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM , $18

$ D

Preregistration is required. No onsite registration available.

Come jam with us as we learn the basics to preserving jams, jellies and other fruit spreads in a fun and interactive format. Kristin Davis, Extension Agent teaches how to prepare a fruit spreads through a hands-on class format. Each participant will take home a canned item and canning booklet including recipes and step-by-step instructions.

AUG. 15 | Pickling your Garden Harvest Mecklenburg Cooperative Extension Training Facility 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM , $18

$

D

Preregistration is required. No onsite registration available.

Nothing says summer like fresh homemade pickles! Kristin Davis, Extension Agent teaches the basics of pickling fruits and veggies in a fun and interactive format. Each participant will complete a handson process of preparing bread and butter pickles and receive a canning booklet including recipes and step-by-step instructions.

AUG. 29 | Safe Pressure Canning for Garden Vegetables

$ D

Mecklenburg Cooperative Extension Training Facility 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM , $18

Mecklenburg Cooperative Extension Training Facility 12:00 NOON – 1:30 PM

I don't have time to cook? I eat out because it is cheaper? I live alone, why should I cook? Sound familiar? Learn solutions for eating healthy in the midst of a busy schedule. Kristin Davis, Extension Agent presents techniques for preparing quick and healthy meal; easy storage solutions for meals on the go and snack alternatives.

OCT. 8 | Landscaping Ideas for Beginners

Preregistration is required. No onsite registration available.

Fear your pressure canner no more! Kristin Davis, Extension Agent teaches the basics of preserving low acid foods in a fun and interactive format. Participants will learn all the steps to pressure canning while preserving green beans in class. Each participant will leave with a canning booklet including recipes and step-by-step instructions.

SEPT. 10 | Fall is for Planting Mecklenburg Cooperative Extension Training Facility 12:00 NOON – 1:30 PM

SEPT. 24 | Fresh & Healthy Meal Strategies for the Busy Person D F

F

Time to plant glorious greens, luscious lettuce, and other healthy vegetables for a holiday harvest. Extension Master Gardeners teach gardening basics like soil preparation, seeds or transplants, planting dates, harvesting techniques, and the best vegetable selections to enjoy through fall into winter and to serve at your holiday gatherings.

Mecklenburg Cooperative Extension Training Facility 12:00 NOON – 1:30 PM

F

D

Fall is a great time to make changes in your landscape or to get started with beautifying your outdoor environment. Extension Master Gardeners explain some basic design techniques to teach you how to craft a more ecologically-friendly and visually appealing landscape. Beginners and more experienced gardeners alike will appreciate these cost-effective ideas from plant choices to best sight lines.

OCT. 22 | Composting A-Z Mecklenburg Cooperative Extension Training Facility 12:00 NOON – 1:30 PM

F

D

Composting A-Z: Learn the how’s and why’s of home composting from proper preparation and management of compost to bin construction techniques to how to use your compost. Mecklenburg Extension Master Gardeners teach backyard composting basics, turning leaves and kitchen scraps into a wonderful soil amendment, a gardener's black gold!

NOV. 11 | Green Gifts for the Holiday Mecklenburg Cooperative Extension Training Facility $2 per family member $ D Preregistration is required. No onsite registration available.

Think green for the holidays! Join the Mecklenburg Cooperative Extension as we learn fun ways to turn sustainable items into holiday gems. This family workshop is a great way to utilize the school-day-out for Veterans' Day to jump start your holiday gift list.

Please note that minors must be supervised by a parent during this workshop. (Out-of-School Day)

Nov. 12 | Bringing Nature Inside for the Holidays Mecklenburg Cooperative Extension Training Facility

F

D

Learn how to make easy, beautiful decorative holiday arrangements with materials from your yard and other inexpensive supplies.

Mecklenburg Extension Master Gardeners demonstrate a variety of appealing, attractive designs sure to create a holiday atmosphere in your home.

Do you have questions or need more information? Contact the Mecklenburg Cooperative Extension Office at 704.336.2082.

Please note that all classes will be held at the Mecklenburg County Extension Training Facility at 1418 Armory Dr., Charlotte, NC 28204.

Through 4-H, hundreds of thousands of North Carolina’s young people learn new skills and serve their communities each year. 4-H offers clubs, special interest programs, summer camps, school enrichment and after-school child care. Guided by North Carolina Cooperative Extension educators and adult and teen volunteers, 4-H’ers gain knowledge, skills and experience that help them become responsible citizens and leaders.

3 WAYS TO REGISTER

Want to learn more?

Online: mecklenburg.ces.ncsu.edu/sustain

Contact our 4-H staff at 704.336.2082!

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

By phone: 704.336.2082

By Mail (for fee-based workshops only): 1. Download and print registration form at https://db.tt/rulUZ2Fj 2. Complete form and mail to: ATTN: Kristin Davis 1418 Armory Dr. Charlotte, NC 28204