Eugene Permaculture Guild

Event: 2009 Spring Propagation Fair
Venue: Lane Community College Cafeteria
Time: 10.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m. Saturday, March 14

A free, volunteer-driven event designed to support
home orchardists and vegetable gardeners
in and around the S. Willamette Valley.

The 2009 Spring Propagation Fair consists of two parts: a free exchange of fruit-tree cuttings (called ‘scions’) and a free exchange of vegetable seed. You don’t have to bring any scion or seed to the event to be able to attend and share freely in the bounty. All are welcome.

The 2009 Fair marks the first occasion of a joint scion-exchange and seed-swap in our bioregion, and is co-sponsored by a broad array of local, non-profit and volunteer groups including: the Eugene Permaculture Guild, the Seed Ambassadors Project, Lane Community College Garden Club, Victory Gardens For All, the School Garden Project of Lane County, Huerto de la Famila, ECOS, the Springfield Transitions Garden, Food Not Lawns, the Gardens Program of Food for Lane County, the Urban Farm Program of the U of O, and the OSU Extension Service in Lane County.

A great variety of scions, and vegetable seed, will be provided free of charge by local fruit enthusiasts and seed-savers at the exchange. Rootstocks will be available for a nominal fee. Grafting assistance and workshops will be provided at and around the Propagation Fair.

For a brief description of what’s involved in designing your own fruit trees, and how a scion-exchange helps make this possible; or to learn more about how you may support this free, participant-driven event, please see notes attached below

Bus service to LCC is available from Eugene Station.
To car pool, call Julie at 541-762-1051
Free parking is available at LCC.

Spanish-language support will be offered.

www.eugenepermacultureguild.org

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Event update

Here’s a list of speaking engagements we will have at the event:

3.00 Incorporating native plants into food gardens. Why and how? Devon Bonady (Fernhill Nursery, Cottage Grove), Brian Basor (President, Emerald Valley Chapter, Native Plant Society of Oregon)
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Here are directions to LCC from I-5 (coming from the north):

Heading south on I-5, you will cross a bridge over the Willamette river. About 1-2 miles further on, take exit 189. Turn right at the light and go straight (past a bunch of gas stations, including Sequential biofuels) until the next intersection (a little less than a mile). Turn right at the intersection (I believe that is 30th street). Make a quick left turn on Eldon Shafer Drive. Once you get into the parking lots, the event should be signposted toward the Cafeteria. The journey from the I-5 exit to the LCC parking lot should take under two minutes.

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Designing your own fruit tree

Most fruit trees are actually two-trees-joined-in-one - just above their root collars you will often notice a swollen union or ‘graft’ where a ‘scion’ (a cutting of a fruit variety such as a ‘Gravenstein’ apple or ‘Bing’ cherry) was originally joined or ‘grafted’ onto a type of tree called a rootstock. We use rootstocks because they help us determine, among other behaviors, the size of a mature tree growing on top of them - anything from 4’ to 50’ depending on the rootstock selected. A scion exchange provides an opportunity to design these two-in-one trees, by making a wide variety of common and rare fruit tree varieties and rootstocks available to mix-and-match with. Only the tiniest fraction of scion and rootstock combinations made available at this Propagation Fair are available from commercial fruit tree nurseries.

How can you join in supporting this free, participant-driven Propagation Fair?

Although devoted local fruit enthusiasts are already gathering scion to bring to the event to share freely with others, we are encouraging everyone able and willing to harvest scion to join the collection effort. The more, the merrier. Cutting and storing scion is a simple task. Here are a few pointers:

Be very careful with ID and labeling - collect from trees that have fruited already so the variety is known. Preferably, cut scion about the diameter of a lead pencil, to 12” lengths, although shorter pieces are fine. ’Pruning cuttings’ often fit the bill perfectly. Tightly tie or rubber-band a dozen or so healthy cuttings in a clearly-labeled bundle.
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Collecting scion is time-sensitive. Scion wood needs to be cut in the winter while it is dormant (before the buds have very visibly begun swelling), then kept cool until it is grafted onto rootstock in the spring, ‘when the sap is rising’. Late-January-early-February sees the end of our ‘dormancy collection window’ for stone-fruit such as plums and cherries. Asian and European pears quickly follow, then apples. Some varieties ‘bud out’ earlier than others.

Vigorous shoots are best but avoid collecting from suckers or water-sprouts (these shoots, which grow vertically from the base of the tree or vertically from lateral branches, are slowest to bear fruit). Collect first-year wood (last year’s growth) preferably from laterals. Next-favored are the terminal shoots at the top of the tree.

Once collected, don’t let the scion dry out. Experienced hands will tend to label each variety clearly, place it in a moist (not saturated) medium such as paper towels or old cloth, and wrap in plastic. (The plastic bags the newspaper comes in work well. Double the bag because one will often have a hole in it.) Place in the refrigerator at about 34° to 38° until grafting time: keeping the scion cool keeps it dormant; keeping it damp, keeps it fresh.

Further questions about scion collection? Google: “Penhallegon scion” or call Nick at 541-284-3703

Also, bring labeled cuttings and divisions of figs, grapes, berries and other fruits to share freely with others at the Propagation Fair; along with fresh seed, plants and divisions of food crops.

For updates, see www.eugenepermacultureguild.org

Fall Ecology and Harvest: An Intergenerational Exploration
October 13-14, 2007 (Saturday-Sunday)
at Lost Valley Educational Center, Dexter, OR

We invite people ages 12 through 112 to join us to learn about fall ecology, indigenous tradition, and the harvest season here in the western Cascade foothills. Throughout this weekend of presentations, discussions, and activities, we’ll explore how we can learn from one another and pass ecological wisdom and insights back and forth between generations. Early registration has started; please plan to attend! See www.lostvalley.org/fallecology for updated event details, or contact Fall Ecology and Harvest Event, 81868 Lost Valley Lane, Dexter, OR 97431, (541) 937-2567 x116, nature AT lostvalley.org.

Fall Ecology and Harvest: An Intergenerational Exploration (extended description)
October 13-14, 2007 (Saturday-Sunday)
at Lost Valley Educational Center, 81868 Lost Valley Lane, Dexter, OR 97431
(541) 937-2567 x116, nature AT lostvalley.org

updated event details: www.lostvalley.org/fallecology
brochure: www.lostvalley.org/files/Fall%20Ecology%20and%20Harvest%20brochure.pdf
poster: www.lostvalley.org/files/Fall%20Ecology%20and%20Harvest%20poster.pdf
registration form: www.lostvalley.org/fallecology/registration

Cosponsored by Lost Valley Nature Center and NextGEN (the youth branch of the Global Ecovillage Network), this event will focus on fall ecology, indigenous tradition, and the harvest season here in the western Cascade foothills. We’ll explore what is happening on the land at this time of year, and how we humans can harvest the bounty from our gardens, farms, orchards, and from the wild. We’ll learn about the ways of the Kalapuya who preceded us here, as well as sustainable food growing and preservation, resource stewardship, ecological restoration, and traditional seasonal celebrations. We’ll bring together people ages 12 through 112 to explore how we can learn from one another and pass ecological wisdom and insights back and forth between generations. We’ll also learn about school gardens, mushrooms, lichens, and mosses, building community, ecovillages, and more.

Presenters:
• Esther Stutzman (Kalapuyan storyteller)
• Bill Burwell (Kalapuya researcher)
• Jude Hobbs (Permaculture teacher and designer, Agroecology Northwest)
• Jerry Hall (ethnobotanist, Lane Community College)
• Jen Anonia (Food for Lane County Gardens Program Manager)
• Heiko Koester (Permacultural landscaper, Eugene Permaculture Guild)
• Sharon Blick (former director, School Garden Project)
• Rick Valley (Lost Valley land steward, Permaculture teacher and designer)
• Alison Rosenblatt (NextGEN–Global Ecovillage Network)
• Tammy Davis (mycologist, Lost Valley Educational Center)
• Tobias Policha (ethnobotanist, Institute of Contemporary Ethnobotany)
• Sarah Kleeger and Andrew Still (Seed Ambassadors Project)
• Dave Kofranek (lichenologist)
• Dharmika Henschel (ethnobotanist/musician)
• and more.

Early conference registration fee (until Sept. 15), including four organic vegetarian meals, is $95 for students ages 12 and above, $125 for non-students. Regular fees are $105 for students, $135 for non-students. Overnight lodging is also available. A limited number of work-trade opportunities and scholarships are available; please inquire.

Cosponsors:
Lost Valley Nature Center
Lost Valley Educational Center’s 87 acres include oak savanna, natural meadow, stream and riparian areas, ponds, extensive forest lands in various states of maturity, gardens and orchards. Our diverse habitats and several miles of nature trails offer unique environmental education opportunities. Lost Valley Nature Center sponsors walks and public events (like May’s Native Plants and Permaculture Gathering) to help nature-lovers learn from the land and from one another.

NextGEN
NextGEN is a global network organized by young adults concerned with issues of sustainability. We hope to inspire you with examples of viable and positive choices for the future. We offer opportunities for action through conferences, educational workshops, and direct experience in communities. Our international support network develops connections among activists and encourages resource sharing.

Fall Ecology and Harvest Event Registration
October 13-14, 2007 (Saturday-Sunday) at Lost Valley Educational Center, Dexter, OR

Name:____________________________________________________________
Address:__________________________________________________________
Phone(s):__________________________________________________________
Email:____________________________________________________________
School (if student):__________________________________________________

Name #2:_________________________________________________________
Address:__________________________________________________________
Phone(s):__________________________________________________________
Email:____________________________________________________________
School (if student):__________________________________________________

Conference and Meal Fees (including four organic vegetarian meals, Sat. lunch and dinner, Sun. breakfast and lunch):
__$95 early registration, students ages 12 and above, until Sept. 15, 2007
__$105 regular registration, students ages 12 and above
__$125 early registration, non-students, until Sept. 15, 2007
__$135 regular registration, non-students
A limited number of work-trade opportunities and partial scholarships are available; please inquire.

Lodging: __$30/adult dormitory accommodations, Saturday night
__$20/minor dormitory accommodations, Saturday night (under 18; must be accompanied by parent or guardian)
__$10 camping per person, Saturday night

Nature Center Membership Contribution (receive e-newsletters and other member benefits, and help support the Nature Center):
__$25 __$50 __$100 __other: $____

Scholarship Donation (help others with limited funds attend this gathering):
__$25 __$50 __$100 __other: $____

Total Payment (pre-surcharge): $____
Payment method: __check (payable to Lost Valley Center) –or– __credit/debit card:
Type:________ Expiration date:_________Number:____________________________
Name on card:_______________________
Please add 5% surcharge for credit/debit card payments: $____ Total: $____

Additional Questions:
How did you hear about this event?__________________________________________
Can you offer a ride? (if yes: when, and from where?)_____________________________
Would you like a ride? (if yes: when, and from where?)____________________________
Do you have any additional suggestions or questions?_____________________________

Please send completed form to Fall Ecology and Harvest Gathering, LVEC, PO Box 55, Dexter, OR 97431 USA.
You may also call 541-937-2567 ext. 116, email nature AT lostvalley.org, or register and pay online by following the links at www.lostvalley.org/fallecology

Excerpts from May’s Native Plants and Permaculture Conference Proceedings:

Bill Burwell: At the start of each harvest season the Kalapuyans would have a first gathering ceremony. The spiritual leader of each winter village site would harvest a few articles of each resource, bring it back, prepare it in a ceremonial way, bless the plants or animals that were responsible, and then the regular harvest could begin. The first gathering ceremony was very important to them, and it was practiced all throughout the Kalapuya culture, religiously. Their belief was that all plants and animals, including humans, were part of the same format. As above, so below. Just like humans, plants and all animals had families, and then beyond the families they had communities.

There’s one word I know of that was utilized all the way up and down the Willamette Valley, the lower Columbia, and into the Salish area in Washington: Tamanawas. It’s been translated as spirit power. People who went out on a vision quest were looking for their Tamanawas. I think what it really related to was a person’s ability to interconnect with all the rest of nature. I’ve collected a number of tales of the people going out into the woods to find a particular medicine, and their ability to find this medicine came from the ability to plug into that certain plant and interact with it. The plant actually was the teacher of the person who was going out on the search.

Jerry Hall: When we started learning our language, songs began coming to us. There is the belief that songs are just in the ether or in the air, and they select somebody to come to at a time in that person’s life. … My experience is that singing evokes something from us that is beyond talking and gives expression to prayer.

I feel that nature is really part of the home and that people related that way five hundred years ago. People knew where everything was and they took care of it.

The Barn Raisers Home School Group is hosting the Third Annual Family and Children Seedswap, in the Jesse Maine room at Springfield Public Library from 2.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. on Saturday March 10, 2007. Questions to: Myles at 541-744-0576.

11/14 (Tues.) PLANTS FOR THE PEOPLE –A Local Materia Medica. 6:00 – 9:00 pm. BY DONATION. Upstairs at the Growers Market, 454 Willamette St. With Nome McBride (Under The Yew Botanicals) & Tobias Policha. This informal presentation will introduce basic herbal actions as well as locally adapted plants that have medicinal value. Learn when, how and why to use pervasive weeds, native plants, and common garden herbs for health and nutrition. There will be room for questions. No herbal experience required.

11/21(Tues.) FOOD NOT LAWNS: How to Turn Your Yard into a Garden and Your Neighborhood into a Community! 6:00 – 9:00pm. $0-50. Walnut Room @ the EMU (UO-13th & University). Sponsored by the Survival Center. Book signing and workshop by Heather C. Flores, author of Food Not Lawns, How to Turn Your…. This interactive presentation will explore the possibilities for self-sufficiency, and community with limited resources. Topics will include: Free the land / free yourself, soil fertility, water stewardship, plant polycultures, seeds, ecological design, community organizing, & gardening w/ children. There will be books available for sale.

12/9 (Sat.) WINTER TWIGS. 1:00 – 4:00. $10 - $30. Meet at Amazon Parkway and 24th. With Tobias Policha. Learn to identify your favorite trees and shrubs in the absence of leaves and flowers. Winter identification requires observing many unique characters that are often overlooked, discover hidden beauty while learning a new skill! We will use the book Winter Twigs by Gilkey and Packard. OSU Press, 2001.

Coming in January:
FROM PROTONS TO POLYSACCHARIDES: Basic Concepts in Biochemistry Dates & Location TBA (Four 3-hr, evening classes; $50-$150). With Tobias Policha. *PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED* This four class series is intended to provide a basic understanding of biochemical concepts and enable students in further learning and research in herbalism, botany, etc. With a grasp of the basics, a wealth of information becomes much more accessible. We will cover molecular structure, chemical reactions, metabolism, solubility, families of compounds, as well as using phytochemicals as the building blocks of whole plant medicine. No prior chemistry experience required. Call/email for more info.

Also: Plant Walks, Botanical ID Workshops, Field Trips, Ethical Wildcrafting, and more!!!

ICE Director, Tobias Policha is a gardener, botanist, herbalist, and writer. He co-founded the educational nonprofit Cascadia Food Not Lawns in 1999, and has been studying our local flora for over five years, including assisting the botany programs at L.C.C. and the UO, and graduating from the Columbines School of Botanical Studies. He is currently working on a B.S. in Biology at the U of O.

Contact:
Tobias at 541- 513 – 8263, or
contemporaryethnobotany@yahoo.com
www.foodnotlawns.com