Edible Forest Gardens

An Intensive Design Course
Two-day option now available.
Edible forest gardens mimic the structures and functions of natural ecosystems while producing food and other products, with an emphasis on low-maintenance perennial crops. These gardens (and larger-scale operations) can provide critical ecosystem services while meeting human needs. Design and plant selection help provide fertility, control of weeds and pests, and more. This 5-day residential course will emphasize the design process, with hands-on design work for all participants. A product of the course will be a "palette" of useful species for the Front Range as well as Western Slope, including many underutilized useful native plants. Participants will also learn the art and science of habitat mimicry, polyculture assembly, and plant a demonstration forest garden.

Instructors: Eric Toensmeier, with special guest Jerome Osentowski

Meals: yes

Lodging: yes, camping (you must bring your own equipment). Space in our cabins is available on a first come, first serve space (you need to bring your own pillow and sheets or sleeping bag).

Cost: $875

Early Bird Discount: $775 by June 10th

Scholarships and Worktrade: Limited scholarships and worktrade opportunities available.

Weekend only option

In response to many requests by people who don't have the time to take the full 5-day design course, we are now offering the option to attend only the first two days (Saturday and Sunday). Those attending the first two days only will receive a thorough grounding into the principles of edible forest gardens with a particular emphasis on home-scale and urban environments. Those who stay for the entire 5-day course will get more hands-on experience, a broader coverage of diverse and larger-scale systems, and engage in intensive design process.

Instructor: Eric Toensmeier

Meals: yes (Saturday lunch through Sunday dinner)

Lodging: yes, camping only (you must bring your own equipment).

Cost: $275-$175. A sliding scale is being offered to provide an opportunity for people with low income to participate. We ask that you pay the top amount if you can afford to do so.