|
What we do > Education > Fall/Winter Program 2003 Winter CoursesUrban Wild Gardening II Spring CoursesShared Voices Summer ToursUrban Wild Garden Tour Autumn CoursesTransforming Working and Living Other Courses
Urban Wild Gardening IIThis course is for Edmonton gardeners who wish to incorporate native species into their existing gardens. This course will include a general introduction to native Alberta perennials and grasses, growing conditions, landscape design ideas, and hands-on training growing from seed. This course is provided early enough to have plants ready for spring transplanting. Dates: 4 Mondays January 12, 19, February
9, 16/04 Money and Life: Making it Work!Money, we all need it. Yet, how can money flow in our lives in ways that enhance other important values, such as enjoying life, more time for family/friends, balance between work and life, new pursuits, and making a difference in the community and to the environment. This five-session course explores how to let go of old ways of relating to money and create a plan for a healthy financial future, as part of sustainable living. Dates: 5 Tuesdays, January 27, February 10, 24, March
9 and 16/04 The Art of Mindful LivingToday’s environment promotes perpetual activity that can become overwhelming with demands, worries, and distractions. This leaves little time to reflect upon what has meaning in our lives and to attain a wholesome balance. This workshop introduces concrete practices that can help cultivate mindful living: including, various reflective practices to deepen daily awareness, foster a sense of place, and awaken the best in our human capacities. These practices form an important element of sustainable living, keeping us centered and connected to what is most important. Date: Saturday, February 21/04 Urban Wild Gardening IThis is an introductory gardening course for Edmonton homeowners who wish to convert lawn into a low maintenance landscaped garden using native species – flowers, grasses, shrubs, berry bushes, and trees. The goals are to re-introduce drought-tolerant species that are native to this parkland region, reduce yard maintenance, conserve water, and practice Earth stewardship. This course will offer you 6 sessions that will help you design a landscape plan and show you how to implement it step-by-step. Participation in this course and membership in the Fireweed Institute will also provide price reductions with several landscape and nursery suppliers. Date: 6 Mondays February 23 – March 29/04 Shared Voices: Consensus Decision-MakingThis course offers the opportunity to learn the participatory form of decision-making called consensus-building. Consensus processes find the common ground between all participants as a way to build on the contributions and perspectives of all participants and craft a way forward that all agree to. The potential of consensus-building is exciting and important to overcoming more conflict-oriented processes of decision-making. It can be applied in most work, family and community situations. Dates and Times: Saturday April 17/04 9-4 pm Urban Food GardeningThis is an introductory organic gardening course for Edmontonians who wish to convert lawn into an organic vegetable garden or transform an existing garden. The goals are to encourage the consumption of healthy/organic/locally produced food, high yield in small spaces, reduced maintenance, water conservation, and to sustain the health and productivity of the Earth. Through 6 sessions you will learn to design, create, and maintain a garden step-by-step. Participation in this course and membership in the Fireweed Institute will also provide price reductions with several landscape and nursery suppliers. Date: 6 Mondays April 5, 19, 26 May 3,
10, 17/04 In this weekend retreat workshop, you will nurture your spirituality in ancient ways and open the door to spiritual awareness. Learn to move silently in nature; know your spiritual Sacred Place; learn to meditate quickly and easily; and learn to use energy for healing and inner wisdom. You will profoundly connect mind, body, and spirit. These practices are transferable to daily life as a vital element of sustainable living. In the words of one participant, “It’s like discovering something you knew all along.” Others have said, “This is a workshop not to be missed!” (Spirit and Nature II will be offered in Fall 2004.) Facilitator: Wes Gietz comes to us from coastal British
Columbia. He received his teaching from Tom Brown Jr., native elders and
was named Windwalker
by them. He now teaches awareness programs, wilderness survival &
primitive living skills, Coyote mentoring, and emotional healing. Prior
to this, he obtained Master’s degrees in biochemistry and public
administration and had 15 years experience in human resource management
and training. He is an excellent facilitator and his gentle spirit guides
seekers of all ages. This inspirational garden tour provides ideas for converting
lawn into a garden of attractive native flowers and grasses or landscaping
with drought-tolerant native trees and shrubs. If you are also interested
in conserving water, minimizing maintenance, attracting birds, butterflies
and other species, and generally helping to increase biodiversity, we
urge you to join us to see what is possible. This tour is especially useful
if you are interested taking the Urban Wild Garden Course in Spring 2004.
Date: TBA
This inspirational garden tour explores another alternative
to lawn - organic vegetable gardening. As part of sustainable city, the
Urban Food Project encourages urban food sufficiency to reduce the impacts
on climate from industrial agriculture and globally transported food.
This tour will introduce you to a range of organic gardening designs and
techniques and address topics like soil building, water conservation,
seed sources, biodiversity, and food storage. If you are interested in
becoming a participant in our Urban Food Course in Spring 2004, helping
you to convert lawn into an organic veggie garden, we urge you to join
us to see what is possible. Date: TBA Transforming Working and Living This course explores ways of working and living that are "life-giving."
Restoring balance between working and living as well as reconnecting life
purpose and personal ethics, are part of moving toward "work that
fits you" rather than work that "fits you into." By understanding
work in a holistic way, individuals can create wellness and learn ways
of living that are simpler and more meaningful - and also make a difference
to the Earth and our society. This course features community visits, excellent
speakers, and a rejuvenating retreat with fine catered meals, scenic accommodation,
guided walks and stargazing An excellent course for making a transition
in work, relationships, or living habits. CACE (Adult Education Certificate) Credits: 50Participants have said: "This course was most profound...very
eye-opening...broadened my view...was prison-releasing...gave me a deeper
understanding of who I am...I had lost sight of why I was working and
the course allowed me to look objectively at the whole issue of work...what
is truly important in my life." Voluntary SimplicityOften, we are stressed and overwhelmed from the frantic pace and demands of work and home. We, including our children, are inundated with consumer messages daily. Many people are searching for simpler ways to live, that promote personal and family well-being. In this workshop, we explore the history of our consumer society; the principles, practices, and benefits of voluntary simplicity; and what we can do individually and as families to live in simpler, more meaningful ways. This Voluntary Simplicity workshop is includes presentation and discussion time as well as action planning. Date: TBA Tree-free Paperpmaking
|