Urban Food and Farming Learning Series, Michigan

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Join Michigan Energy Options’ first community learning series focused on urban food and farming this fall. Currently, their demonstration house is expanding its focus to more extensively include sustainable landscaping including edible plants and rain gardens. They are focused on creating workshops and events that, through experiential learning, will help to educate others about maintaining an ecologically healthy yard and energy efficient lifestyle, primarily through home food production and related activities

These events will all occur on Tuesdays from 5:30-7:30 PM at Michigan Energy Options on 405 Grove St. in East Lansing. They are open to the public and a small fee is usually suggested to cover the cost of materials. To reserve your space, please email :LSpaniolo@michiganenergyoptions.org

September 20   Eating Seasonally, Part I: Preserving your summer produce: Learn where to find locally grown foods and which foods are most fresh during the fall season (almost everything!). Practice freezing and jam making with our homegrown fruits. Optional: bring your own raw and whole fruits or vegetables that you want to preserve. Suggested donation of $10 to cover the cost of provided supplies.

September 27   Vertical and Container Gardening for Compact Living Environments: All you need is a window to incorporate these fun and creative planting designs into your indoor living space.  You will make your own plant display that will require little maintenance while brightening your mood and improving air quality through the long winter months. Perfect for dorms and apartments. Suggested donation of $10 to cover the cost of provided supplies.

October 11       Building a Low Tunnel to Extend the Growing Season: Join us as we install a low tunnel, or quick hoops, in the garden, which will allow us to grow certain vegetables longer throughout the year. This simple technology keeps plants protected from the frost and snow and requires zero electricity. Once spring returns, the structure can easily be removed and stored for the following year. Attendance is FREE!

October 18       Fall Gardening Planting Party: Squeeze in one more day in the dirt before the ground freezes as we plant greens for the first time in the low tunnel, secure potted plants for the winter and complete any final end-of-season chores. Attendance is FREE!

October 25       Vermiculture 101: Build your own worm composting bin: Now is the perfect time to begin a worm bin for rich vermicompost to feed your spring plants. These bins are easy to make, require little maintenance through the year, and provide a great way to recycle your food scraps. Materials will be provided. $25 per participant is required.

Michigan Energy Options (formerly Urban Options) is a non-profit organization focused on educating the community about energy efficiency and providing resources and tools for people to live a more energy conscious lifestyle. Our demonstration house is open to the public during business hours and, upon request, we also offer guided tours of our facility.