Participants will build a solar collector for the Learning Center’s gathering space using copper tubing and flashing, connected to an elevated hot water tank. This system--in which water circulates by gravity through the copper grid and directly heats the water tank--can be used during frost-free dates. A limited number of students may be able to build a system to bring home, at an additional cost. Please inquire if you are interested. Discount available as part of Sustainable Building series.  

Learn about the fascinating life of bees, see our urban beehives, and prepare to start a hive of your own. You’ll leave ready to select and order equipment, set up a hive, install the bees, and tend and inspect a hive. We’ll taste a variety of honeys and other products from the hive. This is the first of two workshops designed to prepare you to keep bees in the city. SOLD OUT!  Please contact us to be on a waiting list. We will have a second urban beekeeping class in August. Please also see our Holistic Beekeeping Class on May 10.

Learn what makes a successful compost pile, and decide which methods will work best for your household. Overview various types of compost bins, build a pile together, and tour our farm-scale compost operation. Meet the worms in our vermiculture system, and find out how to implement indoor composting at home. Chicago class focuses on approaches for a city environment. Dress to work outside! Class cancelled. Additional composting class on May 3, 2008 at our Farm location in Caledonia.