LemhiWeb

The 2012 Backyard Agriculture workshop series, sponsored by the Salmon Local Food group, got off to an incredible start on Thursday, January 26.

More than 40 people attended Workshop #1, Planting Your Garden and Companion Planting, taught by local gardening expert Tawna Skinner.

Gina Knudson of Salmon Valley Stewardship said, “The neatest thing was looking out at this packed room and seeing such a variety of people. There were all ages represented, men and women, multi-generational Lemhi County residents and newcomers. I think the idea of growing our own food appeals to everyone.”

 Knudson said Salmon Valley Stewardship is one member of the Salmon Local Food group that started meeting several years ago to talk about ways to strengthen the local food network. Other participants in the group include the University of Idaho Extension Office, Lemhi County Economic Development Association, the Sacajawea Center, cattlemen, food-related business owners, farmers market vendors, faith communities, and other people interested in the local food movement.

The group did a survey in November asking people what kind of classes would be of interest and have built a year-long workshop series as a response. The next scheduled workshops include:

Thurs, Feb 23- Extending the Growing Season & Growing Small Fruits

Thurs, Mar 8 – Fruit Tree Basics, Including Minimizing Pests and Diseases

Tues, Mar 13 – Guide to Raising Backyard Fowl

All workshops are at 6-8 p.m. at the Salmon Valley Business and Innovation Center and cost $10. Scholarships are available, Knudson emphasized. “We tried to keep the fee as small as possible, but we’ll waive it gladly if it helps someone attend.”

 Pre-registration is appreciated so enough materials can be made available, but not required. Registration forms are available at Salmon Valley Stewardship, 513 Main Street, the University of Idaho Extension Office in the Brooklyn Annex, by calling SVS, 756-1686, or UI, 756-2815 x 283, or emailing salmonvalley@centurytel.net or shannonw@uidaho.edu.