[Lapg] Fruit Forest: Orchard as Ecosystem (Sept 2009) Castro Valley, CA

Sat Aug 29 07:29:10 PDT 2009

Fruit Forest: Orchard as Ecosystem (Sept 2009)
http://commonvision.org/programs/courses/applegrower/applegrower.php

September 11-13
ÝM.A. Center in Castro Valley, CA

Michael Philips is author of The Apple Grower, a 
definitive guide to growing organic apples 
holistically. Michael's knowledge of fruit trees, 
orchard management, companion plants, and soil 
science have helped him to become well spring of 
information and inspiration for orchardists and 
backyard gardeners alike.  He integrates the 
intuitive knowledge of our great-grandparents 
with the fruits of modern scientific research and 
innovation. Michael shares his breadth of wisdom 
woven through personal stories in a way of 
amplifying a passion and inspiration for growing 
fruit trees and 'abetting Nature's way'.  Using 
the MA Center orchards, Michael will bring 
participants on an ecological journey that 
explores how we can create an optimal 
"forest-edge- ecosystem" perfect for fruit trees. 
	*	Walking through the orchard season
	*	Moving beyond organic: The holistic appoach
	*	Creating a diverse, healthy orchard ecosystem 
	*	Managing  understory  plants, 
nutrients, and beneficial microorganisms.
	*	Using plant medicines and compost 
teas to boost tree immune resistance
	*	Evaluating strategies for the 
existing and new hillside orchards at the MA 
Center
	*	On site Apple Harvesting and Juicing
	*	Optional Camping
	*	Organic Meals Included

The MA Center is the US headquarters for the 
international humanitarian and spiritual 
activities of an India saint, Mata 
Amritanandamayi (known as Amma).  The 180-acre 
grounds also serve as an educational hub for the 
Bay Area through demonstration of exemplary 
sustainable practices in reforestation, water 
catchment, and orchardculture.   Drawn by the 
site's beauty, accessibility by public 
transportation, and the center's uncompromising 
dedication to using all proceeds to fund 
international humanitarian aid projects, hundreds 
of volunteers have joined together in service 
here to plant the orchards and reforest the 
hillsides.  The MA Center currently has 350 fruit 
tress looking to expand to 1100 within the next 
years.

"Holistic connection takes into account far more 
variables that affect overall health, rather than 
merely repressing disease symptoms by allopathic 
means. Knowing why the apple tree thrives in a 
forest-edge ecosystem suggests understory 
practices by which orchardists can abet Nature's 
way. Promoting the health of the soil is the 
means by which orchardists produce life-enhancing 
fruit that in turn promotes human health. The 
right kind of yields and financial rewards follow 
from there." ~ Michael Philips

Costs:
Tuitions include delicious organic lunch, dinner, and snacks
$300 ~ Course Tuition
$250 ~ Early Bird Discount  (Register & pay by July 30)
Work trade is available.

Accomodations:
Camping & Organic Breakfast Package: $25/person for Friday and Saturday night.
Common Vision will be hosting camping at Anthony 
Chabot State Park campsite.  The camping package 
will include organized carpools and shuttles to 
and from the campground, organic breakfasts, and 
likely night-time music/slide shows/movies/treats 
and morning yoga classes.  Participants provide 
their own sleeping gear, tents (optional), & 
marshmallows.  Children up to 13 are free.  For 
more information please contact us at: 
info at commonvision.org.

If you do not want to camp, there are many hotel 
options in the San Ramon and Castro Valley area. 
Location:
M.A. Center, 10200 Crow Canyon Rd, Castro Valley, CA 94552.

Travel:
In efforts to minimize  carbon footprint and the 
cost to participants, the M.A. Center and Common 
Vision are creating a contact list of people 
looking to share rides based on the information 
provided below.   We also will be coordinating 
pickups and drop offs between the Castro Valley 
BART and the M.A. Center.  Disclaimer: This 
service is purely to assist course participants 
in connecting with other participants to share 
rides.  The M.A. Center and Common Vision are not 
responsible for your travel experience.
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