Community Crops Education & ClassesCome learn with us! Classes and workshops are offered throughout the year on gardening and farming topics, cooking, and sustainable living. |
Urban Grower Classes
This class series, running 2023 through 2025 will focus on teaching sustainable growing skills for gardeners and farmers. Class formats may vary between field days, lectures, online classes, and other alternative formats. Registration is required, but classes are free! Accommodations for translation can be made by request with advance notice of 2 weeks, and there is a question in the registration regarding translation needs. Please contact us with any questions. Registration forms close approximately 2-3 days prior to class or in some cases earlier due to the number of students signed up.
Upcoming Classes
TBD, 6pm – 8pm, Seed Savers Skills: Planning for Seed Saving, at the Family Service Lincoln office
Join us for a hands-on, informative workshop on seed saving and planning your seed saving garden or farm plot. This class will cover the basics of seed saving, preservation and creating techniques. Genetics, breeding, patents, and best seed storage practices will be discussed. Taught by seed saving expert, Cait Caughey. This class is currently in the process of being rescheduled to a new date!
February 18th, 6pm – 8pm, Seed Starting 101, at the Family Service Lincoln office
Participants will learn basics of seed starting at this class. Materials needs, best practices, planning, seedling care, sourcing, and troubleshooting common issues will be discussed. The February 18th & February 25th sessions will be the same class – you choose which date works best for you. Taught by Community Crops staff.
February 25th, 6pm – 8pm, Seed Starting 101, at the Family Service Lincoln office
Participants will learn basics of seed starting at this class. Materials needs, best practices, planning, seedling care, sourcing, and troubleshooting common issues will be discussed. The February 18th & February 25th sessions will be the same class – you choose which date works best for you. Taught by Community Crops staff.
March 11th, 6pm – 8pm, Grow your own Culinary Mushrooms, at the Family Service Lincoln office
Participants will learn how to grow their own mushrooms at home, using bags or bucket style methods. Different varieties of culinary mushrooms will be discussed and material needs for production will be covered. This class will provide a mushroom production kit for each student. Taught by community expert Luke Norris.
March 18th, 6pm – 8pm, Gardens for Therapy, at the Family Service Lincoln office
This class will explore what therapeutic gardens are and how they can benefit us physically, mentally, and emotionally. We will cover best practices, design principles, and plant choices for different therapy goals at this class. Taught by Liz Tylander of Grateful Growers.
Business and Marketing for Small Scale Farmers
Upcoming Classes
RESCHEDULE TO April 2nd, 6pm – 8:30pm, Business Planning, at the Family Service Lincoln office
“Business Planning” is an interactive class designed to empower aspiring entrepreneurs with essential skills. Participants will learn the art of crafting a comprehensive business plan, gaining insights into the key elements necessary for success. This course also emphasizes the important role of business plans in guiding decision-making, securing funding, and measuring progress. It also provides strategies for setting and achieving growth-oriented goals, ensuring that students are well-equipped to chart a clear path towards success in their ventures. Taught by Community Crops staff.
February 19th, 6pm – 8:30pm, Finance Management & Accounting, at the Family Service Lincoln office
“Finance Management & Accounting” equips individuals with financial skills for personal and business success. Participants will learn the art of effective budgeting, enabling them to manage their finances efficiently. Additionally, the course covers the establishment of checking and savings accounts, demystifies the process of accessing loans by teaching when to consider one, how to secure it, and how to plan for responsible repayment. Lastly, students will grasp the significance of meticulous recordkeeping in accounting, understanding why it’s crucial for making informed financial decisions in both personal and professional contexts. This class is taught by Kelly Ross, Executive Director of ECHO Collective.
March 5th, 6pm – 8:30pm, Farm Recordkeeping, at the Family Service Lincoln office
“Farm Recordkeeping” explores why recordkeeping is important for small scale growers. We will cover good recordkeeping methods and practices, what farm records are necessary and why, and how records can be used in making business related decisions. This class will be taught by Gary Fehr, owner and operator of Green School Farm.
Contact
If you want more information about our current classes, or have questions about your registration, contact aGerdes@familyservicelincoln.org.