Sustainable Foods, Farm & Gardens   

This three-week hands-on workshop series introduces participants to natural building finishes. Designed for homeowners, builders, designers, and sustainability enthusiasts, the course blends practical demonstrations with foundational building science principles. Participants will learn how to identify and prepare clay soils, mix earthen plaster, and apply a traditional three-coat plaster system (scratch, brown, and finish coats).

Class Location: Solfed Farm

4420 W F Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49009, USA

Clink on Solfed Farms for more information

This course is the second in the three-part Beekeeping series. Weather permitting, hands-on learning in the Food Innovation Center’s apiary is planned for each week, where students will evaluate hive strength, health, and how to support growing colonies. Classroom review will cover swarming, splits, integrated pest management, and a further focus on biology through the season and keeping bees in Southwest Michigan.

In this class participants will explore components of vegetative (green) roof systems, and observe a live demonstration of roof edge detailing, including parapet construction for soil retention.

Topics include:

Vegetative roof assembly layers (protection layer, root barrier, drainage layer, filter fabric, and substrate)

Lightweight growing media options (including vermiculite blends and straw applications)

Plant selection for extensive roof systems (sedum species and drought-tolerant varieties)

Basic structural and moisture considerations

 Solfed Farm

4420 W F Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49009, USA

Click on Solfed Farm for more information

Note: This class will meet 3 times on different days, and dates

Class 1 - Thursday, March 19th - KVCC Food Innovation Center - Room 114 - 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Class 2 - Wednesday, April 1st -  KVCC Food Innovation Center - Room 114 - 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Class 3 - Monday, May 18th -  KVCC Food Innovation Center - Room 113 - 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

In this course participants will learn about the necessary role native plants play in creating local ecosystems and how to garden for wildlife in a space of any size. Participants will be introduced to common native trees, grasses, and flowers, and discuss how to incorporate these plants into their gardening practices. Participants will learn different germination methods for seed starting and make their own kit to take home.