If you live in the Davis County, Utah area the USU Extension offers several classes throughout the year that you may be interested in including solar energy, backyard chickens, composting, and raised bed gardening. Here’s information from an email I recently received:
The Utah House will be hosting sustainable living workshops and discussion courses to help homeowners gain a better understanding of efficient living practices. The classes will be held at the Utah House, located at 920 South 50 West in Kaysville or the Wetland Discovery Point, located at 676 South 50 West in Kaysville. For more information about these courses please contact the Utah House at 801-544-3089. Class discounts are available for members of the Utah Botanical Center and Ogden Botanical Gardens. For more information about becoming a member click here.
De-Cluttering your House and Green Cleaning
Get organized and learn to de-clutter your home in this free workshop. Learn techniques to make your home the relaxed safe haven you would like it to be. Participants will also learn how to make their own green cleaning products. “Going Green” with household cleaners saves many resources such as money, the environment, and even the health of the people in your home.
Cost: Free
Class will be held at the Utah House
February 5th
11am – Noon
To register click here
Sustainable Living Discussion Course
The Utah House will be hosting a Sustainable Living Course. This course is a true group discussion with no formal lecturer and is intended to promote dialogue, not consensus. The course was put together by the Northwest Earth Institute (www.nwei.org). The goals of the course are to understand the meaning of sustainability and to inspire people to take responsibility for Earth. Discussion topics include ecological principles, food systems, buying trends, and sustainable communities.
Cost: $25 UBC members, $35 Public
Discussion group will meet at the Utah House
Tuesdays, February 22nd – March 29th, 7pm-8:00pm
To register click here
Backyard Chickens
Backyard chickens have gained enormous popularity in the past few years, especially in Davis County. This class will teach the basics in selection (layers or meat birds), feeding, management, advantages and disadvantages, predator control, and legalities of backyard chickens. Backyard Chickens are a perfect way to have a sustainable food source and teach kids responsibility. Justen Smith, a livestock and poultry specialist from Utah State University Extension, will be presenting the class. Special thanks to Rockin ‘E Farms for sponsoring this class. All participants will receive a coupon good for 50% off a 25 pound bag of Start N Grow chicken feed with the purchase of 3 chicks.
Cost: $25.00 UBC Members, $35.00 Public
Class will be held at the Utah House
March 26
9am – 10am
To register click here
The “Joys” of Raised Bed Gardening
Local gardening author Karen Bastow, will teach the many advantages of growing vegetables and herbs using the raised bed method. Learn from an expert how to efficiently use garden space and economically save money with raised bed gardening. Autographed copies of the book she co-authored with Joy Bossi, “Joy in the Garden” will be available to purchase after class.
Cost: Free
Class will be held at the Utah House
April 16th
11am – 12am
To register click here
Composting Basics
Learn the benefits and techniques of composting to get the most out of your growing space. Compost is a rich soil amendment that will benefit your garden plants, house plants and the environment by diverting compostable material from the landfill. Class will include a discussion of vermiposting, which is a composting method that uses worms to recycle food waste. Participants will receive a bag of compost from Eco Scraps.
Cost: Free
Class will be held at the Utah House
May 21st
11am – 12pm
To register click here
Botanical Watercolor Class
Geared for the novice, but appropriate for all art levels, this class will introduce art and garden lovers to the world of botanical illustrations. Be inspired by the gardens at the Utah Botanical Center and learn techniques to capture the color and texture of flowers. This course, taught by local artist Carolee Glaittli, will motivate participants to get out in the garden and enjoy the beauty of nature. Materials will be provided.
Cost: $25 Members, $35 Public
Class will be held at the Utah House
June 18th
11am – 12pm
To register click here
Solar Energy
Interested in learning more about home solar options? Ken Gardner, owner of Gardner Engineering, will discuss options for residential solar power and hot water systems in Utah, including design, installation and state and federal tax incentives.
Cost: Free
Class will be held at the Utah House
July 16th
11am – 12pm
To register click here
Food Preservation
Enjoy healthy locally grown food throughout the year. This fun hands-on workshop held in the Utah House kitchen, will teach participants safe food preservation methods. Topics discussed will include; drying, freezing, and canning. There will be two sessions held to accomodate a larger audience.
Cost: Free
Class will be held at the Utah House
August 20th
1st Session 9am – 10:30am To register click here
2nd Session 11am – 12:30pm To register click here
Would you like to become a member of the Utah Botanical Center? Click here
