Yurt in the works

by on June 12, 2012

A lot has happened since the last update. We hosted two great community tree planting days, CFI’s Outreach Director Zach Melanson kick-started our annual tree-planting fundraiser, and CFI’s Executive Director Jeff Schnurr finalized the purchase of Whaelghinbran Farm, 600 acres of restored Acadian forest and organic farmland that CFI has been working hard to acquire.

But I don’t want to talk about any of that. Not right now, anyway (but soon). What I really want to get to is the yurt. Yes, while all these exciting developments have been busying CFI’s small staff, I’ve been charged with putting some of the final touches on the yurt (What’s a yurt? Check this out).

There have proven to be many final touches. The birch poles that we’re using for the latticed walls and the roof needed to be stripped, sanded, drilled, and tied. There are over 120 poles on our yurt.

Unroofed and unsealed, but on its way

I’m not quite finished yet. Nearly, though. This week we plan to build the door and test-run our ring – two key structural components. Once we (fingers-crossed) successfully assemble everything in the backyard of the CFI office, we’ll move the structure to Whaelghinbran where it will be used as accommodations for the farm’s summer interns.

Mentor Susan Tyler with our farm interns. From left: farm manager Gavin, and interns Aviva, Ryan, Heather, Nick, and Hannah

CFI is excited to be hosting five farm interns at Whaelghinbran this summer. Under the mentorship of Clark Philips and Susan Tyler, these young farmers will work and live on the land, producing organic veggies to sell at farmers’ markets (we’ve got a CSA, too) in Saint John and Kensington, NB.

Though the construction process has been trying at times, it’s very satisfying to know that the structure will be put to great use. The yurt will be one small part of Whaelghinbran’s new education-centred infrastructure. With these new structures the farm will take on a capacity to facilitate apprenticeships and workshops designed to assist interested individuals in learning the skills needed to live and work sustainably in the Acadian Forest.

Speaking of which, the 2012 summer workshops series line-up is almost complete. Check this space in the coming weeks for updates on what we’ve got planned in Sackville and at Whaelghinbran this workshop season.

Until then, enjoy the sun!

September – October Workshops

by on September 2, 2011

Daimen, on right, leading our timber framing workshop

I hate to be the one that says it, but we’ve broken the threshold. Yep. We’re into Septober territory now.  In our last meeting we began laying out plans for CFI’s September-October programming. We’ve got some pretty interesting sessions in store, so be sure to keep an eye on this space (you can also follow us on facebook).

First up, on September 10th, is wildlife biologist and frequent radio commentator Bob Bancroft‘s session on wildlife structures. In this free session, Bob will explore the value of maintaining a variety of wildlife structures on your land. As human-caused disturbances make viable natural wildlife habitats increasingly sparse, it has become important to create habitats to shelter at-risk and vulnerable species. Bob will discuss these issues and lead participants on a walk through a forest in which we have stationed a number of different wildlife structures. Bob’s talk will take place in the Baie Verte Community Hall in Port Elgin (map). To arrange a carpool from Sackville, email info@forestsinternational.org. For more info, click here.

Second on the CFI calendar is the annual New Brunswick Woodlot Field Day. CFI is a major sponsor of this free field day at Thulium Farm in Little Shemogue, NB (map). Starting at 10am, the day will touch on everything from tree thinning to mixed species planting to selective harvesting. If you’ve got a woodlot, this one day field trip will introduce you to many techniques and place you in contact with the people who can assist you through your journey as a forest steward. Check out the poster here (français). Please register in advance by calling 1-800-546-4838 or by emailing info@fundymodelforest.net.

Third, we’ve got our second timber framing course coming up on October 1st. Our first instalment of this workshop filled up so quickly we decided to offer a second course. To see some pictures from the first go-around click here. Last time the group worked together on the construction of a composting toilet structure for the wedding of one of our instructors. This time we plan to work on timbers that will be used in the construction of a home. That means more (and larger) beams and posts… and better preparation for anyone thinking of undertaking a similar project. Space is limited, and pre-registration is necessary. To sign-up, click here.

 

Following the Timber Framing workshop, we’ll switch gears and prepare ourselves for a public lecture presented by Dr. Marilyn Walker that will take place on October 15th. An anthropology professor at Mount Allison University, Marilyn has an interest in the way that nature affects culture and vice versa. In this public talk, Marilyn will explore how ecology affects and informs the way cultures and social mores have developed in various parts of the world. This lecture is free and is open to the public. For details click here.

That’s it for now. Enjoy the sun…its presence has been fleeting this summer.

ps. Community Forests Pemba is starting some exciting new projects. Stay tuned for an update from Tanzania.

pps. If you’d like to get on our mailing list, click here.

On the Road with the Pod-Press

by on August 19, 2011

We’ve been running a lot of posts this summer on CFI’s projects in Canada. Namely, the workshop series. And not for good reason. The workshops are a big part of CFI’s summer programming. But it would be misleading to think that workshops are all that CFI is about.

We’ve got a knack for stretching our resources as far as we can. Whether it’s the construction of our new native species nursery, continual maintenance of our Food Forest, or publishing helpful resources, we’ve had plenty on our plates this summer.

But, but, but. It would also be misleading to give you the impression that all our work happens here in New Brunswick. Much of CFI’s work happens in Pemba, a small island off the coast of mainland Tanzania. Over in Pemba, our sister organization, Community Forests Pemba (CFP), has been busy doing work of their own.

Mbarouk Mussa Omar, CFP’s director, has been on the road, touring, introducing people to, and troubleshooting community-owned Pod Presses. Check out these pictures or flip through the presentation (hat tip to Brennan and Lisa) below to get a sense of what a pod press is all about.

The Pod Press is a great tool because it addresses two issues at once. As the press can be used to produce organic biomass seedling pods and fuel briquettes for cooking, the Press contributes to forest restoration efforts, reduces nursery dependence on polyethylene seedling sacks, and provides communities with an ecological (and cheap) fuel alternative to charcoal.

The following pictures were taken by Mbarouk in Chasasa, a community that had recently met with CFP to learn the ins and outs of the Pod Press.

 

If you’d like to support the propagation and distribution of this innovative tool, please click here. If you’d simply like to know more about the Press and our projects in Pemba, don’t hesitate to stop by or contact us at info@forestsinternational.org. See you at the next workshop!

Timber Framing: Sold-out!

by on August 17, 2011

Miss the workshop? Put your name on the wait-list for the second offering of the course in September

CFI is pleased to announce that the Timber Framing workshop has been sold-out!  Thank you all for your interest. Everyone here is looking forward to the course.

Due to the overwhelming response, we’ve decided to hold a second course provided there is sufficient interest. If you would like to attend a timber framing workshop in the month of September (a weekend date will be posted as soon as possible), please email your contact details to info@forestsinternational.org or catch us at the office by calling (506) 536-3738.

If timber framing isn’t your thing, remember that we’ve got an interesting set of talks coming up in September (a month that has come to inhabit the alarmingly near future). On the 10th, Bob Bancroft, wildlife biologist and frequent CBC Radio contributor, will be in Sackville for a full-day talk-and-walk session that will explore the topic of creating wildlife habitats in our backyards. By building such structures and keeping them on our yards, farms, and woodlots, land-owners are able to delegate the tasks of pest-control, fertilization, and seed dispersal to the natural inhabitants of our forests. Click here for more details.

Next post’ll be centred on what’s been happening in Pemba. Keep your eyes open.

Enjoy this stretch of sun while it lasts!

August in Sackville

by on August 10, 2011

Click the image to register for CFI's Timber Framing workshop

Considering the weather we’ve been having, this summer has been all about maximizing the few sunny day’s we’ve been afforded. We’re trying to make it easy for you by offering plenty of workshops all through the summer.

Last weekend John and Sarah from the Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre (ACCDC) led a workshop on gardening for biodiversity. Focusing on knowing and nurturing native pollinators, John and Sarah introduced the group to a wide range of native pollinators, a group of insects whose important work in our gardens often goes unacknowledged.

Coming up in just a few weeks is Mount Allison’s Wonders of Nature kids camp. CFI is teaming up with Mount Allison to teach 5-12 year-olds about the forests around them, and about how plants transform into food.

Immediately after the kids camp, we’ll be switching gears into timber framing. On the 27th of August, Daimen and Gavin Hardie will lead CFI’s Timber Framing workshop. Participants will learn the history and theory of timber framing before dividing into groups and planning out joinery. Once the designs are complete, Daimen and Gavin will introduce the group to the tools and the techniques of timber framing, run some demonstrations, then allow the group to work together on a timber frame structure.

Because of the hands-on nature of this course, space is limited to 8 participants. If time and interest permit, CFI may offer another Timber Framing workshop in the fall.

Keep your eyes open this weekend. You might just spot some sunshine.

 

Mid-July Update

by on July 14, 2011


Park and Plant: Jeff and Daimen Bagging-up at Port Elgin Regional School

Park and Plant: Jeff and Daimen Bagging-up at Port Elgin Regional School

Ever wish you could work your woodlot in a sustainable way? We’ve got a workshop on that. Always wanted to set-up your own honey operation? Want to increase pollination in and around your garden? We’ve got a workshop on that. Are you kicking yourself for not paying attention back in shop class? Want to learn the techniques required to build your own timber frame structures? We’ve got a workshop on that coming up in August. Check back soon for more info.

All this to say that summer programming here at CFI is well underway. We’ve already hosted two workshops this summer and both were great successes. Keep an eye on this space and check our facebook page regularly to stay in the know about all our upcoming workshops. If you’ve got a question or would like to register, click here and follow the links, give us a call, or drop by the office. We love a good visit!

This Monday, the 18th of July, we’re excited to be hosting our Eco-Forestry workshop. Ecological Forestry is the practice of managing and working a forest in a way that mimics nature. By developing an understanding and an appreciation of the forest, and through the practice of selective cutting, woodlot owners can make more informed decisions, enabling you to work, restore, and profit from the land all in a sustainable manner.

Eco-Forestry 2010: Learning in and from the Forest

Eco-Forestry 2010: Learning in and from the Forest

This year’s Eco-Forestry Short-course is loaded with classroom learning and outdoor, hands-on activities, all designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills required to better work a woodlot. There’s still room and time to sign-up. Check out this page to register or give us a call at 1 506 536-3738. Register with a friend and save $100!

Beyond being busy with our Summer Workshop Series, we’ve also carried on with our Community Trees Program. Estelle, Daimen, and Jeff planted a total of 1500 trees, all of which were native species, in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia along the Chignecto Isthmus. Wander over to our facebook page to see more photos from the Community Trees Program. (Could your community use some greening? Contact us or contact our landscaping friends by clicking here.)

That’s all for now. See you at the workshops!

Here’s to Neil and Robin’s Camp!

by on June 13, 2011

CFI sends a huge shout-out to all the treeplanters of Neil Whan and Robin McCullough’s camps who donated their daily earnings to CFI, collectively contributing over $8200 to CFI’s projects in Pemba, Tanzania. Cheesyness aside, this kind of generosity is truly inspiring.

For those of you have never spent a Canadian summer in the bush planting trees, the trade deserves a bit of an introduction. Tree-planting is an incredibly taxing job, both physically and mentally. After planting anywhere from 2000 to 4000 (highballers in Ontario are known to hit 5k) trees in a day, planters are ferried back to camp where they then devour a meal, hang-out for a couple of hours, then go to sleep. Repeat until the summer is over.

Treeplanters can potentially make good money. But it doesn’t come easy – planters have to work the hardest day of their life, everyday, all summer, to come out of the summer with enough money to pay off a year’s worth of rent and tuition.

That’s why this donation means so much to us. The money’s not coming from the demographic typically associated with philanthropy. But that didn’t stop you from stepping-up. You gave because you believe in what CFI’s doing and you’d like to see your money allow those projects to go forward.

We’ve set out to raise $20, 000 over the summer. The beauty of this campaign is that ALL of the funds go directly and entirely to CFI’s projects in Pemba. Nothing gets tied up in over-head or administration costs. Click here to check out the projects that your donations support and check out the video below that does a great job of bringing the pieces together.

A Beginning in Pemba from Community Forests International on Vimeo.

Treeplanters are an incredibly important piece in all of this.

To help us reach our goal, click here. Thanks for your generosity.

Food Forest Workshop Coming Up

by on June 7, 2011

 

 


June 18: Food Forest Workshop

June 18: Food Forest Workshop

 

In just a few Saturdays, CFI will be hosting its Food Forest workshop. CFI’s own resident food forest guru, Estelle Drisdelle, has been working hard to sharpen and tighten this workshop. Now into its second year, this summer’s Food Forest workshop is shaping up to be better than ever.

Come down to our outdoor classroom at the Sackville Community Garden and get immersed in food forests. “But what the heck is a food forest?” you ask. A food forest is simply a style of gardening that involves planting different species in mutually beneficial arrangements. As each plant lends a hand in the growth and health of its neighbour, food forests grow stronger and are often lower-maintenance than conventional row gardens. Healthier, stronger, and less work. What else could you want, right? That’s a food forest!

Click here for more details and to register. Click here to find out about all our upcoming workshops.

Hope to see you all there!

News Blast!

by on May 30, 2011

Despite the wet weather in Sackville on Saturday, volunteers came out to help launch our Global Tree-Planting campaign. After a short demonstration at Sackville’s Community Garden, volunteers split into groups and were led by CFI staffers through an afternoon of tree planting. A beautiful butternut grove was planted at Beech Hill Park and Sackville’s downtown was greened with sugar maples, red maples, butternuts, and black cherry trees.

While volunteers planted under cloud cover on this side of the world, Tanzanian school children, led by the staffers of CFI’s sister organization, planted trees in the Pemban sunshine. All in all, May 28 was a great success! A huge thank-you goes out to all our volunteers, both in Sackville and on Pemba.

But the weekend didn’t end with the Global Tree-Planting campaign. On Sunday, we launched our annual Summer Workshop series. Our first speaker was David Smith, founder of Save a Plant. Making use of our new outdoor classroom at the Sackville Community Garden, David led a group through the ins and outs of plant propagation. After discussing how to harvest seeds from the wild and how to clone and grow plants from cuttings, David walked the group of participants into CFI’s ‘food forest‘ for some hands-on demos.

The next workshop, Designing and Growing a Food Forest, takes place on June 11-12th. Be sure to check our News page and the Projects tab for details, updates and registration information for all our upcoming workshops. Tell your friends and enjoy the sun!