Tried composting and it didn’t seem to work? Are you afraid of inviting pests if you try? There are some important ingredients to composting that make the difference in developing the “black gold” that can both transform your waste and nourish your gardens. We’ll cover types of composting and containers, components of successful composting in rural and urban settings, and common problems in composting and their solutions. Please pre-register as we need a minimum of 4 people to run this course.

     Earth Day! Tue. April 22, 6-8 p.m., 1 Meeting

About Brigit: An avid gardener, researcher, and teacher, Brigit loves teaching classes where everyone learns new things, and where she goes home having learned more herself, for her own gardens, and for teaching future classes.

Thinking of planting a couple fruit trees or even a small orchard? Todd from Rise and Shine Nursery will give you tips on the best way to start your trees from choosing them to fertilizing, pollinating, and planting. Join him for an informative session and give your trees the best start possible. Bring your green thumb and meet at the greenhouses!

At the first meeting, Fred will introduce you to the historical geology of Southern Maine to include, but not limited to, how this area was formed and the events which made it happen. From plate tectonics to volcanism and glaciation, the geological formation is astounding. Discussion of local wells, radon, earthquakes, and Mount Cutler will also be included. The second meeting, focusing on physical geology, will include a field trip to Hiram Falls. Along the way, you will be introduced to pegmatite granite, basalt dikes, faults, and minerals. Then return to the classroom to discuss what we saw and other local features. Please feel free to bring your locally found rocks and minerals. Please pre-register as a minimum of 4 people is required to run the course.

Interested in learning more about solar energy for your home? Join ReVision Energy for an overview of all things solar! We'll discuss how grid-tied solar and net metering works and the all-electric household models (including heat pumps, EV charging, and battery storage) and explain how we design and price systems. The cost of solar panels has dropped 75% in the past 10 years, and there's a 30% Federal Tax Credit for solar, so now is the time to explore solar energy for your home. Please pre-register if possible for the purpose of providing materials.

Review camera settings, composition, and how to acquire great images of nature’s best, such as moose, birds, seals, and other subjects! Learn how to set up a blind to get great images. Discuss the best options in lenses for this type of photography and in tripods to get the best stability for your images! Required: a computer, a stable internet connection, and your fully charged digital camera. Registration closes at noon on May 11. Pre-registration is required to receive online link.

Steve McGrath is a professional freelance photographer and teacher with 25 years of experience shooting sports photos for local high schools, then weddings and stock agencies. His love of the great outdoors led him to his true passion–nature photography. Steve was an active member of the Gateway Camera Club for many years and has won many ribbons and awards at fairs and competitions through the group and on his own. Many of his images have been published in school textbooks.

UPCOMING EVENTS: Mark your calendars!

*FARM STORE OPEN WEEKLY: Beginning April 4: Friday Noon-4 p.m.,

     Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday-Thursday by appointment.

*SPRING TEA: Saturday, May 24, Noon. Limited Seating. Call ahead for         availability.

*LAMB LOVER’S DAY: Saturday, June 14

*GARDEN TOUR: Saturday, June 28, 2 p.m.

ECHO VALLEY FARM

1244 Sokokis Trail (Route 5)

Cornish, ME 04020

(207) 608-1441

FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM:“Echo Valley Farm Maine”

Shetland Sheep Fleece, Roving, Hand & Millspun Yarns, Handmade Gifts, and Registered Shetland Sheep