This content was published: March 21, 2008. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Sustainability classes bring the farm to the city
Photos and story by James Hill
The Urban Homestead program at Portland Community College, in partnership with Pistils Nursery, uses inner city garden creativity to promote an eco-friendly home. Instructor Michelle Koeppe will show students how to bring the farm into the city in brand new classes. All of them will be held at Pistils Nursery, 3811 N. Mississippi Ave.
- Urban Chicken Keeping. Gain knowledge on the delights of keeping an urban flock for enhancing your garden and harvesting fresh eggs. This two-week class will guide you on raising chicks into happy hens and cover their husbandry, as well as health needs. The class will meet from 7 to 9 p.m., Tuesdays, April 15 through April 22. Cost is $29.
- Vermicomposting. Find out how to turn kitchen scraps into garden treasure with the help of red worms. Learn how to build and maintain the proper environment for these amazing creatures and the ease with which this versatile system of composting can reduce waste. The class will meet from 7 to 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 29. Cost is $19.
- Introduction to Landscape Design. Develop the skills and know-how to turn your urban garden into an outdoor oasis. Concepts include soil management, appropriate plants, garden maintenance as well as selecting hardscaping, garden features and compost systems. The class will meet from 7 to 9 p.m., Tuesdays, May 6 through May 13. Cost is $29.
For more information, contact PCC’s Community Education office at (503) 978-5205.
About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »