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*Organic Tree Fruit Field Day to be held June 19th in Berrien Center,
Michigan*

*When: *Saturday, June 19th,  from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

*Where: *Earth First Farms, 8335 Smith Road Berrien Center, MI 49102

*Why: *The event will begin with a walking tour of the orchard with
practical information and ideas for starting or transitioning to organic
orchard management. In the field, Dr. Matthew Grieshop of Michigan State
University will provide a hands‐on educational presentation on pest
identification and discuss strategies for preventing orchard damage.
Participants will also have an opportunity to learn about cider making from
“cider guru” Bob Tritten, MSU Horticultural Extension Specialist for
Southeast Michigan. A grower panel with successful growers from around the
state will discuss marketing options, share experiences and answer
questions. Take‐home resources on organic orchard production and
certificaton will also be available.

*How: *Cost: $25 (OTFA members receive a $10 discount for this and all other
OTFA-sponsored events). To register and get directions, call or email
Bridget O’Meara at (715) 808-0060, [log in to unmask] . The field day is
open to the public and includes a catered lunch. Registration deadline is
June 12th.


*Cheese Making Class**
*


*When:* Two classes will be held June 12 & July 17, 2010, from 1-4 p.m.

*Where:* WestWind Milling Company, 8572 Silver Lake Road Linden, MI 48451

*Why:* You will leave with the skills and info to help you create your own
cheese for your family.

*How:* Cost: $20 each, Ages 10 through adult. Limit 14 for each class.
Register soon to guarantee your space.  If interested call WestWind Milling
Company (810)735-9192, advanced payment is preferred.


*Michigan Polluter Short Course Offered at No Cost*



*When: *June 24, 2010

*Where:* East Lansing, MI (Contact Jennifer Hopwood for more information)

*Why: *This training session provides an overview of pollinator-specific
language within the Farm Bill, and how to translate that language into
on-the-ground conservation.
*
Training objectives:*


   - Awareness of various federal programs and funding available for
   pollinator conservation.
   - Identify approaches to increase and enhance pollinator diversity on the
   land.
   - Knowledge of the current best management practices that minimize
   land-use impacts on pollinators.
   - Ability to identify bees and distinguish them from other insects.
   - Understand the economics of insect-pollinated crops, and the effects of
   pollinator decline.
   - Knowledge of the 2008 Farm Bill pollinator conservation provisions and
   how to implement those provisions in programs such as WHIP, EQIP, and CSP.
   - Ability to assess pollinator habitat and to identify habitat
   deficiencies.
   - Ability to make recommendations to farmers and land managers that
   conserve pollinators (including subjects such as tillage, pesticide use,
   irrigation, burning, grazing, and cover cropping).
   - Ability to design and implement habitat improvements, such as native
   plant restoration and nest site enhancements.


*How: *Cost: Free of charge. To register contact Jennifer Hopwood, Midwest
Pollinator Outreach Coordinator
The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, P.O. Box 299, St. Louis,
MO 63166-0299, Tel: 913-579-5241 Email: *[log in to unmask]**
**
*

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