Soil Foodweb with Elaine Ingham
February 6th - 10th, 2012

In this document you will find:
1. The Course Overview
2. Schedule by Day
3. What to Expect: meals, location, etc
4. What to Bring
5. Directions
6. More information about Accommodations
7. Hotels

1. The Course Overview
Day 1 & 2: Intro. to the Soil Foodweb – Dr. Elaine Ingham uncovers the basic principles of the Soil Foodweb, plant relationships, and bacterial to fungi ratios in this in-depth two day primer.  Not only will you gain a fundamental understanding of the way soil biology drives plant nutrition, you will learn how modern agriculture selects for disease and pests.  A must for anyone wanting a complete understanding of soil health and healthy plants.

Day 3: Compost Technology - Not all compost is created equal.   There is a  big difference between good compost and reduced waste.  One of the biggest mistakes people make when building a compost pile is not selecting the different Carbon:Nitrogen ratios for the plants they’re growing.  Learn how to select the proper ratios and composting strategies that will get the right biology based on different types of plants needs.

Day 4: Compost Tea Technology – We cover the processes that will maximize biological diversity to get the most bang for your buck.  Actively Aerated Compost Tea (AACT) and Liquid Compost Extract (LCE) are the most efficient methods for bringing back micobe diversity.  This allows you to eliminate inorganic fertilizers and herbicides which decrease diversity and degrade soil health.

Day 5: Light Microscope Training – Dr. Elaine Ignham leads this very special day of training on effective light microscope techniques and identification.  Learn from the master herself about what constituents good compost and compost tea on a microscopic level.  This part of the class is essential for anyone who wishes to gain “eyes on” knowledge of the soil universe and what really goes on under our feet.  Get the necessary training to identify the bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and nematodes that drive the health and well being of our plants. Students are encouraged to bring their own microscope.  Microscopes will also be available for a group discount at the workshop.
 


2. Schedule
Each day the Course instruction will begin at 9:00 am and end at 6pm
Please Arrive for Registration between 8:00am and 8:45am each day.   

NOTE: If you are going to be unable to make the registration window please inform us.

8:00am - 8:45am onsite registration - M.A. Center
9:00am- start time lecture
11:00am  15 min. break (Tea and Snack)
1:00pm-2:00pm  Lunch
2:00pm afternoon lecture session begins
4:00pm  15 min. break  (Tea and Snack)
6:00pm  lecture ends

3. What to Expect: Food, Location, other

Food: All meals are vegetarian. Lunch and snacks will be served at M.A. Center.    
  The M.A. Center Amrita Hall will be the classroom space for the class.

Other:

•    There is cell phone reception and internet available at the teaching space.



4. What to Bring

For Instruction: Your favorite pen, pencil, laptop or other note-taking implement.  If needed, a pillow for your back, or other to make sitting comfortable.
For Outdoor Activity: a sun hat, sunscreen, a Water bottle


5. Directions to MA Center
Address:
10200 Crow Canyon Road
Castro Valley, CA 94552 USA

The M.A. Center - Click here to create map directions.

FROM THE SOUTH: (5N to 580W to 680 N)
I-5 N                        
7.            Continue on I-580 W (signs for I-580/Tracy/San Francisco)                        36.3 mi
8.            Take the exit onto I-680 N toward Sacramento                        6.1 mi
9.            Take exit 36 for Crow Canyon Rd                        0.3 mi
10.            Turn left at Crow Canyon Rd                        3.8 mi
MA Center on your RIGHT

FROM THE WEST / Northwest: (580 E)
5.         Take the exit onto I-580 E toward Hayward              16.4 mi
6.            Take exit for Grove way/ Crow Canyon Rd            0.3 mi
7.            Turn left at T

8.  Continue on Crow Canyon Rd.

MA Center is on your LEFT

FROM THE EAST / NORTH EAST (80W to
5.            Continue on I-80 W                                                41.1 mi
6.            Take exit 40 to merge onto I-680 S toward San Jose/Benicia   35.1 mi
7.            Take exit 36 for Crow Canyon Rd                             0.3 mi
8.            Turn right at Crow Canyon Rd                        3.6 mi
MA Center on your RIGHT

6.   Accommodation & Transportation

There is no organized camping for this course.   The closest campsite is 20 minutes away at Anthony Chabot Campground.

To contact Reservation Services, please call 1-888-EBPARKS (1-888-327-2757) HOURs.  8:30 a.m. - 4:30p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. on Fridays.

For people staying in hotels or other: You can park your car each day at the MA Center, or ride the Bart-
Bart pick up:
we will do a daily pick up at the Castro Valley Bart Station (about 15 minutes from the MA Center) between 8:15 and 8:30am
we will do a daily drop off at the Castro Valley Bart Station after the end of the class session.
We need to know ahead of time if you are planning on utilizing this shuttle.
info@commonvision.org


7. Hotel List
12 Hotels near the MA Center in San Ramon and Castro Valley
Listed here in order of cost.
Please note that the prices are approximate and in no way guarantee a certain price at any hotel.  You need to call and make your own reservation and determine the price.

Valley Inn
17130 Foothill Blvd
Castro Valley, CA 94546-3830
(510) 276-8151
From MA Center- 7.5 mi -about 20mins
Rates- per night average-$55

*Econolodge
3928 E Castro Valley Blvd.,
Castro Valley, CA
510-537-8833
From MA Center- 5.2 mi- about 14 mins
Rates- per night $55 if you  mention the MA Center

Super 8 Hayward/ Downtown
21800 Foothill Boulevard
Hayward, CA 94541
(510) 733-5012
From Ma Center- 7.4 mi – about 19 mins
Rates- per night average-$55-65

Budget Inn  (aka thriftlodge on google maps)
21598 Foothill Boulevard
Hayward, CA 94541
(510) 538-4380
From MA Center-7.0 mi – about 19 mins
Rates- per night average $60

Castro Valley Inn
3954 E Castro Valley Blvd
Castro Valley, CA 94552-4811
(510) 538-5757
From  MA Center-5.2 mi – about 14 mins
Rates- per night average- $70


*Homestead Studio Suites
Ask for MA Center year round weekly rate
18000 San Ramon Valley Blvd
San Ramon, CA 94583-4401
(925) 277-0833
From MA Center- 4.5 mi – about 12 mins
Rates- per night average $70- 80



Extended Stay America
2100 Camino Ramon
San Ramon, CA 94583-1362
(925) 242-0991
extendedstayamerica.com
From MA Center- 4.2 mi – about 12 mins
Rates- per night average-$85


Quality Inn Castro Valley
2532 Castro Valley Blvd
Castro Valley, CA 94546
(510) 538-9501
qualityinn.com
From MA Center- 6.7 mi – about 17 mins
Rates- per night average-$85


Comfort Suites Castro Valley Hotel
2419 Castro Valley Blvd
Castro Valley, CA 94546
(510) 889-9300
comfortsuitescastrovalley.com
From MA Center- 7.0 mi – about 19 mins
per night average-$102

*Hyatt Summerfield Suites Pleasanton
Ask for MA Center Rates
4545 Chabot Drive
Pleasanton, CA 94588
(925) 730-0070
From MA Center- 11.6 mi- about 25 mins.
Rates -per night average -$130- 140


Courtyard San Ramon
18090 San Ramon Valley Blvd
San Ramon, CA 94583
(925) 866-2900
From MA Center 5.2 mi – about 14 mins
Rates- per night average - $140


San Ramon Marriott
2600 Bishop Drive
San Ramon, CA 94583
(925) 867-9200
From MA Center- 4.8 mi – about13 mins
Rates- per night average- $150

Hotel Sierra
2323 San Ramon Valley Blvd
San Ramon, CA 94583-1607
(925) 743-1882
From MA Center-3.6 mi – about 9 mins
Rates- per night average $160


Residence Inn San Ramon
1071 Market Place
San Ramon, CA 94583
(925) 277-9292
From MA Center- 5.4 mi – about 15 mins
Rates- per night average- $170