Fruit Forest: Orchard as Ecosystem (Sept 2009)

Michael Philips is author of The Apple Grower, a definitive guide to growing organic apples holistically. Michael's knowledge of fruit trees, orchard management, companion plants, and soil science have helped him to become well spring of information and inspiration for orchardists and backyard gardeners alike.  He integrates the intuitive knowledge of our great-grandparents with the fruits of modern scientific research and innovation. Michael shares his breadth of wisdom woven through personal stories in a way of amplifying a passion and inspiration for growing fruit trees and 'abetting Nature's way'.  Using the MA Center orchards, Michael will bring participants on an ecological journey that explores how we can create an optimal “forest-edge- ecosystem” perfect for fruit trees. 

• Walking through the orchard season
• Moving beyond organic: The holistic appoach
• Creating a diverse, healthy orchard ecosystem 
• Managing  understory  plants, nutrients, and beneficial microorganisms.
• Using plant medicines and compost teas to boost tree immune resistance
• Evaluating strategies for the existing and new hillside orchards at the MA Center
• On site Apple Harvesting and Juicing
• Optional Camping
• Organic Meals Included

 
The MA Center is the US headquarters for the international humanitarian and spiritual activities of an India saint, Mata Amritanandamayi (known as Amma).  The 180-acre grounds also serve as an educational hub for the Bay Area through demonstration of exemplary sustainable practices in reforestation, water catchment, and orchardculture.   Drawn by the site's beauty, accessibility by public transportation, and the center's uncompromising dedication to using all proceeds to fund international humanitarian aid projects, hundreds of volunteers have joined together in service here to plant the orchards and reforest the hillsides.  The MA Center currently has 350 fruit tress looking to expand to 1100 within the next years.

"Holistic connection takes into account far more variables that affect overall health, rather than merely repressing disease symptoms by allopathic means. Knowing why the apple tree thrives in a forest-edge ecosystem suggests understory practices by which orchardists can abet Nature's way. Promoting the health of the soil is the means by which orchardists produce life-enhancing fruit that in turn promotes human health. The right kind of yields and financial rewards follow from there." ~ Michael Philips

Costs:

Tuitions include delicious organic lunch, dinner, and snacks
$300 ~ Course Tuition
$250 ~ Early Bird Discount  (Register & pay by July 30)
Work trade is available.

Accomodations:

Camping & Organic Breakfast Package: $25/person for Friday and Saturday night.
Common Vision will be hosting camping at Anthony Chabot State Park campsite.  The camping package will include organized carpools and shuttles to and from the campground, organic breakfasts, and likely night-time music/slide shows/movies/treats and morning yoga classes.  Participants provide their own sleeping gear, tents (optional), & marshmallows.  Children up to 13 are free.  For more information please contact us at: info@commonvision.org.

If you do not want to camp, there are many hotel options in the San Ramon and Castro Valley area. 

Location:

M.A. Center, 10200 Crow Canyon Rd, Castro Valley, CA 94552.
Driving directions: > Click here

Schedule:

FRIDAY:
Registration is Friday 1230pm-130pm:
Class:  1:30p - 8:30pm
Organic dinner & snack included.

SATURDAY:
9am - 830pm
Organic lunch, dinner, snacks included

SUNDAY:
9am – 6pm (dinner until 7)
Organic lunch, dinner, snacks included

Travel:

In efforts to minimize  carbon footprint and the cost to participants, the M.A. Center and Common Vision are creating a contact list of people looking to share rides based on the information provided below.   We also will be coordinating pickups and drop offs between the Castro Valley BART and the M.A. Center.  Disclaimer: This service is purely to assist course participants in connecting with other participants to share rides.  The M.A. Center and Common Vision are not responsible for your travel experience.

Registration:

> Register Now!