The Education Team works to create engaging and helpful opportunities that bring us closer to the land and each other! Meetings tend to cover upcoming classes, educational outreach efforts, and other happenings. If you’re interested in assisting the education team, you should drop into a meeting. To propose a class, you need to fill out this form before proposing it in a meeting!

Here’s the meeting link: https://www.google.com/url?q=https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87291247340?pwd%3DR0M4c2F1QjNEN1B3bDh5bzUvajYwZz09&sa=D&source=calendar&ust=1727552551865965&usg=AOvVaw0-ismUEH_Tj9N7wX2gG1aB

The Site Development team works to organize and coordinate the continued care and expansion of the food forest. These meetings are worth attending when you’ve got structure or land-based ideas that you’d like to introduce, or if you’re looking for projects to lead or assist with.

Meetings occur every 2nd and 4th Tuesday!
Meetings alternate between physical and virtual, so be sure to read the details to know!

Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82852854386?pwd=OG41OFJvQ3FDVVp1RDdwbm1NUlJ5QT09

The Site Development team works to organize and coordinate the continued care and expansion of the food forest. These meetings are worth attending when you’ve got structure or land-based ideas that you’d like to introduce, or if you’re looking for projects to lead or assist with.

Meetings alternate between physical and virtual, so be sure to read the details to know!

Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82852854386?pwd=OG41OFJvQ3FDVVp1RDdwbm1NUlJ5QT09

Third Saturday Work Parties are a recurring work party that brings together the various teams of BFF to complete tasks on-site and connect the community! Work parties officially begin at 10am, but set up begins around 9:30am, and extra hands for setup is always welcome! We usually host a potluck-style lunch around 1:00pm, so feel free to bring a dish of choice (be sure to make note of ingredients for those with allergies).

Tasks for the event vary and you’re welcome to dabble in whatever task interests you.

Feel free to bring snacks, a dish, drinks, friends, music, or whatever you think can bring folks closer to one another and the land.

Food Forest Friday is a recurring open-to-all work day. When there are new folks in the mix, we always start with a tour of the space before digging into work.

The Education Team works to create engaging and helpful opportunities that bring us closer to the land and each other! Meetings tend to cover upcoming classes, educational outreach efforts, and other happenings. If you’re interested in assisting the education team, you should drop into a meeting. To propose a class, you need to fill out this form before proposing it in a meeting!

Here’s the meeting link: https://www.google.com/url?q=https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87291247340?pwd%3DR0M4c2F1QjNEN1B3bDh5bzUvajYwZz09&sa=D&source=calendar&ust=1727552551865965&usg=AOvVaw0-ismUEH_Tj9N7wX2gG1aB

The Site Development team works to organize and coordinate the continued care and expansion of the food forest. These meetings are worth attending when you’ve got structure or land-based ideas that you’d like to introduce, or if you’re looking for projects to lead or assist with.

Meetings alternate between physical and virtual, so be sure to read the details to know!

Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82852854386?pwd=OG41OFJvQ3FDVVp1RDdwbm1NUlJ5QT09

Food Forest Friday is a recurring open-to-all work day. When there are new folks in the mix, we always start with a tour of the space before digging into work.

Food Forest Friday is a recurring open-to-all work day. When there are new folks in the mix, we always start with a tour of the space before digging into work.

Food Forest Friday is a recurring open-to-all work day. When there are new folks in the mix, we always start with a tour of the space before digging into work.

The Site Development team works to organize and coordinate the continued care and expansion of the food forest. These meetings are worth attending when you’ve got structure or land-based ideas that you’d like to introduce, or if you’re looking for projects to lead or assist with.

Meetings alternate between physical and virtual, so be sure to read the details to know!

Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82852854386?pwd=OG41OFJvQ3FDVVp1RDdwbm1NUlJ5QT09

This class will meet to collectively create baskets from the dried materials harvested in the prior weeks. We will walk through the process of creating mini baskets and as a community discuss creating less waste, renewable resources, connecting to Pachamama, ourselves and how creativity connects us back to the bloodline of what’s real.

It is in this second part of the series where we explore the world of plants that some may consider weeds but at R^5 Collective Creations we find to be useful resources. The hopes of this class is to give a new lens to the plants so they may have a new purpose than compost alone. Collectively we will create crafts from materials harvested weeks prior and dried. We will walk through the process of making mini baskets and as a community discuss creating less waste, renewable resources, connecting to Pachamama, ourselves and how creativity taps us back to the bloodline of what’s real this life, a beautiful form of creative meditation.

About Instructors

Maddie Price, MSc (they/she) has been a BFF volunteer since 2020 and a lifelong “artsy treehugger”, having worked in habitat restoration, local food systems, and outdoor education while carrying on their maternal family traditions in needlecrafts, particularly crochet, sewing, and embroidery.

Yvonne Maria (they/them) came to BFF Food Forest as an intern while studying Psychology at Antioch University, approaching their studies through the cultural lens from their complex upbringing they had in the US and Mexico. Currently they are apprenticing at, and caretaking, a dedicated native plant garden in Martha Washington Park with the creator of BFF’s Native Guild . Yvonne Maria attunes with and honors their ancestors from Turtle Island by caretaking Pachamama and returning to art in all its forms,including weaving.

This in-person event at the Beacon Food Forest

Don't miss out on this opportunity to turn your neighborhood weeds into treasures!

Tickets are $30.00 with some sliding scale availability

Ticket Link: Part 2: Bringing it All Together – Basket Weaving

Third Saturday Work Parties are a recurring work party that brings together the various teams of BFF to complete tasks on-site and connect the community! Work parties officially begin at 10am, but set up begins around 9:30am, and extra hands for setup is always welcome! We usually host a potluck-style lunch around 1:00pm, so feel free to bring a dish of choice (be sure to make note of ingredients for those with allergies).

Tasks for the event vary and you’re welcome to dabble in whatever task interests you.

Feel free to bring snacks, a dish, drinks, friends, music, or whatever you think can bring folks closer to one another and the land.

Food Forest Friday is a recurring open-to-all work day. When there are new folks in the mix, we always start with a tour of the space before digging into work. This Friday, we'll be cutting back old raspberry canes and sprucing up some pathways.

Food Forest Friday is a recurring open-to-all work day. When there are new folks in the mix, we always start with a tour of the space before digging into work. Tasks for the day may vary.

The Community Care team works to cultivate the food forest into a safe and welcoming space through the facilitating of events, communal practices, and engaging outreach for all that are connected to the food forest. Meetings are irregular and scheduled as needed, so be sure to check in with the calendar for upcoming meetings.

You can also email Priya, one of our staff members, to get connected @ priya@foodforest.ngo

The Education Team works to create engaging and helpful opportunities that bring us closer to the land and each other! Meetings tend to cover upcoming classes, educational outreach efforts, and other happenings. If you’re interested in assisting the education team, you should drop into a meeting. To propose a class, you need to fill out this form before proposing it in a meeting!

Here’s the meeting link: https://www.google.com/url?q=https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87291247340?pwd%3DR0M4c2F1QjNEN1B3bDh5bzUvajYwZz09&sa=D&source=calendar&ust=1727552551865965&usg=AOvVaw0-ismUEH_Tj9N7wX2gG1aB

Join us at the Beacon Food Forest for a hands-on workshop focused on changing the way we think about "invasive" plants. Learn about the benefits these plants can bring to our lives and how to work with them in a sustainable way. This event will feature interactive activities, discussions, and practical tips for incorporating these plants into your practices. Don't miss this opportunity to shift your perspective and embrace the beauty of diversity in our natural world!

Activities

• We will take a tour in search of bind weed, morning glory, blackberry and dandelions left from the season and discuss how these can be made into baskets or cordage.

• We will discuss sustainability and the help of utilizing these plants in a way that may aid in a balance.

• We will harvest tule and search for other plants that can be used to their entirety, we will create beautiful cordage to take home from what we find during this time of the year.

  About Instructors

  Maddie Price, MSc (they/she) has been a BFF volunteer since 2020 and a lifelong “artsy treehugger”, having worked in habitat restoration, local food systems, and outdoor education while carrying on their maternal family traditions in needlecrafts, particularly crochet, sewing, and embroidery.

  Yvonne Maria (they/them) came to BFF Food Forest as an intern while studying Psychology at Antioch University, approaching their studies through the cultural lens from their complex upbringing they had in the US and Mexico. Currently they are apprenticing at, and caretaking, a dedicated native plant garden in Martha Washington Park with the creator of BFF’s Native Guild . Yvonne Maria attunes with and honors their ancestors from Turtle Island by caretaking Pachamama and returning to art in all its forms,including weaving.

  Location: Meet at Beacon Food - Gathering Plaza

  While this is a free class - Space is limited to 20 participants per class

  Ticket Link: Part 1: Introduction to Permaculture - Gathering of Materials

Food Forest Friday is a recurring open-to-all work day. When there are new folks in the mix, we always start with a tour of the space before digging into work.

Sunset Lab stands as a regular, low energy, open-to-all work party where you can meet the many hands of BFF and help with impromptu projects. Projects vary from week to week, but there's something for everyone. After sunset, we transition into a communal gathering around the fire to share food, stories, and more. If you can, bring snacks, drinks, friends, or firewood!

Description

Cultivate an understanding of plants growing in community with humans, animals, insects and other organisms through art, science, and culture.

Join us for a fun after-school gardening program to learn about plants in the community!

Ages 7-14

Schedule: Five Mondays – 2:30 to 4:00 PM from September 30th to October 28th, 2024

Location: Beacon Food Forest - Meet at the Gathering Plaza

Class Overview

How do plants grow? What do they need to thrive?

In this class you’ll learn about plants, and how they fit into a community of humans, animals, insects, microbes and other plants. We’ll use art, science, and cultural knowledge to design and plant gardens that are good for the earth and its occupants, and enjoy plants as food and materials for making useful and beautiful items!

Explore the Beacon Food Forest

Detailed class overview:

INTRO – Meet each other, learn about the use of a talking stick, learn about the Food Forest and the three core ethics of permaculture (Care for the Earth, Care for People, Fare share for all), tour the Beacon Food Forest, and start a garden journal.

PLANT COMMUNITIES - learn about environmental niches, and the roles of different plant types in a plant community. Learn about soil and compost. 

PLANTS WE EAT – learn how animals (incl. humans) use plants.  Learn about parts of plants used for energy capture, energy storage, and reproduction, learn how insects pollinate plants.

PLANTS & HUMAN CULTURES - learn about native vs introduced, wild vs cultivated, weeds & invasive plants, culturally relevant plants, and indigenous cultivation of plants. 

CONCLUSION - talk about garden tasks throughout the year, and  plant some perennial plants at the Beacon Food Forest.

About the Instructors

Eleanor Goodall is a BFF Volunteer and enthusiastic gardener. She has a BA in Biology and Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, and has done coursework on small farm and ranch management through the Washington State University Extension. She enjoys cooking, eating, and sharing the harvest with friends, family, and the local food bank. She has worked as a summer camp counselor, a patent agent, a grant writer, and a farm worker.

Tony Dickey: Tony began his “career” in permaculture through helping housemates in West Seattle create a more sustainable landscape circa 2015. He has committed to environmental causes since canoeing 400 miles down the Connecticut River in in 1968. Supposedly retired, Tony turned his interest in permaculture/ regenerative farming into a keen desire to advocate for pollinators and other forms of life.

Currently an active member of the Washington Native Bee Society, Tony created Pollinator-Plus at Beacon Food Forest (BFF) and oversees its guild since 2021. Starting in 2018, he has worked with the Education Committee in a variety of ways, such as inspiring its intern outreach. Tony also actively collaborates with Tilth Alliance, Seattle Public Schools, Washington Native Bee Society and Xerces Society.

As he’ll probably tell you: he loves taking pictures of bees! But also other insects, flowers, birds and even dirt! Bees need dirt. Ask Tony why when you meet him.

Price: Tickets are $110

Registration Link: Plants in the Community: Gardening for Young People

Description

Are you curious to learn about how to deepen your skills and knowledge around ecosystem restoration and medicinal plant growing? Join us for an advanced workshop with Michael “Skeeter” Pilarski to learn about stewarding medicinal food forests! In this class designed for people with some experience, we’ll dig into agroforestry concepts and design ideas that can support functioning ecosystems and provide both food and medicine.

In this workshop, topics will include:

• In-depth plant species selection

• Tips for plant establishment and propagation

• Ongoing design management practices: plant spacing, succession planning and coppicing

• Using biomass and hugelkulturs

• How to use subtropicals in Seattle

For centuries and still today, indigenous peoples world-wide have created social ecosystems with their favorite medicinal plants. In this workshop, we’ll lead with reverence and respect for these communities and teachings, as we explore social ecosystem ideas for the Pacific Northwest.

This workshop will include a conversational lecture and time exploring the Beacon Food Forest. Class will take place outdoors – please come prepared for the weather and for a walking tour. Class size is limited to about 15 people and we will be following current public health recommendations

About the Instructor

Michael “Skeeter” Pilarski

Michael Pilarski has been farming and gardening organically since 1972 with medicinal herbs being his main crops for the last 25 years. Michael has been creating medicinal forests for over 40 years and has worked with over 1,000 species of plants. He has taught extensively in the fields of regenerative farming, permaculture, medicinal herbs, native plants, plant propagation, ethnobotany, forestry, agroforestry and related disciplines. He has taught permaculture classes in Washington State since 1981. His publications include: Growing and Wildcrafting Medicinal Plants in the Pacific Northwest, Subtropical and Tropical Medicinal Plants Checklist: 2001, Agroforestry Guide for the Hawaiian Islands, Ethnobotany and Ethnoecology Resource Guide, Creating New Forests for Medicinal Plants.

Tickets are $65.00 with some sliding scale availability

Ticket Link: Creating Medicinal Food Forest Advanced

In preparation for Fall and Winter we'll be weeding, chopping/dropping, and sowing cover crops in select beds and rows of the BIPOC Garden to get it nice and cozy for the soil and its inhabitants. This is necessary to offer some protection to the soil from erosion and nutrient leeching caused by the elements. 

This task will consist of shoveling, lifting, digging, chopping/clipping, and a bit of bending/squatting/kneeling. Please come prepared for task! 

Description

Are you curious to learn about how you can combine ecosystem restoration and medicinal plant growing? Join us for a beginner-friendly workshop with Michael “Skeeter” Pilarski to learn about stewarding medicinal food forests! You’ll be introduced to agroforestry concepts and design ideas that can help support functioning ecosystems and provide both food and medicine.

In this workshop, topics will include:

• Plant selection for diversity, food and medicine

• Basic design principles

• Maintenance practices for year-to-year yields

For centuries and still today, indigenous peoples world-wide have created social ecosystems with their favorite medicinal plants. In this workshop, we’ll lead with reverence and respect for these communities and teachings, as we explore social ecosystem ideas for the Pacific Northwest.

This workshop will include a conversational lecture and time exploring the Beacon Food Forest. Class will take place outdoors – please come prepared for the weather and for a walking tour. Class size is limited to about 15 people and we will be following current public health recommendations.

*This class is part of an ongoing partnership in educational offerings with Beacon Food Forest and Tilth Alliance. The goal of these sessions is to explore climate solutions, permaculture-themed ideas, and growing practices that are creative and relevant in our urban communities.

About the Instructor

Michael “Skeeter” Pilarski

Michael Pilarski has been farming and gardening organically since 1972 with medicinal herbs being his main crops for the last 25 years. Michael has been creating medicinal forests for over 40 years and has worked with over 1,000 species of plants. He has taught extensively in the fields of regenerative farming, permaculture, medicinal herbs, native plants, plant propagation, ethnobotany, forestry, agroforestry and related disciplines. He has taught permaculture classes in Washington State since 1981. His publications include: Growing and Wildcrafting Medicinal Plants in the Pacific Northwest, Subtropical and Tropical Medicinal Plants Checklist: 2001, Agroforestry Guide for the Hawaiian Islands, Ethnobotany and Ethnoecology Resource Guide, Creating New Forests for Medicinal Plants.

Tickets are $65.00 with some sliding scale availability

Ticket Link: Creating Medicinal Food Forest Fundamentals

Food Forest Friday is a recurring open-to-all work day. When there are new folks in the mix, we always start with a tour of the space before digging into work. This Friday, we'll be cutting back old raspberry canes and sprucing up some pathways.

Sunset Lab stands as a regular, low energy, open-to-all work party where you can meet the many hands of BFF and help with impromptu projects. Projects vary from week to week, but there's something for everyone. After sunset, we transition into a communal gathering around the fire to share food, stories, and more. If you can, bring snacks, drinks, friends, or firewood!

The Site Development team works to organize and coordinate the continued care and expansion of the food forest. These meetings are worth attending when you’ve got structure or land-based ideas that you’d like to introduce, or if you’re looking for projects to lead or assist with.

Meetings alternate between physical and virtual, so be sure to read the details to know!

Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82852854386?pwd=OG41OFJvQ3FDVVp1RDdwbm1NUlJ5QT09

Description

Join us for an immersive exploration of wild bees! We'll dive straight into understanding bee anatomy, distinguishing bees from lookalikes, and discovering the fascinating life cycles of solitary bees. Then, we'll venture into the gardens to observe and catch wild bees in action. Guided by experts, we'll release them back into their habitat before reconvening to share our findings and insights. Get ready for a hands-on experience that will deepen your appreciation for these important pollinators!

In this workshop, topics will include

• Understanding bee anatomy

• Distinguishing bees from lookalikes

• Learning about the life cycles of solitary bees

• Observing wild bees in gardens

• Catching wild bees in action

• Releasing wild bees back into their habitat

• Sharing findings and insights with experts

• Deepening appreciation for pollinators through hands-on experience
  

Tickets are $35.00 with some sliding scale availability

BIPOC Solidarity

In solidarity with food justice and food sovereignty for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), we reserve spaces in each class for BIPOC community members free of charge. If you identify as BIPOC, and would benefit from a free option, select this ticket type. Limited Quantity.

Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wild-for-wild-bees-tickets-906019006237?aff=oddtdtcreator

Please reach out to Asha Nelson if you have any questions

About the Instructor

Chloe Markovits

Chloe is an ecologist, horticulturist, and educator. She has presented her research findings on bee biology at national symposia, has taught public workshops in schools and gardens across the country, and helps create sustainable home gardens through her local work in landscaping. Chloe is passionate about understanding how insect pollinators cope in human-dominated landscapes, finding ways to support them throughout their life cycles, and generating community enthusiasm for these fascinating creatures.

Description

Many of us have rich cultural backgrounds, and we often honor those backgrounds through food preparation and sharing. But we also forget that we can grow fresh produce to help us make those important and delicious cultural dishes.

In this class we will discuss:

• The diaspora we come from

• Food memories and traditions that shape us

• Cultural gardening methods and history

• How to incorporate these foods and practices into the garden planning process

This class will take place outdoors and include a lecture, group discussion, and a garden tour. Please be prepared to reflect and/or share your favorite or formative food memories and traditions. Class size is limited to about 15 people, and we will be following current public health recommendations.

*This workshop is part of an ongoing partnership in educational offerings with Tilth Alliance and Beacon Food Forest. The goal of these sessions is to explore climate solutions, permaculture-themed ideas, and growing practices that are creative and relevant in our urban communities.

Tickets are $55.00 with some sliding scale availability

Ticket Link: https://tilthalliance.org/event/the-foods-that-shape-us-growing-a-diaspora-garden-4/

About the Instructor

Shanelle Donaldson West

Shanelle Donaldson West is the Farm Manager at the University District Food Bank rooftop farm, food preservationist, and food justice advocate focused on healthy relationships to land, power and community. From working with toddlers growing gardens to connecting locally sourced food to people experiencing homelessness, Shanelle has supported more than one thousand King County residents over the last decade. She expanded her nutrition education to include food preservation classes as a method of self-care and extending the harvest. In 2016, she co-founded Percussion Farms to reconnect people of color to the land and their right to healthy lives. Shanelle is a proud alumna of the Black and Latinx Farm Immersion Class at Soul Fire Farm in Grafton, New York. When she's not farming, Shanelle can be found reading, cooking with her husband Mike, playing board games, or most likely smooching her sweet dog, Koda.