Join our events listserve!

Fall workshops are now being listed.  Keep up to date on all the happenings by joining our events listserve.

Join our listserve by sending an email to prestonsparadise+subscribe@googlegroups.com

Check below for the posted events.

See you soon!

Soapmaking! – Nov 7 (noon)

We’re happy to host the return of Lorelle Becton to lead a soap-making workshop at Preston’s Paradise.  Those that came to the Healing Salves and Ointments class know that Lorelle is a lovely woman with a ton of knowledge to share.  Come learn from her years of experience with making liquid and hard soaps from common ingredients.

You must RSVP to info@prestonsparadise.org to attend because of the material costs involved.  Please do so soon.

Cheesemaking! – Nov 15

Still a ways away, but we’re excited to host veteran cheesemaker Ashton Jones at Preston’s Paradise for an introductory cheesemaking class.  We’ll begin at noon on Sunday, November 15 and go until everyone is satisfied.

We’ll do a simple hard and soft cheese (probably cheddar and ricotta), and talk about all the other wonderful things you can do with curds and whey.

This workshop will last for a few hours, so come prepared to chat it up, explore our library, or just enjoy the slide.  If you can’t make it on Sunday, we’ll probably be having a prep day on Saturday, so let us know if that works better for you and you can see a bit behind the curtain.

You must RSVP to info@prestonsparadise.org to attend so we have enough space and materials.

Herbal Medicine – Nov. 16 (7pm)

This workshop courtesy of our friends at the Jewish Farm School.  They ask that you RSVP to them directly.  Find all the details at:

http://www.jewishfarmschool.org/programs/urban-sustainability/

Candymaking – Dec 6

Holiday candymaking is a family tradition of ours, and we’ve made platters every year that I can remember.  We’ll do some standard favorites like turtles, mint chips, peanut balls, and coconut clusters, and also talk about fillings and specialty items like candied ginger and dried fruit.  Come join us and bring your ideas!  Everyone will leave with a box of candy to share.

We’ll start at noon, please register by sending an email to info@prestonsparadise.org.

Preston’s Paradise on Youtube!

Check out this short piece that a couple of students from Temple made last week.

464 IS the Magic Number: Summer 2009 Tire Round-up

In the span of just two hours, we collected 464 tires within a one-block radius of Preston’s Paradise’s main site and deposited them at the recycling site the city set up temporarily for the 2009 Philly Tire Roundup. Thanks to all who helped! Let this be the beginning of a beautiful summer tradition.

2009 Workshop Schedule

Here is the most recent schedule of workshops for 2009. Most of our workshops will involve instructors from across the city using our facilities and materials to demonstrate an “approachable technology”. We will also be working with Mill Creek Farm and other community organizations to create on-site installations. Check back often for an updated calendar. And if you want to facilitate a workshop or have an idea for one, please let us know!

Location will be at the Preston’s Paradise demonstration site (839 N. Preston St.) unless otherwise noted. Some workshops have a limited number of spaces available. If you would like to attend any of the offered classes, please email info@prestonsparadise.org for availability.

All workshops will be offered free or sliding scale with no one turned away.

Summer

6/14 – Earth Plasters (9am-2pm)

6/21 – Introduction to Canning (noon-5pm)

6/29 – Small-scale intensive gardening (5pm-8:30pm)

7/7 – Urban Beekeeping - POSTPONED UNTIL FALL

7/12 – Vermicomposting on a Household Scale – Erik Kintzel from Greensgrow Farms (10am-noon)

7/22 – Herbal Tinctures from the Garden – Joy Payton (6pm-9pm)

7/25 – Composting FAQ – Christine Tilles from PHS (at the Mill Creek Farm, 11am – 1pm)

7/26 – Brunch at Preston’s Paradise (10am-2pm)

8/1 – Healing with Herbs and Whole Foods (at the Mill Creek Farm, 11am – 2pm)

8/2 – Introduction to Permaculture with Phil Forsyth (noon)

8/9 – Brunch at Preston’s Paradise (10am-2pm)

8/15 – Cob Oven construction (at the Mill Creek Farm, 11am – 5pm)

8/15 – Reptiles and Amphibians in the Garden (at Glenwood Green Acres, 10am-11am)

8/20 – Canning and Food Preservation with Beth Brandon (6pm)

9/2 – Healing Salves and Ointments from the Garden with Lorelle Becton (6pm)

9/13 – Natural Dyeing and Pigments (noon)

Fall

10/18 – Cider pressing

11/1 – Clay plaster (9am)

11/7 – Soapmaking (noon)

11/15 – Cheesemaking (noon)

11/16 – Herbal Medicine (6pm)

12/6 – Candymaking (noon)