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Community Corner

Down on the Farm: News and Notes from Gale Woods

From gardening to bees and more, there are fun classes for all ages.

Homeschool on the Farm

Join us for farming fun on Friday, March 2, from 1-3:30 p.m., at , Minnetrista.

Gale Woods offers three great homeschool programs designed with your child in mind. They will learn how the farmers care for the animals and gardens throughout the year. Each month we will care for the animals and cook with farm produce in the education center.

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Our Farm Quest program is designed for the skills and interests of homeschoolers ages 7-11 (first through fourth grades). This is a drop-off class; parents are welcome to stay but may be asked to assist the Farm Educator during the program.

Farm Adventures is designed for the skills and interests of children ages 4-6 (preschooler - kindergarten). This is a drop-off class; parents are welcome to stay but may be asked to assist the Farm Educator during the program.

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Farm Discovery is designed for the skills and interests of children ages 2 to 4 (toddlers and preschoolers). All children must be accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult who attends at no charge.

Cost is $10 and reservations are required by February 29. Call Gale Woods Farm at 763-694-2001 to make your reservation.

Upcoming Events on the Farm

The ABC’s of Apple Trees: Saturday, March 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Want to know where your apples come from? Grow them yourself! This class gives you the basics and resources to take you forward. Come visit the orchard to see the basics of planting, pruning, and more. Price: $8. This class is for ages 10 and up.

Reservations are required by March 2.

Beekeeping Basics: Saturday, March 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Veteran beekeeper and entomologist Dan Palmer will provide all the information necessary to keep bees in cold climates. He’ll take you through two years of beekeeping, from purchasing and assembling equipment and bees to producing and selling honey.

The course is a two-session series and is geared toward beginning beekeepers. The date for the second session is Saturday, April 21, from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. You must attend both sessions in order to participate. Fee includes a copy of Beekeeping Basics — a comprehensive guide from the Penn State Extension Service. Price: $65. This program is for ages 12 and up.

Reservations are required by March 1.

Get Started  Vegetable Gardening: Saturday, March 10 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Does the idea of growing your own vegetables interest you? Do you just need someone to tell you how to begin? Then this is the class for you! We will spend the morning teaching you how to get started growing food in your backyard. Leave with a place to begin, resources to help, and the inspiration to grow beautiful produce. Price: $8. This program is for ages 11 and up.

Reservations are required.

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