People interested in gardening and ecology have a unique opportunity for hands on learning in the the Kwalikum Food Forest (KFF) this summer.
"The Kwalikum Food Forest (KFF) is a place for the school and greater community to learn about, grow, eat and connect to local food," said Madeleine Dwyer who will teach an eight class course there this summer.
Supported by the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Reserve and many other community partners, the KFF offers opportunities for learners of all ages including workshops, courses, volunteer and work experience, she explained of the garden on the Kwalikum Secondary grounds.
"We are using the term food forest to communicate a few things, including our intention to use ecological practices in the garden, permaculture design, including native plants and wild foods (including weeds) and to distinguish ourselves from the Qualicum Beach community garden."
She has also previously said the point of the garden is "to find as many connections between the school and community as possible to grow awareness of food issues."
"This current food growing course is geared towards beginner gardeners and food growers with little or no experience. However, all are welcome to join us," Dwyer said in a news release.
She invites people to join them for an entire growing season and learn how to grow food at home.
"We will be exploring four months of food growing, foraging and tasting," she said of the eight classes of an hour and a half every other Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. from May 12-August 18.
The class will be limited to 12 people and they will consider adding a second class if there is enough interest.
"We will look at garden planning and design, starting new garden beds, native plants, wild foods, permaculture techniques, compost, etc. while supporting the maintenance and development of the Kwalikum Food Forest," she said.
The course costs $120 with a sliding scale and work-trade options.
To reserve a spot ASAP e-mail madeleinedwyer@gmail.com, call 250-240-6236 or check them out at www.facebook.com/kssfoodgardens and http://www.mabr.ca/instituteprojects.