C E R T I F I E D O R G A N I C
Dorchester, New Hampshire
D
Acres of
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There are always new and exciting things going on at D Acres of New Hampshire. Here's a look at the projects we will be working on this year...
Solar Hot Water Research Project and
Weather Station Learn more: D Acres Hosts Innovative Solar Research Project View current weather at the farm: D Acres Weather Report
Blacksmith D Acres is proud to welcome Joe Vachon back to the farm in 2008. Joe, our resident blacksmith, focuses on metal working for the farm and for retail sale; he is also available for commissions. Learn more here! Garden Bed & Pasture Expansion The past ten years we have been working hard to develop the educational infrastructure of D Acres. Each year we have added more garden space, more farm structures, more educational opportunities, and more hungry mouths! This year, we are putting special emphasis on increasing our garden areas for food production and increasing pasture area for the grass eaters. Garden expansion activities will include sheet mulching new areas, planting, and ensuring that our existing beds are properly maintained. Pasture expansion will include a new fenced area south of the Ox Hovel.
D Acres is implementing a cottage industry program focused on the production of wooden crafts and furniture. The program is oriented toward training interns and apprentices in the production of wooden crafts and tool safety. The program is also designed to produce high quality, attractive wooden crafts and furniture, for sale through retail outlets as well as through our website. The emphasis is on utilizing wood that is sustainably harvested onsite or purchased from local businesses in Dorchester, NH.
The staff at D Acres are excited to expand our mushroom cultivation project. The program centers around both annual and perennial species. Mushrooms can serve as an important component of a small farm system, providing food, utilizing byproducts of the forestry program (such as sawdust, stumps, small diameter wood and species unsuitable for cordwood or wood-crafting), as well as producing value-added products such as tea and tinctures. In addition to cultivation, we will offer educational workshops on mushrooms to be taught by D Acres staff members as well as by experts Dave Wichland and Terry Anya Hayes.
Sustainable Forestry with Oxen The 2003 season marked our first year utilizing large animals in our sustainable forestry program. August and Henri, our highly photogenic 6 year old Jersey oxen, just love the idea of replacing the skidder! As the boys grow in strength and manageability, the program continues to expand. In the past year Josh and Abby have incorporated "the boys" into a variety of farm projects including pulling their cart, a rock sled, and logs through the woods. As our ability and understanding of how to utilize oxen within the forest increase, we hope to share this opportunity with other interested participants at D Acres of New Hampshire. A demonstration workshop is planned for June to share information with the public about the use of oxen in the small farm system. A separate workshop series will demonstrate principles of sustainable forestry, including Species Identification, Firewood, and Erosion Control.
Dorchester Conservation Commission Walks Once a month the Dorchester Conservation Commission organizes a walk in Dorchester to explore the natural and man made history of Dorchester. For more info contact Josh at 786-2366.
International Study-Abroad 2008 (Argentina) ARGENTINA STUDY-ABROAD WHAT … D Acres of New Hampshire, Organic Farm & Educational Homestead, is helping to organize a cultural exchange to Argentina during winters. Opportunities that exist for participants include taking part in a sustainable living course at an ecovillage near Navarro, Argentina, enjoying a trekking expedition in the Patagonia region, and working at a small family farm in Mendoza. Josh Trought has traveled to Argentina three times and developed contacts and expertise in the region. The goal of D Acres is to provide information about Argentinian farming and trekking opportunities or ,at times, help organize a group trip to the region.WHO … The Argentina Cultural Exchange is open to all participants that would like to live and work in another culture, engage in self-directed learning, and train with experts in Permaculture, sustainable living and rural community development. Participants must be willing and able to carry their own weight.WHY … The staff at D Acres is excited to offer this opportunity to increase awareness of other cultures and models of sustainability. We believe that experiencing another culture increases our understanding of other ways of life, improves our ability to appreciate differences and narrows the gap between the dominant US culture and other perspectives from around the world. For those interested in improving their Spanish language abilities, full immersion is undoubtedly the quickest and most exciting way to supplement classroom study.WHEN … A minimum six-weeks at DAcres is always encouraged participants the valuable opportunity to practice Spanish, develop skills in sustainable farming, earthen building and team building. Group trips will depart together for Buenos Aires on the designated date, and return home as a group or individually (your choice). Many colleges and universities offer credit for internships that relate to your course of study. Students should consult with their advisors to find out if this program will further their academic goals.WHERE … After arriving in Buenos Aires, Argentina, there is the opportunity to travel to GAIA Ecovillage near Navarro. The ecovillage is an excellent setting to learn about techniques for sustainable living. As the South American representative of the Global Ecovillage Network, home of the South American Permaculture Institute, and with experienced educators in Permaculture systems and sustainable living, the rural farm has a great deal to offer both the novice and the experienced participant. GAIA features wind power generation, alternative construction, and Permaculture-designed gardens. Learn more about GAIA at www.gaia.org.ar. Located in the Pampas region of Argentina, the beautiful plains setting offers abundant wildlife, thousands of grazing horses and cattle, insight into the "gaucho" culture and all the Mate you can drink.The Andes mountains provide participants with incredible trekking opportunities in locations in the Patagonia region, including the cities of Bariloche, El Bolson and the hut system (similar to those of the Appalachian Mountain Club) of Club Andino. There are also similar opportunities along the Cordillera from Bolivia south to Tierra del Fuego. There is also a small farm project close to Mendoza that we would like to assist. The project is located in the oasis of Tunuyan in the province of Mendoza. Mother, Margot and daughter Vida are the hosts for this family scale project that features bio-intensive techniques and earthen constructions. Pictures of the project are available on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=506475478 which is the page of Vida Chavez-Garcia. HOW MUCH … Personal expenses will vary depending on how long you decide to stay in Argentina. Participants are expected to purchase their own tickets to and from Buenos Aires (plan for a roundtrip ticket to cost between $800- $1500). Once in the country, expenses will range from $25 per day (at GAIA) to $35 per day (trekking and traveling) plus a total of $200-$300 for in-country transportation. The apprenticeship program at D Acres is $600 for the six-week pre-departure program. Total expense can be under $3000 for participantsTHE DETAILS … If you are interested in receiving an informational packet on the Argentinean Cultural Exchange (including possible itinerary, breakdown of costs, more information on GAIA Ecovillage, and bios on the trip coordinators), click on the links below, or contact the staff at D Acres (info@dacres.org or 603.786.2366).
The Argentina program is contingent upon participants and our ability to coordinate. In 2009 Josh will be attempting to go to Mendoza for the months of February and March. We are very much interested in assisting travelers to the region who have interest in working for global sustainability. Please contact Josh directly for more information about connecting down south.
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