Welcome to Zenger Farm

We are a working urban farm that models, promotes and educates about sustainable food systems, environmental stewardship, community development and access to good food for all.

Workshops

 

Grow your skills at Zenger Farm!

Spend a few hours at our beautiful urban farm and go home with skills and inspiration to grow, cook and care for the land. Scroll down to learn about upcoming workshops. Are you interested in teaching a workshop at the farm? Contact Prairie at prairie@zengerfarm.org or 503-282-4245.

 

Neighbor Discounts & Scholarships

Residents of Powellhurst-Gilbert, Lents and Pleasant Valley are offered a 15% discount on all workshops. If you cannot afford the full workshop price, please fill out a scholarship application and send it to us. We will make every effort to meet your need. If you have any questions, call us at 503-282-4245. Would you like to donate to our scholarship fund? 

 

 

Upcoming Workshops

 

Cooking with Kids: The Science of Taste

Saturday, March 3rd, 10am-12:30pm

Sweet, Salty, Sour, Bitter and Umami. In this class we will learn more about the five basic tastes, and the science behind them. We will conduct taste experiments, and learn how we can use this knowledge to be better cooks.

Cost: $40 for one adult and one child (additional children, $15 each)  

Taught by Christian Anayas


Fruit Tree Pest & Disease Management

Saturday, March 10th, 10am-12pm

Come learn what you need to know to help protect your backyard fruit trees from pests and disease. You will learn what specific pests and disease problems you should worry about, what steps you can take to minimize problems, and when. The class will have plenty of pictures to help you identify problems, some hands on demonstration of products to use, and lots of Q & A time to help you with your specific issues. Please bring samples/pictures of specific problems you might have.

Cost: $35-50 sliding scale    

Taught by John Iott


Honeybee Swarm Catching

Saturday, March 10th, 1:30pm-4pm

Learn how to catch your own honeybee colonies! This workshop covers the biology of honeybee reproduction (via swarming), when and where to look for swarms, and the skills and equipment you need to catch them. As any beekeeper knows, sooner or later your own colonies will swarm, so you want to be prepared! Swarm catching is a great way to build your apiary and increase the genetic diversity of your stock. It is also a great service to the community and the bees.

Cost: $35-$50 sliding scale 

Taught by Laura Dalton

 

Intro to Backyard Chicken Keeping (Family Friendly)

Saturday, March 31st, 10am-12pm

This workshop will cover the basics of backyard chicken keeping, from raising chicks, shelter, and feed, to municipal regulations and which chicken breed is right for you. The workshop will include a slide show in the farmhouse, a tour of the Zenger Farm hens and their mobile coop, and plenty of time to get all your questions answered. Children are welcome to come along.

Cost: $10-$25 sliding scale

Taught by Craig Clark


Cooking with Kids: Introduction to Spices

Sunday, April 1st, 10am-12:30pm

Spices are a valuable part of the cooks pantry, and can enhance any dish. In this class you will learn more about a variety of spices, and how to use them. We will also prepare and taste dishes that pair vegetables and spices that are delicious and easy to make. Participants will harvest some ingredients right from the farm fields and gardens!

Cost: $40 for one adult and one child (additional children, $15 each)   

Taught by Christian Anayas

 

Worm Composting (Family Friendly) (CANCELED: next workshop May 19th)

Saturday, April 7th, 10am-12pm

This workshop has been canceled. Please sign up for our May 19th Worm Composting Workshop.

 

Backyard Beekeeping Basics

Saturday, April 14th, 1:30pm-4:30pm

Join the Zenger Farm Beekeepers to learn the basics of backyard beekeeping. Learn about city regulations, bee needs as well as the various hive options, equipment needed, and seasonal tasks. If weather (and bees) permit, we will be taking a closer look at the Zenger Farm hives and practicing bee handling skills.

Cost: $35-50 sliding scale   

Taught by Tom Lea

 

Sausage Making

Tuesday, April 17th, 6pm-8pm

Lyonnaise, Tuscan, Boudin, Italian, Cotecino and Meguez. Learn to make your favorite sausage or perhaps something new. . . Mexican Green, Thai Pork, Crab or Lemongrass chicken. Instructor Linda Colwell is a student of the fabulous Fred Carlo of Salumeria di Carlo and a proud Zenger Farm Board member. 

Cost: $35-50 sliding scale 

Taught by Linda Colwell

 

Attracting and Supporting Beneficial Insects

Saturday, April 28th, 10am-12pm

Predatory insects and pollinators are the unsung champions of the agricultural world. Join Xerces Society's Eric Mader for a workshop on how to support these often overlooked and undervalued allies on your farm or in your garden. Workshop will include a presentation and a farm walk to look for insects and habitat.

Cost: $10-25 sliding scale

Taught by Eric Mader

 

Backyard Beekeeping Basics

Saturday, May 12th, 1:30pm-4:30pm

Join the Zenger Farm Beekeepers to learn the basics of backyard beekeeping. Learn about city regulations, bee needs as well as the various hive options, equipment needed, and seasonal tasks. If weather (and bees) permit, we will be taking a closer look at the Zenger Farm hives and practicing bee handling skills.

Cost: $35-50 sliding scale   

Taught by Tom Lea 

 

Worm Composting (Family Friendly)

Saturday, May 19th, 10am-12pm

At this hands-on workshop you will learn how to turn your food scraps into rich garden compost using red wiggler worms. Learn everything you need to know about worm composting AND build your own worm bin to take home, full of red wriggler worms! Kids are welcome.  

Cost: $50 per family 

Taught by Zenger Farm Staff