CENTRE HALL - With the support of the West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund, the Penns Valley Conservation Association and Envinity present "Produce Year-round in your own Mini-High Tunnel" at the first annual Pennsylvania Organic FarmFest on Aug. 3 and 4 at the Grange Fairgrounds.
Workshop attendees will learn how to grow vegetables and fruits nearly year around in a mini-high tunnel using renewable solar energy. This workshop covers siting and building the high tunnel and installing renewable energy in it. The workshop benefits home and community gardeners, as well as commercial growers. Greenhouses powered by renewable energy on any scale significantly enable local food production by removing nearly all fossil fuels associated with producing and transporting food.
FarmFest celebrates organic growers and consumers through live music, education, a farmers market, an arts and crafts show, exhibitions, hands-on demonstrations, and a number of diverse activities for children and adults. This two-day event is free to the public and promises to attract visitors from across the state. This workshop is one of many free organic gardening workshops taking place at this year's festival.
The Mini-High Tunnel workshop is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 3 and 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 4. Both workshops will take place at the High Tunnel site, just off Grange Fairgrounds Main Street between the craft vendors and the children's area. Seats are limited to 25 people per class. Contact FarmFest Coordinator Erin McCracken at ecovents@gmail.com to save a spot.
The Penns Valley Conservation Association serves as a steward for the natural and cultural communities in the Upper Penns Creek watershed. It eeks to preserve and honor the agricultural roots of Penns Valley by protecting and conserving its waters, farmlands, forests and rural heritage.
Envinity is an employee-owned energy services firm rooted in the building science approach to energy management. Located in State College since 2005, Envinity specializes in green design and construction, high efficiency mechanical systems, energy audits and renewable energy systems.
The West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund invests in the deployment of clean energy technologies throughout the West Penn Power service region in Pennsylvania. Investments are made to promote the use of renewable and clean energy, energy conservation and energy efficiency, and the attraction, establishment and retention of sustainable energy businesses. Visit www.wppsef.org for further information.
