Published: 4/24/2018 9:40:25 PM
CHARLEMONT — Do you know how to raise backyard livestock, prune trees or make your own ricotta cheese?
Those are just some of the topics to be taught on Saturday at the annual HAY (Hawlemont Agriculture and You) Conference. Each year, since the school adopted an agriculture-based curriculum, Hawlemont has hosted a day where educators and the community can learn some of the agricultural lessons that are part of the hands-on experiences at Hawlemont.
Three workshop sessions are held throughout the day, and participants can pay $15 for a single session or $40 for a full day of programs. A soup and salad lunch is available for an extra $5.
Session 1 runs from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. and the programs available include: Creating a rain barrel water collection system for your yard or garden; exploring the outdoors with spring seed pots and a journal filled with year-round activities; how to make Indian cheese (paneer); tree pruning; babysitting lessons; fun with yeast breads; and 4-H for prospective leaders.
Session 2, from 11 to 12:15 p.m., includes: Mozzarella cheese-making; poultry raising basics; composting made easy; building 101 for kids; the basics of needle-felting; and how to make homemade kombucha (fermented tea). Another session is how to make jams and jellies.
Session 3, from 1 to 2:15 p.m., includes: keeping your yard healthy; bee products; how to make soft pretzels; worm composting; herbal remedies, soap-making and making fresh ricotta cheese.
For more information, contact the school at 413-339-8316 or email agricultural teacher Jean Brufee at: jbruffee@mohawkschools.org