Simple Graywater Systems
Make use of your household wastewater. Graywater is an important resource that can be used safely for creating gardens and wildlife habitats in our dry climate. This class covers New Mexico graywater code, appropriate soaps for use in these systems and basic gravity-fed graywater systems at Ampersand Sustainable Learning Center, including mulch basins, infiltration chambers and pumice wicks.
Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon, Nov. 19, 1 day.
Course #HG321 01/CRN 21557
Amanda Bramble, Fee $35
Introduction to Permaculture
Permaculture is a way to design ecological habitats and food production systems. Get introduced to the principles, ethics and design methodology that make permaculture an appropriate tool for community self sufficiency. Learn about zones, microclimates, stacking functions, waste resources and more. Examples from the Ampersand Sustainable Living Center will be highlighted.
Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon, Oct. 22, 1 day.
Course #HG322 01/CRN 21556
Amanda Bramble, Fee $35
Arid Land Restoration
Learn to heal degraded landscapes through mulching, seeding, and creating erosion control and water harvesting structures that create microclimates for moisture and growth. Structures such as one rock dams, rock rundowns, medialunas and zuni bowls are introduced. Examine the ecological restoration projects and their success rates at Ampersand Sustainable Learning Center. We will also tour SFCC’s grounds and observe patterns on the land.
Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon, Oct. 8, 1 day.
Course #HG374 01/CRN 21555
Amanda Bramble, Fee $35
NEW! Environmental Issues in New Mexico
Clean water is our state’s most precious resource. Geographic information technology provides a spatial analysis of where the state’s water resources have been impaired by human activity and where these impairments are adversely impacting life. Successes and failures in addressing these problems will be discussed. The emphasis is on environmental awareness, however GIS software and some GIS training is available.
Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon, Sept. 10, 5 wks.
Course #HG338 01/CRN 21554
William Skinner, Fee $69
Right Plant, Right Place
In this casual class, Bob Pennington answers questions and shares his broad knowledge about what plants work in our harsh environment. Learn the best locations for a variety of plants and how to help them thrive. Bring your questions and ideas for Pennington’s input.
Tuesday, 7 to 9 p.m., Nov. 22, 1 day.
Course #HG324 01/CRN 20964
Bob Pennington, Fee $25
Garden Superstars
When it comes to knowing what will grow in New Mexico, few people have more experience than Bob Pennington, owner of Agua Fria Nursery for more than 20 years. This class focuses on plants and flowers that do incredibly well in our soil and harsh conditions. These are the plants that you can ignore and they still thrive and look beautiful. Learn what you can put in the ground and forget about. Even if your thumbs aren’t green, you can be a success in your garden!
Tuesday, 7 to 9 p.m., Oct. 25, 1 day.
Course #HG349 01/CRN 20671
Bob Pennington, Fee $25
Gardening Good Enough to Eat
These days, everyone is trying to figure out how to stretch the family budget a little further. Planting your own “eat-ables” has never been more important. Bob Pennington talks about how to raise a successful vegetable garden. He answers questions about when to start the plantings and how to sneak edibles in-between flowers and other garden plants. Come to class loaded with questions. Even at this altitude and with our soil, you can grow your own food.
Tuesday, 7 to 9 p.m., Nov. 1, 1 day.
Course #HG353 01/CRN 20670
Bob Pennington, Fee $25
Xeriscape Gardens
Xeriscape gardens are water-wise landscaping. They are well-planned, use water efficiently and can even appear lush. Everybody talks about xeriscape; learn what it is, the basic principles of xeriscape, and how to design for good looks while saving water. Bring questions about how to introduce the principles into your yard
or garden.
Tuesday, 7 to 9 p.m., Nov. 15, 1 day.
Course #HG354 01/CRN 20679
Bob Pennington, Fee $25
