At Elk Root Conservation's Educational Demonstration Far (ERC) in Vallican, BC, we believe that local food security and plant protection go hand-in-hand. We are a certified organic demonstration farm, orchard and apiary that goes "beyond" the certified organic standard, creating thriving farm ecosystems. The certified organic standard is fantastic which is why we certified the entire ERC demonstration farm. However, at ERC we love to geek out! We apply cutting-edge outside-the-box gardening approaches to adapt to climate change and improve the environment while feeding the future of all our diverse community members, be they winged, web-footed, finned or human alike!
In this three-part webinar series, join instructor Kate Mizenka, the creator of the Sustainable Apiary Model and the Habitat Restoration, Farm & Apiary Director at Elk Root Conservation, to learn tips and tools that will transform your garden.
Webinar Series Timetable: Thursday evenings for 60 minutes, 6-7 pm.
Webinar Series:
Webinar 1: Your Best Food Garden EVER - Garden the BORA Way
DATE: February 27, 2025
Whether you are a gardening "newbie" with a single pot on your deck, have a sweet back-yard plot, or are a certified organic farmer with acres of growing space, this webinar will expand your mind, transform your garden and benefit the environment.
This webinar will teach you the basics of Elk Root Conservation's "beyond" organic regenerative agriculture practices "BORA". BORA includes climate change adaptive and chemical-free approaches to make your garden more biodiverse and productive. Learn to improve soil health, conserve water and other resources, choose the best plants and materials for your conditions, and welcome in beneficial insects necessary to support the health and pollination of your food garden.
Webinar 2: Planting For Pollinators
DATE: March 20, 2024
Want to plant a pollinator-friendly flower garden that bees and butterflies will love or create a honey bee forage buffet on your farm or apiary? Not sure where to start? Whether you want to start a garden from scratch or supplement your existing gardens with bee-friendly blooms, this course is for you.
During this webinar, you will be guided through planning, preparing, selecting, designing, and planting a sustainable flower habitat that you will love and that bees will thank you for!
Webinar 3: Gardening With Native Plants
DATE: April 10, 2025
This webinar will introduce you to native plant gardening, and the basics of creating your own native plant garden, flower meadow, and how to incorporate native plants into your existing gardens to support biodiversity and native pollinators.
Native plants are different from wildflowers, which, while pretty in your backyard, are likely not native to your local area. At ERC, we recognize native plants as an Indigenous heritage resource. We have curated the local ecotype* native plants living in the ERC Native Plant Gardens & Nursery, respecting the protocols and practices of the Sinixt Peoples. And with guidance, we have selectively and sustainably wild harvested seeds so the collection of local ecotype native plants in ERC's gardens are available for propagation and seed collection for habitat restoration projects and home gardens. Local ecotype native plants are well-adapted to their regional climate, requiring less water and resources, making them an eco-conscious choice to support regional biodiversity.
*Local ecotype means the plant has genetically evolved and adapted over a very long period of time to the soil and climate conditions of a particular area.