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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for EFAO
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TZID:America/Toronto
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DTSTART:20260308T070000
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DTSTART:20261101T060000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260520T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260520T180000
DTSTAMP:20260503T122158
CREATED:20260421T164550Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T132932Z
UID:54306-1779292800-1779300000@efao.ca
SUMMARY:In the Field: Soil Health
DESCRIPTION:Soil is more than just the dirt beneath our feet. Healthy soil filters water\, can be a carbon sink\, and grows healthy plants. Come walk and observe the land\, and participate in some easy do-it-yourself soil tests. Be prepared to get your hands dirty! Facilitated by Lisa Conroy\, Ignatius Farm Educator. \nThis is part of the In the Field Workshop Series\, run by Ignatius Farm in partnership with EFAO. Sign up for individual sessions\, or register for the full series here.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/in-the-field-soil-health/
LOCATION:Ignatius Farm\, 5420 Hwy 6 North\, Guelph\, ON\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Field Day
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/Untitled-design.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260520T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260929T180000
DTSTAMP:20260503T122158
CREATED:20260421T170254Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T132506Z
UID:54290-1779292800-1790704800@efao.ca
SUMMARY:In the Field Workshop Series
DESCRIPTION:Looking to participate in hands-on farm training? Join this monthly workshop series! Gain skills more easily learned in person and by doing. Workshops cover topics like soil health\, irrigation set up\, & weed management\, among others. All sessions occur at Ignatius Farm in Guelph\, on weekday evenings from 4-6pm. \nRegister for the full series\, or sign up for individual sessions here. \n5 hands on workshops\, 1 per month from May-September: \nMay 20th: Soil Health \nSoil is more than just the dirt beneath our feet. Healthy soil filters water\, can be a carbon sink\, and grows healthy plants. Come walk and observe the land\, and participate in some easy do-it-yourself soil tests. Be prepared to get your hands dirty! Facilitated by Lisa Conroy\, Ignatius Farm Educator. \nJune 18th: Irrigation Set Up \nThere are many ways to water vegetables\, but deciding what is right for you and how to set it up can be confusing. Ignatius Farm’s Assistant Farm Manager Don Bowyer will walk the group through a few types of irrigation\, how to set up a well-thought out system\, as well as tips and tricks for problem solving. \nJuly 8th: Small Scale Weed Management \nWeeds can be the bane of the gardener’s existence. This workshop will explore techniques and tools for good weed management practices on a hand farming scale. Be prepared to get dirty and try out various weeding tools. Facilitated by Lisa Conroy\, Ignatius Farm Educator. \nAugust 12th: Summer Orchard Pruning \nDid you know that summer is an excellent time to prune your fruit trees? Besides the general reasons to prune for height\, structure\, and airflow\, summer pruning is excellent for ensuring enough direct sunlight reaches fruit\, and decreases potential disease pressure. This hands-on workshop will teach you how to decide what to cut and when as well as pruning best practices. Facilitated by Matt Soltys\, the Urban Orchardist. \nSeptember 17th: Seed Saving \nSaving seeds is an easy way to increase food sovereignty and to connect to the plants we grow. This hands-on workshop will cover the basics of seed saving\, plus harvesting and cleaning some seeds as a group. Participants are encouraged to bring seeds they have grown to swap\, or seeds that need to be cleaned. Facilitated by Lisa Conroy\, Ignatius Farm Educator. \n  \nThis series is run by Ignatius Farm\, in partnership with EFAO.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/in-the-field-series/
LOCATION:Ignatius Farm\, 5420 Hwy 6 North\, Guelph\, ON\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Course,Field Day
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/Permabeds-e1725636716715.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260526T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260526T203000
DTSTAMP:20260503T122158
CREATED:20260421T193829Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260421T193829Z
UID:54329-1779822000-1779827400@efao.ca
SUMMARY:May BIPOC Farmers Network Meet-up
DESCRIPTION:Join the May BIPOC Farmer Meet-Up  \nJoin us for a friendly gathering for farmers\, aspiring farmers\, farm workers and food justice workers who are Black\, Indigenous and people of colour. The focus of this meet-up will be northern food sovereignty\, building on conversations from the Nyéléni Forum and global food sovereignty movements. How does that work grow through our own farms\, communities and relationships? \nWe will also learn about free and accessible digital tools to help create a permaculture map of our growing spaces. The format will be relaxed and conversational. We’ll have an opening reflection\, followed by a short presentation / discussion and Q&A. This is a space to listen\, reflect\, and connect. As always\, feel free to bring a question you’re curious about. \nLooking forward to gathering!
URL:https://efao.ca/event/may-bipoc-farmers-network-meet-up/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Meet-up
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/BIPOC-Farmers-Network1-1-e1776799836789.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260527T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260527T130000
DTSTAMP:20260503T122158
CREATED:20260421T163718Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260421T163718Z
UID:54302-1779883200-1779886800@efao.ca
SUMMARY:May Seed Growers Meet-Up
DESCRIPTION:Join the May Seed Growers Meet-Up! \nThe Seed Growers Meet-Up is an informal lunchtime gathering for farmers\, seed growers\, plant breeders\, and anyone curious about saving seed. It’s a space to connect with others working with seed\, share what’s happening on your farm or in your garden\, and talk through the questions and ideas that come up throughout the season. \nEach meet-up is shaped by the people who join. Conversations often range from practical seed production topics—like crop planning\, isolation distances\, population sizes\, and seed cleaning—to broader discussions about seed systems\, breeding projects\, and the challenges and opportunities growers are navigating. \nWhether you’ve been producing seed for years or are just starting to explore it\, you’re warmly welcome. Bring your lunch\, your questions\, and your seed stories as we learn from one another and strengthen a community of growers working to produce diverse\, high-quality seed.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/may-seed-growers-meet-up/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Virtual Meet-up
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/2-10.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260606T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260606T120000
DTSTAMP:20260503T122158
CREATED:20260501T155857Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260501T161247Z
UID:54369-1780740000-1780747200@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Ignatius Farm Small Plot Tour
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a tour of Ignatius Farm’s small plot agriculture program. We will walk through the 3 acres of community gardens\, the community orchard\, and visit small plot tenants. We will stop at three tenant plots to hear about their businesses\, how they got started and how this model works for them. Businesses will range from vegetable production\, willow production\, and native plant propagation. Please dress for the weather. The ground may be wet/muddy and the wind can be very chilly in the open areas. \nBring your own picnic lunch and then enjoy one of two hands-on workshops on site in the afternoon. Workshop details available here: \nBuilding Biodiverse Growing Systems with Eramosa Herbals \nSoil Health in the Orchard with Matt Soltys of The Urban Orchardist and Meaghan Mechler\, PhD in plant agriculture  \n  \nAbout the tenant farmers: \nOrigin Native Plants is a dedicated native plant nursery specializing in the cultivation of over 265 different species of locally sourced native plants. Their focus includes providing plants and trees suitable for prairies\, meadows\, woodlands\, wetlands\, and various ecological restoration projects. In addition to their native plant offerings\, they also specialize in native edible gardens\, providing a diverse selection of fruit-producing trees\, bushes\, flowers\, and medicinal herbs. \nPiccolo Farm Organics (PFO) is owned and operated by Steve D’Alimonte & Lisa Lopez. On a quarter of an acre\, PFO aims to demonstrate that by using non-mechanized and regenerative farming methods\, food can be flavourful and healthy to both people and planet. PFO is also a celebration of heritage by showing that culturally specific vegetable varieties from around the world can and should be grown locally. PFO primarily grows Italian varieties of vegetables or vegetables commonly used in Italian cuisine. They also offer focaccia\, pasta and sauces made with ingredients grown on the farm.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/ignatius-small-plot-2026/
LOCATION:Ignatius Farm\, 5420 Hwy 6 North\, Guelph\, ON\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Field Day
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/tractor_tine-raking-scaled-e1777651078667.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260606T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260606T150000
DTSTAMP:20260503T122158
CREATED:20260501T160442Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260501T160629Z
UID:54374-1780750800-1780758000@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Soil Health in the Orchard
DESCRIPTION:Soil is the foundation of everything we grow. Come learn practical tests and techniques to understand and improve your soil\, and how fertility management strategies differ between annual and perennial crops. We’ll discuss how to take and interpret different types of soil tests\, how to calculate amendments\, and how our management techniques affect soil life and plant health. \nThis on farm workshop will be led by Matt Soltys of The Urban Orchardist and Meaghan Mechler\, PhD in plant agriculture and offered in partnership with Ignatius Farm. \nEarlier in the day\, participants have the opportunity to join us for a morning tour of the Ignatius Farm Small Plot Agriculture program.  Learn more and register here.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/soil-health-orchard-2026/
LOCATION:Ignatius Farm\, 5420 Hwy 6 North\, Guelph\, ON\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Field Day,Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/IMG_1765.CR2-1-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260606T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260606T150000
DTSTAMP:20260503T122158
CREATED:20260501T161111Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260501T161111Z
UID:54380-1780750800-1780758000@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Building Biodiverse Growing Systems
DESCRIPTION:This on farm workshop explores how to design productive growing spaces that function as living ecosystems. Drawing from Eramosa Herbals’ diverse on-farm planting of over 80 species\, including medicinal herbs\, native perennials\, dye plants\, and more\, we’ll look at how biodiversity can be intentionally integrated into both market gardens and backyard plots. \nParticipants will join a guided walk through an abundant landscape to observe how native species support pollinators and wildlife\, improve soil health\, and contribute to whole-farm resilience\, while also offering food\, medicine and beauty. We’ll discuss practical strategies for moving beyond simplified growing systems\, including how to build plant guilds\, incorporate perennials into annual beds\, and select species that serve multiple functions. \nThis workshop is suited to small farmers\, home gardeners\, and anyone interested in cultivating deeper relationships with plants while creating ecologically rich\, functional landscapes. \nThis on farm workshop will be led by Dani Hagel of Eramosa Herbals and offered in partnership with Ignatius Farm. \nEarlier in the day\, participants have the opportunity to join us for a morning tour of the Ignatius Farm Small Plot Agriculture program.  Learn more and register here.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/building-biodiverse-growing-systems-2026/
LOCATION:Ignatius Farm\, 5420 Hwy 6 North\, Guelph\, ON\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Field Day,Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/Screenshot-2026-05-01-at-12.07.20 PM.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260618T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260618T150000
DTSTAMP:20260503T122158
CREATED:20260501T162305Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260501T162305Z
UID:54386-1781787600-1781794800@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Field Day at Franklin Farm: Trials\, Transitions\, and Trade-offs
DESCRIPTION:Join us for an afternoon at the Franklin farm as Tom shares the lessons from his early years of farming. \nLocated just five minutes from Lake Huron\, the 100-acre Franklin Farm consists of 50 arable acres\, 25 acres of pasture\, and a 25-acre riparian zone surrounding a creek and small waterways. Tom and Christine focus on managing the property’s diverse ecology with the help of a small cow calf herd and a 12-paddocks rotational grazing system. The arable acres are dedicated to growing organic grains and cover crops that continue to build the soil health across soil types that vary from heavy clay to sand. \nThis is a splendid opportunity to share insights into balancing a steep learning curve and a tight budget with a steadfast commitment to ecological health. \nCome dig into the nitty-gritty of small-scale farming\, including: \n\nThe Organic Transition: Navigating the organic certification process.\nRotational Grazing: Managing systems for cow-calf herds\, including fencing\, and water logistics.\nLessons in Cover Cropping: Discover what’s worked for soil health and what didn’t work for logistically.\nSmall-Scale Grains: Practical advice on marketing\, storage\, and choosing the right equipment without breaking the bank.\nKernza (Perennial wheat): Looking towards seed bulking for a future farmer-led research trial.\nOrganic No-Till soybeans: Find out how the first time planting soybeans into cereal rye is going.\nFarming for Biodiversity: Practical strategies for protecting Bobolink and Meadowlark nesting sites while maintaining a grazing rotation.\n\nIn the field: We’ll walk the fields to see the newly planted no-till organic soybeans\, check in on the winter wheat\, and observe the cow-calf herd during their early pasture rotation. \nGet a preview: Can’t wait for the field day? Hear more about Tom’s journey through his audio journal\, Great Big Farmer\, available on all major podcast platforms.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/franklin-farms-2026/
LOCATION:Franklin Farm\, 1462 North line\, Kincardine\, Ontario\, N2Z 2X4\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Field Day
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/Grazing-bull-and-progeny-scaled-e1777652501677.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260618T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260618T180000
DTSTAMP:20260503T122158
CREATED:20260421T165059Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T132802Z
UID:54310-1781798400-1781805600@efao.ca
SUMMARY:In the Field: Irrigation Set Up
DESCRIPTION:There are many ways to water vegetables but deciding what is right for you and how to set it up can be confusing. Ignatius Farm Assistant Farm Manager Don Bowyer will walk us through a few types of irrigation\, how to set up a well thought out system\, as well as tips and tricks for problem solving. \nThis is part of the In the Field Workshop Series\, run by Ignatius Farm in partnership with EFAO. Sign up for individual sessions\, or register for the full series here.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/in-the-field-irrigation/
LOCATION:Ignatius Farm\, 5420 Hwy 6 North\, Guelph\, ON\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Field Day
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/5-4.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260708T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260708T180000
DTSTAMP:20260503T122158
CREATED:20260422T134033Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T132718Z
UID:54314-1783526400-1783533600@efao.ca
SUMMARY:In the Field: Small Scale Weed Management
DESCRIPTION:Weeds can be the bane of the gardener’s existence. This workshop will explore techniques and tools for good weed management practices on a hand-farming scale. Be prepared to get dirty and try out various weeding tools! Facilitated by Lisa Conroy\, Ignatius Farm Educator. \nThis is part of the In the Field Workshop Series\, run by Ignatius Farm in partnership with EFAO. Sign up for individual sessions\, or register for the full series here.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/in-the-field-small-scale-weed-mgmt/
LOCATION:Ignatius Farm\, 5420 Hwy 6 North\, Guelph\, ON\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Field Day
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/potatoesinmulch-1-e1776790436304.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260812T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260812T180000
DTSTAMP:20260503T122158
CREATED:20260428T132113Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T132641Z
UID:54339-1786550400-1786557600@efao.ca
SUMMARY:In the Field: Summer Orchard Pruning
DESCRIPTION:Did you know that summer is an excellent time to prune your fruit trees? Besides the general reasons to prune for height\, structure\, and airflow\, summer pruning is excellent for ensuring enough direct sunlight reaches fruit\, and decreases potential disease pressure. This hands-on workshop will teach you how to decide what to cut and when as well as pruning best practices. Facilitated by Matt Soltys\, the Urban Orchardist. \nThis is part of the In the Field Workshop Series\, run by Ignatius Farm in partnership with EFAO. Sign up for individual sessions\, or register for the full series here.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/in-the-field-summer-pruning/
LOCATION:Ignatius Farm\, 5420 Hwy 6 North\, Guelph\, ON\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Field Day
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/apple-blossom.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260917T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260917T180000
DTSTAMP:20260503T122158
CREATED:20260421T165907Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T132605Z
UID:54318-1789660800-1789668000@efao.ca
SUMMARY:In the Field: Seed Saving
DESCRIPTION:Saving seeds is an easy way to increase food sovereignty and connect to the plants we grow. This hands-on workshop covers the basics of seed saving\, plus harvesting and cleaning some seeds as a group. Participants are encouraged to bring seeds they have grown to swap\, or seeds that need to be cleaned. Facilitated by Ignatius Farm Educator Lisa Conroy. \nThis is part of the In the Field Workshop Series\, run by Ignatius Farm in partnership with EFAO. Sign up for individual sessions\, or register for the full series here.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/in-the-field-seed-saving/
LOCATION:Ignatius Farm\, 5420 Hwy 6 North\, Guelph\, ON\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Field Day
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/Holding-seeds.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR