CRAFT events
August 4th wednesday from 2 to 6pm CRAFT Potluck and Farm Tour Leelanau Cultured Veggies, 7606 E. Birch Point Rd, Traverse CityThis CRAFT tour has been cancelled. We apologize for any inconvenience.
September 14th tuesday from 2 to 6pm CRAFT Potluck and Farm Tour Bliss Gardens Farm, 5322 Hill Rd Cross Village
September 26th sunday from 2 to 6pm CRAFT Potluck and Farm Tour Hubbell Farm, 6331 S. Galla Road, Cedar
What is CRAFT?
CRAFT offers prospective farmers exposure to and experience with a diversity of farm/garden designs and agricultural practices while also providing a supportive network of farmers and farmers-in-training.
The first CRAFT (Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training) program was founded in upstate New York in 1995. Northwest Lower Michigan CRAFT is a new program, designed to support farms with existing internship/apprentice programs. CRAFT connects interns to the entire network of member farms through farm tours, workshops and potlucks, and provides free workshops through ISLAND for all members.
CRAFT is intended for farms that use ecological farming methods, though you need not be certified organic.
How do I join?
Fill out the application online or print one to fill out at home. You can also call Brad Kik at (231) 480-4515 or email him at brad@artmeetsearth.org to sign up.
What is required of member farms?
As a farmer and member of CRAFT you are required to allow your intern(s) the day off 1-2 times a month to attend the CRAFT workshops. Farmers are also encouraged to attend, but we understand the business of the growing season. Each farm is required to host one workshop/farm tour/potluck in the 2010 growing season.
How do I host a workshop?
Ideally there will be one or two workshops each month, May-September. First, choose a topic that you are most passionate about. The workshops should include a general farm tour and then demonstrations and activities specific to your chosen topic. Commonly a potluck meal would be shared to offer the interns the opportunity to socialize, as a way to connect them to the larger community and alleviate some of the risks of isolation. We’re happy to help you plan your workshop—just give us a call or send us an email.
What if I don’t typically have interns on my farm? What if I’m interested in farming but not a farm intern?
Join CRAFT as an opportunity for you to work with other Northwest Lower Michigan farmers. The program works to establish a peer group for all of us!
Individuals who are not interning on farms can still attend farm tours for a fee of $10/tour.
How much does it cost?
There is no cost to you. The CRAFT program is funded by the Institute for Sustainable Living, Art & Natural Design (ISLAND). As a non-profit educational center, we receive support from private donors, and private and public funding agencies. If you would like to support ISLAND, your donation is fully tax deductible and can be earmarked to finance the Northwest Lower Michigan CRAFT program.
DONATIONS ARE VOLUNTARY AND ARE NOT REQUIRED TO TAKE PART IN CRAFT!
What is the geographic boundary of CRAFT?
As of 2010 the current boundary is what is commonly referred to as the 10 county area - from Emmet south to Missaukee and west to Manistee. We don’t expect interns to travel that entire distance; instead interns can choose to attend only those events that are within 60-90 miles. Most ISLAND events take place in Antrim and Grand Traverse counties.
How can I learn more?
Contact Brad Kik at ISLAND: (231) 480-4515 or brad@artmeetsearth.org We’d love to hear from you!
Dave Jacke teaching that permaculture is all about perspective.
One of the final plans from Brad’s permaculture course real-world design project.
Vincent VanGogh - Pollard Birches
An earth and stone sheltered hut at Sirius Community
Jayne Walker’s dome and happy rooster at the Eco-Learning Center in Leelanau County
A chestnut opening. Photo courtesy stock.xchng