workshops
Smithereen Farm partners with sister organization, Greenhorns, in hosting summer learning journeys. We’ve been thrilled to offer unique learning context during our programs to date with historians, naturalists, marine biologists, farmers, fishers, regulators and restorationists. Each program grounds us with an intersectional look at the natural resource economies, cultural history, and the prospects for ecological enterprises that rhyme with what the landscape here offers. Sign up to learn new skills!
Please sign up for camps on the Greenhorns website. All camps are sliding scale; donations to cover educator fees, food, and overhead are appreciated.
Summer 2023 Workshop Schedule
APRIL 2023
Low Low Tides & Seaweed Symposium: April 20-22
April 20-21:
Join the Smithereen Farm team for early-morning harvest and drying of native seaweeds! Bring a wetsuit if you have one. Low tide is around 6:15-6:30am, so early birds are a must if you want to join in. No charge for these two days. People from aways are welcome to book a campsite on HipCamp to be close to the action.
April 22nd:
Harvest overview and guidance by longtime time harvester Kacie Loparto. Join in the water for harvest and drying of wild kelp. RSVP required!
Kanae Tokunaga, a Japanese researcher of artisanal kelp traditions and economies will present about the high value products and supply chains in different regions of Japan. Drawing lessons from her research in Japanese seaweed harvesting, market, and processing, and in Maine’s seafood supply chain, she will cover several topics, including: How different species of seaweeds are harvested, processed, and marketed in Japan, Advantages of co-management and co-marketing in coastal fisheries and aquaculture, Roles of coastal fisheries and aquaculture in coastal ecosystem service values.
A presentation of the new Maine Seaweed Council ‘seaweed wild harvest guidelines’ by longtime industry leader Shep Erhart.
MAY 2023
2nd Annual Alewife Festival with Downeast Salmon Federation; May 19 + 20
JUNE 2023
Low Low Tides: June 5-7
June 5-6:
Join the Smithereen Farm team for early-morning harvest and drying of native seaweeds! Bring a wetsuit if you have one. Low tide is just after dawn, so early birds are a must if you want to join in. No charge for these two days. People from aways are welcome to book a campsite on HipCamp to be close to the action.
June 7:
Seaweed harvesting with Kacie Loparto, naturalist walk with Jordan Chalfert of Naturalist’s Notebook and the Maine Natural History Observatory, round table discussion at Reversing Hall with Emily Farr of Manomet, seaweed cuisine prepared by chef Evan Mallett of Black Trumpet.
There will be a two hour intertidal excursion, exploring the diversity of seaweed in this region. Over 300 species of macroalgae can be found on the coast of Maine. Participants will learn the names and identifying characters of common ones, and there will be a discussion of intertidal ecology: how these species interact and create marine communities. Bring a hand lens if you have one!
Jordan Chalfant is a field naturalist and board member at Maine Natural History Observatory. She and MNHO director, Glen Mittelhauser, and Dr. Amanda Savoie of the Canadian Museum of Nature are working on a field guide to the seaweeds of Maine. Jordan’s day job is managing The Naturalist’s Notebook, a nature and science exploratorium and bookstore in Seal Harbor on Mount Desert Island.
Medicinal Plants and the Commons: June 17-18
A round table with Susan Leopold and board members of United Plant Savers, and Kyle Winslow on behalf of Maine Coast Heritage Trust and foraging walk with Rachel Alexandrou. Tuning into the wild, embodied awareness and sensory openness as foraging practice with dancer + movement teacher Nuria Bowart of Field Center, VT.
JULY 2023
CCC Trails Camp: July 15-16
With AmeriCorps Environmental Steward – building forest trail with interpretive signage on the cultural, industrial and ecological power of the Pennamaquan River.
Dried Berries!: July 15-16
Solar drying as food preservation! USDA Local Food Promotion project funded exploration of value added processing for wild blueberries, traditions, innovations, technology and rules.
Algae / Thalassotherapy: July 22-23
Medicinal teas, mud rubs, sauna + SPA DAY at Smithereen Farm. RSVP required! Will be repeated as per demand.
Liberty Hall Open House: July 29
Including a presentation of the Civic Halls of Hancock and Washington county, and roundtable discussion with National Heritage Area – Crystal Hitchings of SCEC, Tara Kelly, Maine Preservation, Mollie Cashwell, Cultural Alliance of Maine, Martha Piscuskas, Maine Arts Commission previously of Waterfall Arts.
AUGUST 2023
Wild Blueberry Weekend; August 5 – 6
A weekend of family fun picking and eating blueberries — pie-making galore! Cooking and baking workshop with chef Odessa Piper.
Chokecherry + Fireweed Harvest; August 11 – 13
Processing and sensual wild-foraged feast with Rachel Alexandrou. A time of extremely abundant wild foods and herbs, come out in the fields with the irresistible educator / artist. (Spa day sunday optional add on)
Natural Plaster Primer: August 19 – 26
Liz Johndrow of Earthen Endeavors teaches a plaster workshop for renovation. Using natural materials, traditional techniques, both DIY accessible approaches as well as high-end, historic preservation quality work. Co-sponsored by Maine Preservation and Mano en Mano (Spanish language instruction is available, as are scholarships)
CCC Trails Camp: August 20 – 26
Willow and rain garden installation with AmeriCorps Environmental Steward.
Washington County Fair: August 26 – 27
Pembroke fairgrounds and Reversing Hall open house.
SEPTEMBER 2023
Cider Camp; September 1 – 31
Practically the whole month of September we’re harvesting apples and then cranberries- a great time to help out, harvest your own supply, press apples, family camping.
Bread Baking with Steven Boas; September 16 – 17
Focus on natural leavening small bakery skills
MOFGA Common Ground Fair: September 22-24
Unity Maine 2 booths! Greenhorns @ Ag Demo and Smithereen Farm @ Agricultural products areas.
OCTOBER 2023
Seaweed Commons Assembly
In partnership with Amy Franchescini and Futurefarmers artist collective at Institute of Contemporary Art at the Maine College of Art and Design, Portland. Date TBD.
Downeast Civic Halls Tour
MUCH MORE IS HAPPENING!