July 14 and October 6, 2012
10 am - 4 pm
Cost: Free, open to the public, but please RSVP

Overview

Rediscover Wisconsin's farmstead roots of self-reliance and community collaboration with a diversity of seasoned mentors sharing their inspiring skills and talents. From food preservation techniques to renewable energy, come learn about how we can rebuild our interdependence and support sustainability by connecting with knowledgeable neighbors. The Speed Skilling workshops aim to help beginners get started with introductory information and provide resources for action. The Inn Serendipity Farm Tour will provide an overview of many renewable energy options, green building, organic food systems and the green businesses that make it possible.

The Speed Skilling event will be held in conjunction with the National Tour of Solar Homes and the Inn Serendipity Open House. It is free and open to the public. However, please pre-register for the event by e-mailing "lisa (AT) innserendipity (DOT) com" or 608-329-7056 and please bring a dish to pass for the potluck lunch. Self-guided tour maps will be available for visitors who cannot join the scheduled walking tours at 10 am and 2 pm. The event will proceed, rain or shine. Please dress appropriately for the weather since the majority of the activities will be held outside. Farmstead Chef as well as Rural Renaissance, ECOpreneuring and other books by the authors will be available for sale.

Speed Skilling Schedule (subject to change):

Each introductory session is facilitated by people in Green County who have direct, personal experience with the topic they'll be discussing. The location of the presentation is also subject to change, but please dress for the weather as most of the events will be outside.

10 am: Arrival of visitors; enjoy Equal Exchange organic, Fair-trade certified coffee and muffins made with a recipe from Farmstead Chef

10 am - 11 am: Tour of Inn Serendipity Farm and Bed & Breakfast (John Ivanko)

10 am - 10:30 am: Speed Skilling: Food dehydrating (Kristi Smith/Club K Chicken Coop)

10:30 am - 11 am: Speed Skilling: Working with sourdough starters (Brenda Carus/Farmhouse Kitchen)

11 am - 11:30 am: Speed Skilling; Geothermal basics (Chris Wellington/Greenhouse)

11:30 am - 12 pm: Speed Skilling: Blacksmithing basics (Chuck Wellington/Cantina)

12 pm - 1 pm: Potluck picnic lunch in the "Cantina" (outdoor covered picnic shelter)

1 pm - 1:30 pm: Speed Skilling: Electric Cars (Phil & Judy Welty/garage)

1:30 pm - 2 pm: Speed Skilling: Milking the family cow & mozzarella cheese-making (Jodi Bubenzer/Farmhouse Kitchen)

2 pm - 3 pm: Repeat tour of Inn Serendipity Farm and Bed & Breakfast (John Ivanko)

2 pm - 2:30 pm: Speed Skilling: Seedsaving (Marilee Backstrand/Club K Chicken Coop)

2:30 pm - 3 pm: Speed Skilling: Starting Transplants with Seeds (Betty Grotophorst/Greenhouse)

3 pm - 3:30 pm: Speed Skilling: Speed Skilling: Beekeeping Basics (Thomas Bubenzer/Cantina)

3:30 pm - 4 pm: Speed Skilling: Fermentation basics & sauerkraut making (Eric Friedericks/Greenhouse)

More about the National Tour of Solar Homes coordinated nationally by the American Solar Energy Society
Come and learn about renewable energy, green building techniques, and sustainable living ideas. Tour sites are owned, lived in, and worked in by ordinary people. They are helping others open the door to renewable energy. In Wisconsin, the event is coordinated by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association.