Permaculture Workshop

Over the past six seasons Dani Baker, co-owner of Cross Island Farms, has developed just under an acre of her certified organic farm as a multi-functional edible forest garden encompassing numerous permaculture principles and practices.  Join her as she describes the process of planning and planting over 300 cultivars of edible fruits, nuts, berries, and other edibles, both native and uncommon.

Learn of the multitude of factors considered in deciding where and with what to plant the seven permaculture layers she has incorporated and identify a large variety of supportive plants integrated into the landscape.  Attendees will have an opportunity to sample edible fruits, flowers, greens and herbs in season and go home with a potted plant to begin or add to their own garden.

This workshop should be of interest to homeowners and back yard gardeners who wish to incorporate perennial edibles into their landscapes as well as farmers who are interested in developing additional income streams. For the past 3 years the general public has been offered U-pick opportunities by appointment in the garden, and its herbs and berries have been appreciated by local high end chefs.   The garden has been a site for educational workshops (like this one), permaculture tours, and benefits for local not-for-profits.  Future plans include offering the garden for rent for weddings and other special events, and developing a certified organic perennial nursery operation.

The Edible Forest Garden is the latest addition to Cross Island Farms’ diversified operation.  Located on 102 acres, this certified organic farm includes season extension hoop houses, annual vegetable gardens, rotationally grazed beef cattle, meat goats, heritage breed pigs, ducks, and chickens, and renewable wind and solar power. Educational organic tours, workshops, and on-farm rustic camping round out its offerings.

Dani Baker is a former psychologist for whom operating an organic farm is her “retirement gig.” As a child she performed most of the landscaping work on the ½ acre surrounding her newly built family home.  As an adult, she cultivated a small or large vegetable garden whenever she had a piece of land to work.  She became a full time organic farmer when she retired in 2006.  She has acquired her knowledge of permaculture design through reading and workshops including a tour of Martin Crawford’s Edible Forest Garden in Dartington, England., and a recent weekend workshop with Dave Jacke.

Cross Island Farms is located on Wellesley Island in Jefferson County, NY.  It is easily accessed from the North via Routes 37 and 12, and from the South via I-81.  Take I-81 across the first span of the 1000 Island Bridge and take exit 51.  Turn right at the end of the ramp. Turn right at the stop sign.  Turn right onto Cross Island Road.  The garden is 7/8 mile down this road on the left.  Park on the roadside. Plan to arrive at 12:45 to register at the garden gate. For more information, please call Cross Island Farms at 315-482-3663 or Adirondack Harvest at 518-962-4810 x (409).

If you are interested in carpooling from the Essex County area please contact Adirondack Harvest!