California Organic Center Field Day

Join us at the Rodale Institute California Organic Center Field Day as we explore the intriguing relationship between weeds and growers!

Are weeds friend or foe? Discover how growers employ various strategies, from weed eradication to utilizing them for biodiversity and enhancing soil health. Share your own weed management techniques and learn from other attendees. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to delve into the world of weed management and cultivate a healthier, more sustainable future for your fields.

We are thrilled to announce that Lanny Kaufer, renowned herbalist and author, will be joining us as a special guest speaker at the COC Field Day to share his expertise on California native plants, edible flowers, medicinal herbs, and edible flowers and weeds. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the author of “Medicinal Herbs of California,” available at herbwalks.com.

Tours will be available in English and Spanish. Lunch will be provided at no charge. Attendance is free and advance registration is required. We look forward to seeing you at the event!

Location: Rodale Institute California Organic Center
1014 W. Ventura Blvd., Camarillo, CA 93010

Event Itinerary

• 8:30 AM – Registration
• 9:00 AM – Field tour
• 10:00  AM – Rotating stations
  • • Edible Weed & Flowers Station:   Introduction to edible common field weeds and flowers and their culinary uses. Display of various edible wild plants with information about taste, texture, and how to use them in cooking.  Hands-on activity: Participants can taste different edible weeds and weeds’ flowers and discuss their flavor profiles. Demonstration: How to properly harvest and prepare edible weeds and flowers for consumption.   -Q&A session: Participants can ask questions about growing, harvesting, and cooking with edible garden weeds and flowers.
    • Biodiversity Station: Presentation (in the field): Importance of biodiversity in agricultural ecosystems.  Interactive display: Showcase different plant species and their roles in supporting biodiversity. Discussion: How biodiversity benefits soil health, pest control, and overall ecosystem resilience. Hands-on activity: Participants can observe and identify beneficial insects, pollinators, and other wildlife in the field. Q&A session: Participants can ask questions about promoting biodiversity on their farms and in their gardens.
    • Beneficial Station: Presentation: Introduction to beneficial insects and other organisms. Display: Examples of beneficial insects and their importance in pest control. Demonstration: How to attract and support beneficial insects with native plantings, habitat features, and integrated pest management practices. Hands-on activity: Participants can release beneficial insects in a designated area and observe their behavior. Q&A session: Participants can learn how to identify beneficial insects and incorporate them into their pest management strategies.
    • Reduce Tillage/Roller Crimper Station: Presentation: Benefits of reduced tillage and roller crimper techniques for soil health and conservation. Demonstration: How roller crimpers work and their impact on weed suppression and soil moisture retention. Field trial: Participants can observe a field where reduced tillage techniques have been implemented and discuss the results. Q&A session: Participants can ask questions about the challenges and benefits of adopting reduced tillage methods.
• 12:00 PM – Lunch

Registration

This event has reached capacity. Please sign up below to be added to the waitlist. Thank you!

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