Events
HMS Scholarship accepting applications
Harvest Moon Society is excited to bring back the HMS Scholarship for another year!
We're offering three (3) scholarships of $500 each to youth aged 17-21 who reside within the boundaries of Manitoba for furthering their knowledge or education related to regenerative agriculture, sustainable food systems, and environmental stewardship. Examples of further education may include, but are not limited to: tuition at an educational institution, and/or registration for a course or conference.
To apply, please answer the following question:
How would you use $500 to further your knowledge or education in the areas of regenerative agriculture, sustainable food systems, and/or environmental stewardship and why is this important to you?
The format of your application is up to you: you could answer in an essay, video, slideshow, or in any other format in which you feel comfortable. We ask that you limit your application to the equivalent of 2 written pages or 2 minutes of video/audio.
To submit your application or to learn more, visit www.harvestmoonsociety.org/scholarship
Yoga with Carissa
Yoga with Carissa
Saturdays April 9 to May 11 at 9am at the Harvest Moon Learning Centre.
$72 for all 6 sessions, or $15 drop-in
Contact Louise Recreation at 204-245-0680 or louise_rec@hotmail.com to register
Mushroom Workshops w/ River City Mushrooms
I am absolutely thrilled to be able to offer this intensive series of mushroom cultivation programs in collaboration with the Harvest Moon Society in Clearwater, MB.
If you are interested in exploring the enormous potential of mushrooms to help diversify your home grown crops, increase the overall productivity of your garden and help contribute to and nurture the health of your soil, this may be your idea of a good weekend. The interface of mycology, ecology and agriculture is the underlying theme for all of the integrative practices that you will learn in this series of hands on workshops.
Gourmet edible and medicinal fungi are well suited to be grown in association with other annual and perennial crops, however they can also be grown under conditions that many vegetables, herbs or fruit bearing plants cannot.
Many fungal species and strains flourish on cheap, widely available natural materials and can be grown using creative methods that can help to stack functions in the garden. Mushrooms are a high yeilding, economical, space saving and highly nutritious food source that (in my humble opinion) are widely underutilized by both home gardeners and small scale commercial vegetable crop farms alike.
I hope you’ll consider joining us. Please see below for the pricing structure and descriptions of the 5 courses that will be offered as part of this residency. Additional information regardling the venue (Harvest Moon Society Learning Centre) as well as local accomodations and ammenities can be found below the course descriptions.
Please visit our online store to purchase tickets and register.
Individual Course: $40
Saturday (all day): $110
Sunday (all day): $70
Full Weekend: $150
COURSE OUTLINES
Saturday, May 4th, 10:00am - 12:00pm
1) Introduction to Mushroom Growing: Understanding and working with our fungi allies
This course will cover the basics of fungi as a unique and distinct group of organisms, highlighting their anatomy, life cycle, reproduction, ecological niches and broad spectrum behaviours. Considering the nature and needs of the mushroom as an organism is paramount to crafting a substrate, situation and environment that is condusive to healthy growth and bountiful harvests. Materials and techniques such as liquid culture, spawn, sterilization vs. pasteurization etc. pertaining to the special considerations of working with mycelium and fungal cultures will also be discussed.
Saturday May 4th 1:00pm - 3:00pm
2) Gardening with Mushrooms: Producing and utilizing fruiting blocks outdoors
Fruiting blocks, also known as grow blocks or grow kits, are typically 4-5 lb. sterilized blocks of mycelium that are inoculated with mushroom grain spawn. These blocks are comprised of hydrated hardwood sawdust and nutrient amendments such as soy hulls or wheat bran, which improve mycelium health and boost yields. If you are looking for the least involved method of mushroom cultivation, you have found your ideal product. In this course, we will explore how fruiting blocks can be incorporated into your outdoor garden space using a multitude of creative techniques will be explored in detail.
This program also includes a hands on, collaborative project that will have participants inoculate their own 4 lb. grow bag of sawdust and wheat bran with lions mane grain spawn that can be brought home to grow on their own. Instructions for care and assistance are included.
Saturday May 4th 4:00pm - 6:00pm
3) Gardening with Mushrooms: Seasonal projects using bins, buckets and bags
One of the most exciting aspects of mushroom growing is how simple the entire process can be. Gourmet edible and medicinal mushroom cultivation isn’t just for those that have a home with a garden or land with a forest at their disposal. Kitchens, living rooms, apartment balconies, decks and patios are all suitable environments. This course will cover numerous space saving and upcycling options for growing mushrooms in a variety of containers and materials.
This program includes a hands on, collaborative project where everyone will participate in recreating what has proven to be one of the most straight foward, simple and rewarding methods of growing mushrooms outdoors. Parcipants will have the option of assembling their own 1 gallon pails of white oyster (Plueorutus ostreatus) mushrooms that they can then bring home to grow in their own yards. Instructions for care and assistance are included.
Sunday May 5th 10:00am - 12:00pm
4) Gardening with Mushrooms: Inoculating hardwood logs for years of reliable harvests
Growing mushrooms on the branches and stumps of trees is one of the oldest methods of domesticating wild edible and medicinal mushrooms. Using modern tools and techniques, we have been able to refine and improve upon this age old cultural practice that is rooted in our fundamental understanding of fungal ecology. This course will cover how to determine trees that are suitable for mushroom cultivation, as well as how to cut, cure, store, stack, inoculate and care for your mushroom logs over time.
This program includes a hands on, collaborative project that will have everyone measuring, drilling, inoculating and sealing hardwood logs that will rest, mature and flush crops of mushrooms for years to come at the Harvest Moon Learning Center. Participants will also have the option of taking home their own individual 3-4 foot long hardwood logs with a gourmet edible mushroom* that they can grow out in their yards.
*the precise species and strain will be decided on and announced closer to the program date. The fungal species is dependent on what host tree species are available to harvest and use for this program.
Sunday May 5th 1:00pm - 3:00pm
5) Gardening with Mushrooms: Growing perennial fungi using wood chip mulch, sawdust and straw
Wood chip mulch and sawdust are often abundant byproducts generated by the regularly scheduled maintainence of any urban forest, lumber mills and carpenters. Along with wheat straw, these cellulose and lignin rich organic materials have an enoromous capacity to produce high quality food in the form of a variety of delicious and medicinal xylophagous (wood decomposing) fungi. This course will cover suitable mushroom species, materials and method considerations and cultivation styles ranging from buried logs, straw rafts and mulch troughs.
This program includes a hands on, collaborative project where everyone will assist with assembling a wine cap (Stropharia rugosoannulata) mushroom patch on site using wood chip mulch and / or sawdust. Participants will also have the option of taking home a 4 lb. bag of inoculated wine cap sawdust spawn that they can use to inoculate their own backyard beds of sawdust, straw or wood chips. Instructions for care and assistance are included.
About The Harvest Moon Learning Centre
The Harvest Moon Learning Center (HMLC) is located at 8-10th Street in Clearwater, MB, about 200km southwest of Winnipeg (Hwy 3 to Hwy 3A, just past Crystal City).
The HMLC has 4 dorm rooms available ($30/night). Each dorm room has a bunk bed with a double on the bottom and TwinXL on the top. There are showers and washrooms and potable water. Anyone staying in a dorm room would need to bring bedding (sheets, blankets, pillows).
There is plenty of space for tents in the HMLC yard. We ask $10/tent. There is direct washroom/shower access from outside.
Note: outdoor water sources are collected rainfall, this water is not for drinking. Please conserve.
There is also a rustic cabin available for rent (also $30/night). This cabin sleeps 4 (a double and two single) and has no electricity or water, but has a gorgeous view and an unforgettable experience. Cabin stayers are also required to bring their own bedding.
A photo of the cabin in question can be found on the HMS website (top left) and there is also a photo of one of the dorm rooms (top right).
The HMLC has a full commercial kitchen, should anyone want to do any cooking while they are out. Clearwater also has a community owned restaurant, the Clearwater Junction, as well as the Clearwater Country Market, which specializes in catering (and is usually not open on weekends, contact Tina if you’d like some catering).
The entire learning center has excellent wifi and there is a landline but cell service is poor. There is a firepit available for use, along with firewood. Please have the hose ready (located nearby to the north), in case of issues. The closest grocery store is in Crystal City, about 10 minutes east of Clearwater. There is also a beer vendor, etc.
Any questions can be directed to the HMS COordinator, Dustin Mymko, at info@harvestmoonsociety.org
Source: rivercitymushrooms.ca/store
Strategic Planning for Non-Profit Boards
The Harvest Moon Society was excited to learn that our application to the Community Services Recovery Fund (CSRF) was approved. The CSRF is an initiative from the Government of Canada to support charities and non-profits as they focus on how to adapt their organizations for pandemic recovery and HMS applied to host a series of Board Training and Development workshops over the course of the winter and spring.
The first workshop will be held in-person and is for HMS board members only, but the rest of the workshops will be held over Zoom and we expect to have room for folks from other organizations to join in the learning. If you would be interested in participating, please reach out to info@harvestmoonsociety.org.
@employment and social development canada @esdc.gc
@canadianredcross @redcrosscanada
Perennial Exchange
Our annual Perennial Exchange will take place on Saturday, May 25th from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Come with your garden plants to exchange or give away (or seedlings, or houseplants, or seeds). As always, we will have delicious cupcakes from @clearwatercountrymarket ! It’s a great chance for some early-season tours of the greenhouse and gardens.
Join us for a fun and informative day in Clearwater at the Harvest Moon Learning Centre May 27th.
Eco Challenge 2024
Our annual experiential land-based learning event for grade 7 & 8 students in Prairie Spirit School Division will feature expert-led workshops in the morning and a “Trail Test” on our Lessons From the Land trail in the afternoon.
23rd Perennial Harvest Moon Festival
The date has been chosen for HMF2024.
Stay tuned to www.harvestmoonfestival.ca for details.
Work Bee
Come pitch in at our Work Bee! On Saturday, April 27. We'll be getting the Harvest Moon Learning Centre in top shape for the growing season, and we could use your help.
When the work is done we'll share some food and have a cider tasting with @woodengatecider! And we’re working on getting some food and music.
We have dorm rooms available if you'd like to stay out for the night. Send an email and let us know you're coming: info@harvestmoonsociety.org
Effective Proposal Writing
The Harvest Moon Society was excited to learn that our application to the Community Services Recovery Fund (CSRF) was approved. The CSRF is an initiative from the Government of Canada to support charities and non-profits as they focus on how to adapt their organizations for pandemic recovery and HMS applied to host a series of Board Training and Development workshops over the course of the winter and spring.
The first workshop will be held in-person and is for HMS board members only, but the rest of the workshops will be held over Zoom and we expect to have room for folks from other organizations to join in the learning. If you would be interested in participating, please reach out to info@harvestmoonsociety.org.
@employment and social development canada @esdc.gc
@canadianredcross @redcrosscanada
How to Do Board Evaluation
The Harvest Moon Society was excited to learn that our application to the Community Services Recovery Fund (CSRF) was approved. The CSRF is an initiative from the Government of Canada to support charities and non-profits as they focus on how to adapt their organizations for pandemic recovery and HMS applied to host a series of Board Training and Development workshops over the course of the winter and spring.
The first workshop will be held in-person and is for HMS board members only, but the rest of the workshops will be held over Zoom and we expect to have room for folks from other organizations to join in the learning. If you would be interested in participating, please reach out to info@harvestmoonsociety.org.
@employment and social development canada @esdc.gc
@canadianredcross @redcrosscanada
Chainsaw Safety Certification Course
Ken Fosty is a Certified Professional Chainsaw Safety Instructor. He is accredited by Workplace Safety North (Professional Instructor #159) and teaches a 1-day, Chainsaw Safe Handling, Maintenance and Practices Certification Course.
Indoor classroom presentations include personal protective equipment, kickback, proper felling, notching, storage, chainsaw safety features, etc. Additional classroom presentations include videos, hands-on chainsaw maintenance and proper sharpening and take home handouts.
Wall-mount certificates and laminated wallet cards, valid for three years are awarded to all participants.
Seminars are all-inclusive. All of the materials, props, equipment including audio visual equipment, instructional videos, and handout material are supplied.
Also supplied are all of the chainsaws, hardhats, chaps and personal protective equipment.
The instructor has a valid Professional Chainsaw Safety Instructor Certificate, Arborist License, Liability Insurance, First Aid and CPR and Indigenous Cultural Awareness certification as well.
Cost for this full-day workshop is $150, please bring your own lunch.
Contact info@harvestmoonsocity.org to register (we’ll require 10 participants to go ahead, cut-off date is one week prior, Sat. Feb 24).
Intro to Weaving Workshop
Intro to Weaving
Learn how to make a cotton tea towel on a table top rigid heddle loom
February 25, 2024
March 3, 2024 (storm date)
10:30am to 4pm
Please bring your own lunch
$60 per person
All supplies provided
Facilitator: Pat Lovatt
The 3 Rs of Volunteer Engagement
The Harvest Moon Society was excited to learn that our application to the Community Services Recovery Fund (CSRF) was approved. The CSRF is an initiative from the Government of Canada to support charities and non-profits as they focus on how to adapt their organizations for pandemic recovery and HMS applied to host a series of Board Training and Development workshops over the course of the winter and spring.
The first workshop will be held in-person and is for HMS board members only, but the rest of the workshops will be held over Zoom and we expect to have room for folks from other organizations to join in the learning. If you would be interested in participating, please reach out to info@harvestmoonsociety.org.
@employment and social development canada @esdc.gc
@canadianredcross @redcrosscanada
Fibre Arts Retreat
Fibre Arts Retreat
Be inspired.
Learn new skills.
Meet new friends.
February 2-3, 2024
Harvest Moon Learning Centre
Cost $25 plus food contribution
Saturday yoga $13
Dorm room accommodation $30 per night
Friday:
Mending circle and conversation
Saturday:
Yoga
Workshops
Knitting, crocheting, spinning circle
Clothing swap
Teenagers and people new to fibre arts are warmly welcome. Come for part or the whole weekend.
*More details to follow
Agrarian After Dark
Harvest Moon Society, Fireweed Food Co-op, and The Dog's Run Farm have put together an evening to build connections between rural producers and urban consumers of local food through sharing a meal together, telling farm stories, and allowing for conversation and connection in a fun, informal setting.
https://www.harvestmoonsociety.org/agrarian-after-dark
HMS AGM
Harvest Moon Society's Hybrid AGM is set for Saturday, January 27 at 1pm.
We'll be gathering in-person in Clearwater and will have a Zoom link available for those who can't make it (we've recently purchased a Meeting Owl that we hope will enhance the hybrid experience).
Anyone wishing to attend is asked to please contact info@harvestmoonsociety.org to register.
There are some spaces on the board that we will be looking to fill at the AGM. If you might be interested in joining the HMS Board, we ask that you please submit a short one paragraph "application" outlining why you're interested.
Meeting Management and Minute Taking
The Harvest Moon Society was excited to learn that our application to the Community Services Recovery Fund (CSRF) was approved. The CSRF is an initiative from the Government of Canada to support charities and non-profits as they focus on how to adapt their organizations for pandemic recovery and HMS applied to host a series of Board Training and Development workshops over the course of the winter and spring.
The first workshop will be held in-person and is for HMS board members only, but the rest of the workshops will be held over Zoom and we expect to have room for folks from other organizations to join in the learning. If you would be interested in participating, please reach out to info@harvestmoonsociety.org.
@employment and social development canada @esdc.gc
@canadianredcross @redcrosscanada
Board Succession Planning
The Harvest Moon Society was excited to learn that our application to the Community Services Recovery Fund (CSRF) was approved. The CSRF is an initiative from the Government of Canada to support charities and non-profits as they focus on how to adapt their organizations for pandemic recovery and HMS applied to host a series of Board Training and Development workshops over the course of the winter and spring.
The first workshop will be held in-person and is for HMS board members only, but the rest of the workshops will be held over Zoom and we expect to have room for folks from other organizations to join in the learning. If you would be interested in participating, please reach out to info@harvestmoonsociety.org.
@employment and social development canada @esdc.gc
@canadianredcross @redcrosscanada
Gluten Free Holiday Baking
Monday, December 9 from 7pm to 930pm at the Harvest Moon Learning Centre in Clearwater, MB.
Learn ho to make sweet and savory gluten free choux pastry for all your holiday baking needs.
$20 includes all ingredients.
info@harvestmoonsociety.org to register
Financial Responsibilities of a Non-Profit Board
The Harvest Moon Society was excited to learn that our application to the Community Services Recovery Fund (CSRF) was approved. The CSRF is an initiative from the Government of Canada to support charities and non-profits as they focus on how to adapt their organizations for pandemic recovery and HMS applied to host a series of Board Training and Development workshops over the course of the winter and spring.
The first workshop will be held in-person and is for HMS board members only, but the rest of the workshops will be held over Zoom and we expect to have room for folks from other organizations to join in the learning. If you would be interested in participating, please reach out to info@harvestmoonsociety.org.
@employment and social development canada @esdc.gc
@canadianredcross @redcrosscanada
Quarterly Education Meeting
HMS Education Committee will be meeting via Zoom to review and plan our education activities.
If you’d like to participate, please contact info@harvestmoonsociety.org
Yoga with Carissa
Carissa will be back with more yoga! She’s teaming up with Louise Recreation this year to hold hour-long yoga sessions at the Harvest Moon Learning Centre at 9am on Saturdays.
Nov 4
Nov 11
Nov 18
NO CLASS Nov 25
Dec 2
Dec 9
Dec 16
For more information or to register, contact Louise Rec at louise_rec@hotmail.com
Night Sky Viewing with Two Telescopes
Kenton Dyck has started an Astro Club in Winkler with his computerized 12" dobsonian telescope. His buddy, Darcy, did a bunch of skywatching at the Festival and reached out to see if we'd like to have Kenton come out and host a public sky-watching event. Well, it just so happens that we have an 8" dobsonian of our own that we could use some help learning how to operate!
During the week of October 16-20 we have some architecture students from the University of Manitoba coming to use the Harvest Moon Learning Centre as a homebase for some rural education, so we're going to invite Kenton and Darcy to come out we'll have a bit of a bonfire to welcome the students to Clearwater and we'll host a skywatching party open to all!
To increase our chances of having a good view, Kenton wants to wait until we get closer before we decide which of Oct 17, 18, or 19 (Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday) would be best. Keep an eye on our social medias as we get closer and we'll let you know!
THURSDAY!
We've checked the forecast and Kenton thinks Thursday will be our best stargazing evening so come out the Harvest Moon Learning Centre around 7:30pm or 8pm and we'll have two telescopes going and should be able to see Saturn, Jupiter, Neptune, Uranus, some galaxies and star clusters!
Kids in the Kitchen with Louise Recreation
Join Lauren and Mya from Harvest Moon and Avery and Sarah from Louise Rec for a day in the HM Kitchen!
Ages 7-13, cost is $15.
Contact info@harvestmoonsociety.org to register
Monday, August 21, 9am-3:30pm
Outdoor Adventures
Outdoor Adventures was a big hit last year. Ages 8-12 can attend, the cost is $30, and the event will be held Tues, Aug 15.
Clearwater Kids Crafts
Clearwater Kids Craft for ages 6-12 will be a free event running from 9am to 1pm on Tues, Aug 8.
Covers & Co - Soil Health Field Day
Covers and Co would like to invite you to attend their Soil Health Field Day on Friday, July 28 in Clearwater, MB, for an opportunity to network with like-minded farmers.
See their website for more information.
New Moon Kids Camp
Mark off your calendars!
Registration is open for this year's New Moon Kid's Camp, being held July 11-13 at Harvest Moon Learning Centre in Clearwater, MB for ages 7-11. Register before July 4 for an early bird price of $80 and join Lauren for three fun-filled days of outdoor learning, crafts, and games. Lunch and snack will be provided all three days.
New Moon Youth Nights
New Moon Youth Nights run every Wednesday in July and August for ages
12-18.
Garden Luncheon 2023
We’re planning our Garden Luncheon again! Last year we had a blast (though it was VERY hot).
Come out and join us for some lawn games, garden tours, musical entertainment, and lunch!
Email info@harvestmoonsociety.org to register.
HMS Field Trip for Homeschoolers
On Friday, June 9 we’re inviting homeschool families to Clearwater, MB for a Harvest Moon Field Trip.
Our Education Committee along with our Education Liaison and Land Based Learning Interpreter have planned out a day of programming (10am - 4pm) that includes garden and greenhouse tours, a guided hike on our Lessons from the Land nature trail, and some educational activities centred around native tree species identification and learning about the role of Riparian zones in our prairie ecosystem.
The activities will be geared toward students aged 12+, but siblings and parents are welcome to take part as well. There will be a cost of $10 per student or $25 per family.
Overnight accommodations can be arranged for RVs/trailers or tents, and we have the dorm rooms available as well (each room has a bunk bed that would sleep two on the bottom and one on the top).
Registration is limited to about 25 students. To register, or if you have any questions, please feel free to contact info@harvestmoonsociety.org
Perennial Exchange
Mark your calendar! Our annual Perennial Exchange will take place on Saturday, May 27th from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Come with your garden plants to exchange or give away (or seedlings, or houseplants, or seeds)As always,we will have delicious cupcakes from @clearwatercountrymarket !
Join us for a fun and informative day in Clearwater at the Harvest Moon Learning Centre May 27th.
This event will be followed by Artist Talks given by our Recent Graduate Artists-in-Residence from 2pm-4pm.
Square Loom Workshop
Next up in our Fibre Arts Series is a Square Loom Workshop.
Pat Lovatt will be at the Harvest Moon Learning Centre on Saturday, May 6 from 1pm to 4pm to guide you through making a hat on square loom.
Cost is $25. Spaces are limited (as we only have access to so many looms!)
HMS Scholarship Deadline
Harvest Moon Society is excited to offer three (3) scholarships of $500 each
to youth aged 17-21 who reside within the boundaries of Manitoba for furthering their knowledge or education related to regenerative agriculture, sustainable food systems, and environmental stewardship. Examples of further education may include, but are not limited to: tuition at an educational institution, and/or registration for a course or conference.
Applications will be reviewed by a panel of judges from the Harvest Moon Society. Deadline for application is April 30, 2023. Successful applicants will be notified by May 31, 2023.
To apply, please answer the following question:
How would you use $500 to further your knowledge or education in the areas of regenerative agriculture, sustainable food systems, and/or environmental stewardship and why is this important to you?
The format of your application is up to you: you could answer in an essay, video, slideshow, or in any other format in which you feel comfortable. We ask that you limit your application to the equivalent of 2 written pages or 2 minutes of video/audio.
For more info, visit https://www.harvestmoonsociety.org/scholarship
Work Bee
Come out and help us get the Harvest Moon Learning Centre looking its best as the seasons change and we turn our focus towards the growing season.
Bring some tools and gloves, or just bring yourself and we’ll have plenty of jobs, big and small, for anyone looking to pitch in.
Weather permitting, we’re aiming for Saturday, April 29. Reach out to info@harvestmoonsociety.org if you plan on coming out! Accomodations available.
Fibre Arts Retreat
Be inspired. Learn new skills. Make new friends.
Join us for a Fibre Arts retreat.
March 17-18, 2023
Harvest Moon Learning Centre
Friday, March 17
6 p.m. • Supper
7 p.m. • Mending circle & Conversation
8 p.m. • Clothing swap
Saturday, March 18
8-10 a.m. • Breakfast
9 a.m. • Yoga ($13 cost)
10 a.m. • Knitting and crochet circle
12 p.m. • Lunch
1 p.m. • Free time
2 p.m. • Spinning and Weaving Circle
4 p.m. • Demonstrations
6 p.m. • Supper & Closing
* Teenagers and people new to fibre arts are warmly welcome.
**You are welcome to come to part or all of the weekend.
Cost: a food contribution and $25
For more info or to register, email info@harvestmoonsociety.org