Do you want to make the most of your yard and gardens? Then this field-based class is for you! Fall is an excellent time to assess your landscape, plant trees, shrubs and perennials, and prepare the ground for spring. After the first meeting classes will meet at each participant's property where individualized, site-specific options will be explored. Organic practices will be emphasized as will the incorporation of native plants, especially those important for birds, bees, butterflies and other beneficials. Please give us your physical address when registering. The first night is mandatory, students will receive information and subsequent garden visits will be planned for all participants - this will be the only meeting held at CHRHS. Dates and times of subsequent meetings will be determined that evening. Read more about instructor Sharon Turner here.

This class will feature easy-to-understand information on finding, collecting, identifying, and preparting the safer and more common edible and medicinal mushroom species of New Egland and Eastern Canada. Whether you are a cook, forager, herbalist, or restauranteur, you will enjoy this class. The book "Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms of New England and Eastern Canada" will be available for purchase in class for $21.

Would you like to extend Maine's short growing season? Discover the many ways you can lengthen that short season and have good wholesome food available through the fall, winter, and early spring. You will explore everything from old-fashioned cold frames and hot caps to the latest in low and high tunnels and coverings. Seed starting, winter vegetable storage and fall garlic planting will be covered, and organic practices will be emphasized. You will also be able to buy wonderful garlic to plant now for harvest next summer! Read more about instructor Sharon Turner here.

This class is about how you can grow and harvest edible native plants. David has been farming his land (and a nearby public plot) in Washington, Maine for many years, and his PowerPoint will show the native plants he farms with - such as wild highbush blueberries, American chestnut, Viburnums and dozens more - while he provides a discussion of the ecological implications.

Chaga is a type of fungus that grows mainly on the bark of birch trees in cold climates. For centuries, it's been used as a traditional medicine in Northern European and Asian countries, mainly to boost immunity and overall health. In this class we will cover chaga facts, myths, and miscellany. We will explore all aspects of chaga fungus from finding and harvesting it down to the microscopic level of its many uses. This class will be offered remotely.

Learn about using wild mushrooms. The various mushrooms are like vegetables. They have different flavors and widely varying textures, colors, moisture content and water absorbency. Hence, the various species respond to cooking processes differently. We will learn about matching mushroom species to cooking techniques. Also discussed will be the appropriate foods and wines to match with wild mushrooms and which species may be mixed together in a recipe.