Message-ID: <v03007801ae52faa66f3c@[204.71.127.242]> Date: Wed, 4 Sep 1996 09:30:09 -0400 From: Intergalactic Garage <mailto:igg@HIS.COM> Subject: BIODYNAMICS/BIODIVERSITY CONFERENCE OCT 4-6 To: Multiple recipients of list DEVEL-L <mailto:DEVEL-L@AMERICAN.EDU>
PRESS RELEASEFor Immediate Release
WHAT: The 1996 Mid-Atlantic Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Conference
WHEN: Friday, October 4 thru Sunday, October 6
WHERE: The Claymont Agricultural Project Claymont Court Huyette Road Charles Town, West Virginia
WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Farmers, Gardeners, Aquaculturists, Educators and persons interested in Waldorf education, Parents, Health Practitioners, Whole Foods Advocates, Macrobiotics and Nutritionists as well as anyone interested in the environment, their health, or in good tasting food, Students of Rudolf Steiner and Anthroposophy, anyone attending to their inner life
CONTACT: Allan Balliett, BD Conference coordinator (304) 876-2373 or email: mailto:igg@his.com
www.his.com/~claymont/claymontag.html
BACKGROUND Biodynamics (BD) is a science of life-forces, a recognition of the basic principles at work in nature, and an approach to agriculture which takes these principles into account to bring about balance and healing. In a very real way, then, Biodynamics is an ongoing path of knowledge rather than an assemblage of methods and techniques.
Biodynamics is part of the work of Rudolf Steiner, known as anthroposophy -- a new approach to science which integrates precise observation of natural phenomena, clear thinking, and knowledge of the spirit. It offers an account of the spiritual history of the Earth as a living being, and describes the evolution of the constitution of humanity and the kingdoms of nature. (from What is Biodynamics by Sherry Wildfleur, Kimberton, PA)
The theme of this year's BD conference at Claymont is "The Soil, Nutrition, and the Soul." Presenters at this conference will investigate current knowledge on the effects of nutrition on human health and behavior. The effects of soil quality upon the nutritive content of plants will be discussed at length. Several workshops will concentrate on how to build healthy soil and grow healthy plants without chemical ammendments.
In response to the recent call by the Biodynamic Association of America for BD practitioners to pay more attention to husbanding the water and aquatic life on their farms, presentations will be made at this Conference by specialists in conventional aquaculture.
Tours of the aquaculture facilities at the Freshwater Institute and of the colonial mill at the Thomas Shepherd Grist Mill (both in Shepherdstown) will be available on Sunday, October 6.
Cost for the 3-day conference will be $129, if paid in advance (before 10/1), and $149 at the door. This includes all lectures and workshops and hearty macrobiotic, vegetarian and/or omnivore meals. Lodging is available at Claymont at reasonable rates. Childcare is available during the day at reasonable rates. VISA/MasterCard/Discover accepted with advance payment only.
Each day will begin with a Eurythmy exercise which will taught by Mollie Amies of Spring Valley, NY.
The Claymont Agricultural Project is based upon agrarian disciplines which extend into antiquity, the principles of the Claymont system can be traced back to ancient Greece, Persia and the Far East.>In its present form, the Claymont Agricultural Project is emerging as a vital integration of several movements: Dr. Steiner's Biodynamic Agriculture, Alan Chadwick's French Intensive Agriculture and G.I. Gurdjieff's "Fourth Way" as transmitted by J.G. Bennett (the founder of Claymont). While striving to preserve and rejuvenate the soil and plants at Claymont Court, The Claymont Agricultural Project is committed to sharing the design and implementation of small scale, sustainable agrarian systems while becoming a living example of how humanity can thrive upon the earth without destroying it.
PRESENTERS What follows is the confirmed line-up for the October 4-6 Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Conference at Claymont Court, a 400 acre BD estate outside of Charles Town, WV.
For more information: Allan Balliett (304) 876-2373 email: mailto:igg@his.com
Updated information pertaining to the conference and a detailed map are available at: www.his.com/~claymont/claymontag.html
This conference is made possible in part by a grant from the Center for Sustainable Living.
˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙ALAN KAPULER (Seeds of Change) Visionary co-founder and head of the research department of Seeds of Change, one of the best heirloom seed companies in America. There is no more inspiring and informative spokesperson for biodiversity and what it means for human development and survival than Mr Kapuler. In addition to his studies in diversity, Dr Kapuler is an expert on the variance in 'nutritional density' in varieties within families of food crops. In his spare time, Dr Kapuler is working to develop a 'non-violent' diet for humans (in a non-violent diet, no plants are destroyed for human consumption). Dr Kapuler restricts himself to two lectures a year; it is a rare and wonderful pleasure to have Dr. Kapuler on the East Coast. Dr Kapular was diagnosed with lymphatic cancer over 10 years ago, refused the chemical treatment and has kept himself alive - - and brilliant - - through a macrobiotic diet.
BOB PUTZ (Freshwater Institute) Former Director , Leetown National Fisheries Center, Leetown, WV, current ly Director of Science for The Conservation Fund and founder of the globally influential aquaculture think tank, The Freshwater Institute, "a first-rate internationally recognized research and deveopment facility with programs that identify and demonstrate uses of freshwater resources that protect the quality of those resources while allowing sutainable economic growth." An advisor to governments, Mr Putz enjoys applying his fish farming knowledge to economically sustainable aquaculture installations on subsistence farms. Mr Putz will also provide a tour of the aquaculture facilities at The Freshwater Institute, in Shepherdstown, WV on Sunday.
HUGH COURTNEY (Josephine Porter Institute of Applied Biodynamics) Manufacturer and distributor of most of the BD preps used in the Western hemisphere. Hugh is a farmer, a scientist, advisor and mentor to hundreds of BD growers, and a great writer. He will be discussing "Soil Nutrition and the BD Preps." He will also bring his wonderful book table with him!!
HUGH LOVELL (Union Agricultural Institute) Market Gardener , CSA manager, author and alternative farming methods guru. Hugh's annual BD conferences in Blairsville, GA are legendary. Hugh is knowledgeable in radionics, dowsing and several other alternative energies.' His book, A Biodynamic Farm, is one of my favorites! He will demonstrate the cosmic pipe as a very effective means of distributing the BD preps across a field. We are going to also ask him to teach a bread making class!!
BRUCE BLEVINS (Nokomis Farms) Former Claymont gardener and "the most brilliant BD grower in America." Bruce currently runs a biodynamic market garden, greenhouse and landscape design enterprise in Wisconsin. With 17 years of gardening experience and a 1979 apprenticeship with Alan Chadwick, Mr. Blevins is a master horticulturist and a dynamic speaker who brings his knowledge of biodynamics and greenhouse work to bear on the problems and challenges facing today's market gardener.
WOODY WODRASKA (Tree of Life Rejuvenation Center) Former Claymont garden helper. Woody's articles in the BD Quarterly in the past few year have all been memorable and informative. Woody apprenticed in biodynamic farming at Kimberton in the 80's, initiated one of the first CSAs in this country, and has started gardens in 13 states. While following classical biodynamic procedures, Woody has continued to experiment with other techniques to appropriately raise the energy level in the garden. (We are anticipating a flow forms demonstration.)
NORIO KUSHI (Kushi Foundation) Macrobiotic educator. Son of the great macrobiotic teacher, Michio Kushi, Norio was raised in the macrobiotic lifestyle. He will discuss the human health: what are the parameters, how is it achieved?
SALLY SILVERSTONE (Cyberspheres, Inc) Ms Silverstone worked from 1985 to 1994 with the team that designed and built Biopshere 2 . She helped with the design and implementation of the entire agricultural base for Biosphere2. More than that, she lived with it!! - as Co-Captain and Director of Agriculture and Food systems of the team that carried out the first two year closed mission You will find her experiences radically different from how Biosphere2 was portrayed in the press. She has many valuable lessons to share after spending two years in what has to have been the most 'self-contained farm ' in the world.
JEAN YEAGER (Biodynamic Association) Editor of Biodynamics, the bimonthly publication of the BD Association. Jean's experience in the needs and requirements of today's farms and communities is both deep and wide. Jean will do two workshops, one on marketing, the other on community.
BJORN NILSSON (Claymont Farms) Master Gardener at Claymont. A former Chadwick apprentice and student of British philosopher and mathematician, J..G. Bennett and advocate of the emerging healing art agritherapy. Bjorn will speak on "The Fourth Way in Agriculture."
CRAIG ALAN SISKA (Verdant Earth) Biodynamic Landscape Architect and gardener. Student of Alan Chadwick at New Market. Craig will speak in depth on an yet to be chosen horticultural topic.
Andrea HUff (Camphill Waldorf School) Designer of the first vegetarian whole-grain hot school lunch program in this country! Andrea is an expert on the effects of nutrition on human development and behavior and is an impassioned and knowledgeable speaker.
ROBYN STAHR (Anthroposophic Nutritionist) Ms Stahr has a deep knowledge of Rudolf Steiner's insights into the relationship between nutrition and the ability to have spiritual insight. She has some surprising information and will do both a lecture and a cooking demonstration.
Dr Peter Hinderberger (Baltimore Wellness Center) Anthroposphic Doctor and homeopath. Dr Hinderberger will address Rudolf Steiner's remarks regarding the relationship between nutrition and the ability to manifest Will on the physical plane.
REX HERRIL (Remineralization Expert) Market Gardener. Mr Herril has spent the last 10 years actively studying how minerals affect the quality of plants and how the quality of plants eaten affects human development.
PETER TOMPKINS (Secret Life of Plants, Secrets of the Soil) Author. Mr Tompkins is a neighbor of ours. He will participate at the conference if he is able to keep his September visit to South America within its schedule. His forthcoming book is "Secrets of Nature."
MICHAEL JUDGE (Washington Waldorf School CSA) BD market grower and CSA manager. Michael will do a workshop on food and the community.
MARY YEAGAR (Kimberton Anthroposophic Artist) Anthroposophic water coloring training. Exhibition of therapeutic art.
JIM MARQUARDT (BD Orchardist, Winchester, VA; Vice-President, JPI) Jim operates an orchard of heirloom apples in Winchester. He will do a workshop on BD orchard work
Dr. LOUIS LEONARDI (Natural Health practitioner (Chiropractor)) Dr. Leonardi has deep insight into the relationship between nutrition and human health. He will speak on true health and how it is attained. Biological Agents in the Soil/Biological Medicine for the Body and Plural Morphism.
BERNARD McDONAGH (Claymont Agricultural Project) Horticulturist and organic grower. Bernard has recently come to Claymont to pursue his interest in farms and community. His experience in organic growing is both deep and broad. He will speak on one of his favorite topics: the use of beneficial insects.
MOLLIE AMIES (Three-Fold Foundation) Eurythmy Instructor. Mollie will provide two workshops on Eurythmy as well as lead us in eurythmy exercises each day. Eurythmy is a form of sacred dance taught by Rudolf Steiner to promote the integration of Body, Mind and Spirit.
ANN ROSS (Homeopathic Veterinarian) Ann will give a lecture on natural care of livestock and pets. She is coming from Cincinatti to present at this event. She was highly recommended by Ed Schaeffer who writes the natural vet column for Acres.
JACK LARSEN Jack will speak on the Albrecht soil theories.
JIMMY FOLTZ (Peace in the Valley Herbs) Jimmy, a noted herbalist in the Shenadoah Valley will discuss the principles behind herbal tinctures and demonstrate how to make them.
REGISTRATION: Pre-Register by sending check or money order to Mid-Atlantic BD Conference c/o Allan Balliett POB 3047 Shepherdstown, WV 25443
Checks should be made out to "The NetWork"
VISA/MasterCard/Discover accepted for early registration only! Call (304) 876-2373 (or FAX (304) 876-9414) to register by charge card
Cost of the Conference & all meals & snacks is $129 if paid before 10/1 ($149 at the door) Children 6-12 are half-price. Children Under 6 are Free. Lodging and Childcare are available at reasonable cost.