EDMONTON, AB – Northlands is proud of its agriculture roots. As Canada’s oldest and largest agricultural society, Northlands brings in-depth industry knowledge and more than a century of practical experience to the table.
Join the Northlands team on August 20 at the Northlands Urban Farm to hear stories, see demonstrations and learn about the people that grow our food. This event allows urban dwellers the opportunity to meet farmers, experience Ag-Tourism in Alberta and taste local foods direct from the producer.
Alberta Open Farm Days at Northlands includes several distinct experiences both ticketed and free to the public.
Free events include:
Urban Farm Tours – 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
See how we have transformed surplus urban space into a commercial farm right in the middle of the city. Learn more about this project and about the opportunities it presents.
Beekeeping 101 – 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Learn tips and tricks to housing bees in your backyard – everything from building a hive to caring for your bees.
Urban Hens in your Backyard – 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Interested in having your own urban hens? Come and learn about purchasing birds, handling hens, feed, managing waste, designing your coop, diseases, dealing with mortalities, biosecurity practices, bylaw information and the purpose of having backyard chickens.
Cider Making: Ancient Technology, Modern Delight– 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Come and see how to quickly crush and juice hundreds of pounds of apples into a delicious treat that will have you savouring your harvest on even the coldest winters night. In 60 minutes Operation Fruit Rescue Edmonton will teach you the easiest way to preserve the apples that our volunteers are rescuing throughout the city. Come and enjoy a glass of cider and learn how apples have been preserved for hundreds of years!
Farming in Your Backyard – 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Learn about the opportunities to farm in your own backyard!
Squirmy Wormies Indoor Composting– 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Did you know that you can turn your apple cores, paper napkins and banana peels into rich, healthy plant food by composting? You don’t need a backyard or large space to do it either! Vermicomposting, or composting with worms, is easy, educational and perfect for apartments and small spaces.
Kids’ Activities – Beginning at 9 a.m.
Kids programming including free face painting, games, crafts and more.
Ticketed events include:
Rural Farm Bus Tours– $5/person
Morning Tour – 9 a.m. departure
Join us in visiting two farms in Sturgeon County – Sprout Farms Apple Orchards and Erdmann’s Gardens & Greenhouses. Tour bus will leave the Northlands Urban Farm (113 Ave & 79 Street) at 9 a.m. and will return at 12:30 p.m.
Afternoon Tour – 1p.m. departure
Join us in visiting two farms in Strathcona County – Galloway Seeds Ltd. and Barr Estate Winery. Tour bus will leave the Northlands Urban Farm (113 Ave & 79 Street) at 1 p.m. and will return at 4 p.m.
Culinary Workshops – $41/person
Fermentation 101 – 9:30 a.m.
Join Jana Sacco, Director of the Terra Wisdom Centre, to learn the basics of Fermentation, including how to make sauerkraut and chutneys, at this Culinary Workshop during Open Farm Days. Participants will make their own sauerkraut and chutneys as well as receive tasty recipes and samples.
Fermentation and Kombucha – 1:30 p.m.
Join Jana Sacco, Director of the Terra Wisdom Centre, to learn what Kombucha is, how to make it and what the health benefits of this unique beverage are, at this Culinary Workshop during Open Farm Days.
For more information on Alberta Open Farm Days at Northlands and to register for Rural Farm Bus Tours or Fermentation Workshops, visit northlands.com/alberta-open-farm-days/.