[FLPERMACULTURE] Help Build a Straw Bale "Troll House" at The Ithaca Children's Garden

[Michael Burns]

From:    "Sandra Repp" <sjr37 at cornell.edu>

Help Build a Straw Bale "Troll House"
at The Ithaca Children's Garden

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County and
the Ithaca Children's Garden invite you to help build a
playhouse of local, natural materials this June. The
Troll House will feature a local stone foundation, straw
bale and timber walls, natural plasters, and a living roof.
Its whimsical style and kid-sized scale will provide a
unique play space for children and visitors to the garden.
Plus, it will offer the public an easily accessible
demonstration of building that uses natural, local,
non-toxic materials and promotes the health of people
and the planet. Two hands-on natural building workshops
will be offered in conjunction with its construction.

How can you get involved?
* Participate in one or both natural building workshops
   on Straw Bale Construction and Living Roofs (details below)
* Volunteer at a work party (details below)
* Make a tax-deductible donation to the Ithaca Children's
   Garden, c/o 615 Willow Ave., Ithaca, NY, 14850 to offset building costs


NATURAL BUILDING WORKSHOPS

Straw Bale Construction
Sat., June 7, 10 am to 5 pm and Sun., June 8, 1 to 5 pm
Ithaca Children's Garden (Cass Park on Rte. 89)
This two-day, intensive workshop will include discussions,
demonstrations, and hands-on learning under the guidance
of experienced natural builders Aaron Dennis and ej George
of Tugley Wood Timberframing. Learn straw bale construction
basics, foundation systems, wall building, roof attachment,
and natural plastering techniques. The workshop fee is
$150/adult, which supports instruction and project costs.
Space is limited. This workshop is suitable for adults and
older youth (no fee) with an accompanying adult. Dress
for the weather. Wear sturdy shoes and bring work gloves.
Tools to bring if you have them, but not required: tool belt,
hammer, tape measure, utility knife, and pencil. Food and
beverages provided. For information or to register,
call 272-2292. Advance payment required!

Living Roof Workshop
Sat., June 21, 1 to 5 pm
Ithaca Children's Garden (Cass Park on Rte. 89)
Living or green roofs offer benefits like capturing rainwater
runoff, regulating building temperature, and providing wildlife
habitat. Participate in the installation of a living roof. Learn
about membrane materials, growing media, plant selection,
and installation procedures. Instructors: Lexie Hain and
Marguerite Wells of Motherplants green roof nursery.
Workshop fee $25/adult. Advance payment required.
Space is limited. For more information or to register,
call 272-2292.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Natural Plaster Work Party
Mon., June 16, 10 am to 1 pm
A hands-on chance to work with lime-clay plasters including
sculptural elements. (Due to the mildly caustic nature of lime,
this is not suitable for children.)

Finishing Work Party
Mon., July 7, 10 am to 1 pm
Help plaster on a final layer of lime render and play with
pigments to decorate the Troll House.

For more information, please call 272-2292 or email
<mailto:tms23 at cornell.edu>tms23 at cornell.edu.

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Earn your permaculture design certificate.
The Finger Lakes Permaculture Institute
offers affordable local classes.
http://www.fingerlakespermaculture.org
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