Biodynamic Orcharding

Join Mike Biltonen of Know Your Roots at Awbury Arboretum for a workshop on Biodynamic Orcharding. We will discuss the basics of holistic orcharding with a focus on biodynamic principles and practices including how to make and use biodynamic preparations to address insect pests, pathogens, nutrition, and fertility.

Teacher Bio: Mike Biltonen has spent nearly 40 years in agriculture – working mostly with orchards, vineyards, and specialty veg and fruit crops. He specializes in all aspects of sustainable orchard production of apples, pears, and stone fruit. An early passion for sustainable agriculture evolved into a profound dedication to the principles and practices of ecologically-focused, biodynamically-driven farming. The last fifteen years Mike has worked as a consultant to novice and seasoned farmers and orchardists alike on all aspects of establishing and managing regenerative and integrated farmscapes. He co-owns Know Your Roots, a novel and innovative family-owned company, with his wife Debbie where they are synchronously using farming and herbalism practices to heal the Earth.

Accessibility: This workshop will be held at Awbury Arboretum’s Education Center and Food Forest (6336 Ardleigh Street). With the exception of handicap visitors- guests should park on the street and walk in. There is a 1/4 mile walk on paved walkways from the entrance to the education center, where the first portion of the workshop will take place. The entire building is wheelchair accessible and climate-controlled. The second portion of the workshop will take place within the Awbury Food Forest, a short sloped walk from the education center. The food forest is mostly shaded, with uneven woodchipped pathways. There are two private indoor bathrooms in the Education Center and Port-a-pottys on site.