Schedule of Festival Demonstrations
[CORRECTED: Address for Canning and Landscape Design was previously incorrect, stating 725.]
During the afternoon of the Forest Heights Blueberry Festival on Saturday, May 31, there will be several demonstrations of homesteading activities. The schedule and locations will be:
1 p.m. - Invasive Plant Removal - Learn strategies and techniques for removing some of the most troublesome invasives we face here in Forest Heights, such as English ivy and Chinese privet. Local naturalist, Gary Crider, will lead the demonstration at an overgrown drainage way between 725 and 745 Pine Forest Drive.
1 p.m. - Time Banking - Learn about (and help launch) the Middle Oconee Hawthorne (MOH) Time Bank. Forest Heights resident and community organizer, Joe Lavine, will explain how you can join the time bank to give and receive help in the community for everything from yard work to pet care. At 464 Forest Heights Drive.
2 p.m. - Canning Preserves - Learn how to keep your creations fresh and shelf-stable with an overview of canning safety. Chef Caitlin will walk you through the basics of for a tasty jar of blueberry salsa. Whether you’re a total newbie or a seasoned snacker, you’ll leave with the skills to seal the deal at home! At 725 Pine Forest Drive.
2 p.m. - Chickens 101 - Thinking about getting some chickens? Jason Crenshaw will show his family’s set-up for raising egg-layers and answer questions about which came first. At 455 Forest Heights Drive.
3 p.m. - Beekeeping 101 - Find out about the basics of keeping honeybees — from necessary equipment, to honey extraction and making beeswax products like candles and lip balm. Cory Momany of Flying Pigs Honey is known for engaging, all-ages demonstrations that include an observation hive behind glass. He will be set up (with honey to sell) at the main festival site at Holly Court.
3 p.m. - Landscape Design - Discover sustainable landscaping techniques, native plant selections, and creative designs tailored to Forest Heights. Whether starting from scratch, or looking to upgrade your outdoor space, Brian Choate of Gardens of the Galaxy will have ideas to offer for everyone. At 725 Pine Forest Drive.
If you attend a demo, please consider leaving a small donation in person or online through the Athens Land Trust to support the festival.
Also New This Year!
In addition to the homesteading demonstrations, this will also be the first year of the Big Berry 5k & Fun Run/Walk. All participants must register in advance!
