2008 Speaking Schedule
Nancy & Michael Phillips

We're thrilled to offer our take on earth wisdom whenever the opportunity arises. Hope to see ya soon!

January 19, Backyard Fruit Growers Conference, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Michael will present many surprising ideas about understory ecology, holistic disease management, and our attitude about other species with a full day's teaching on Everything Apple at this community gathering of fruit lovers. Learn all about this inspiring conference at the BFG web site. . . and get involved with one of the more inspired local fruit growing happenings today!

January 23-26, EcoFarm, Pacific Grove, California. Surf's up and Michael will be riding a wave of apple enthusiasm at one of the country's premier organic farming conferences. Our orchardist will speak all Friday afternoon, first on Orchard Health 101, followed by Integrated Health Management in the Organic Orchard. These cutting edge apple presentations are designed around the scientific understanding of what makes for a healthy apple tree and thus healthy fruit to eat in our respective communities. You can find the details for the 2008 EcoFarm Conference by clicking that blue link.

February 16-17, NOFA-VT Winter Conference, Randolph, Vermont. Michael will focus on Orchard Health 101 in his apple presentation. Herbalists and gardeners alike can tune into the secrets of Growing Medicinal Garlic and taste the pungent results. See NOFA Vermont to learn more.

March 5-6, Berkshire Apple Meeting, West Charlestown, Massachusetts. This will be the 16th year that 'organic apple growers and more' have gotten together in late winter to compare lessons learned and explore cutting edge ideas. Yes, this is the circle of dear friends where Michael's Apple Grower finds constant renewal and mirth. Actual experience is shared at this meeting, so if you're new to orcharding, please respect that this is not an event to launch one's initiation into the fruit grower's art.

April 12, Grafting and Pruning Workshop, Brownington, Vermont. Michael enjoys this annual demonstration day at the Old Stone House Museum in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. Participants get to graft seedling rootstock under Michael's tutelage and then get to take their "trees-to-be" back home. Pruning is explained in layman's terms and then aptly demonstrated.

May 10, MOFGA Orchard Class, Unity, Maine. Michael enjoys heading "downeast" to teach folks for a full day on growing apples organically for their families and communities. Come for a complete rundown on orchard pests, allies, diseases, and proven apple varieties. We’ll spend time indoors on the theory and roam the Common Ground orchards at the MOFGA fairgrounds for hands-on Q&A time. Check out MOFGA's Events Calendar for all pertinent details.

July 19, Organic Apple Class, Shelburne, Vermont. Michael will team up with Nick Cowles of Shelburne Orchards for a full day's course on growing apples organically. Discussing fruit tree particulars and ecosystem dynamics in an actual orchard really enhances the learning experience. You'll get the rundown on a "basic orchard approach" which you can tailor to your own fruit aspirations. Check in with NOFA-Vermont to pre-register (a must) and get all the other pertinent details.

August 22-24, Women's Herb Conference, Peterborough, New Hampshire. Nancy will be teaching with many other fabulous women. Her class offerings this year's are Herbal Preparations 101 and Herbs for Children's Health, along with two experiential herb walks. You can find out about this yearly gathering at the new Women's Herb Conference site. Join us in this special celebration of our radiance, our bodies, and our work as wise women and healers!

September 13-14, Cultivating Wellness Conference, Dorchester, New Hampshire. The local food movement teams up with holistic health practitioners for a weekend of healthy celebration. Michael will be there with garlic, apples, cider vinegar, and all our herbal wares . . . and offering classes on Growing Healthy Garlic and Medicinal Fruits. This first annual conference is being organized and held at D Acres, an organic farm and educational homestead in central New Hampshire.

November 1-2, Cider Day, Massachusetts. Come for two days of orchard tours, cider making and tastings, and workshops. This is for all who love apples, fresh or hard cider, apple cuisine, apple orchards or just being in New England in the fall. Apple lovers need to check out Cider Day in Franklin County in the Berkshires! Michael will be there to present on American Cider Varieties and lead the traditional wassail at New Salem Orchard on Sunday.

Don't forget to check out our schedule of classes as well! Our programs here at Heartsong Farm definitely emphasize meeting the plants and connecting with the spirit of the land. Many find the chance to visit this blessed spot a healing adventure just in itself. Each year we'll be hosting notable community herbalists who will offer advanced teachings as part of our ongoing Further Your Herbal Wisdom series. We're honored to have you join us.

We can come to your Conference! Interested in having us come to speak about organic orcharding, community herbalism, and self-reliant living? All you have to do is ask! We'll send you a presentation flyer outlining the types of talks we offer and our needs as regards expenses. Michael is available as well to do organic orchard consultations, which include a site visit and mentoring throughout a growing season.