Free Composting Classes
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Free composting and vermicomposting classes? I’ll need my rubber gloves for this one!
As far as I’m aware, there are three advantages of composting. Firstly, it’s a good way to dispose of organic waste, including leaves and cut grass. Secondly, it’s great for mulching and aeration if you’re into organic gardening, rather than buying commercial fertilizers. And last but not least… it’s free!
But what do I know? Mr Cheap has the green thumb around here. With the exception of my lovingly-tended herbs, I only have to look at a plant and it withers. (Even if I have my make-up on.)
If you’re interested in learning about composting, Bernalillo County Extension Master Composters offer a bunch of free composting classes for all ages at various locations, including vermicomposting or composting with worms.
Although the classes are free they require registration before the event, so check details at the link to see where to phone or email to register for each class, as well as full info on times and locations.
These are the upcoming free composting classes for the remainder of 2012, but check the schedule in case of changes:
- November 6: Backyard Composting Lecture at 7 pm (Rio Rancho)
- November 10: Advanced Composting forum for those with composting experience (Gutierrez-Hubbell House)
- November 14: Basic Composting Class
- November 17: Vermicomposting / Worm Composting Class
- December 1: Basic Composting Class
- December 15: Vermicomposting / Worm Composting Class
–Tania
GreenBuilt Tour Visit Eco-Friendly Homes: June 9-10
Visit sustainable Albuquerque homes for $2 on Saturday and Sunday June 9 and 10, 2012, and get ideas and inspiration from the owners on green construction and design.
The annual GreenBuilt Tour opens the door on Albuquerque and other New Mexico homes to show how these homeowners have put sustainable building practices into action, in practical, affordable, and (judging by the pictures) quite beautiful ways.
The properties on the tour vary in size, type, and price range. Some are new constructions, others are renovations, but they all incorporate green living principles and design.
Basically you turn up during tour hours this weekend, pay $2 per person at each home you want to visit, and then mosey about and ask questions of the owners, who will kindly share their knowledge and experience. The tour is free for children aged 12 and under.
You can also get a two-day pass for all the homes for $15 online in advance from the GreenBuilt Tour website, which would be smart if you plan to visit 8 or more properties.
Albuquerque homes in the GreenBuilt Tour are described in the PDF tour guide, with a map and a profile of each property, and lots of tempting photos too. These homes look GORGEOUS!
- When: June 9 and 10, 2012
- Time: 10 am to 4 pm
- Where: Get directions and details on each property from the GreenBuilt Tour guide at the website link above.
- Cost: $2 per person at each property on the day, or $15 for a two-day pass available in advance
Homes are only open to visitors during these hours and the guidelines say no pets. The event is organized by USGBC New Mexico, a chapter of the non-profit U.S. Green Building Council.
–Tania
Recycled Art Fair: April 21
The City of Albuquerque’s fourth annual Recycled Art Fair talks trash on April 21, 2012, with plenty of free family fun and workshops.
The Albuquerque Recycled Art Fair at the Open Space Visitor Center is on Saturday April 21 from 9 am to 5 pm, and admission is free.
First off you can see recycled art – a.k.a. upcycled art – made from discarded materials, both in the juried art show and for sale at the booths. I guess at least you know that every piece of art is unique!
The event also includes demos and free workshops on how to make your own recycled art, including a tin punch workshop, paper-making, and free writing workshop, sustainable gardening info, kids’ activities, live music and (of course) food vendors. Highlights include:
- Kids’ creativity center and face painters
- Workshops in composting, worm composting, water harvesting, seeds, and waterwise gardening
- Styrofoam print workshop at 10am
- Free reload Your Writing workshop with Lisa Piatetsky for beginning to advanced writers at 11 am
- Chautauqua on conservationist Rachel Carson by Ann Beyke at 2 pm
The Recycled Art Fair schedule might change (or be recycled) so see the latest event details at the link.
- When: Saturday April 21, 2012
- Time: 9 am – 5 pm
- Where: Open Space Visitor Center
- Price: Free
Albuquerque Open Space Visitor Center is located at 6500 Coors Boulevard NW. (East of Coors at the end of Bosque Meadows Road, between Montano Boulevard and Paseo del Norte.)
–Tania
Ultimate Home Showcase Discount or Free Admission
Albuquerque’s 2012 Ultimate Home Showcase takes place on March 17-18, with several ways to get discount admission or maybe even free admission!
The Ultimate Home Showcase home show at Expo New Mexico on March 17-18, 2012, includes the International Green Ideas Show and the Construction and Architectural Suppliers Show, with exhibitors showing ideas for home design and decor, remodeling, sustainable lifestyle and energy, and green technology.
Regular admission to the show is $8 for adults, $5 for seniors over 65 and kids aged 13-18. Admission is free for children aged 12 and under. But here’s how to get discount or even free admission:
- Print this BOGO coupon to get two admissions for the price of one, via New Mexico Market Place (or just pick up a copy of NM Market Place to get the coupon!)
- Get $3 off adult admission using the coupon at the Ultimate Home Showcase website, or here’s the direct link to the PDF $3 off coupon.
- Free admission for seniors on Sunday morning (no coupon needed).
- Free admission for bike riders and for those who take the bus and show a receipt or pass.
- Pay $1 for admission if you take a computer for recycling.
The show has a bit of a St. Patrick’s Day theme going for kids, with a visit by the leprechaun Sir Hugh Elliott (sounds like a very leprechauny name) on Saturday March 17 from 10 am to 3 pm, when he’ll be telling stories and giving out chocolate coins. Anyone dressed as a leprechaun or other nature spirit or sporting a British Isle theme costume can get a professional free photo taken!
Other fun activities include a scavenger hunt, hydrogen-powered car races, a PNM giveaway of compact florescent light bulbs, and a lasso demonstration.
Stephanie Kaylan of Wanagi Wolf Fund and Rescue will also be at the show on Sunday March 18 from 10 am to 4 pm with a couple of her wolves.
Ultimate Home Showcase takes place:
- When: March 17-18, 2012
- Time: Saturday 10 am – 5 pm and Sunday 10 am – 4 pm
- Where: Expo New Mexico, Manuel Lujan Buildings A and B.
The Expo New Mexico parking fee is usually $5. I believe the Ultimate Home Showcase used to be called the Albuquerque’s Home Builders & Remodelers Showcase; all these home shows seem to be changing their names this year!
—Tania
Free Composting Classes
Free composting and vermicomposting classes? I’ll need my rubber gloves for this one!
As far as I’m aware, there are three advantages of composting. Firstly, it’s a good way to dispose of organic waste, including leaves and cut grass. Secondly, it’s great for mulching and aeration if you’re into organic gardening, rather than buying commercial fertilizers. And last but not least… it’s free!
But what do I know? Mr Cheap has the green thumb around here. With the exception of my lovingly-tended herbs, I only have to look at a plant and it withers. (Even if I have my make-up on.)
If you’re interested in learning about composting, Bernalillo County Extension Master Composters offer a bunch of free composting classes for all ages.
The next one is a vermicomposting class this Saturday January 21 at 10 am at the Open Space Visitor Center. Vermicomposting is composting with worms, and you need to reserve in advance: (505) 897-8831.
Many of the other upcoming classes are on a Saturday, but some are in the week, and although the classes are free, some require advance registration. Check the specific date and location for details.
These are the upcoming free composting classes for 2012, but check the schedule in case of changes:
- January 21: Vermicomposting class
- February 4: Basic Composting class (Open Space Visitor Center)
- February 20: Vermicomposting class (Rio Rancho)
- February 25: Basic Composting Class (Expo NM)
- February 26: Basic Composting Class (Expo NM)
- March 10: Basic Composting Class (Rio Grande Nature Center)
–Tania
Free Science Cafe: November 19
Free Science Cafe for adults at Los Poblanos Inn and Cultural Center, on harnessing wind energy. Register in advance!
KNME is hosting a free Science Café event and discussion at 10 am on Saturday November 19, exploring clean, renewable wind energy in New Mexico in a casual, cafe style atmosphere.
The Science Café will show a PBS video clip on the subject, and Dr Daniel Laird of Sandia National Laboratories leads the discussion about wind turbine technology and Sandia Labs’ latest research. The venue is the lovely Los Poblanos Inn and Cultural Center, and the Inn is donating refreshments!
Science Cafes are designed for adults (recommended minimum age 14) and are popular with professors and teachers, scientists, and those with no science background but a keen interest in science research in New Mexico.
The Wind Energy Science Cafe still has spaces available, but make your reservation today!
- When: Saturday, November 19, 2011
- Time: 10 am to noon
- Where: Los Poblanos Inn & Cultural Center
- Recommended for adults with an interest in science research and minimum age 14+
- Cost: FREE! Reservations required.
RSVP to the KNME Science Cafe by contacting Rose Poston, (505) 277-2396 or email for a reservation. Seats are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
Los Poblanos Inn and Cultural Center is located at 4803 Rio Grande Boulevard NW.
–Tania
Ski Pass Sales & Free Cross Country Ski Clinic
November 14, 2011 by Tania
Filed under Shopping, Sport & Leisure
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REI Albuquerque offers deals on ski passes for a bunch of Colorado and New Mexico ski resorts, all ready to tempt us onto the slopes this winter. (As if snow-hounds need tempting!)
The REI Albuquerque ski pass sales happen on different weekends for different resorts with various savings for the winter 2011-2012 ski season.
This weekend, from November 18 – 20, it’s Durango Mountain Ski Resort’s Sale. If you want to ski Durango, REI members get a lower price than non-members on Durango’s 4-pak sale – up to $30 lower in fact.
REI lifetime membership is $20 so you do the math on whether it’s worth signing up for more savings! (Plus there are other REI membership benefits including shopping discounts).
Other REI ski pass sales coming up:
- Crested Butte Mountain Resort Pass Sale on Thanksgiving weekend, November 26 – 27
- Angel Fire Ski Resort Pass Sale on December 3
- Sipapu Ski Resort Pass Sale on December 17
REI Albuquerque also hosts a couple of free events for those into cross country skiing, or the sustainable solar-powered lifestyle – or possibly both! Register online in advance to secure a place.
A free NM Solar Energy Association session on Tuesday November 22 at 6 pm beams its solar ray on photovoltaic basics, with expert speakers and discussion.
The free cross country skiing clinic doesn’t take place till next year… Saturday January 7, 2012, to be precise. So why am I telling you about it now? Because it’s a small group of maximum 15 places, and already they’re filling up fast, so if you want a spot, register pronto. This sounds like a clinic for beginners to cross country skiing, with info on the gear you need and where to ski.
Albuquerque REI is located at 1550 Mercantile Avenue NE.
–Tania
Free Composting Classes
Free composting classes? I’ll need my rubber gloves for this one!
As far as I’m aware, there are three advantages of composting. Firstly, it’s a good way to dispose of organic waste, including leaves and cut grass. Secondly, it’s great for mulching and aeration if you’re into organic gardening, rather than buying commercial fertilizers. And last but not least… it’s free!
But what do I know? Mr Cheap has the green thumb around here. With the exception of my lovingly-tended herbs, I only have to look at a plant and it withers. (Even if I have my make-up on.)
If you’re interested in learning about composting, Bernalillo County Extension Master Composters offer a bunch of free composting classes for all ages.
Most are on a Saturday, but some are in the week, and although the classes are free, some require advance registration. Check the specific date and location for details.
Upcoming free composting classes for winter 2011 include:
- November 12: Basic Composting Class (Rio Rancho)
- December 6: Basic Composting Class (North Valley)
- December 10: Basic Composting Class (ABQ Westside)
–Tania
Free Composting Classes
Free composting classes? I’ll need my rubber gloves for this one!
As far as I’m aware, there are three advantages of composting. Firstly, it’s a jolly good way to dispose of organic waste, including leaves and cut grass. Secondly, it’s great for mulching and aeration if you’re into organic gardening, rather than buying commercial fertilizers. And last but not least… it’s free!
But what do I know? Mr Cheap has the green thumb around here. With the exception of my lovingly-tended herbs, I only have to look at a plant and it withers. (Even if I have my make-up on.)
If you’re interested in learning about composting, Bernalillo County Extension Master Composters offer a bunch of free composting classes for all ages, at both basic level and for the advanced compost connoisseur.
Most are on a Saturday, but some are in the week, and although the classes are free, many require advance registration. Check the specific date and location for details.
Upcoming free composting classes for fall and winter 2011 include:
- September 10: Basic Composting Class (ABQ Westside)
- September 24: Basic Composting Class (Placitas)
- October 12: Basic Composting Class (Rio Rancho)
- October 22: Advanced Composting Class (South Valley)
- November 12: Basic Composting Class (Rio Rancho)
- December 6: Basic Composting Class (North Valley)
- December 10: Basic Composting Class (ABQ Westside)
–Tania
GreenBuilt Tour Visit Eco-Friendly Homes: June 11-12
Visit sustainable Albuquerque homes for $1 on Saturday and Sunday June 11 and 12, 2011, and get ideas and inspiration from the owners on green construction and design.
If you missed our earlier post, here’s a reminder that the 12th annual GreenBuilt Tour opens the door on 25 New Mexico homes – mostly in the Albuquerque area – to show how these homeowners have put sustainable building practices into action, in practical, affordable, and (judging by the pictures) quite beautiful ways.
The properties on the tour vary in size, type, and price range. Some are new constructions, others are renovations, but they all incorporate green living principles and design.
Basically you turn up during tour hours this weekend, pay $1 per person at each home you want to visit, and then mosey about and ask questions of the owners, who will kindly share their knowledge and experience. (The tour is free for children aged 12 and under.)
Albuquerque homes in the GreenBuilt Tour are described in this PDF from page 7, with a map and a profile of each property, and lots of tempting photos too. These homes look GORGEOUS!
Properties are in the city of Albuquerque itself, plus Corrales, Edgewood, Placitas, Cerrillos, and north to Santa Fe and Taos.
- When: June 11 and 12, 2011
- Time: 10 am to 4 pm
- Where: Each property with directions is shown in the GreenBuilt Tour guide (from page 7)
- Cost: $1 per person (over the age of 12) at each property
Homes are only open to visitors during these hours, and the guidelines say no pets. The event is organized by USGBC New Mexico, a chapter of the non-profit U.S. Green Building Council.
A reception and greenAwards presentation to launch the event on Friday, June 10, from 6 pm takes place in Corrales at a previous GreenBuilt Tour home, with wine and beer, appetizers, and live music. The reception costs $35 if you’re not a member of USGBC. Members get a $5 price break at $30 per person. Reservations are required.
–Tania
