APPLICATIONS FOR JUNE COHORT being ACCEPTED

Price: $1750*

*Payment plans available

HOLISTIC PLANNED GRAZING & Ecological monitoring

Guides: Caity Roberts & Beth Robinette

TANGIBLE OUTCOMES:

Manage livestock grazing so that animals stay healthy and productive while increasing the biological capital that will sustain your livelihood for generations to come. Good grazing increases plant density and biodiversity, thereby eliminating the need for costly inputs.

Holistic Ecological Monitoring enables you to gather relevant information to keep your management on track and to see trends in your Ecological Health Index over time. Learning to monitor the land for the earliest signs of change enables you to quickly adapt your management to move toward your desired future resource base.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Develop a grazing plan for your land base that takes into account the many variables that are commonly left out of grazing planning, such as; erratic weather, different types or classes of livestock, grazing through croplands, orchards, vineyards, wildlife needs, and family needs (such as holidays), and much more.

Gain experience in the field observing signs of change. Learn how to complete Holistic Ecological Monitoring and become proficient enough to monitor your own land. Uncover the causes of the deviations from a plan, find the reasons behind distortions in the functioning of the ecosystem, and create strategies to get back on track.

Additional Details

• This course is held at UVE’s Learning Site in Cheney, Washington. The ranch is located just 20 minutes from the Spokane Airport (GEG), and we’re happy to arrange an airport pickup for you.

  Each morning, we’ll have coffee ready to go, and lunch is included in the course price. Breakfast and dinner will be on your own, but we’re partnering with a fantastic local restaurant to cater lunch, and we’re happy to accommodate any dietary restrictions. You're also welcome to use our grill to prepare dinner if you'd like, and we’ll have fridge and cooler space available. We’re about 15–20 minutes from several great dining options, and many participants carpool into town. If needed, we’re happy to give you a ride or even lend a vehicle—things are pretty go-with-the-flow around here!

  For accommodations, you’re welcome to camp onsite with your own equipment at no cost, or you can stay in one of our cozy canvas bell tents, which come with a cot and a very comfy mattress, for $250 for the week. There are several hotel options within 15-20 minutes of the ranch if you prefer to sleep indoors.

• Guides: Caity Roberts and Beth Robinette