BIOLOGIcal Orchard Care in Community
About this course
This free year long course will meet monthly and will train participants in orchard care throughout the seasons. This course will focus on innovative biological techniques, rather than conventional practices and we expect participants will build their skills to manage their own orchard projects or work in shared community spaces.
This is a grant-funded program, with our eligibility centered on our geographic location. Therefore we strongly encourage residents of zip codes 20001, 20060, 20059, residents of Kelly Miller and Ledroit, and Howard University students to apply. We want to make sure we are serving a diverse population. Applicants from marginalized communities and beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers will be prioritized throughout the process. As part of the grant requirements, we need to provide demographic information.
How to sign up
Complete the orchard course application found here.
Priority Deadline to apply is October 31 (applications received after will be reviewed on a rolling basis)
Notification of Application Status by November 7
Program Begins December 6. 2025
The Details
Classes will meet at Common Good City Farm. Classes will be outside on the farm. In case of inclement weather, the class may be moved to the alternate date listed and students will be notified by the instructor.
Class will be held on the following dates at either 2-5 pm or 3-6 pm depending on the time of year:
Saturdays, 2:00 Pm - 5:00 pm
Dec 6th (Rain or Shine)
January 3rd (Jan 10th Inclement Weather Date)
February 7th (Feb 21st Inclement)
Saturdays, 3:00 Pm - 6:00 pm
4. March 7th (March 14 Inclement)
5. April 4th (April 11th Inclement)
6. May 2nd (May 9th Inclement)
7. June 6th (June 13th Inclement)
8. July 11th (July 18th Inclement)
9. August 8th (August 15 Inclement)
10. Sept 5th (Sept 12 Inclement)
11. Oct 3 (Oct 17 Inclement)
12. Nov 7th (Nov 14th Inclement)
As a participant of this course, you agree to follow Common Good City Farm’s COVID-19 Policy. Common Good City Farm’s COVID-19 Policy may be updated periodically, following updates from CDC and DC Health guidelines and we will email all participants when the policy is updated.
As a participant of this course you agree to follow the Common Good City Farm participant Code of Conduct.
The Teacher
Holly Poole-Kavana of Little Red Bird Botanicals practices as a clinical herbalist, grower, and medicine-maker in Washington DC, where her passion is connecting people to local plants. She holds a BS in botany from Cornell University from 2000 and began her herbal studies at the Pacific School of Herbal Medicine in 2005. She apprenticed with herbalist 7song, and completed the Clinic II mentorship program at Sacred Plant Traditions before starting a clinical practice in 2011. Her business, Little Red Bird Botanicals, has also offered an herbal CSA since 2010. Holly also works as a midwife's assistant in the DC metro area.
Additional Info:
Please email Kailasa Aqeel at kailasa@commongoodcityfarm.org if you have any questions about this program.
