Documenting the lives of our mountain elders has always been a cornerstone of the work of the Center for Cultural Preservation, but ultimately bringing back the traditional skills that have served our community well for many generations is the Center’s ultimate goal. The Center is proud to announce the first in a series of workshops to do just that with our first farming workshop led by eighth generation native farmer, Theron Maybin and co-sponsored by Tigg’s Pond.
Theron Maybin’s family has been farming in Henderson County’s Green River watershed for eight generations, dating back to the Revolutionary War. For years Theron regularly claims multiple Blue Ribbons at the State Fair including a recent 16 pound turnip that fed 40 people! But Theron’s approach to farming and gardening is quite different than those of modern day agriculture. While making use of latest “best practices” for Theron this is only one consideration for farming.
His approach is more alchemy than chemistry, more about intuition than data. In a rare public educational offering, Theron will speak from his heart about a spiritual connection to the land, about how his wisdom, passed down from ancestors, is as important as the latest farming “breakthrough” or innovation. Theron will share why he plants according to the recommendations of the Farmers’ Almanac, why our garden rows should be “north-south” not “east-west”. We will learn techniques to master, and helpful how-to’s to make a quick difference (for example, how many of us knew that Wriggley’s gum is the best defense against voles?!).
Much of the treasure chest of traditional farming knowledge can’t be found in books and will likely disappear unless its passed on now. Now’s your chance to participate in this four week workshop hands-on in beautiful Tigg’s Pond in Green River.
The Four Week Workshop will be held on four consecutive Saturdays (rain or shine)– April 30th, May 7th, May 14th and May 21st at Tigg’s Pond Retreat Center in Zirconia. Registering for all four sessions is $50 or $15 for any class. Register online at the Center’s website www.saveculture.org This course has limited seating and is expected to sell out. Join Us To Learn The Wisdom Of Mountain Farming Through One Family’s Ancient Engagement With the Land. This workshop is co-sponsored by Tigg’s Pond Retreat Center.
The farming program will be followed on June 23rd by the world premiere of the Center’s new documentary film, Come Hell of High Water, Remembering the 1916 Flood. For more information about these programs or any of the Center’s upcoming events go to saveculture.org or call the Center at (828) 692-8062.
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