Case Western Reserve University
EN-12: Continuing Education

The following courses are held at the University Farm: Blueberry University: A class entirely devoted to the care and culture of the blueberry. Class will look at Blueberry types and varieties, a history of blueberries and their uses, site selection and preparation/ incorporating blueberries into your existing landscape and the care and culture of your blueberries (both organic and traditional methods will be examined). Diseases and Pests of Blueberries and their controls will be looked at as well as nutritional information about blueberries. Class will be a combination of instruction and hands-on activities. Walking through Nature: This field seminar provides a close look at the plants, wildlife and geology of Squire Valleevue Farm. On field trips into the forest and meadows, participants observe and discuss habitats and their inhabitants as they transition to fall and prepare for winter. No strenuous hiking is involved, but participants should be able to maintain an active pace over generally moderate but occasionally hilly or wet terrain. Birds and Breakfast: Explore the bluebird trail, watch busy bobolinks, or be rewarded with a rare sighting of Henslow’s Sparrow. Come and learn to recognize the many species of birds on the basis of appearance, song and behavior in the meadows, woodlands, ravines and ponds of Squire Valleevue Farm. No prior birding experience is necessary. Binoculars and field guides are recommended. A continental breakfast will be available at the Pink Pig following each morning’s activities. Organic Gardening: What does it mean for something to be certified organic? This class covers a variety of general and specific methods, practices and products and is a combination of instruction, on-site tours and activities. The ABCs of Honeybees: This class explores the impact of honeybees on the ecological health and wellness of the Western Reserve and their importance in the world. Topics include the honeybee and agriculture, diseases and decline of the honeybee and a hands-on introduction to the beehive and its structure and workings. Proper Horticulture Practices This class looks at how to plant, prune, fertilize and care for a wide variety of annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees. Students are encouraged to bring questions or pictures of their own plants and landscape. Class is a combination of instruction, on-site tours and activities Fibres at the Farm: Batik on Silk and Silk Painting Discover, create and explore the exciting techniques of batik and silk painting inspired by the natural beauty of Squire Valleevue Farm. Students learn resist application, waxing, color blending, dye theory, paint and salt techniques to create several pieces of silk wall art and/or silk scarves. a wealth of design ideas, reference books and handouts are provided. Painting in the Outdoors Inspired by the fall colors, this class explores painting outdoors using watercolor or any other medium. Subjects are found in the beautiful environs of Squire Valleevue Farm. Students of all skill levels, including beginners, are welcome. Each student is instructed individually and works at his/her own pace. CONTAINER GARDENING A look at what can be grown in containers and how. Classes will cover a variety of general and specific methods, practices, crops and products. Class will be a combination of instruction, on-site tours and activities. All materials will be provided. GROWING HYDRANGEAS Class will look at how to grow hydrangeas in Northeast Ohio and will include information on different types of hydrangeas, how to prune and how to fertilize them. We will discuss why so many gardeners have problems getting their hydrangeas to bloom. Class will be a combination of instruction, tours and hands-on activities. Other courses: Daughters, Families Cleveland: Two Perspectives This book discussion course looks at the daughters of two Cleveland families. one family was socially prominent, a pillar of Cleveland protestantism, residents of Cleveland’s Millionaires’ row in the late 19th century; the other was solidly middle-class, Jewish, and suburban, a century later. How did these daughters’ lives compare? What does each book reveal about Cleveland? The Good Life: Discussing Ethics and Happiness this course will be structured around a series of readings and discussions of some of the most interesting classical and contemporary thinkers on ethics and life philosophies. The readings are relatively short (10-15 pages), but raise intriguing questions about the sources of our moral beliefs, the essential ingredients for living a good life and how to address some of the perplexing dilemmas raised by our modern lives—on birth, death, love, punishment and social justice. participants are encouraged to bring their questions and favorite passages to class and open them up for reflection and discussion. An Adventure of Mind and Spirit Delve into the realms of science, environmentalism, nature, mythology, spirituality, illusion and reality as we navigate through rich arenas of transformational ideas.