Greenhorns Summer Workshops at Smithereen Farm
Greenhorns offers low-cost events for the benefit of the local and regional community. If you are able to donate beyond the $20 fee, please consider making a tax deductible donation to Greenhorns to support the actual costs of this and future programming so we can keep these accessible. Thank you!
RSVP with the registration links next to the workshop, questions? [email protected]
You can book camping at the farm or blueberry land via www.hipcamp.com, we also recommend Cobscook Bay State park.
Refund policy: Due to our rural location and small event sizes workshop registrations are not refundable.
August
Chokecherry + Fireweed Harvest; August 11 - 12

In this time of extremely abundant wild foods and herbs, come out in the fields with the irresistible educator and artist Rachel Alexandrou.
Take part in chokecherry and fireweed processing, and enjoy a sensual, wild-foraged feast.
August 11
- Guided foraging walk at Smithereen Farm, 10am–12pm
- Lunch, 12–1pm
- Processing herbs and edible plants, 1–3pm
August 12
- Guided foraging walk at Smithereen Farm, 11am–1pm
- Processing herbs, and feast making! 1–3pm
- Feast at the summer kitchen, 3–4pm
August Spa Day; August 14, 10am-2pm

Luxuriate in the orchard, listen to the birds and rejuvenate your skin and your mind. Beautiful iron clawfoot tubs in the dappled shade of old apple trees, a wood fired sauna, mud mask, blueberry smoothies, herbal teas, a splendid way to spend the day unwinding and opening up to the pleasures of summer in Maine. If you've been waiting for an excuse to treat yourself, this is it.
Thalassotherapy involves the therapeutic use of seaweed in a bathing context. It is a common alternative therapy in European spas. Using marine elements is an excellent example of the mind-body connection and how important it is to balance that connection for long-lasting wellness. In addition they are offering skin wraps made with botanical extracts of vinegar and bentonite clay. Base price is $50 per person for the whole experience.
CCC Trails Camp; August 20 - 26

Willow and rain garden installation with AmeriCorps Environmental Steward.
Learn natural solutions to stormwater management, get your hands dirty, and co-imagine a more resilient infrastructure!
Reach out to [email protected] if you are interested in volunteering.
Food Preservation Workshop using Solar Drying with Smithereen Farm; August 25 - 25

Solar drying can be among the simplest, least energy intensive, lowest-tech method of food preservation, widely practiced around the world and throughout human history. Smithereen Farm has received a USDA grant to promote Washington County local foods; one of the focus areas has been on value-added processing. Whether it's herbs, mushrooms, salt fish, algae or fruit -– dried foods are a good way to preserve the harvest, extend the season and create products with good markets.
Smithereen Farm, in partnership with Greenhorns, will host a FREE digital workshop focused on solar drying. We have undertaken a literature review and consulted with experts in the state to bring forward what is known and relevant to small growers looking to bring sundrying into their operation. As part of the grant Smithereen Farm is making available a shared processing space, commercial kitchen, and drying greenhouses – these can allow other producers and wild harvesters to safely process their harvest.
The workshop will cover what approaches and technologies are available, the relevant rules, and other considerations. This session will be virtual on Zoom and has been moved to Friday August 25th at noon, and will be recorded. If you are interested in renting the shared-use facilities please be in touch with Alex at [email protected].
Washington County Fair; August 26 - 27

Reversing Hall will host a public open house!
This annual community event is held at the Pembroke Fairgrounds and is sponsored by the Pembroke Trotting Association. Smithereen Farm will have a table with organic goodies!
Fairgoers will need to purchase a ticket at the Fair.
September
Cider Camp; September 1 - 30

Practically the whole month of September, we’re harvesting apples and cranberries. It’s a great time to help out, harvest your own supply, and press apples. Bring your family and go camping! (Book campsites at Hipcamp.)
Natural Plaster Primer; September 16 - 17

Join Liz Johndrow of Earthen Endeavors to learn natural and traditional plastering techniques! With hands-on instruction as well as presentations about different approaches, this is a workshop for renovation, using natural materials, and traditional techniques appropriate for historic houses. This class will cover applications on both lathe and drywall in a 1850’s home in Pembroke. Whether you're a professional in the building trades, someone looking to renovate your own home, a historic preservation enthusiast, or a prospective natural builder, this workshop is for you!
On September 16 and 17, the class will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with an hour break for lunch and Q&A with instructors. Participants who are interested in continuing to learn with hands-on plastering are welcome to join the team for another 2 days of work following the official class. Tools can be provided, but please bring your own plastering tools if you have them. The cost is $20 per person per day, the class will be held at 53 Front Street, Pembroke.
Greenhorns is pleased to partner with Main Preservation and Mano en Mano, co-sponsors of this event. Spanish language instruction is available. Liz Johndrow is based in Putney, Vermont and has worked with plaster alongside other natural building skills since 2005. She also has split her time with teaching skills in rural communities in Central America. You can learn more of her international work at www.terracollaborative.org
Need a place to stay? Register for camping accommodations on our Hipcamp website.
Bread Baking with Steven Boas; September 16 - 17

Ever dreamed of baking the perfect loaf? Now's your chance!
Baker Steven Boas will focus on natural leavening and small bakery skills in this interactive, gluten-rich workshop.
Come knead, roll, twist, flour, and rise in the height of summer at Smithereen Farm.
10am–2pm, both days.
Come for one or both days, no additional cost.
MOFGA Common Ground Fair; September 22 - 24

Join us in Unity, Maine for this event hosted by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association.
This year, we have two booths!
Visit Greenhorns at the Ag Demo, and Smithereen Farm at Agricultural Products Area.
Swing by, say hello, and get some free seeds!
October
Seaweed Commons Assembly; October 1 - 24

We’re partnering with Amy Franchescini and Futurefarmers artist collective at the Institute of Contemporary Art at the Maine College of Art and Design in Portland.
Date TBD.
More details coming soon.
Downeast Civic Halls Tour; October 1 - 24

With Maine Preservation.
Date TBD.
Much More is Happening!
For a full list of summer events at Smithereen Farm, plus partner and virtual events all year, see our Events Calendar.