- On Saturday May 10, the Sustainable Food Center, a heroic Austin nonprofit, is hosting a workshop on food preservation (canning, freezing, drying) herbs, fruits, and vegetables. It’s from 10 a.m. to noon. at Camacho Activity Center on Robert Martinez in East Austin. Free, but registration is required. Contact Emily Neiman, Grow Local Program Coordinator, emily@sustainablefoodcenter.org or 512-236-0074 ext. 105.

- On Thursday May 15, I’m giving a free talk on “Permaculture vs. ‘Green’: What’s the Difference and Where’s the Overlap?” It’s from 7 to 9 pm at the Habitat Suites Hotel (Austin’s permaculture-inspired hotel). This is #1 in the Austin Permaculture Guild’s Summer Series of talks and videos; get more info and view the full schedule at www.permie.us, the Austin Permaculture Guild website

- We also still have spaces available in our Permaculture Basics Weekend May 17-18. Co-taught by two local permies (one rural dweller and one city rat), it’ll expand your possibilities for creating a greener, healthier, less expensive, lower-maintenance home and lifestyle. For details visit the Austin Permaculture Guild website; call the public-relations coordinator of the Austin Permaculture Guild (that’s ME) at 512-619-5363 to ask questions or to sign up.