A Bouquet of Flours (including Gluten-Free)

Keegan C. Rodgers, Head Baker at the People's Food Co-Op, leads this interactive and lively talk on the history, processing, uses, and chemical reactions of the flours used in baking.

Some flours which may be discussed include all purpose, pastry, cake, and bread flours, as well as wheat flours and alternative or gluten free flours such as garbanzo, sorghum, and rice.

Attendees will leave with new baking skills and literature to take home. Tastes of Keegan's baked goods will be included, too! This event is cosponsored by the People's Food Co-Op and is part of an ongoing baking series.

Gardening and Landscaping with Native Plants

Drew Lathin, of Creating Sustainable Landscapes, LLC, specializes in landscaping with native plants. He has designed, built, and planted sustainable landscapes throughout southeast Michigan and also does consulting work.

Drew will discuss types of native plants, what they are useful for, where they grow best, and advice for those interested in creating their own sustainable garden or landscape.

National Library Week Event: Rain Gardens and How to Create Them

Learn how to begin and sustain your own rain garden, including design ideas, the best plants to use, and care and keeping of the garden. Rain gardens prevent rainwater from causing erosion and reaching the sewer system to become wastewater and instead capture it to be kept within the ecosystem.

Jesse Tack, of Abundant Michigan, Permaculture Ypsilanti and Whole Culture Repair, is a co-founder of a permaculture group in Ypsilanti that combines members’ efforts to create more sustainable yards, gardens and farms in the area.

Permaculture from the Roots Up: Land Care

We will explore the Permaculture tool box and what it has on offer for each of us no matter our living situation. From apartment dwellers to large country lot owners, there are many techniques we can each use to heal and repair the land around us.

Bring a design problem or a land use question and we will work through them the Permaculture way, creating systems of abundance and prosperity. You will learn concrete examples of land care principles and leave with tips for making real changes.

Permaculture is a creative design process based on whole-systems thinking, biomimicry and pattern language. Its aim is to create systems that are economically, environmentally, and energetically sound. Throughout this series we will establish a deeper understand of Permaculture ethics, principles, and the design process to cultivate a more resilient culture. Presenter Bridget O’Brien is a Certified Permaculture Designer and Educator, and the Marketing Coordinator for The People’s Food Co-op of Ann Arbor, cosponsor of this event.

Permaculture from the Roots Up: Community Care

Without community and collaborative effort no part of our daily life is possible. What does a healthy, sustainable, and thriving community look like?

We will be exploring how we can we utilize Permaculture philosophy in our work, schools, and community centers to design systems that create spirals of abundance and prosperity. You will learn concrete examples of community-care principles and leave with tips for making real changes.

Permaculture is a creative design process based on whole-systems thinking, biomimicry, and pattern language. Its aim is to create systems that are economically, environmentally, and energetically sound.

Throughout this series we will establish a deeper understand of Permaculture ethics, principles, and design to cultivate a more resilient culture. Bridget O’Brien is a Certified Permaculture Designer and Educator, and the Marketing Coordinator for The People’s Food Co-op of Ann Arbor, co-sponsor of this program.

Water: The Most Misunderstood Yet Most Important Nutrient In Your Life

Learn why the most misunderstood nutrient on the planet is so important to your health and how it can improve your life, energy, and vitality.

Learn the differences in bottled water, water purification processes, and the mystique of alkaline water.

Ron Shook has over 40 years of experience in the water filtration and purification industry and over 30 years nutrition, personal training, and coaching experience. This event is co-sponsored by the People's Food Co-Op.

Permaculture from the Roots Up: Self Care

Let’s look at the epicenter of our Permaculture Zones Method and into our day to day needs, desires, and choices.

As we start this New Year with renewed ambition for living our authentic selves we will be formulating systems that create spirals of abundance and prosperity. You will learn concrete examples of self-care principles and leave with tips for making real changes. Permaculture is a creative design process based on whole-systems thinking, biomimicry, and pattern language. Its aim is to create systems that are economically, environmentally, and energetically sound.

Learn a deeper understanding of Permaculture ethics, principles, and the design process to cultivate a more resilient culture. The presenter, Bridget O’Brien is a Certified Permaculture Designer and Educator, and the Marketing Coordinator for The People’s Food Co-op of Ann Arbor.

Cooperatives – What is a Co-op? Building Resilient Communities

What is a Co-op? Why buy in? We will be exploring the history, culture, and principles of the Cooperative model to understand the reasons they exist and how we can better utilize them in our daily lives. We will look at housing and business cooperatives in the area and what they have to offer us.

Learn how to shop at your Cooperative grocery stores for big savings!

David M. Hall is the Outreach and Education Coordinator for the People’s Food Co-op and longtime resident of cooperative housing and Bridget O’Brien is the Marketing Coordinator for The People’s Food Co-op of Ann Arbor and longtime Cooperative Member-Owner. This event is co-sponsored by the People's Food Co-Op.

Baking w/Sweeteners 101 w/The People's Food Co-Op

Keegan C. Rodgers, Head Baker at the People's Food Co-Op will lead a talk on the history, processing, uses and chemical reactions of sweeteners used in baking. Keegan will cover a variety of sweeteners including evaporated cane sugar, syrup, honey, artificial sweeteners, fruit/plant based sweeteners such as agave nectar and stevia. Attendees will leave with a new view on sweeteners and with literature to take home.

National Library Week Event: A Day with Animals from the Creature Conservancy

The Creature Conservancy returns with their wonderful collection of wild animals for an information-filled presentation for children!

The Conservancy will bring several exciting animals, including an armadillo, a ball python, a blue-tongued skink, and surprise guests!

Located in Ann Arbor, the Creature Conservancy brings people and wildlife together in educational settings. The Conservancy is part of Copper Leaf Crossing, a 23-acre village that is home to several animal-related businesses. Please check the conservancy's website for details of how you can visit the animals!

This event will also occur at 1pm. Due to the popularity of this event, please only attend one presentation.