The Polk Campus of Isothermal Community College in Columbus is offering the following one day workshops on gardening and agriculture in April and May.

Keeping the Farm Workshop, April 20, from 6 to 9 p.m.

This workshop, facilitated by Lynn Sprague, will cover the nonproduction aspects of farm and forest land ownership. Topics will include land assessment, taxes, liabilities, insurance, inheritance, conservation easements and basic property management.&bsp; Speakers will include: Polk County tax assessor and Polk County planner, DENRs Working Lands Conservation Program coordinator, a local lawyer and insurance specialist.

Sustainable Agriculture and Film, Future of Food, April 27, from 6 to 9 p.m.

This session will be led by Lee Mink, local sustainable agriculture teacher with LEAP Farm at Giardinis. Lee will cover the philosophy and basics of sustainable farming along with an open discussion about segments of the film. Lee has substantial knowledge about sustainable farming and successful markets from his own organic farm to CSAs, restaurants and farmers markets.

Gardening the Woods, May 4, from 6 to 9 p.m.

Regional and local experts will discuss ways to produce vegetables, mushrooms, flowers and herbs from your woodlands.&bsp; Many times a landowner is interested in a stewardship plan for their woods which considers other values than timber harvests, but they still want to make an income. This session will connect you to regional resource people would can assist you with gardening the woods. Workshop is facilitated by Lynn Sprague.

Finding Resources for Agriculture, May 11, from 6 to 9 p.m.

Even to the experienced farmer, the maze of government programs and the alphabet soup can be overwhelming. Finding what fits, though, can help build the economic stability of your farm.&bsp; Agency and nonprofit resource people will be on hand to go over their specific resources and opportunities for local farmers.&bsp; Workshop is facilitated by Lynn Sprague.

Growing herbs as your crop and for a healthy life, May 18, from 6 to 9 p.m.

Polk County is one of the most bio-diverse areas of the country and is an ideal location for growing a wide variety of herbs. June Ellen Bradley is a local expert on herbs for both medicinal uses and healthy living.&bsp; This three hour session will go through what types of herbs can be grown locally and then how they can be prepared.&bsp; In addition, a discussion will follow on how and where to market your crop. Instructors: June Ellen Bradley and Lynn Sprague

For more information or to register for any of these workshops call 828.894.3092. You may register for one, multiple or all workshops.