Build-It-Together Carpentry Workshop Series

Build-It-Together is an intermediate 3-part carpentry workshop series for farmers, gardeners, and builders looking to practice their skills in small, affirming group.

Over 3 weekends we’ll develop and build a project that supports farmers and can help any aspiring builder gain the skills to build with confidence! Whether its building raised beds, constructing wash pack tables, installing hipboards on a high tunnel, or hanging a shelf for storage, this workshop aims to make simple carpentry feel just that - Simple and safe. 

Throughout this workshop series, we will review carpentry terminology, tools, concepts, and safety protocols that make carpentry accessible. Over the course of each week, we’ll introduce new concepts and practice them together. Participants can expect to learn about reading build schematics, making miter cuts, and more!

Workshop Dates*:

Sat Aug 29, 10 AM - 4 PM - Carpentry Skills Review + Building Together

Sat Sep 12, 10 AM - 4 PM - Lumber, Wood, + Finishes, Small Group Builds

Sat Sep 26, 10 AM - 4 PM - Building Lab: Schematics, Design, + Building On Your Own

*Participants are encouraged to attend ALL 3 workshops; people with prior carpentry experience may choose to drop in to 1 or more of the workshop series

Cost of the workshop is sliding scale, donations of $30 per session and above are encouraged.

About the Facilitator

Kitty (they/them) is a Black Queer educator, farmer and activist growing food in upstate NY for distribution in the Bronx. Born and raised in the Bronx, they grew vegetables with their family at Taqwa Community Farm, a community garden founded by their activist parents and grandfather to provide safety and food to the Highbridge community. They were drawn to working in horticulture, agriculture and education because they deeply value community building through information sharing. They have over a decade of experience as a farmer, and educator and have worked and continue to work with institutions such as The New York Botanical Garden, and Lehman College as an Educator and urban farm consultant. Now, Kitty is the Co-founder and Co-Manager of Iridescent Earth Collective, a Queer, Black & Latinx led farm from the Bronx dedicated to increasing the capacity of our communities by growing and distributing food for mutual aid.

Spaces are limited. Register early to ensure your spot.

Access Notes

• COVID-19 Safety: Please stay home if you feel sick, suspect you have been exposed to COVID-19 within the past week, are recovering from COVID-19 and/or live/share indoor space with someone who currently has COVID-19 in order to minimize spread. Masks are optional outdoors, but required in all indoor space. Please bring your own mask (ideally N95 masks, we will have a limited amount available). We will have hand washing stations and hand sanitizer available.

• WAIVER: Please fill out this waiver before coming to the farm

• We will be starting promptly at 10 AM each session. Please come on time or plan to arrive a few minutes early because we have a lot of information to share!

• PARKING: There will be our CSA pick up happening just before this workshop so parking may be limited. Please park along the fenceline by the big brown barn on Kaye Road, avoid parking on the side of the road that has houses. The entrance to the farm will be marked by a sign.

• Food will NOT be provided. Please bring snacks, water and food for the day. If you forget, you will have a 45 min break during the workshops and can head into town to grab something at Cumberlands or a local restaurant.

• TERRAIN: The land on the farm is uneven and can be muddy depending on recent weather. We recommend sturdy shoes like work boots to make walking more comfortable. The farm is not currently wheelchair or mobility aid accessible.

• WEATHER: Please check and dress for the weather. Depending on the day, this might mean a light jacket, boots, sun hat, sunscreen, etc.

• TICKS! We do have ticks in some areas on the farm. We encourage you to do a tick check when you get home. Some other preventative measures include: wearing light colored clothing, long sleeves and pants, or socks over pants.

• TOILETS: We have one single-stall accessible port-a-potty and a compost toilet in our office for bathrooms! Handwashing stations are located next to each toilet. All visitors and crew must wash hands before returning to participate.

• ANIMALS: For the safety of our farm team and other attendees , please leave your furry animal companions (pets) at home. However, we do welcome Emotional Support and Service Animals. Please email to let us know if you plan to bring a service animal with you.

For all additional inquiries, email programs@rocksteadyfarm.com with questions.