Access At CVUHS

Have you ever thought about keeping bees? This course offers a wonderful opportunity to learn about these vital and fascinating pollinators that play a crucial role in our food system. Taught by Vermont-based apiarists with over 40 years of combined experience, instructors will share not only essential beekeeping knowledge but also practical tips gained from decades of hands-on work in the field and in the beekeeping business. Across three informative sessions, students will gain a solid foundation in beekeeping, with plenty of time for questions and discussion. Whether you’re simply curious or considering starting a few hives of your own, this popular Access class provides the insight and confidence to take the next step. An optional on site class will be offered in May, with date, time, and location determined by weather and instructor availability. Deborah and Rick tending to bees at a hive.

From their eye-catching beauty to their show-stopping flavor, native plants make a wonderful addition to our gardens and yards. These incredible species also support crucial biodiversity for wildlife and pollinators by providing food and/or habitat. Natural plant communities are often more resilient and require less maintenance than other landscapes. There is a perfect native species for every niche in your diverse planting plan. Come learn which are best for your landscape! "Jacob is so full of information, he is bursting at the seams." "Excellent class, absolutely love Jacob’s lectures! My husband and I look forward to them all month."

Do you have any idea how to check if the oil is low, change a tire, add basic fluids when needed? Want to be informed about what to know when buying a used car? Join the techs from Girlington Garage for a quick, down and dirty look at the basics of car care. Get to know the basic layout of your car under the hood, Vermont State Inspection requirements, how to avoid getting taken advantage of at the repair shop, or anything else concerning cars that you would like to know. This class meets outside CVU and involves lots of standing. You are encouraged to bring a folding/camping chair if you would prefer to sit. "Nya was extremely knowledgeable and supportive. I left the class feeling more competent and comfortable with my car, and other cars, including knowing where things are located, what fluids can be easily refilled, emergency preparedness, and a ton of tips and tricks! 100% recommend to anyone who drives."

Join us for a hands-on workshop where you'll discover how to identify the trees that make up our local landscape. Through interactive lessons and field-tested techniques, you'll gain the skills to confidently recognize and differentiate a wide variety of native tree species. This class will meet inside CVU to start and then move outside. Please dress appropriately for the weather, as the class will take place outside CVU and may involve walking over some muddy and uneven ground. This class will meet rain or shine. "Jacob is so full of information, he is bursting at the seams." "Excellent class, absolutely love Jacob’s lectures! My husband and I look forward to them all month."

Just a few steps outside your door lies a world of plants waiting to be discovered! Kelley Robie, of Horsetail Herbs, will guide you on this introduction to identifying common and abundant “weeds” that make some of our very best wild foods and medicines. Here in Vermont, for at least half of the year, we can find dozens of nutritious and healing plants to incorporate into our meals! We will identify local plant species, discuss parts of the plants used, when to harvest them and even do some taste-testing. You will go home with wild food recipes and a new appreciation for Vermont’s local wild plants. Local eating at its best, both fresh and free! This class will meet inside CVU, before moving outside. In the case of extreme weather, the class may move to a rain date of June 4th. "Kelly opened my eyes to a whole new world just outside my doorstep."