Extended Stay Learning Program (ESLP)

For individuals interested in long-term, hands-on learning, Nelson and Pade, Inc will be offering Extended-Stay Learning Programs beginning late summer / early fall, 2010. Similar to the extended stay programs they offered at their facility in California in the 1990’s, this program will allow individuals to learn and work in a real-aquaponic greenhouse setting, doing everything involved from daily operation to troubleshooting. Rebecca Nelson, John Pade and employees of Nelson and Pade, Inc. provide input and guidance in the program. Each attendee starts out job-shadowing and, as skills are developed and knowledge gained, the attendees have the opportunity to demonstrate what they’ve learned through hands-on application. This is a leaning-by-doing program. Attendees should be in good physical condition, eager to learn and apply what they learn through doing each task. Daily tasks typically include selecting, seedling, transplanting and harvesting vegetable crops, determining and weighing feed rations, feeding fish, maintaining filters, cleaning system components, understanding system design and water flow dynamics, troubleshooting problems, monitoring and adjusting environmental conditions and keeping greenhouse charts.

There is no set classroom time in this program. Instruction takes place in the greenhouse and happens as each task is required. All attendees are expected to contribute to the daily greenhouse tasks in an effort to reinforce what they are learning. An extensive library is available for additional study. There is no hand-holding and it will be steady work. This program is all about learning by doing and, at the end of a session, the participants will have had the chance to learn a great deal through the daily operation.

Programs take place in Montello, WI. and include 1-week, 1-month and 3-month sessions. There is some flexibility in session lengths. Sessions are booked based on availability and attendees schedules. References, an application and an interview are required for acceptance to the program. Applicants are selected at the discretion of Nelson and Pade, Inc.

Tuition

3 Months - $3,000.00
1 Month - $2,000.00
1 Week - $1,000.00

The tuition covers guidance, instruction, custom curricula and the opportunity to explore all areas of aquaponic food production in a real-world, working aquaponic greenhouse.

Lodging

A local motel within walking distance of the greenhouse is offering a special rate for our extended stay participants. This is a room with a kitchenette. There is also a campground nearby and other motels within a few miles.

Click here for the Extended Stay application.