KENSINGTON METROPARK "KID’S COTTAGE” Check website for updates.

Fall: Earthen Plaster

Winter 2006-7: Reed Collection

Spring & Summer 2007: Roof Thatching, Compressed Earth Blocks & Earthen Plasters

Volunteers are needed to finish the reed collection (winter), thatching (April, 2007), earthen plasters, and compressed earth blocks (May, 2007), on the Kensington Metropark "Kid's Cottage", a natural building project. This hybrid structure incorporates solar design, a shallow frost-protected foundation, radiant floor system, strawbale north wall, compressed earth block east and west walls, a timber frame constructed from dead ash trees harvested and milled in the Kensington Metropark, and a thatched roof with reed to be havested in the winter of 2006-7, and thatching to be done spring, 2007.

No skills necessary. You will be taught the skills you will need! It is preferable for you to work several days (not necessarily in a row) as the learning curve will allow you to be more productive after you have a little experience. This increased productivity will help the project move more effectively forward!

*Thatching Volunteers will help prepare the reed bundles, help the roof thatching team, and learn to apply the bundles to the roof.

*Compressed Earth Block helpers will sift earth ane learn to make blocks and build with the blocks.

*Earth Plaster volunteers will learn sift earth, mix batches and apply plasters.

None of this is hard work, and there are a variety of ways to help. One woman with a broken hip siften earth from her wheel chair. There is a place for all, and it is fun to be with others in this beautiful setting.

What to Bring: Water, lunch, hat & gloves (to keep warm and rubber gloves if you have them), work clothes (layers to adjust to outdoor temperature and the activity of working).

Schedule ~ Hours and Dates (updated frequently Winter Reed Schedule. Kensington Kid's Cottage Schedule You must call at least 24 hours in advance (and preferably more) to register to volunteer. Leave a phone number(s) where you can be contacted if we need to cancel. Call Deanne at home 248 628 1887 and on the cell phone 248 496 4088. (I don't hear my cell phone when I'm home, and I don't hear my home phone when I'm away.)

Directions: Come to the Farm at the north end of the Kensington Metropark located south of Milford, MI (a few miles N of 96 and E of US 23). You will need to buy a day pass, or let them know at the gate that you will be working on the Kid's Cottage and they will likely let you in. The Farm has wonderful animals, buildings and programing as well.