Spring Conference FAQs

Answers to common questions about the conference

  • Registration for the Organic Growers School Spring Conference is non-refundable. The only circumstance under which your ticket will be refunded is event cancellation by OGS. If you cannot attend for any other reason, we will be happy to either transfer your registration to someone else or send you documentation so that your registration fee can be recorded as a tax-deductible contribution to the ongoing work of the Organic Growers School.

  • By registering for any session in the Organic Growers School Spring Conference, you grant Organic Growers School the right to use your photograph, video and voice recordings or likeness, with or without your name, for publicity and educational purposes for Organic Growers School. You hereby release any claims of copyright, libel, slander, violation of privacy, or similar rights that you may have.

  • OGS's Spring Conference is designed for adults. If you are registering your mature teenager (over the age of 12), please ensure their behavior matches that of adults in the classroom and on-site. All minors must be accompanied by an adult at this event. Due to cost, logistics, and past attendance, OGS’s Spring Conference cannot provide childcare or a children's program. We apologize for any inconvenience. Parents with questions about bringing children to the conference are encouraged to contact chris@organicgrowersschool.org.

  • View the map here.

    • From Asheville, take US-19N.

    • Take exit 11 onto NC-213 Towards Mars Hill

    • Turn left onto Carl Eller Rd. Towards Mars Hill, Marshall.

    Parking is available at 150 Physical Plant Rd. Mars Hill, NC 28754 across the street from Meares Stadium.

  • Spring Conference is held during Mars Hill University's Spring Break. Any parking lot not otherwise marked as private is available to Spring Conference Participants. OGS makes every effort to have parking attendants available to guide you as you drive through camps and to provide directional signage to available parking. The largest parking lot for participants is located on the campus, at the southwest corner of Cascade Street and Park Drive.

    Parking coordinates: 35.826447, -82.554661 (via Google Maps)

    Under no circumstances should participants park on fields or in grassy areas on campus.

  • View the campus map here.

  • Lunch will be available for purchase from food trucks during the lunch break at Spring Conference. Additional nearby options are available within walking distance on Main Street in Mars Hill. For more information on local dining, visit Madison County’s Mars Hill Restaurant Guide.

  • Fruits (supporter pricing)

    • My employer is paying for my ticket or I am being paid to participate

    • I earn more than enough to meet my needs and contribute to savings

    • I work part-time or do not work by choice

    • I have access to financial support whenever I need

    • I would like to support my fellow co-learners in accessing this conference

    Shoots (true price)

    • I am comfortably able to meet all of my basic needs

    • I am employed or have regular ongoing work

    • I have access to financial savings

    • I regularly eat out and buy tickets to events and activities

    Roots (equity pricing)

    • I am a student, apprentice, or beginning farmer with debt

    • I struggle to maintain access to basic needs like healthcare, food, housing, etc.

    • I live paycheck to paycheck or struggle with debt

    • I am unemployed, underemployed, and/or have difficulty finding work due to incarceration history

    • My ancestors have been historically excluded from agricultural or organic learning spaces

    Organic Growers School strives to keep the Spring Conference affordable for all participants. As part of this, we offer sliding scale pricing. You can find descriptions of each category below. The appropriate sliding-scale tier should be selected at the bottom of the registration form before proceeding to checkout.

  • For those participants traveling from outside the area, The Comfort Inn in Mars Hill has reserved a room block for conference participants at a discounted rate. Please call Mars Hill Comfort Inn for group rates: (828) 689-9000.

  • Organizations or businesses seeking to register multiple participants should reach out to chris@organicgrowersschool.org for customized group rates and registration processes.