Hands-On Homesteading
Appalachian Inspired Homestead Learning
The way I learned most of what I know, was working elbow to elbow with my Granny, Papaw, Momma, or someone more seasoned than me. I was able to gather wisdom by being shown and doing instead of just reading it in a book or searching online. This is the vision I hope to offer in my Hands On Homesteading Offerings. Whether it is a individual gardening or backyard poultry consult at your home, a school program, or a hands on homestead group class, I hope to offer ways for folks to learn by doing. My goal is to help others build lifelong skills that can be passed to future generations. It only takes two generations to lose a life skill. If I didn’t learn or pass these skills down, they would be lost. I want that generational wisdom to carry on and to continue the legacy of my Appalachian Mountain roots.
Menu of Offerings:
Chick Hatch Educational Program: This includes the setup of an incubator and 8-10 fertile hen eggs for your class to learn about the life cycle of a chicken. Children will see an incubator setup, experience the candling process to see growth of life from embryo to chick, and experience the hatching of baby chicks. They will receive training on how to care for the chicks after they hatch and are able to hold them. The hatch program takes 21 days to hatch chicks and then 3-7 days to care for chicks after they hatch.
Bunny Cuddling Experience: This includes 2 or more bunnies being brought to your class or location for children or adults to cuddle baby bunnies (when available) or smaller size Holland Lop bunnies. This experience is great for learning more about rabbits, their care, and to receive stress relief from cuddling and petting them. Visits are typically 30 minutes or less to reduce stress on the animals.
Gardening Consults: This includes a pre-visit survey to understand your desires for your land/garden space. You will receive a garden plan based on your food preferences and plot spaces available. This consult typically takes 2-3 visits. One preliminary visit to assess your space, options for planting, and needs of your family. A plot plan is then created and once it is put in place by your family, a follow up consult is provided to assist in any modifications or feedback.
Backyard Poultry Consult: This includes a visit to your home and land to assess your potential for raising backyard poultry. This visit will give insights into how many chickens you need, any permits required, housing options, locations of coops, materials and resources needed to get started with your own flock. Often times we also have poultry available to help you start your own flock.
Hands On Homestead Classes
A variety of classes are available for groups of 8 or more located in your home, church, or rental space. Water Bath or Pressure Canning, Breadmaking, Gardening, Backyard Poultry, Chicken Processing, etc. These are available upon request depending on the desired skill you want to learn and our availability.
Let us know what offerings above interest you!
Fill out the interest form below and I’ll reach back out with our offerings.
Testimonials:
“I’ve always wanted to learn to can foods but have been too nervous to try it. Marinda’s class was very hands on and thorough. She was right there with us helping every step of the way, answering all of our questions, and giving us tips and tricks. I’ve since bought my own canning supplies and can’t wait to get started at home!”
– Beth | Class Attendee
“Thank you for these classes! Thank you for offering something the world needs, hands-on learning of essential life skills! I’ve learned things I was too afraid to try on my own, but with her guidance and wisdom I feel so much more confident. She makes everyone feel welcome, like family even! I love it so much! Her tips and tricks that come passed down from her Appalachian heritage are priceless. She’s a treasure trove of wisdom and valuable skills and a dear friend.”
– Isadora | Class Attendee
