HOMESTEAD SERIES
The Homestead series is a continuing series of classes designed to inform and assist those interested in learning about greater self-sufficiency, sustainability and preservation strategies for life on the land.
Let us hear from you about the classes you would like to take, or teach!
Contact us with your suggestions.
Classes
September 17, 2019
An Aquaponics Overview
Mickey Rosenfeld will walk participants through his own journey, detailiing the steps he took in introducing aquaponics to his farm in Zuni, VA.
Mickey Rosenfeld
December 1, 2018
Wreath Making Workshop
Learn to make a beautiful and professional holiday wreath! Our master naturalists will be on hand to help you create a stunning, professional, native holiday wreath!
Board Members & Volunteers
March 31, 2018
Soil Fertility Discussion
This workshop will focus on increasing participants' knowledge of the physical, biological, and chemical factors that contribute to building soil health. Steve Miles will talk through the regenerative approach.
Steven Miles
December 2, 2017
Wreath Making Workshop
Learn to make a beautiful and professional holiday wreath! Our master naturalists will be on hand to help you create a stunning, professional, native holiday wreath!
Board Members & Volunteers
March 11, 2017
Beekeeping Basics
Keith Flannagan raised bees for many years and sold his honey through Local Roots and Fall Line Farms. He brought with him examples of all the tools and equipment needed to get started. The program covered how to construct a hive and the proper use of the tools required. Keith will discussed local and web based sources for materials and equipment.
Keith Flannagan
November 12, 2016
Solar Energy for your
Farm, Home or Business
The Sustainable Technology Institute discussed what's new in solar energy for farms, residences and businesses. Attendees learned about the latest in solar panel technology, ground mount options, REAP grants and federal tax credits.
Andrew Rich
September 26, 2015
Organic Strategies for the Garden
Steven will go beyond the basics to show you how to identify and correct (organically) whatever Mother Nature may send to challenge your gardening skills. Including cultivar selection, soil preparation, and how to manage insects and diseases.
Steven Miles
April 11, 2015
Growing Culinary Herbs
Jo will demonstrate the best ways to propagate some of the most reliable herb varieties for Central Virginia. Topics will include growing requirements for each herb as well as when and how to harvest and store them. Propagation by cuttings and division as well as growing herbs from seed will be discussed.
Jo Pendergraph
August 6, 2014
Small Flock Poultry
A well managed small flock can provide one or two dozen hormone and antibiotic free eggs a week. There are many considerations you have to evaluate before beginning this adventure. This informative workshop presented the basics about getting started raising chickens at home. Topics included space requirements, coop design, rearing chicks, feed, protection and egg production.
Shalom Farms
March 29, 2014
Shiitake Mushrooms at Home
Stu discussed the techniques for growing shiitake mushrooms on logs in Central Virginia. Some of the topics include: selection of logs, inoculation process, harvest, mushroom storage and use. He also took the group on a tour of Rock Castle Farm's production area to see the process in action. A hands-on class, each participant was given a log to innoculate with mushroom spawn.
Stu Doetzer
October 12, 2013
The Art of Home Brewing
Learn about he simple equipment and techniques you can use to brew tasty beer at home. Sean Pumphry, an accomplished home brewer, will lead the program and take you through the brewing process from start to finish. He will have on hand examples of the equipment and have a batch or two brewing.
Sean Pumphry
April 20, 2019
Bitters, Tinctures, Shrubs, and Liqueurs
Max is sharing his knowledge of bitters, tinctures, shrubs, and liqueurs so that you can go home and try making your own.
Max Watman
October 20, 2018
Managing Small Woodlots
Discuss chainsaw use, safety, maintenance, as well as an in depth discussion on the general principles of woodlot management.
Paul Stoneburner & Chuck Wright
June 24, 2018
Goats on the Homestead
Goats are an excellent addition to any homestead. Join us on a working dairy goat farm in Goochland to learn the fundamentals of raising goats. Learn the fundamentals of raising goats. We will discuss housing, fencing, purchasing your goat, as well as basic care.
Crystal Neilson-Hall
April 2, 2017
Mead Making Workshop
Ben will provide an overview of the Healthberry Farm honey operation that specializes in the production of varietal honey throughout the season. His program will review “Old World” style mead making techniques, terms and traditions.
Ben McKean
February 25, 2017
Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop
Late winter is the best time to prune fruit trees and ornamentals. By pruning, you improve the plant’s health, thus reducing the needs for pesticides and improving water quality. This workshop will touch on pruning most of the fruit tree types in our area.
Don Smith
April 9, 2016
Spring Garden Planning and Preparation
Betsy Trice (Sustainable Agriculture instructor) offered her insights on how to successfully garden organically in central Virginia. She covered many topics including; healthy soil requirements, companion planting, garden design, organic management techniques and many others.
Betsy Trice
May 16, 2015
Planning a Fruit Tree Planting
Success with fruit trees depends to a large degree on how you plan your plantings and how well you follow those plans. Don reviewed some of the basic principles of planning a successful fruit orchard, regardless of size, in the Powhatan-Goochland area.
Don Smith
March 29, 2015
Shiitake Mushrooms at Home
Stu discussed the techniques for growing shiitake mushrooms on logs in Central Virginia. Some of the topics include: selection of logs, inoculation process, harvest, mushroom storage and use. A hands-on class, each participant was given a log to innoculate with mushroom spawn.
Stu Doetzer
August 6, 2014
Preserve the Harvest: Jams & Jellies
Discussions and demonstrations centered on traditional methods of making and storing jams, preserves and jellies.
Participants learned the differences between jams, jellies and preserves and how to prepare each. Everyone helped prepare and process the fruits and went home with their own jars of jams and jellies.
Keith Flanagan
May 3, 2014
Essential Oils in the Home
Discussed the uses of Essential Oils in the home for cleaning products. She explained their healthy effects for yourself and the environment.
Participants made their own essential oil cleaners to take home and continue their journeys into the world of natural products for health and home.
Robin Knight
March 24, 2019
Beekeeping Basics
This workshop introduces participants to beekeeping basics. D Mitchell has raised bees for many years and will explain all the tools and equipment needed to get started.
D Mitchell
October 6, 2018
Season Extension: Four Season Farming!
We discuss the energy and economic balance points in extending the seasons. Covering four ranges of cold-hardiness.
Pam Dawling
February 24th, 2018
Fruit Orchard Design and Selection
Success with fruit trees depends to a large degree on how you plan your plantings and how well you follow those plans. Don will review some of the basic principles of planning a successful fruit orchard, regardless of size, in our Central VA region.
Don Smith
September 9, 2017
Appalachian Cuisine and Culture
A day of immersion in Appalachian foodways & music featuring Dr. Katie Hoffman —Appalachian Studies scholar, singer/songwriter & traditional musician — and bluegrass musician Brett Tiller.
Katie Hoffman & Brett Tiller
November 16, 2016
Wreath Making Workshop
This year we are excited to offer a wreath making workshop. We will provide all the materials, ribbon, embellishments and of course, the star of the show, the greens! Our master naturalists will be on hand to help you create a stunning, professional, native holiday wreath!
Board Members & Volunteers
October 10, 2015
Season Extension with Simple Garden Structures
Bill Cox discussed and demonstrated the passive systems he uses at Casselmonte Farm to extend the growing season, from weeks before to weeks after the typical frost dates in Central Virginia. Plant growth requirements, crop selection, siting, and the pros and cons of using high tunnels, low tunnels and cold frames.
Bill Cox
December 16, 2014
Tanning Hides Workshop
Lee McLaughlin, a Goochland trapper, taught this workshop. He covered all aspects of the tanning process, from harvesting, fleshing, and stretching to the final pickling and breaking. Lee brought a couple of buckskins for demonstrating different steps so everyone could see the process from start to finish, as well as the tools and chemicals used
Lee McLaughlin
November 14, 2014
Deer Processing Workshop
This program covered all the basics, from the tools needed to the aging, cutting and packaging of deer. All too often venison is over marinated and tough because the proper cuts were not made and it was way overcooked!
Johnathan Nadolski
April 5, 2014
Soil Conditioning
Discussed composting rules and techniques as well as green manures and cover crops. Becky Lillywhite discussed vermiculture and how to use this process to add fertility and structure to your garden soil. Instructors then helped participants make their own worm composter to take home and start producing worm castings to add to their soil.
Steven Miles
February 22, 2014
Beekeeping
This workshop introduced participants to beekeeping basics. Keith Flannagan led the discussions. He has raised bees for many years and sells his honey at the Goochland Farmers Market on Saturdays. He brought with him examples of all the tools and equipment needed to get started. The program covered how to construct a hive and the proper use of the tools required.
Keith Flannagan