Living on the Land Workshops are for people living on small acreage, backyard growers, and anyone interested in connecting with their local food systems. Classes will take place online, where people can access them from the comfort of their home, and in-person at local farms for hands-on, interactive learning.
Living on the Land classes will take place throughout the year and participants can attend one class or all. Online classes have unlimited registration. In-person class size is limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Tickets are available to reserve approximately one month before the class. The classes are free and open to the public.
Upcoming Classes
Chicken Care for Beginners
Come learn the basics of keeping your flock happy, healthy, and safe. This class is for those that are new to caring for poultry and for those who’d like a refresher. The focus will be on how to raise a flock from hatched chicks to adults, how to respond to common health issues, mistakes and misconceptions when caring for chickens, and connecting folks with resources to further build their knowledge.
Choose from one of two classes, depending on your location.
April 6th, 6-7:30pm Poulsbo (Kitsap County)
Register for the class by clicking on this link.
April 13th, 6:30-8:30pm Port Angeles (Clallam County)
Register for the class by clicking on this link.
Past Classes
Chicken Care for Beginners
May 28th, 1-3pm Port Townsend (Jefferson County)
This class will take place at Dutton Farm, where participants can see how chickens and ducks are integrated into their small farm system. We will be joined by farm owner Mickie Dutton and local heritage chicken breeder Lisa Van Horn, who has a vast amount of knowledge and experience when it comes to raising poultry. In this class participants will learn the basics of keeping chickens or other poultry and what they can do to keep their flock happy, healthy, and safe.
Small Ruminant Care for Beginners
June 3rd, 6:30-8:30pm Online
Watch a recording of the class here.
This online class will serve as an introduction to what it takes to raise small ruminants, from a herd of two to a larger breeding herd. Topics covered will include feed, pasture management, predation prevention, fencing, and housing. We will be joined by Dr. Worley, a local DVM from Sound Equine, who specializes in ruminants and who will give a presentation on the basics of small ruminant health.
Small Ruminant Care on the Farm
June 8th, 12-2pm Poulsbo (Kitsap County)
This in-person class will take place at Sage and Willow Farm in Poulsbo. The class will be taught by Roni Ryan, who has been raising both sheep and goats for over 14 years, and Katie Crawley, who owns Bard Owl Farm in Silverdale, a diversified livestock farm with sheep. The class will cover the basics of small ruminant care and the infrastructure needed to keep them safe and healthy. There will be a demonstration in hoof trimming and how to administer necessary supplements.
From Egg to Hen: Raising Chickens for Beginners
July 15th, 10-12pm Poulsbo (Kitsap County)
This in-person class will take place at local animal rescue, Happy Grounds Farm & Sanctuary. The class will be taught by owner Karissa Holcombe and WSU Kitsap Extension coordinator Clare Menard. In this class participants will learn the basics of keeping chickens or other poultry and what they can do to keep their flock happy, healthy, and safe.
Shearing and Fleece Prep
July 23rd, 1-3pm (Kitsap County)
This in-person class will take place at Sage & Willow Farm in Poulsbo. Hosted by farmer Roni Ryan from Sage & Willow Farm and shearer Elizabeth Resager. Whether you’re new to fiber animals or a seasoned shepherd, this interactive class is packed with practical skills and expert tips to elevate your fleece game.
Composting on a Small Scale
July 23rd, 5-7pm (Kitsap County)
This in-person class will take place in Kitsap County, at the Poulsbo branch of the Kitsap Regional Library. The class will be taught by WSU Clallam Food Access and Waste Prevention Coordinator Benji Astrachan. In this class participants will learn about how to make compost on scales both tiny and large, whether on the balcony of their apartment or a multi-bin system on their small farm. This includes composting systems for people with limited mobility.
Preserve the Harvest: Intro to Canning
August 20th, 6-8pm (Virtual via Zoom)
Learn the fundamentals of safe home canning and how to preserve food with confidence. This class covers the differences between water bath and pressure canning, including which foods require each method and why. Explore essential terminology, equipment, and how to find reliable, tested recipes to ensure safe and successful preservation. No equipment is necessary. WSU Food Safety/Preservation instructor will teach techniques and explain the items needed to preserve foods in your home. This series covers all the information needed to take advantage of our amazing local produce and reduce waste in your kitchen.
Seed Saving on a Small Scale
September 9th, 12-2pm and September 11th, 10-12pm (Clallam County)
This two-part class will cover an introduction to seed saving and then delve into more advanced topics. This class will be interactive and participants will leave with plant seeds that they can continue processing at home.
Seed Saving 101 Basics: This class will cover what we need to consider when seed saving and how to plan for a successful crop. We will go over dry and wet harvesting and processing as well as proper storage of seeds. Registration coming soon.
Seed Saving 201 Expanding on the Basics: This class will build upon the introductory class and introduce participants to subjects such as improving seed saving, multiyear planning, plant breeding basics and dehybridization. To attend the 201 class, participants will need to either attend the 101 class or have experience with seed saving. Registration coming soon.
Accessibility
WSU Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local WSU Extension office. Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and special needs who contact Clare Menard (345 6th St. Suite 550, Bremerton WA / clare.menard@wsu.edu / 360-228-7301) at least two weeks prior to the event.
WSU Extension Regional Small Farms Program has acquired portable language interpretation equipment to increase more meaningful access to educational opportunities. We currently offer live Spanish interpretation when available. Persons who need Spanish translation services at our events, please contact your local Extension office at least two weeks in advance of the event. Contact Kellie Henwood, kellie.henwood@wsu.edu or call (360) 379-5610 ext. 201.
El Programa Regional de Pequeñas Granjas de Extensión de WSU tiene equipos portátiles de interpretación para facilitar el acceso a oportunidades educativas. Ofrecemos interpretación al español en vivo cuando esta disponible. Si necesita servicios de interpretación al español durante nuestros eventos, comuníquese con su oficina local de Extensión con al menos dos semanas de anticipación. Contacte a Kellie Henwood, escriba a kellie.henwood@wsu.edu o llame al (360) 379-5610, ext. 201.