New Series Focuses on Homestead Skills

This month, we’re launching the Homestead Educational Series, a set of monthly classes dedicated to self-sufficiency and sustainability. The series is open to adults interested in learning a variety of practical skills and approaches for the home. No experience is necessary.

“This Homesteading series is for people to learn money-saving skills and build community,” says Kathy Contrino, co-chair of the Homesteading Educational Series committee. “Last year’s homesteading sampler was a huge success. We now know the public interest is strong, and Master Gardeners are well rooted in the community. It was clear we needed a larger series to better serve our community.” 

Many of the classes provide hands-on learning opportunities for various life skills, crafts, and tasks such as cleaning and laundry techniques and stretching your food budget. 

“Today is the right time to re-introduce these skills, and hopefully through our series, we will pique more interest in such topics and offer future workshops that will be helpful to our community,” says Eileen Sorochty, co-chair of the Homesteading Educational Series. 

Fees for the classes vary and cover the cost of supplies for each project. Advance registration is required in order to ensure enough materials for each participant.

The Homestead Educational classes take place at 10 a.m. on the third Saturday of each month in the Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension Education Center, 12690 State Route 31, Albion. To register, call (585) 798-4265 or email klo54 [at] cornell.edu (klo54[at]cornell[dot]edu).

Classes in this series include:

Feb. 21: Rain Barrels and Water Storage

Master Gardener Michael Klepp will instruct on setup and maintenance, then assist participants in building their own rain barrel to take home. This class runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fee is $35 and includes the cost of materials. Advance registration is required. Class size is limited to 20 participants. 

March 21: Off the Farm: Backyard Chickens

Master Gardener Kate Hardner, a backyard chicken hobbyist, will share her expertise and discuss ways to achieve food security on the homestead with backyard chickens. This class runs from 10 a.m. to noon. Fee is $5. Advance registration is required. Class size is limited to 35 participants.

April 18: Beyond Permaculture

Master Gardener Kathleen Contrino will instruct on permaculture design and help you design your own permaculture garden based on your space and scaled to your property. This class runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fee is $5. Advance registration is required. Class size is limited to 35 participants.

May 16: Loom Weaving

Fiber artist Janet Klossner will demonstrate and instruct you in the making of a small take-home project. This class runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fee is $15 and includes the cost of materials. Advance registration is required. Class size is limited to 12 participants.

June 20: Crochet for One

Crochet hobbyist Nancy Donahue will help participants make a small beginner project to take home. This class runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fee is $10 and includes take-home yarn and crochet hook. Advance registration is required. Class size is limited to 12 participants.

July 18: Naturally Made Fabric Dyes

Master Gardener Brenda Radzinski will share how to make fabric dyes from natural materials, then guide participants in creating their own dyed fabric to take home. This class runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fee is $10 and includes the cost of materials. Advance registration is required. Class size is limited to 12 participants.

Aug. 15: Alternative Home Construction

Master Gardener Julia Bender will explore innovative building methods with real-world insights drawn from hands-on experience. This class runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fee is $5. Advance registration is required. Class size is limited to 12 participants.

Sept. 19: Sustainability for the Home

Our panel will discuss different ways to save money and be more sustainable in your home. This class runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fee is $15. Advance registration is required. Class size is limited to 35 participants.

Oct. 17: Woodworking

Woodwright Joe Barberich will instruct participants on how to make a handled garden carrier called a hod. Bring your work gloves! This class runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fee is $25 and includes the cost of materials. Advance registration is required. Class size is limited to 15 participants.

Nov. 21: Sourdough Making

Master Gardener Sue Starkweather Miller will demonstrate different sourdough techniques and have a focaccia ready for review. Participants will make their own sourdough starter. This class runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fee is $10 and includes the cost of materials. Advance registration is required. Class size is limited to 12 participants.