Tour – 2026 – OSR Homesteading Festival

Growing Food in a Greenhouse by Michelle Roberts

Dean — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 19:39:20 +0000

In this class we will teach you the techniques to garden successfully in hoophouses and hightunnels. While I’m trained in traditional gardening methods, I transitioned to organic, sustainable practices 25 years ago. Now, my focus is on working in harmony with nature by promoting healthy soils teaming with microbes, earthworms, and beneficial insects. Because there is so much to know about success as a gardener, along with understanding how to grow “year round”, and the many different philosophies that abound, I have also created a guide for a more in depth understanding of gardening tips and techniques.

Summer Gardening: Engaging Natural Processes that Foster Life by Mark & Mariam Herrmann

Dean — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 19:20:57 +0000

Managing a diverse vegetable garden, fruit and nut orchard, vineyard, and other food crops in the desert has many challenges.

We will be discussing methods and tools used to plan, prepare and manage the garden including soil preparation, water distribution, pest control, and more.

Geothermal Greenhouse, Windmills, & Worms by Eric Cleaver

Dean — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 19:13:45 +0000

Eric is an experienced builder, dirt worker, and family man. He loves projects. Two of his favorite projects are growing in a geothermal greenhouse and raising worms to help the soil! He is a continual learner!

Growing Food in a Hoophouse by Philip Gleason

Dean — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 19:04:19 +0000

Founder of the OSR Initiative and the Utah OSR Land Cooperative. Currently CEO of OSR Green, LLC and the Arizona OSR Land Co-op known as Coslor Cove, a second off-grid agricultural land co-op. In addition, a board member of the Academy of Self-Reliance. Currently resides on his 2-acre off-grid homestead at Riverbed Ranch.

Home Construction Methods for the Homestead by Leon Rowley

Dean — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 17:26:28 +0000

This tour will include a presentation on ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms), Yurts, Shed-to-Home, Straw Bale, & Fold-Up homes.

Animals on the Homestead & Cold Storage by Tom & Kathy Barnes

Dean — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 17:24:24 +0000

We started with bare ground and have worked to develop a homestead including orchards, animals, green houses, future pastures, a home, and a barn. We will share what we have learned from our 50+ years of a homesteading lifestyle.