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 by Mark & Mariam Herrmann

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

Coming soon…

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.

Twenty Survival Herbs by Sarah Vezzani

Dean — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 21:53:48 +0000

Transform your life by integrating herbs into your daily routine! This engaging presentation will show you how to harness the incredible benefits of herbs for nutrition, hygiene, beauty, and first aid. Discover key natural healing principles that will help you become more self-sufficient and less reliant on conventional medicine.

We will explore the fascinating patterns in nature that reveal how to cultivate health within your body, shifting the perspective from using herbs solely in times of illness to embracing their tonic properties for building and maintaining health.

Gain confidence in using basic herbal methods like teas, tinctures, capsules, poultices, and washes. Learn about the profound connection between the soil microbiome and our gut microbiome, and how herbs can play a crucial role in healing both.

Join us and empower yourself with the knowledge to lead a healthier, more holistic lifestyle!

In addition to Sarah’s presentation, she will have a booth and she will have a tour of her homestead.

View Sarah's Bio

Mark Hendershot

Dean — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 18:39:38 +0000

Coming soon…

Mike Vezzani

Dean — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 18:24:26 +0000

Mike Vezzani has had a lifelong relationship with plants, gardening, and soil. In his younger years his dad would wake him up early on weekends to assist him in the garden. After leaving home, Mike sought out opportunities to work on farms to gain first hand experience from professionals and enthusiasts alike. In October of 2020, Mike, his wife, and their 4 children took on the challenge of a lifetime; establish a thriving homestead in the desert of Utah. His life has been substantially influenced by the writings of Wendell Berry and what he learned at the Permaculture Certification Course he and his wife attended back in the summer of 2019.

Butchering Small Animals by Tom Barnes & Mark Hendershot

Dean — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 18:02:04 +0000

Coming soon…

View Tom's Bio View Mark's Bio