BUTLER, 3/24/2025 – Little Roots, Big Harvest: Homesteading Together is an innovative program designed to blend traditional homesteading practices with modern health and safety techniques. Offering both virtual and in-person workshops, this initiative helps individuals and families create self-sufficient, sustainable lifestyles while emphasizing personal well-being and environmental responsibility.
The program’s workshops cover a wide range of topics, including gardening, raising livestock, food preservation, and creating self-sustaining systems, all with a focus on well-being. In addition to homesteading skills, participants will learn wellness practices such as mindful cooking and holistic nutrition. Each workshop is designed to empower individuals with the knowledge they need to cultivate a thriving, healthy homestead that nourishes both body and earth.
“At Little Roots, Big Harvest, we are committed to teaching valuable homesteading skills while ensuring participants' mental and physical health,” said Sara Bridgewater. “By combining these elements, we hope to help individuals live more connected, sustainable lives and build stronger communities.”
Safety is a key priority for the program, with expert guidance on tool use, food safety, and best practices in sustainable living. Whether participants are learning how to use garden tools safely or how to store food properly, they will leave each session equipped with the skills to implement them with confidence.
Virtual Workshops Open for Registration
While details for the summer in-person workshops will be available soon, a series of virtual workshops is currently open for registration. These online sessions offer flexibility, allowing people from across the country to participate and learn valuable skills in homesteading, sustainability, and wellness. The tentative schedule is listed below.
Spring and Summer Virtual Workshops:
April 15th (Tuesday), 6-7:30PM: Vegetable Gardening
April 22nd (Tuesday), 6-7:30PM: Berries in the Garden
May 13th (Tuesday), 6-7:30PM: Introduction to Sheep & Goats
May 20th (Tuesday), 6-7:30PM: Freezing Produce & Meals
June 10th (Tuesday), 6-7:30PM: Dairy Safety & Butter Making
July 8th (Tuesday), 6-7:30PM: Managing Plant Diseases
August 12th (Tuesday), 6-7:30PM: Introduction to Honeybees and Beekeeping
September 9th (Tuesday), 6-7:30PM: Greenhouses
October 14th (Tuesday), 6-7:30PM: Sourdough Bread & Dehydrating
November 11th (Tuesday), 6-7:30PM: Keeping Chickens for Eggs
December 9th (Tuesday), 6-7:30PM: Homemade Soap and Cleaning Products
“We’re excited to offer this series of workshops that are accessible to everyone, no matter where they are,” said Sara Bridgewater “From starting a vegetable garden to learning how to manage honeybees, these workshops will help people connect with their homesteading goals, while also promoting well-being through mindful practices.”
Join Us for a Thriving, Sustainable Homestead
The Little Roots, Big Harvest program offers an incredible opportunity to take the first step toward a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to deepen your skills, these workshops provide the tools you need to create a thriving homestead that benefits both you and the environment.
For more information and to register for upcoming virtual workshops, visit https://extension.missouri.edu/events/little-roots-big-harvest-homesteading-together. Stay tuned for more details on our in-person workshops coming this summer! Contact Sara Bridgewater at batesco@missouri.edu for any questions.
About Little Roots, Big Harvest: Homesteading Together
Little Roots, Big Harvest: Homesteading Together is a program that blends traditional homesteading practices with modern health and safety techniques. Through virtual and in-person workshops, participants learn about sustainable living, food production, wellness practices, and self-sufficiency. The program's mission is to create healthier individuals and communities through knowledge, connection, and empowerment.
Media Contact:
Sara Bridgewater
Nutrition and Health Field Specialist
sbridgewater@missouri.edu
660.679.4167
