

Chainsaw 101 is your no-experience-needed intro to using a chainsaw with skill and confidence. We’ll start with the most important part—safety—and move through all the essentials: PPE, maintenance, starting up, and making your first cut. You’ll get time to observe, then practice hands-on with direct guidance. By the end, you’ll not only know your chain from your bar oil, but you’ll be making clean, confident cuts while understanding how wood behaves.

Got a wobbly chair or a drawer that sticks? In this beginner-friendly workshop, you'll learn how to breathe new life into small wooden furniture. Bring a piece from home and get your hands dirty with glue, clamps, nails, and a whole lot of DIY spirit.

Got a holey sock or a sweater that's seen better days? This hands-on, beginner-friendly workshop will show you how to turn "worn out" into "worn with pride." Learn essential darning techniques, from weft and warp to simple stitches, and experiment with various threads to make repairs that are both functional and fun. With plenty of guided time to work on your own pieces, you'll leave with newfound confidence — and a darning needle to keep the magic going at home.

Learning to tow a trailer doesn’t have to be intimidating. This hands-on workshop is perfect for beginners looking to learn the essentials of trailer safety and driving. From understanding your rig to tackling tight turns and smooth backups, you’ll practice with your own equipment under the guidance of an expert.

Whether you’re a brand-new driver or just tired of nodding politely at your mechanic while wondering what an “upper control arm bushing” is, this hands-on workshop is for you. You’ll get under the hood (literally), check your own fluids and tires, and walk away knowing what’s worth fixing, what’s an upsell, and how to handle roadside hiccups without panic.
We’ll work on real cars, in real time, so you can drive away with actual confidence—not just car talk.

Build the skills to tackle essential homestead maintenance projects with confidence. This two-session, beginner-friendly workshop covers basic plumbing, electrical fixes, and drywall repair. Whether you’re sprucing up your space or repairing minor damage, you’ll leave with the know-how to handle it all.

Tired of shelling out big bucks to get things fixed? Then take this hands-on workshop and build the skills you need to do basic repair on your own. You'll learn about the tools you need, how to diagnose what's wrong and where to get the materials you need to make it right. Yeah you! Handle these basic maintenance tasks and build the confidence to move on to bigger things.

You always wanted to try welding, right? Here's your chance to learn to weld in a safe, welcoming environment. Sign up for our three-session program and learn practical welding, the skills you need day to day on your property. Small group training with a skilled professional welder and instructor will help you build your skills and confidence. If you are a novice, picking back up a past hobby or needing help finishing a small welding project, this workshop is for you.

This hands-on, three-part workshop series is designed to give you real-world skills in basic furniture-making. Whether you're looking to build sturdy tables, cabinets, or chairs, journeyman carpenter Jonathan Chatman will guide you through every step. By the end, you’ll have hands-on experience constructing a project from the ground up.

Gravel Road Basics is a hands-on adventure in building and maintaining the backbone of any rural property: a solid gravel road. In just three action-packed hours, you’ll work with 30 yards of gravel, a skid steer, and your own two hands—no experience needed, just a good attitude and closed-toe boots! We’ll cover everything from crowning to compacting, with a focus on safety and working smart.

This female led workshop is for women looking to put the power saw notch on their belts. Learn safe techniques for six types of saws: chainsaw, skill saw, sawzall, compound miter saw, table saw and multi-tool. You will have in-depth practice with three saws in the shop.

Ready to harness the sun for off-grid adventure? This workshop will guide you through building a 12v solar system for your trailer or RV. Over two engaging sessions, you'll learn to how to make solar panels, controllers, batteries, and more in a working system.

Warm up your winter with glass, fire, and hands-on creativity. In this hybrid-format workshop, you’ll work step-by-step through the process of making a mountain-themed stained glass piece—from cutting glass and foiling to soldering and assembly. By the end, you'll walk away with your own seasonal design, practical troubleshooting skills, and a lot more confidence around glass and hot metal.

Coiling is the ancient art of spiraling and stitching—turning humble pine needles into something both useful and beautiful. In this beginner-friendly workshop, basket weaving artist Lorraine Lapekes will walk you through the foundational techniques of pine needle coiling. You’ll leave with a small basket in progress, a handful of new skills, and everything you need to keep weaving at home: a weaving needle, cordage, pine needles, and a gauge. This four-hour session is hands-on, relaxed, and perfect for anyone curious about heritage crafts or looking to slow things down and try something tactile.

Curious about leatherworking? In this hands-on, tool-forward workshop, you’ll cut, punch, and rivet your way to a beautiful, durable, small crossbody bag—no sewing required. We'll walk you through everything from choosing leather and hardware to assembly techniques using classic no-sew methods. You’ll leave with a finished, fully functional leather bag handcrafted by you.

Learn to turn worn-out clothes into something warm, useful, and beautiful. This beginner-friendly workshop teaches you how to prep old textiles and use a five-strand braiding technique to start your own handmade rug. You’ll explore layout and design options and walk away with the skills and printed instructions to finish your rug at home.

In this hands-on workshop, you'll learn how to make nourishing goat milk lotion and natural lip balm using safe, beginner-friendly methods. With guidance from Rebecca Saul of Glimfeather Farms, you’ll leave with two finished products, confidence in your DIY skills, and the know-how to make more at home.

Dive into the art of traditional soap-making in this immersive workshop. Discover the history and science of soap crafting while using natural ingredients and essential oils. Create luxurious, handcrafted soaps that are gentle on the skin and kind to the environment. Perfect for those seeking a sustainable and creative hobby.

Take a beginner-friendly dive into the craft of wood carving. In this three-hour hands-on workshop, you'll learn to carve a spoon safely and effectively using just a single chisel. We provide pre-cut wooden blanks, walk you through the carving process step by step, and send you home with your own carving kit — perfect for continuing your carving adventures

This hands-on workshop is a rare opportunity to learn the Wasco flat-bottom weaving technique—from a true tradition bearer. Under the guidance of Valerie Switzler, you’ll get started on your own cotton/twin Sally Bag, and explore the cultural roots of this iconic style. A potluck will keep your hands busy and your stomach full!

Get crafty in the kitchen with this free, fun, hands-on workshop all about infusing vinegars and making tangy shrubs. These make brilliant homemade holiday gifts—if you can resist keeping them all for yourself! Best part? You’ll leave with a bottle of your very own infused vinegar creations. Brought to you by the Deschutes Public Library.

In this hands-on, flavor-packed session, you’ll go from bag of masa to taco in hand. We’ll mix, press, and cook traditional corn tortillas—then fill them with something truly delicious. With expert guidance from Mayra Santana and Oscar Molina of Roots at Heart, you'll build skills and build tacos, one puff at a time. Expect tips, laughs, and a shared feast at the end.

Ready to add some zing to your kitchen skills? In this interactive demo, we’re diving into three different pickling methods: quick refrigerator pickles, traditional fermented cucumbers, and sweet pickled peaches. You’ll learn the science behind each process, how to pickle safely, and how to get creative with brines, spices, and more.

Join us for a fun and flavorful deep dive into the world of fermentation! In this demonstration workshop, you’ll learn how to craft probiotic-rich sauerkraut and fermented cucumbers using simple, natural techniques. Watch as Beth walks you through the process of making fermented mustard—then take home Beth's preferred fermentation lid and a glass weight! Plus, enjoy a community potluck and a tasting session to round out the experience!

Become a Goat Cheese Whiz! Unlock the secrets of homemade goat cheese with our upcoming workshop at School of Ranch! Join us and you'll learn to transform fresh goat milk into delicious halloumi and mozzarella cheeses, which are surprisingly easy to make. This workshop is perfect for anyone interested in artisanal food crafts and using locally sourced foods.

Get ready to transform fresh produce into shelf-stable treasures. This workshop covers the essentials of water bath and pressure canning, making it perfect for beginners or anyone needing a refresher on safe food preservation. Through step-by-step demonstrations, you’ll gain the skills to can fruit, sauces, and other pantry staples—ensuring homemade goodness all year long!

Curious about food dehydration but don’t know where to start? This beginner-friendly workshop breaks down the essentials of drying food for long-term storage and lightweight, ready-to-eat meals for camping and backpacking. We’ll cover different dehydration methods, compare equipment, and share best practices for maximizing shelf life and food quality.

This is a full-day hands-on course with horses.
Understand first aid basics.
Learn to identify and assess emergency situations.
Practice hands-on first aid techniques for various scenarios.
Gain knowledge on preventing emergencies in the first place.
Plus, you’ll leave with a certificate of completion and a comprehensive first aid manual.

Learn the foundational skills of ground roping in this all-ages, hands-on beginner workshop. With one-on-one coaching and live demos from guest star Judy Robinson. you’ll get step-by-step guidance in the art of roping. From coiling your rope to building a loop to pulling your slack, you’ll build confidence in the techniques that set the stage for arena or ranch work. The workshop ends with a rope-off challenge.

In this interactive workshop, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of horse behavior and communication through evidence based information from Lucinda Baker's Being Herd program and Horse Speak®. We’ll explore the science and language of horses, focusing on presence and connection when working with your herd. Whether you’re new to horsemanship or looking to refine your skills, this session will offer valuable insights into the world of equine connection.

Thinking about raising chickens? Whether you're dreaming of farm-fresh eggs or a self-sustaining meat operation, this workshop gives you the tools to start and maintain a thriving flock. You'll learn how to choose the right breeds, set up a safe and comfortable coop, and handle basic chicken health care—all with Central Oregon’s unique climate in mind. Plus, you'll get to test out our AI-powered chicken farm planner to design a setup tailored to your space and goals!

Your horse tells you more than you think—if you know how to listen. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn simple yet powerful bodywork techniques to support your horse’s physical comfort and emotional well-being. Led by Josh and Victoria Williams, this beginner-friendly class covers practical assessment tools, nervous system coregulation practices, and a 10-minute routine you can easily integrate into daily grooming.

This free interactive workshop is designed for beginners and aspiring goat owners who want to understand the essentials of goat care, breeding, and infrastructure. Using an AI planning tool, you'll establish your personal goals—whether for milk, fiber, meat, or companionship—and work through key considerations like time, cost, and setup needs. By the end, you’ll walk away with a personalized goat-keeping plan to guide your next steps.

Tired of your horse not cooperating? In this workshop, you’ll learn how to support your horse in everyday challenges like standing calmly for the farrier or vet, spooking, barn sourness, trailering, or leaving their friends. Through Lucinda Baker’s Being Herd and Horse Speak®—grounded in equine neuroscience—you’ll gain tools to understand your horse’s behavior, recognize where it comes from, and respond with practical, compassionate strategies that help them feel safe and heard.

If you own land — or plan to — you need to know the deal with your water. Whether you're dreaming of crops or just curious about your options, this workshop breaks down what your water rights are (or aren’t), how to find out, and what you can do about it. Led by pros from the Oregon Water Resources Department, you'll get hands-on with online tools, explore real scenarios, and leave with practical next steps.

This beginner-friendly workshop will teach you how to grow simple, useful herbs like mint, chamomile, lavender, calendula, and basil. Whether you have a backyard or just a sunny kitchen window, you’ll learn how to keep these herbs thriving and how to turn them into calming teas, soothing oils, and simple salves. You’ll leave with your own homemade salve, a starter herb plant, and the know-how to start your own mini herb garden.

In this problem-solving, interactive workshop, you’ll learn to identify invasive weeds with free apps, explore effective strategies to combat them, and design a sustainable, long-term management plan to reclaim your property.

Get ready to buzz into the world of beekeeping!
In this hands-on, family-friendly workshop, you’ll dive into the fascinating world of honeybees. Learn about their biology, social structure, and what it takes to start a hive. Observe a working bee colony and taste different kinds of honey while discovering what makes each one unique.

Starting seeds indoors, in a greenhouse, or straight into the ground is a game-changer for Central Oregon gardeners—and you don’t need a magic wand, just a little know-how. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll dig into climate-smart seed selection, prep the perfect soil, and create ideal conditions to bring your garden to life. Whether you're working with trays on a windowsill or dreaming of a thriving outdoor bed, we’ve got you covered.

Bring your holiday cheer and a pair of clippers—we're making wreaths the old-fashioned way: with fresh evergreens, wired bases, and a big dose of seasonal flair. In this hands-on workshop, you'll learn how to select, prep, and arrange your greenery, pinecones, berries, and ribbons to create a wreath that’s all you. Once we’ve finished crafting, we’ll celebrate with a good old-fashioned potluck!
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