Farm, Garden and Pasture

 Central Oregon’s soil can feel like it’s working against you. It’s sandy, stingy with nutrients, and not exactly the lush loam of gardening dreams. But here’s the good news: you can grow healthy, thriving plants here—once you understand what your plants are trying to tell you. In this workshop, you'll learn why our local soils behave the way they do, how plants interact with them, and how to choose amendments and practices that actually work. 

 Toxic plants are sneaky—and they can be deadly. This hands-on  workshop is all about giving you the confidence to walk your pastures  and know exactly what's growing there, what’s harmful, and how to handle  it. We'll cover how toxic plants affect different types of livestock,  when they're most dangerous, and smart management strategies to keep  your animals safe.

If you're raising grazing animals, your pasture is more than a patch of green—it's a living system. This beginner-friendly class breaks down the basics of pasture management, helping you create healthier fields and happier animals. We'll start in the classroom, then head outside for a farm tour where you'll see good pasture practices in action. Whether you're new to grazing or just want a firmer grip on forage, you'll leave with practical insights you can use right away.

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.