WORKSHOPS

You always wanted to try welding, right? Here's your chance to learn to weld in a safe, welcoming environment.  We customize the learning experience to your ability. Sign up for our three-session program today, or try one session. Pick your own schedule!  Small, group, individualized training in a professional welder's shop.  You get your own welder and the attention you need to succeed.  Limited to 6 per session.

A key step on the path to self-reliance is learning how to build things from wood. In this hands-on workshop, you'll be guiding through the step-by-steps of making a structure from wood.  You'll join our skilled carpenter and woodworking team to learn how to do many typical home projects, starting with fixing doors. Whether you're ready to take on bigger projects, an aspiring carpenter, or want to become more self-sufficient, these workshops offer hands-on training in skills that will last a lifetime. Limited to 10 participants per session.

One thing everyone has in common in Central Oregon - A water problem.  Build the skills you need to set up and maintain small-scale irrigation systems for greenhouses, vegetable gardens and lawns. You'll be able to determine your needs, evaluate different irrigation strategies, choose the right products, and more, including fixing common problems and preparing for winter.  

Having problems with your home electrical system, outlets broken, or stepping into a new home and want to update it? Build basic DIY electric skills and restore power and light safely and easily with an all hands on class. Learn troubleshooting steps, fixing small problems, and learning the right time to call an electrician. This one-session workshop will have you working safely with electricity in a snap, not a zap!

Learn to set up and pour a concrete pad, the foundation (literally) of construction projects large and small. In this practical session, you'll learn the fundamentals of site preparation, formwork construction, mixing concrete, and achieving a satisfactory finish. Gain the skills and confidence to tackle your own concrete projects, and ensure a solid foundation for your DIY endeavors. Get ready to pave the way to success with our expert guidance.

Harness the power of the sun for your road trips, getting power to remote places on your land, camping an more. Build and go home with your own solar-powered battery box, a portable, scaleable energy source. With hands-on instruction, you'll assemble and customize a self-sustaining power solution that's both eco-friendly and practical. Say  hello to sustainable energy wherever you go! 

Unlock the power of the skid steer in our hands-on workshop. If you've ever wanted to learn how to operate this versatile machine safely and effectively, this is your chance. Skid steers are the workhorses of the ranch and farm, and this workshop is your key to mastering the controls. From maintaining roads to moving rocks, skid steers can do it all.  Once you can operate this machine you can rent one for the weekend and get a ton done.

Are you ready to dig deep into the world of trenching? Need to till our dust...er...soil?  How about use an auger? Join our practical workshop on operating these tools and others. you'll gain the skills and knowledge to handle these tools with confidence, saving yourself time, money and headaches.  

 Led by experienced instructors, this workshop offers practical, safety-focused training, covering tool selection, maintenance, live project demos, and Q&A sessions. Whether you're a beginner or seeking to refine your skills, this immersive experience will empower you to tackle a wide range of ranch, farm, and home projects confidently. Sign up now and get ready to master the art of power tools while enhancing your property and capabilities.

Got rocks?  Well put them to work! Join us for a Practical Masonry For Ranch and Farm, a workshop where you'll learn essential skills and be able to apply them -- in this case to build a firepit out of the lava rocks we all have lying around.  You can use these skills to build a wall, a walkway, a fireplace - most anything you can imagine. Led by experienced stone mason Morgan Griffin, this hands-on workshop is for beginners and those with some prior experience who want to hone their skills.  Workshops limited to 10 participants.

Got a hole in the drywall? Drains sluggish? Circuit breaker keeps tripping? Thinking about adding a new shelf or TV mount? Outlet got wrecked while moving that new couch? Tired of waiting forever from someone to fix them, only to have to shell out big bucks for the privilege? Take this hands-on workshop and fix them yourself! Yeah you! Even if you're renting, taking care of these problems before you move out can help you get your full deposit back. Handle these maintenance tasks with confidence. Sign up today!

Ever wanted to craft your own functional wooden spoons? Join us in this hands-on workshop, where you'll learn the art of spoon carving. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, our expert instructors will guide you through the process. Craft beautiful and useful utensils from wood and take home your creations.

Ever wonder how to turn horseshoes into stunning works of art? Whether you're a novice in welding or an experienced artist, our friendly instructors will walk you through the process of crafting your own unique horseshoe creations. Explore the perfect mix of craftsmanship and imagination, and leave with your very own handcrafted horseshoe art piece.

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.

Oregon is home to many wonders just beneath your feet.  Learn how to find them, where to go, and the telltale signs of Oregon Sunstone, Jasper, Quartz and Obsidian. Leave with armed with maps and the skills to find your own buried treasure.  Taught by a local expert and a soon to be published author on the subject.  

Explore the hidden world of wildlife right in your backyard. In this workshop, you'll uncover the secrets of tracking animals in Central Oregon's diverse landscapes. Learn to identify tracks, scat, and other signs of local wildlife while gaining a deeper connection to nature. Led by experienced naturalists, this immersive experience is perfect for nature enthusiasts of all levels.

Knot tying is an essential skill for any homesteader. Join our workshop to master the art of securing, fastening, and connecting with knots. Whether you need to secure loads, build structures, or handle livestock, our expert instructors will teach you the knots you need for ranch, farm, and homestead life.

Experience the thrill of cooking over an open flame in the great outdoors. Join our expert instructors to learn the art of campfire and open-flame cooking techniques. From grilling to Dutch oven delights, this workshop will teach you to create delicious meals while connecting with the rustic charm of open-fire cuisine.

Explore the rich traditions of Latino gardening in the unique landscape of Central Oregon. In this workshop, you'll learn about traditional planting techniques, heirloom seeds, and the cultural significance of gardening in Latino communities. Join us to cultivate your own piece of green paradise while celebrating diversity and community.

Illuminate your world with the enchanting craft of traditional candle-making. Join us to learn the secrets of creating beautiful, hand-poured candles. Whether you're interested in aromatherapy, home decor, or unique gift-making, this workshop will kindle your creativity and teach you the timeless art of candle crafting.

Immerse yourself in the artistry and cultural heritage of Native American crafts in Central Oregon. This hands-on workshop invites you to explore traditional techniques such as beadwork, basket weaving, dreamcatcher making, and more. You'll learn the significance of each craft and create your own unique pieces. Gain a deeper appreciation for Native American traditions, symbolism, and the enduring beauty of their craftsmanship in the heart of Oregon's landscapes. 

Discover the art of leathercraft in our hands-on workshop and make your very own belt, just the beginning of what you can create with leather. You'll delve into the world of leatherworking, learning the essential skills, tools, and techniques to bring your leather projects to life. From belts to horse gear, the possibilities are endless. Unleash your creativity and embark on a journey of crafting with this versatile and timeless material.

In this hands-on session, participants will craft summer sausage, exploring techniques for seasoning, shaping, and curing. We'll also delve into the world of mustard-making, where you'll learn to blend and customize flavors to complement your sausage creations. Get ready to score a touchdown with the delicious taste of homemade sausage and mustard,

Discover the ancient art of fermentation and preserve the flavors of Central Oregon's harvest season. In this hands-on workshop, you'll learn how to ferment vegetables, create your own sauerkraut, kimchi, and more. Unlock the health benefits and deliciousness of fermented foods in a friendly, community-oriented environment.

Elevate your culinary skills with homemade infused vinegars and shrubs - a super yummy vinegar-and-sugar based drink syrup. Join us for a workshop where you'll learn to create a variety of aromatic and flavorful infusions. Whether you're an aspiring chef or simply enjoy gourmet cooking, this workshop will add a new dimension to your kitchen creations.

Explore the world of homemade beverages with our mead and hard cider workshop. Learn the basics of fermentation, brewing, and flavor profiles while crafting your own mead and cider creations. Impress your friends and family with unique, homemade libations that capture the essence of Central Oregon's bounty.

Join us for our first (and hopefully not last!) Game Night with Black Diamond's Dr. Persia.  We'll play a team version of Jeopardy set up to test your Equine IQ.  Just like bar trivia but you might actually learn something that matters while you enjoy a potluck dinner, winning prizes and having a beer!  Join the fun 

Join us for this three-workshop series featuring Kate Beardsley of Mustangs to the Rescue, Victoria and Josh Wiliams of My Horse Journey, and a local vet (TBD).  Learn how to keep you and your horse safe, primarily by avoiding situations that make you and them unsafe, but also what to do if those safety measures fail.  

Join School of Ranch and Gallagher Fence for a hands-on skill-building workshop on putting electric fencing to work on your property.  Electric fencing is inexpensive, easy to setup, and a great way to implement rotational grazing and keep animals in the parts of your property you want.  You'll be able to assess your needs, choose the right solutions, and set up your own fencing.

Ever wondered how to enhance your horses' health and vitality through proper nutrition and care? Join our workshop to uncover the answers. Our expert instructors will guide you in creating balanced feeding plans, recognizing and preventing common health issues, and ensuring your horses lead happy, healthy lives. Whether you're a seasoned horse owner or new to equine care, this workshop is your ticket to becoming a trusted steward of horse health.

Dive into the world of poultry care and discover the secrets to maintaining robust, happy chickens on your ranch or farm. Our expert instructors will teach you how to create nutritious diets, identify common health issues, and implement preventative measures to keep your flock thriving. Whether you're an experienced poultry keeper or just starting out, this workshop is your key to becoming a trusted guardian of chicken health and well-being.

Ready to take your livestock nutrition skills to the next level? Join our workshop focused on the nutritional needs of Sheep, Goats, and Pigs and unlock the secrets to maintaining robust and thriving flocks and herds on your ranch. Our seasoned instructors will guide you in creating balanced diets, recognizing nutritional needs, and implementing best practices for their well-being. 

Dive into the principles and practices of regenerative agriculture in Central Oregon. Learn how to nurture the land, improve soil health, and enhance biodiversity while promoting sustainable farming. Discover innovative techniques that benefit both your farm and the environment in this immersive workshop.

Unlock the secrets to successful greenhouse farming in Central Oregon's climate. This workshop equips you with the skills needed to grow a variety of crops year-round. From temperature control to pest management, you'll gain hands-on experience in creating a thriving greenhouse oasis..

Transform your pastures into lush, productive landscapes with pasture rejuvenation and maintenance techniques. Join us to learn about rotational grazing, soil improvement, and weed management strategies. Enhance the health of your livestock and the productivity of your land with practical knowledge from experienced ranchers.

Tackle the persistent issue of weed control with effective, eco-friendly methods. This workshop empowers you to identify and manage invasive plants that can threaten your ranch or farm. Learn to protect your crops and native ecosystems while maintaining a balanced, weed-free environment.

Explore the rich traditions of Latino gardening in the unique landscape of Central Oregon. In this workshop, you'll learn about traditional planting techniques, heirloom seeds, and the cultural significance of gardening in Latino communities. Join us to cultivate your own piece of green paradise while celebrating diversity and community.