Workshop Catalog

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.

 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. 

Build the skills to tackle essential homestead maintenance projects with confidence. This two-session, beginner-friendly workshop covers painting, plumbing, basic electrical fixes, and more. 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.

 Whether you’re gearing up for farm life or tackling your first ranch project, this hands-on workshop will teach you the fundamentals of safe and skilled tractor operation. From maintenance to maneuvering, you’ll leave confident and capable of taking on your tractor tasks.

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 today and learn farmer welding - the skills you need day to day on your property. Small group training in a professional welder's shop.  You'll get the attention you need to succeed.  

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.

 Take another step toward self-reliance!  This workshop is for women looking to put the power saw notch on their belts.  Learn safe techniques for three types of saw - Chainsaw, Skillsaw, and Sawzall.  Hands-On, Hard-core and Hunk-Free.

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. 

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.

After the demo, we’ll gather for a potluck.

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 a jar pre-mixed with her signature blend! 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. 

Unlock better balance, endurance, and connection with your horse by improving your breathing mechanics. The way you breathe directly affects your posture, stability, and even how clearly your cues are received. In this hands-on workshop, Dr. Andy Sabatier will guide you through the science of breathing and how small changes can make a big impact in the saddle. Whether you're working on groundwork or riding long hours, adopting a "breathing first" mindset will improve your performance and comfort. 

In this interactive workshop, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of horse behavior and communication through the lens of Lucinda B’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.

Whether you’re aiming to improve your position for seamless transitions during your dressage test, or just trying to feel more stable in the saddle out on the trail, this workshop is for you.  Through expert-led demonstrations, you’ll explore the biomechanics of balanced riding and get hands on practice with guided floor-based exercises. 

 Tired of wrestling with your horse before the farrier even gets  out of the truck? Learn how to turn stress into cooperation using Horse  Speak, a body-based communication method that helps your horse feel safe  and heard. This hands-on workshop zeroes in on those all-too-common  care scenarios—like hoof trims and vet checks—and gives you tools to  navigate them with ease and empathy.  

 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 (weather permitting) and taste different kinds of honey while discovering what makes each one unique. 

 Dreaming of a never-ending salad bar right in your backyard? Join us for this hands-on workshop where you'll learn how to keep a steady supply of fresh greens through the seasons—without starting from scratch each time. Whether you're a total beginner or a seasoned gardener, you'll walk away with the know-how to plan, plant, and maintain a thriving, climate-smart salad garden. 

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.

 Join us for an interactive, outdoor workshop where you'll tour High & Dry GardenWorks—a living lab for creating beauty with barely a hose in sight. Whether you're a total newbie or a seasoned trowel-wielder, you'll leave with real-life tools to build a thriving, resilient garden in our hot, dry, deer-riddled climate. 

 Whether you've got a full backyard or just a sunny windowsill, this demonsration workshop will teach you how to grow herbs that do more than spice up dinner. Think calming teas, soothing oils, and simple salves—all from your own tiny garden. You'll learn how to grow and use herbs like mint, chamomile, lavender, calendula, and basil for self-care.

Brought to you at no charge by the Deschutes County Library.

Get your hands dirty and your plants hydrated the efficient way! This interactive outdoor workshop will walk you through the what, why, and how of drip irrigation. Whether you’re tending a backyard patch or a multi-bed microfarm, you’ll come away with practical skills and tools to keep your plants happy without wasting a drop.