Benefits of Homesteading and How to Homestead
Making a lifestyle shift isn’t easy. It takes time to learn new skills and a property that’s right for you.
Fall is a busy season on the homestead with plenty of chores and projects to keep you going. It is also a great time to work on tools and build time-saving systems.
A modern homesteading series kicked off in January as residents from across southern Illinois gathered to learn how they can become better connected to their food, family and community.
Homesteading can mean different things to different people, and the evening started with moments of self-discovery to determine why homesteading is important. There were many answers, but a common theme was self-sufficiency and having a greater connection to the land.
Paula Brockman, a resident of Franklin County, has dabbled in homesteading but wants to do more.
“I feel a calling to not only actively homestead but also to promote homesteading,” said Brockman. “I hope to gain knowledge and confidence to sincerely begin this journey.”
The 2023 series will include a variety of workshops led by educators and experts throughout the state. While each program is a separate event in the series, local foods and small farms program coordinator Maggie Ray said they hope to build a community of individuals that can grow together.
Anyone that missed the introductory program is still invited to participate in future workshops or be a part of this year’s group of homesteaders.
“In addition to our programs, we’re offering a quarterly session for participants to meet virtually,” said Ray. “We can all learn from one another, and this is a great way to share ideas.”
Unless otherwise noted, all events will be held at the Jackson County Extension office at 402 Ava Rd. in Murphysboro, IL, 62966, at 5:30 p.m.
The next programs include:
Feb. 16: Goats and Sheep
March 9: Backyard Poultry
March 28: Composting
The series is free and open to the public. To learn more or register for upcoming programs, visit go.illinois.edu/ModernHomesteading or call 618-687-1727.
Source: dailyrepublicannews.com
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