Urban Homesteader

Institute Of Urban Homesteading Helps Promote Eco-Friendly And Self-Sufficient Living In Oakland, California

If you haven't heard the terms "urban homesteading" or "urban homesteaders", odds are you will. Although exact definitions of these terms can vary somewhat, the focus is clear - self-reliant and independent living, often with a hands-on approach. More and more people want to learn how to grow their own vegetables, raise chickens, learn beekeeping and other skills. Now they are doing this, even in places that would be classified as anything but rural.

Those living in the Oakland area of California can learn more about urban homesteading at the Institute of Urban Homesteading. They'll discover that it is possible to raise chickens in a backyard, even if that backyard isn't part of a farm. I know this because a relative actually raises chickens in her backyard in California. Her home looks like many traditional suburban ones founds in neighborhoods across America. The only difference? She has a chicken coop, complete with a growing brood of chickens, in her backyard. Now other people could learn how to do the same thing, perhaps by taking a class at the Institute of Urban Homesteading.

Although the school is relatively new, classes have filled up quickly and new ones have even been added in response to consumer demand. A course on Bees and Backyard Beekeeping had two sessions, both full. Another popular class? Raising chickens, a course which covered everything you'd want to know about choosing and caring for poultry. Other courses cover the art of making flower essences or working with chocolate.

Intrigued? Wondering if you could be an Urban Homesteader yourself? You probably could!

The Institute of Urban Homesteading: basic facts

Not surprisingly, hands-on learning is a big part of the approach there. Those with a desire to ask questions and learn (as well as learn from mistakes) are welcome at the Institute. They'll hit the ground running. This means that a group of students could be learning about various types of chickens or actually building chicken coops. Others might be discovering how to keep and protect bees or grow organic vegetables.

If you are the type that is most comfortable in a structured setting, with strong distinctions between teacher and student, you may need to get out of that mindset. Teachers and students learn together at the Institute. if you check out the website at www.sparkybeegirl.com/iuh.html you can see more about this. Although there are teachers, students and teachers do learn and teach from each other. Don't expect there to be a strict line between teacher and student.

The school is perfect for those with a renewed interest in organic gardening, herbal medicine and other aspects of independent living and back to basics activities

Ever wondered about growing your own food year round? Have you thought about herbal medicines or canning your own fruits and vegetables? These are the sort of activities you'll find at the school. Those who take urban homesteading seriously often want to know more about how and where their food is produced or be part of the entire process.

This year, we put in the largest vegetable garden we've ever had. Those with similar interests can up their learning curve at the Institute. Even photographers should have a field day here, since some classes allow students to observe native bees and take photos of them. They can watch the bees pollinate flowers and even learn about the complete life cycle of bees.

Classes offered, locations and costs

For a complete list of classes, you can simply go to the Institute website listed above. If you do, you'll be amazed at the wealth of subjects covered. You'll also see that many are already full, an indication of the school's popularity. Bees and Beekeeping, Organic Gardening 101 and Mead and Wine Making were such popular topics that they quickly filled to capacity. However, keeping with the Institute's inviting atmosphere, those who want to learn a skill can simply ask...and another session or class may be arranged. They have often done this.

I yearned to take the Canning Made Easy class, as I'd always wanted to know how to can my own tomatoes or make jelly. Similar classes focus on making fruit compotes, jellies and jams or homemade tomato sauces.

Another class, Backyard Chickens the Permaculture Way, gives students a chance to learn about every aspect of raising chickens. While this year's class is already full, there should be others offered later (popular classes often have extra sessions or sections). From picking out the right breed of chicken to feeding them and building a chicken coop - all of these aspects of raising chickens are covered.

Typical costs per class at the Institute normally range between $25 to $75. All classes are offered on a sliding scale, which means that teachers and students can work out financial arrangements that work for each. No one is turned away simply because of financial challenges. For a full listing of classes, click on the Calendar section of the Institute of Urban Homesteading website.

Class locations vary

If you want to learn how to raise chickens, you often have to go where the chickens are. The same can be true when it comes to learning other aspects of urban homesteading. As a result, many of the classes are offered "on site" or in private kitchens and backyards in or near the Oakland area of California. Addresses of teachers are not listed on the website but are given out after registration.

Classes are often kid friendly

Although students may have to be age 12 or up to take some classes, others are offered to younger students. Teachers determine whether parents can bring kids along but it is certainly a possibility. Safety is always a primary concern.

How to contact the school

Simply fill out the form at the website. You can also call (888) 292-3998. Learning how to can your vegetables or some other aspect of urban homesteading could be one of the best investments of time and money you make!