Urban Homesteading
If you want to learn how to live well without needing a lot of money, we want to help you! We can teach you how to get food from the ground to the table (or from a local farm to the table), how to preserve fresh foods to eat during the winter, how to make cheese and soap, even how to raise poultry for eggs and/or meat.
Seed Saving: Learn a variety of techniques for saving heirloom vegetable seeds for planting, including ideal harvest times, collection techniques, preparation/drying, and proper storage.
Thursday, 8/15, 6:30-8:30pm
$20 ID/$24 OD
Class #20755. Canceled
Canning Series
Dill Pickles: Ages 18+. Dill pickles are about the easiest thing to can. We will work up a batch and learn about the equipment and techniques of canning. Take home a jar of pickles.
Adult Activity Center
Thursday, 9/5, 6:30–8:30pm
$18 ID/$21 OD
Class #22922. Register here
Salsa: Ages 18+. Put the last of the tomatoes, onions, peppers, and herbs of the year together for a great homemade salsa. We will make some fresh salsa and a batch of canned salsa for everyone to take home.
Adult Activity Center
Thursday, 9/12, 6:30–8:30pm
$20 ID/$24 OD
Class #22923. Register here
Applesauce: Ages 18+. The secret to fabulous applesauce is to use fabulous apples! We will make and can a fresh batch of applesauce and everyone can take home a pint.
Adult Activity Center
Thursday, 9/19, 6:30–8:30pm
$20 ID/$24 OD
Class #22920. Register here
Pepper Jam: Ages 18+. Make a sweet and spicy condiment from local Thistledown Farms’ no-spray bell peppers and jalapeños. Delicious on meatloaf, burgers, as part of a barbecue glaze, or in a vegetable sauté.
Adult Activity Center
Thursday, 9/26, 6:30–8:30pm
$20 ID/$24 OD
Class #22921. Register here
Fermenting Series
Fermenting Sauerkraut and Kombucha: Ages 18+. Learn how to make fermented pickles, salsa, sriracha, fermented non-alcoholic beverages, and even corned beef. Start your own jar of vegetables to take home and ferment.
Adult Activity Center
Thursday, 10/3, 6:30–8:30pm
$20 ID/$24 OD
Class #22924. Register here
Beyond Sauerkraut: Ages 18+. Learn how to make fermented pickles, salsa, sriracha, fermented non-alcoholic beverages, and even corned beef. Start your own jar of vegetables to take home and ferment.
Adult Activity Center
Thursday, 10/10, 6:30–8:30pm
$20 ID/$24 OD
Class #22878. Register here
Sourdough Bread Making: Ages 18+. Learn to make a batch of sourdough bread including proofing, the complex biology of a vital sourdough culture, and tips and tricks to get that great artisanal-style bread in your own kitchen.
Adult Activity Center
Thursday, 10/17, 6:30–8:30pm
$20 ID/$24 OD
Class #22925. Register here
Cheese Making: Ages 18+. Learn to make a fresh hard cheese and ricotta from fresh milk, including the steps from culturing milk to pressing the finished cheese. We’ll also go over how to make yogurt and kefir.
Adult Activity Center
Thursday, 10/24, 6:30–8:30pm
$20 ID/$24 OD
Class #22926. Register here
Entertaining Series
Spreads and Appetizers: Ages 18+. Hummus, tapenade, pesto/sun-dried tomato cream cheese, and more. Get recipes and tips, including some gluten- and dairy-free options.
Adult Activity Center
Thursday, 11/7, 6:30–8:30pm
$20 ID/$24 OD
Class #22927. Register here
Chutney and More: Ages 18+. Learn how to make a variety of small batch chutneys, peanut sauce, and other savory condiments. We will make a couple different ones in class and you can take home a share.
Adult Activity Center
Thursday, 11/14, 6:30–8:30pm
$20 ID/$24 OD
Class #22928. Register here
Homemade Liqueurs: Ages 18+. Just in time for the holidays! Learn how to make a variety of infused vodkas, fruit liqueurs, and herbal liqueurs. Take home a small jar of your favorite.
Adult Activity Center
Thursday, 11/21, 6:30–8:30pm
$20 ID/$24 OD
Class #22929. Register here
Holiday Gift Giving Series
Ginger Treats: Ages 18+. Ginger can be used for a number of sweet or savory treats. Come cook up a batch of candied ginger, ginger syrup, ginger sugar, and pickled ginger for sushi. Take home a share of what we make.
Adult Activity Center
Thursday, 12/5, 6:30–8:30pm
$20 ID/$24 OD
Class #22930. Register here
Soap Making: Ages 18+. Learn the basics of making bar soap, liquid soap, and two forms of laundry soap. We’ll discuss the chemistry of saponification, properties of different base oils and local sources, and fragrance oils.
Adult Activity Center
Thursday, 12/12, 6:30–8:30pm
$20 ID/$24 OD
Class #22931. Register here
Balms and Salves: Ages 18+. Learn to make a variety of skin creams, lip balms, herbal salves, and tinctures for gifts or a treat for yourself. Leave with a jar each of lip balm and herbal salve that we make in class.
Adult Activity Center
Thursday, 12/19, 6:30–8:30pm
$20 ID/$24 OD
Class #22933. Register here
Current Classes
Browse the registration website below, or open it in a new tab.
FAQs
Why can't I see the class I want to take? Not all classes may be available at this time, and many of this term's classes may have already started. Check back every term for a new slate!
What does ID/OD mean? People who live or own property within Willamalane Park and Recreation District’s boundaries support Willamalane with their tax dollars, and so they enjoy lower program costs. If you live in-district, you'll pay the ID cost; if you live out-of-district, you'll pay the OD cost. Not sure if you're in-district? Check the district map here.
