Classes, Events and Gatherings

2025 Class Schedule

All classes listed here take place at Bluebird Hill Homestead in West Knox County, TN. Address and directions are sent after registration.

To register for any of these classes, please email strongrootsresources@gmail.com. Most of these classes can be taught at other locations as well. If you’re interested in having me out as a speaker / educator, reach out and we can make those arrangements.

Amenities:

We’re a working homestead with simple infrastructure – including a composting outhouse and trees and small shelters for shade. We generally hold classes rain or shine with exceptions for high winds / lightning. If you have specific questions about accessibility or other factors, just email me.

We’ll always have tea and water available on site. Packing a lunch is encouraged!

Community-based Agroforestry: Workday + Lunch & Learn

Saturday, March 1, 2025

10 am to 2 pm

Have an open area you’d like to add trees or shrubs into? Have an unmanaged woodlot you’d like to make more productive? Curious about carbon credits or funding for new agroforestry projects? – Don’t miss this event…

Come join Kerry Brown of Strong Roots Resources and Wyn Miller of Appalachian Sustainable Development, to see how agroforestry can be implemented with a community-based approach. In the morning, Kerry will host a hands-on portion where we work together to kick-start both “additive” and “subtractive” silvopasture (new plantings as well as woodland thinning). For lunch, Wyn Miller will share information on available grants that can support your agroforestry endeavors. Afterwards, Kerry will lead a tour highlighting his integration of woody plant materials into farm operations, while Wyn will be available to answer any technical questions you have about getting started in agroforestry. This will be a really informative day with great energy and great networking opportunities.

Lunch is provided,* just bring your energy for the workday! Event is being held in West Knox County, address will be sent along after RSVP. Class runs from 10am to approximately 2pm. Please arrive a bit early to get parked and be on time for orientation.

(*If you have dietary restrictions, please contact Kerry at strongrootsresources@gmail.com)

Class size is limited, so please RSVP to strongrootsresources@gmail.com as soon as possible!

We look forward to having you!

 

Foraging on the Farm – Bluebird Hill Homestead – Knoxville

11 am to 2 pm

Enjoy a walk on our farm in West Knox County exploring the bounty of wild foods and medicinal plants. 

$20 / person or a barter / trade item

Please RSVP to strongrootsresources@gmail.com to reserve your spot and receive the address and directions. Spots are limited!

Foraging class dates for 2025:

March 8

April 12

May 10

June 14

July 12

August 9

September 21

October 11

November 8

Abundance Abounds – Learn how to apply the ethics and principles of permaculture on your land to build resilient systems. This is a presentation that includes slides, conversation / Q&A and a property walk on our farm in West Knox County. 

Approximately 4 hours, $60 / person

11 am to 3 pm

March 22

May 25

Please RSVP to strongrootsresources@gmail.com to reserve your spot and receive the address and directions. Spots are limited!

Grazing Sheep to Heal the Land – On farm class in West Knox County. Learn how we’ve been using sheep to heal marginal, long fallow lands. This mostly involves exploring the pasture, understanding the behaviors of sheep and demonstrating fencing techniques with Q&A and conversation.

Approximately 3 hours $40/person

11 am to 2 pm

April 19

May 17

June 22

September 20

Please RSVP to strongrootsresources@gmail.com to reserve your spot and receive the address and directions. Spots are limited!

Partnering with Trees on the Permaculture Homestead – a class focused on ways to incorporate trees within your property design for overall resilience. Covers the basics of silvopasture and livestock fodder as well as tree choice, site selection, microclimates, planting techniques and more. Includes a property walk as well.  4 hrs $80/ person

11 am to 3 pm

March 15

September 27

Communing with Nature Through Thoughtful Design – a class about creating habitat for pollinators and ecological support on the suburban and urban scale 

3 hours $40 / person

11 am to 2 pm

Includes a tour of the gardens here on the homestead

May 3

June 28

Bluebird Hill Open House Gathering

This is a gathering open to the community for fellowship, barter, building connections and a Q&A opportunity about resilient homesteading and off grid / small scale living.

Suggested donation or $10 or a barter item.

12:00 pm until 4:00 pm

Dates:

March 2

June 1

September 7

December 7