Homesteading the Western Slope

Whether you’re dreaming of backyard chickens, baking homemade bread, or gathering wild foods from the forest, this event is for you. You’ll also learn how to irrigate your land, grow green pastures for livestock, build farm structures the right way, grow a thriving garden, and dive deeper into food preservation and animal care. From beginners to seasoned homesteaders, everyone is welcome to learn, connect, and build confidence in living a little more self-sufficiently. No off-grid cabin required.

We’re bringing back the essential skills and knowledge that have supported rural communities for generations. All of our presenters — from community members to local experts and producers — are volunteering their time to share their experience and passion with you. Homesteading the Western Slope is a collaborative effort between Colorado State University Extension and The Western Colorado Homestead Collective.

Join us at the Montrose County Event Center for a full day of workshops and demonstrations. Register by September 26 and be part of the fun! Pre-registration through this site is required.

• Picking Ideal Livestock: Discover the different types of livestock that you can raise on your operation, along with the pros and cons of each. Explore a variety of breeds within those livestock types and learn how breed selection can influence animal health, productivity, and the overall success of your program.
• Problem Garden Insect Pests: The Tri-River area of Colorado, with its rich agricultural heritage, supports diverse crops but also faces challenges from insect pests. Nestled between high desert plateaus and mountain ranges, the region’s unique climate creates ideal conditions for both farming and pest pressures. In this talk, Mel Schreiner, Extension Entomologist for the Tri-River Area, will cover ten common insect pests affecting gardens and farms, discussing their identification, life cycles, and management. Attendees will gain practical, science-based strategies to protect crops while supporting beneficial insects and sustainable practices.
• Wildcrafting and Herbal Creations: Learn how you can support your family's health using "weeds". We will discuss 6 commonly found plants, where to find them, and how to make herbal oils, salves, and tinctures.
• Pressure Canning: Learn how to successfully can in a pressure canner with this hands-on class. From quality to safety, we will be discussing the basics behind why canning is a great way to save food and the different methods we use to can to make sure our end products are tasty and safe! This is a hands-on session and 10 participants are accepted on a first come first serve basis at the day of the event during check-in.
• Finding the Perfect Property: Join realtors Mark Covington and Nicole Goza, with over 40 years of combined experience, to explore what you should look for in a property that would allow you to raise and grow food successfully. Explore options in residential, commercial, farm and ranch, mountain, or vacant land. Benefit from their expertise in water rights, mineral rights, and 1031 exchanges to make informed property decisions.
• Pasture Management: Learn about why proper pasture management is important for good grass production. Explore how proper fertilization, irrigation, W**d control, hay cutting management, and grazing will keep your pasture productive for years.
• Backyard Orchards: This presentation will cover backyard/small scale tree fruit care and maintenance. We will discuss how to have a successful small orchard from soil health, tree selection, planting, pruning, and other care issues that may arise when growing fruit trees.
• Gardening: Description pending.
• Water Bath Canning: Learn how to successfully can in a water bath canner with this hands-on class. We will be discussing the basics behind why canning is a great way to save food and the different methods we use to can to make sure our end products are tasty and safe! This is a hands-on session and 10 participants are accepted on a first come first serve basis at the day of the event during check-in.
• Irrigation and Water use: : Description pending.
• Raising Chickens: Join Katie Alexander, the Small Acreage Specialist at CSU Extension to learn all about chickens! Learn the ins and outs of raising chickens, how to pick the right breed of bird for your needs (eggs vs. meat), and basic health care needs.
• Processing Chickens: Learn the ins and outs of how to process a meat bird. We'll teach about the equipment it takes to slaughter, butcher, and package whole chickens. This class consists of processing live birds. This is a hands-on session and 10 participants are accepted on a first come first serve basis at the day of the event during check-in
• Baking: Description pending.
• Building Farm Structures 101:Learn the basics of constructing small farm structures like sheds, coops, and barns. This workshop covers material selection, efficient designs, and building tips for creating sturdy, practical outbuildings to support your farm operations.
• Animal Care and Husbandry: Description pending.
• Foraging and Fungi: Learn how to ID edible mushrooms and where to find them. You'll also learn why fungi play a vital role in soil health and how to incorporate mushrooms on your homestead for consumption and soil health. If you attend this session you will be invited to spend additional time with the speaker on a family friendly foray on Sunday, October 5th on the Grand Mesa.

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