Crieff Hills Retreat Centre 7098 Concession 1 Puslinch, ON N0B 2J0
Event Information
Winter is the perfect time to learn how to produce your own honey, eggs, and vegetables plus preserve them, too! This winter, come to a series of free homesteading workshops made possible through the Puslinch Township grant program. These casual evenings will connect you with knowledgeable local teachers and you are welcome to attend whether you are a novice or a seasoned expert. Each presentation will include free coffee and refreshments, the workshop and resources for further exploration. Come to one or come to all four in the series but be sure to register early. Space is limited.
To register or for further information, contact Scott 519.824.7898 or email.
Join us for an evening of hive mind with our guest hosts, experienced beekeepers Rev. Ken and Shaunna MacQuarrie of Thorold, Ontario as we delve into the inspirational world of beekeeping. Once describing the apiarists' pursuit as "a rich experience of discovery, growth, pain, disappointment, connection, ecological engagement and wonder," Ken and Shaunna will offer insights on raising bees at a small to medium scale for both honey and for bees (nucs and queens). Crieff Hills Farm Manager Ryan Hayhurst will also be on hand to outline Crieff Hills' experience and plans for the future of our yard. Honey samples included.
Join guest hosts Marvin and RosaLee Metzger of Fergus, Ontario, proprietors of Feathered Acres Farm for an event focused on raising poultry in your yard or homestead. Marvin and RosaLee breed ducks, geese and Guinea fowl on their family farm, marketing birds for meat, eggs and small mixed farms like Crieff Hills. Bring all your questions and join us for a thoughtful discussion on mixed poultry flocks; we'll even introduce you to a couple of our own fowl, including our new Khaki Campbell ducks purchased from Feathered Acres in 2024. Crieff Hills Farm Manager Ryan Hayhurst will also join us to discuss the operation of the farm's mixed layer flock, ongoing quail production and seasonal broiler chicken systems. Farm fresh eggs will be available for purchase.
Join Crieff Hills Farm Manager Ryan Hayhurst for an event focused on vegetable production planning for the backyard, small farm and homestead. Ryan has been growing vegetables for markets since 2004 and brings a wide range of experience across different styles and scales of production. He will cover fundamentals of agroecological design from different frames of reference: soil health, crop selection/rotation, irrigation, cover cropping, greenhouse production, agroforestry and whole farm/food system scale perspectives. Hear what the 2025 growing season will look like at Crieff Hills Farm, too. Participants are encouraged to bring their questions and share plans for their own production spaces. Seed sharing is also encouraged: bring small packets of seeds from your garden if you have them and visit our seed swapping table.
Join Crieff Hills Retreat Centre sous Chef Nikki for a presentation and discussion focused on preserving your harvest or foraged ingredients. Explore various techniques including hang drying, infusions, curing, canning and using a dehydrator. Learn about food safety and how to preserve the flavours of the foods you love plus unusual recipes including syrups and cordials. Farm Manager Ryan Hayhurst will also offer advice on choosing the right vegetable and herb varieties for preservation. Crieff Hills jam and cordial tasting included.
