Workshops 2025

Join in a hands-on exploration using two real life sites (one for a small town lot and one for a larger rural homestead) of how to use Permaculture Principles to develop and design for long term sustainability. We will look at integrating food production, rainwater capture, energy production, buildings, landscape features, soils, topography, orientation, weather patterns and so much more to maximize outputs while minimizing inputs. This workshop is for anyone who wants to develop a more sustainable home or homesite and is taught by long time Permaculture Instructor Harvey Harman, who has applied these techniques in many different settings.

Using outdoor cooking techniques still used in Mexican and African Villages, learn traditional techniques and recipes for cooking directly on hot coals, in cast iron pots of varying sizes, and with grills and and simple accessories. Learn how to manage a fire for best results, what woods to use, how to gauge cooking times, and how to maximize flavors and tastes. Leticia  grew up in a rural Mexican Village where most cooking was done outside and she still does a significant amount of her and her families cooking outside at her homesite in North Carolina. Nancy lived for 5 years in a rural village in Southern Africa where she learned many techniques of outdoor cooking from her village neighbors.

Join herb farmer and herbalist Henrietta Cummings for a workshop on how to successfully grow and process your own herbs. We will cover planning which herbs to grow and locating the plants based on your needs, the plants’ needs, and your property, when to start from seed and when to purchase plants, resources for both, planting, tending annuals and maintaining perennials. We will also cover which herbs you can dry for herbal tea (tisane) and methods for drying and making, methods for infusing herbs in honey or vinegar, herbs that do well infused in oil for creams and salves, which herbs and methods for processing into syrups, herbs for poultices and more. Workshop will include lecture and walking to nearby cultivated and wild plants while we discuss how to grow, harvest, and process these plants.

Learn the Fail Proof Gardening Method developed and led by Harvey Harman, a long time organic farmer/gardener, that allows anyone to have success at Gardening.  Follow simple, easy to implement principles for great gardening results that allow you to save money, eat healthier, get good exercise, connect to nature, and develop long term food reliability.

Join Herb Farmer and plant enthusiast Erin Cummings for a fun and educational wild medicinal and edible plant walk.   We will explore common useful plants of the NC Piedmont on a walk through a diversity of ecosystems.   Learn how to identify and use the natural abundance that surrounds us.  Using our various senses we will learn to identify, harvest, and use a variety of diverse plants for food and health.

Explore the color growing around us in this hands-on natural dyeing workshop. We'll learn about the natural dye plants that grow in the NC Piedmont, then learn how to use them to dye samples of natural fiber textiles.You will learn the fundamentals of the natural dyeing process: equipment, dye materials, processes, preparing and mordanting different fibers, and responsible foraging. Participants will also learn about resources for learning more and acquiring materials.

Goats and Sheep are popular livestock choices because of their versatility, size, and many potential uses and benefits.   They can be used for food, fiber, weed and brush control, nutrient management, control of invasive or problematic plants, companionship, and so much more. Learn the basics of raising sheep and goats on small acreage.  This workshop covers common breeds to consider, food sources, fencing requirements, disease and pest management, amount of pasture/browse needed, shelter requirements, tips for getting started or expanding your herd, issues specific to raising sheep and goats in our region, predator issues, and common issues encountered.   Learn from local goat farmer C.L. Hickerson and sheep farmer Amy Kidd as they share their experiences, knowledge, and why they enjoy raising goats and sheep.

(Special attraction:  feeding baby goats!)

This hands-on  workshop will begin with a brief discussion of  weaving  materials: created, purchased  and foraged.   The session will be led by  Sue Szary, owner of Twin Birch &  TEASEL Fiber Studio in Siler City.  Guest weaving guides will assist with  the mechanics of  manipulating several types of weaving looms,  process and techniques.   All  materials are included and no weaving experience is necessary.  Breathe deeply, release your fibery creativity and have fun.

Learn to spin on a spinning wheel with the Deep River Folk School!  Join Grace McFetters Caldwell as she demonstrates and teaches students the fundamentals of drafting fiber into yarn using a spinning wheel.  Students will learn the parts and pieces of a spinning wheel, how to make a functioning wheel operate, and how to identify fiber that can be used for spinning, and finally, how to turn that fiber into yarn.  This ancient craft is still going strong and is a meditative and highly creative craft!

Students are encouraged to bring their own spinning wheel if they are in operating condition.  The Instructor and the Deep River Folk School will have a few wheels on hand, so please let us know if you will need to borrow a wheel to take the course.

‍