Homesteading Weekend with Lake Metroparks

Homesteading 2025 - Earl Linaburg

Whether you’re just starting your homesteading journey or looking to take your skills to the next level, join us January 17–18 for Homesteading Weekend at Lake Metroparks Farmpark. Access many of the valuable resources a homesteader could want in just one weekend. Join expert-led sessions, practice new skills hands-on, explore local vendors, network with fellow enthusiasts, and leave ready to put what you’ve learned into action.

Sessions cover a wide variety of subjects, including plant and soil health, homestead planning, maple sugaring, equipment use and maintenance, care of horses and livestock, food preparation and preservation, and more. Attendees can choose the sessions that fit their goals—whether learning the basics or building on existing knowledge—and each day ends with a question-and-answer session where local farmers share real-world successes and challenges from their own operations.

“Our staff is always happy to answer questions and offer tips to anyone interested in homesteading, but we’re especially excited to bring people together for Homesteading Weekend,” said Lake Metroparks Farmpark Assistant Administrator Steve Ohmes. “Visitors can learn directly from experts in their fields, connect with organizations and vendors, and gain practical knowledge they can use right away.”

New for 2026, young homesteaders ages 7 to 12 can participate in a children’s program with small, hands-on sessions designed to spark interest and build foundational skills in farming and homesteading.

Attendees can hear from a wide range of expert speakers, including:

·        Andy McGovern, Lake Metroparks Farmpark

·        Ann Chanon, Ohio State Extension Lake County

·        Danny Wylie, Lake Metroparks Farmpark

·        Diane Monreal, Ohio State Extension Lake County

·        Dr. Rob Schwartz DVM, Trinity Veterinary Hospital

·        Jason & Alyson Carroll, Raven Hooves Farm

·        Jen Freeman, Richards Maple

·        Jess Nestor, Meyer Hatchery

·        Johnathan & Kelsey Squibbs, Valley View Farm

·        Kevin Fowler, Fowler Seed Marketing

·        Mandy Orahood, Ohio Farm Bureau

·        Megan Hart, Lake Metroparks

·        PJ & Rachel Robison, Robison Equipment

·        Ralph Rice, Riceland Meadows Farm

·        Sandy Miller

·        Steve Ohmes, Lake Metroparks Farmpark & Working Traditions Farm

·        Tony Binkowski, Reveille Bakery LLC

·        Valerie Reinhardt, Lake Metroparks Farmpark (Retiree)

Guests can also explore and shop from local vendors offering products, services and resources that support sustainable, homestead-focused living.

Homesteading Weekend runs January 17–18 at Lake Metroparks Farmpark. Pre-registration is required. Daily registration fees are $35 for adults and $15 for children, and lunch is included. For more information and to register, visit https://goto.lakemetroparks.com/homesteading-weekend.

Lake Metroparks Farmpark is a working farm and education center located at 8800 Euclid Chardon Rd. in Kirtland (44094). Opened in 1990, the 235-acre farm features fields, gardens, and traditional farm buildings devoted to agriculture and farming. Farmpark’s mission is to provide a connection to our agricultural roots while helping visitors understand where their food and clothing come from.

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