Are you looking to become more self-sufficient when it comes to the food and products you use but are not sure where to start?

Newtown Continuing Education is offering three new homesteading classes this spring that can solve that dilemma: Raising Backyard Chickens for the Beginner, Raising Goats, and Modern Homesteading.

All three programs are being taught by Michelle Nardozzi of Newbury Farm, with assistance from her good friend Forest Clinton of Milford, owner of Super Duper Seed Swap, for the Modern Homesteading classes.

“I think with [the term] ‘homesteading,’ people get the impression you have to be off-grid in the Alaskan bush, but what I’ve realized is homesteading really encompasses being self-sufficient and learning skills that were generations ago commonly done and practiced that enhance your abilities to eat healthier, live healthier, and be more aware of where your food comes from,” Ms Nardozzi explained.What is Homesteading?

It is about giving people the confidence to not have to solely rely on grocery stores or people to aid them in practices that can be done themselves.

Although Ms Nardozzi says she is by no means a homesteading expert, she developed a passion for gardening and farm life at a young age.

She says she loves sharing her farming experiences with others, whether in person or to friends from around the world online through social media, [naviga:u]instagram.com/newburyfarms[/naviga:u].

Ms Nardozzi has even become the self-proclaimed “#GoatBoss” after overcoming her prior feelings of intimidation with the animal.

As a result, she encourages everyone to embrace the idea that they can be a “#GoatBoss,” “#FlockBoss,” or “#GardenBoss” and not be scared to try new things. She even sells merchandise for these titles on Newbury Farm’s website, [naviga:u]newburyfarms.com[/naviga:u].

Raising Backyard Chickens For The Beginner

Those looking to find out what it takes to raise their own flock of happy chickens will want to take Raising Backyard Chickens for the Beginner. Ms Nardozzi will go over everything from chicken behavior, breeds of chickens, how to start a flock, coop and flock management, and what supplies to have.

Raising Backyard Chickens for the Beginner will have two classes, starting on Thursday, March 21, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, at the Newtown High School.

Raising Goats

Learn about raising goats from the #GoatBoss herself, Ms Nardozzi. She will inform participants about how to get started, breed types, how to keep goats healthy, what to get for supplies and shelter, and about goat milk.

Raising Goats will have one class on Thursday, April 4, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, at the Newtown High School.

Modern Homesteading

In the series of three Modern Homesteading classes, taught by Ms Nardozzi and Ms Clinton, students will be taught a variety of valuable skills that were frequently utilized by former generations. Classes can be signed up for individually or all together.

Session I will go over the basics of what homesteading is, how to get started, what makes it valuable, and what types of animals can be raised. The class will meet on Wednesday, May 8, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, at the Newtown High School.

Session II discusses the concept of seed saving, starting plants from seeds, seed swapping, and making Kombucha. Participants are encouraged to bring their own non-GMO seeds to swap at the meeting. The class will meet on Wednesday, May 15, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, at the Newtown High School.

Session III will focus on the process and supplies needed for making all natural, homemade lotion. The class will meet on Wednesday, May 22, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, at the Newtown High School.

How To Sign Up

To register by phone, call 203-426-1787 and pay by Visa, Master, Amex, or Discover Card; to register in person, visit the Newtown Continuing Education office located at Newtown High School, 12 Berkshire Road, open weekdays, from 9 am to 1 pm; to register by mail, complete the registration form in the spring brochure and send it with payment to Newtown Continuing Education, 12 Berkshire Road, Sandy Hook CT 06482; or to register by fax, complete the spring brochure form with payment and transmit it to 203-426-1787.

For more information, visit [naviga:u]newtown.schooldesk.net/Departments/Adult-Continuing-Education[/naviga:u].

For the full length article, see the February 22, 2019 print edition of the paper. Subscribe at [naviga:u]https://classadz.vdata.com/NewtownCTCirc/SelectOption.aspx[/naviga:u], or purchase at local selling points.