Nonprofit empowers through homesteading

SANDPOINT — Medicinal gardening will be featured in the next Bonner County Chapter of the National Ladies Homesteading Gathering meeting.

Healthy soils, garden site preparation, seed collection, and propagation techniques are just a few of the topics that will be covered by guest speaker Anna Hebard on Saturday Jan. 20. 

“All levels of interest and experience in homesteading are welcome,” NLHG officials said on the event page. “No acreage or livestock required. This journey is different for each of us. We respect and celebrate that.”

The nonprofit, which has chapters across the country, aims to empower women through homesteading, officials said.

“Remember, homesteading doesn't mean you have to do it all yourself,” officials said. “Come build a homesteading support system.”

Each chapter hosts meetings that offer tools and education that can help those interested in homesteading begin or continue a more self-sustaining lifestyle. 

“It’s not about the number of acres you live on; it’s not about the number or variety of animals you own; it’s not even about how full your pantry is at this very moment,” officials said on the NLHG website. “Homesteading is all about your desire to live a more self-reliant lifestyle, using what you have in your hands right now.”

Saturday’s meeting will be held at New Song Bible Church, 470250 U.S. 95, Sagle starting at 1 p.m.

The nonprofit will also be hosting an “Herbal Afternoon” at Sandpoint Senior Center at 3 p.m. on Jan. 28. 

At this event, participants will have the chance to dive a little deeper into herbs and medicinals, and what they can be used for, as well as participate in an herbal make-and-take.

Women who are 16 years old and older are welcome, officials said.