Spend a summer morning exploring the finer details involved in small scale, sustainable, natural fiber production. Join Elaine Vandiver of Old Homestead Alpacas, a US Army combat veteran turned first generation farmer, as she shares how she manages and raises 25 alpacas to produce a line of farm- raised knitwear and specialty yarns.
The workshop will focus on all things alpaca, from breeding and birthing to basic care and beyond. Animal husbandry demonstrations, along with discussions on pasture management and rotational grazing, will give participants an overview of alpaca ranching. A hands-on discussion on commercial and hand fiber processing, complete with a fiber ‘tasting’, will provide participants a true appreciation for the farm-to-needle journey.
No trip to her farm would be complete without a glimpse back into the property’s awe-inspiring homestead heritage. On display will be enlarged copies of the original, handwritten documents that chronicle the farm’s settlement dating back to 1870 and will culminate in the conveyance of
the land to the original homesteader by signature of President Ulysses S. Grant. This will be a complete sensory event with a little bit of something for everyone!
For more information about this event, please contact Lauren Platman at lauren@bmlt.org or 509-525-3136.
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Suitability: Open to ages 10+. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Difficulty: Involves short walks and standing for periods of time.
Things to Bring: Sturdy walking shoes, hat with a brim, sunglasses and sunscreen, refillable water bottle, camera, journal, and sense of adventure.