UCP Episode 007: Mastering “The Art of the Chicken Coop” – with Author/Carpenter Chris Gleason

Posted on May 1, 2013 by Jen Pitino

rustic chicken coop by faire 1two

So, you want to build a coop that is a little more substantial than the rustic example above, but you’ve never really built anything noteworthy in your life. Never fear – today’s episode is totally dedicated for those who are willing in spirit, but weak in skills. Chris Gleason, author and carpenter extraordinaire, is on this week’s episode to discuss his book, “The Art of the Chicken Coop,” and to tell you how you can master the art of coop building, even on your first attempt.

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UCP Episode 006: Chickens, Gardens & Everything Else Grandma Knew and You Don’t – But Can Learn at the Institute of Urban Homesteading

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Jen Pitino

Chickens in the Garden by steve p2008

In this modern world, we are in poor supply of the sensibilities and skills of our forefathers. Let’s face it – Grandma and Grandpa had a lot of ‘know-how’ and we are slipping into a nation of ‘know-nothings’. Not everyone is resigned to accept this disconnection with their heritage. In the past few years, there has been a surge in the number of urban classes and schools teaching city-dwellers how to rediscover traditional skills in the homesteading arts. Class-by-class, learned skill by learned skill, urbanites everywhere are becoming a little more self-sufficient and a lot more self-determining as they learn what their grandparents knew – how to create their own healthy, nutritious food sources and tend their own green spaces capably. Continue reading →