Our Story
It’s our mission to help you start living your homestead dream - whether that’s in the city, country, or somewhere in between.
Hey there neighbor,
We are Julie and Kevin. We have devoted our professional careers to wild animals and wild places, but we got serious about healthy living after Kevin was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and Julie was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Now we are on a mission to make sustainability simple whether you live in the city, country, or somewhere in between.
For a long time we thought we couldn’t be homesteaders since we didn’t own land. All the while we were learning to grow our food, cook from scratch, and build other self-sufficiency skills.
After years of living in urban and suburban rental units, we made our country living dream come true in 2018. We live on a little less than 2 acres in the Snoqualmie Valley of Washington State.
It wasn’t until we moved to our own rural property that we realized we had been homesteading all along, even if it didn’t look quite like the scenes from Laura Ingalls Wilder’s book, Little House on the Prairie. Everything we learned up until that point allowed us to hit the ground running and avoid many common mistakes.
The truth is that anyone willing to use their mind, heart, and hands to create some of what they need to survive can flourish as a homesteader. What we know to be true is there is no one right way to homestead, only the way that’s right for you.
We know from our own experience that choosing this path isn’t easy, especially if you didn’t grow up in it. But it is deeply satisfying. And the world needs all of us - now more than ever - to live our everyday lives in a good way.
We are so glad you are here, reading these words. We want to help you learn new skills and find the courage to live your own homestead dream. Welcome to the neighborhood!
Kevin
Originally from the Midwest, Kevin developed a passion for the natural world at a young age during many family trips to National Parks. He channeled that passion into a professional path earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology from Iowa State University. Specializing in natural history and wildlife rehabilitation, Kevin has spent 30 years helping animals and people. In his day job he is a Humane Law Enforcement Officer.
Julie
Developing a love of nature as a young child along the shores of Puget Sound, Julie went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree at The Evergreen State College. Specializing in environmental education, cultural history and wildlife rehabilitation, she has spent 25 years working to help people connect with the natural world. In her day job she is a Park Ranger.
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What is Homesteading?
Have you ever wondered what homesteading is exactly? Or how to answer the question, “Why homestead when you can just go to the grocery store?” This article covers these questions and much more.
6 Secrets to Homesteading with Chronic Pain and Illness
Homesteading with chronic illness and pain can present different challenges. The fatigue that we experience is real. Yet homesteading can also be an incredible path to healing. In this article Julie shares six secrets that have helped them not just survive but thrive as homesteaders.
Hey There Neighbor! Will You Join Us?
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