This is a place for dreamers, the secret backyard chicken keepers, the collectors of lost knowledge, the industrious gardener, and the hopefully curious. This is a place for all who have dreams of living a sustainable life connected to history and the community they live in. We believe that a person can live a sustainable homesteading life no matter where they are. There is never a need to wait until it’s perfect or the right time. A person with herbs on their windowsill, a kitchen gardener,  friends taking knitting classes, a home with a flock of backyard chickens, these are the modern homesteaders. Do what you can, where you are, and live a joyous life doing so.

Meet Jessica

I live in beautiful Northeast Oregon near Wallowa Lake, where I spend my days gardening, caring for our small homestead, and enjoying the incredible beauty of the Pacific Northwest. My passion for growing food began years ago and has evolved into a lifestyle centered around self-sufficiency, community, and sustainable living.

For more than 15 years, I have been involved in nearly every aspect of farmers markets—from vendor and grower participation to market management, event planning, community outreach, and supporting local food systems. Today, I serve as the manager of the Wallowa County Farmers Market, where I have the privilege of working with local farmers, ranchers, gardeners, artisans, and food producers who are passionate about bringing fresh, locally produced goods to our community.

My years in the farmers market world have given me a deep appreciation for sustainable agriculture, small businesses, and the people who work hard to grow and create the products we enjoy every day. I love helping connect consumers with local producers and encouraging others to grow, preserve, and enjoy their own food.

At home, my husband and I steward a small-acreage homestead where we focus on making the most of every square foot. I enjoy finding creative ways to grow abundant food, raise chickens, preserve harvests, and build a productive homestead without needing a large amount of land. I believe that a rewarding homesteading lifestyle is possible on almost any size property and love sharing practical ideas that help others do the same.

My goal is to share practical, real-world experiences that help others feel confident taking the next step in their own homesteading journey.

Meet April

I call Alaska home, where long winters, endless summer daylight, and a rugged landscape have shaped my approach to homesteading and sustainable living. As a biologist with a deep love of nature, I’ve spent much of my life observing and appreciating the connections between people, wildlife, and the environment around us.

Living in the far north comes with unique challenges, but it also offers countless opportunities to learn resilience, resourcefulness, and a profound respect for the natural world. My scientific background, combined with a lifelong passion for the outdoors, influences everything I do—from gardening and food preservation to exploring ways to live more sustainably.

I enjoy gardening in a short growing season, preserving the harvest, cooking from scratch, and finding practical ways to make the most of what each season has to offer. Alaska has taught me that successful homesteading isn’t about perfection—it’s about adaptability, creativity, and a willingness to keep learning.

Through My Casual Homestead, I enjoy sharing the lessons I’ve learned, the projects I’m working on, and the joys and challenges of northern living. I hope to encourage others to embrace the homesteading journey in whatever way fits their lifestyle, climate, and goals.

Whether you’re gardening in Alaska, Oregon, or anywhere in between, there’s always something new to learn, grow, and discover in the natural world.