Maker's Long Acres hosts tour
EVIE SEABERG | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years, 6 months AGO
I graduated from California Baptist University in April 2021 and was ready for a change of scenery, which is what brought me to North Idaho. Currently, I’m enjoying being newly married. My husband and I spend our weekends huckleberry picking, working on home improvement projects, taking my husky Judah on walks, spoiling our kitten Opal, and making plans to travel while we earn the means to do so. I love hanging out with family, studying indigenous arts and culture, going on outdoor adventures and creating wood-burning projects. I’m also always down for a casual debate about anything from philosophy and politics to the best local coffee shops. My childhood was filled with dreams of working in almost every field — archeologist, architect, writer, historian, aviator and mathematician were just a few titles I hoped to hold one day. After my first semester in college, I found myself wondering how choosing a major was ever going to be in the cards for me. But, with a little help from friends and family, I realized that the title of “journalist” is a good title for someone who is interested in a little bit of everything. When you can’t be everything, you can always write about everything. | April 24, 2024 1:00 AM
SAGLE — Piglets, goats and bunnies, oh my.
Those are just a few of the critters that will be making an appearance during the homeschool tour day at Makers Long Acres in Sagle. The class, which is open to the public, will explore the origins of food, and offer students a chance to meet farm animals.
“Kids can roll up their sleeves and assist in feeding, caring for animals, and even try their hand at milking and gathering eggs, if our goat ladies and chickens are ready,” owners Trina and Kyle Johnson said on the farm stand’s website.
Once the tour concludes, parents can explore the farm stand while children enjoy choosing free stickers or even emu feathers as souvenirs from their farm experience, Maker’s Long Acres owner, Trina Johnson said
The Johnsons have been offering classes on and off of their farm for several years. One week-long child-focused “ag-ucation” booth at Bonner County Fair has been instrumental in fostering their connection with the community, Johnson said.
“Ag-ucation is our passion and connecting families to their food supply is the cornerstone to all that we do here,” Johnson said.
Makers Long Acres hosts many classes and tours throughout the year, including two-day large animal processing workshops, ricotta cheese making, various livestock, 101 classes and many more.
“It's incredibly fulfilling to empower others to take control of their food sources,” she said. “Our commitment to connecting the community to their food is at the heart of everything we do. Whether it's teaching classes on-site or engaging with neighbors at county fairs, markets, and various events, we are passionate about helping others take control of their food supply.”
A highlight for the couple is seeing people inspired to raise their own livestock after witnessing their work on the farm firsthand.
“Additionally, it really is true — some of the best memories are made at the farm,” she said. “We can't overlook the highlights of the moments when children experience the joy of petting their favorite animals for the first time, snuggle newborn critters or marvel at the sight of our emus. The laughter that fills the air when they try their hand at milking one of our goats or cows adds to the wonder. These are the moments that make up a lifetime, and it's likely that these little kiddos will one day be telling their own children about the magical experiences they had here.”
The homeschool tour will be hosted at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 1, at Maker’s Long Acres, 21 Shepherd Lake Loop, Sagle. Pre-registration is required. Each family is $20 for up to 5 people.
“At Maker's Long Acres, we're honored to be a part of creating cherished memories that span generations,” Johnson said. “Through these experiences, we hope to inspire a greater appreciation for where our food comes from and empower our community to take control of their food supply. It's not just about the moments; it's about shaping a sustainable and fulfilling future for all.”
Information: makerslongacres.com/events-and-classes
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