“Home on the [City]“

Urban homesteading. What does that even mean you ask? An urban homestead is a household that generates the majority of the food consumed by the residents of the home. This may include produce and livestock, and it is associated with the desire to live in an environmentally conscious way. Urban homesteads often focus on things like resource reduction, creating an edible landscape, self-sufficient and sustainable living, recycling and composting, food preservation, and even community food-sourcing

Urban homesteading is a growing movement that has benefits not just for those on the homestead, but also for the environment. The farm to table movement has created serious interest in the idea of creating homesteads in the city. One urban homesteader from Mount Airy, PA, Anna Herman has been involved in the food and/ or agriculture industry for over thirty years. After creating an extensive urban homestead equipped with chickens, beehives, and veggies, Herman decided to teach others how to create their own urban homesteads.

As an advocate for sustainable living, Herman holds “backyard school sessions.” During these sessions, the trained chef and knowledgeable foodie introduces participants to elements of urban farming. By showing participants how to feed chickens, harvest honey, plant seeds, etc. Herman teaches them to add farming elements to city living.

There is something unique and rewarding about being able to sustain oneself in today’s culture. Anna Herman recognizes that, and she hopes that through her program she can bring people back to their roots, whether they live in the city or even in the suburbs. Herman also loves building connections with other residents of her community, whether it is inspiring youth or reminiscing with the older folk. Anna Herman hopes she can keep her sessions going for years to come, helping people to understand the positive impact of urban homesteading, so that they may be able to gradually create their own.

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20130808-ENTERTAIN-308080330

Written by Stacey Terlik