Gather & Grow
At Feral Ridge Ranch, we invite you to gather, learn, and grow alongside a community rooted in slow, intentional living.
Join us for hands-on workshops—both in-person and virtual—focused on homesteading skills, off-grid living, and seasonal rhythms.
We strive to bring people together for food, laughter, and shared connection with the land. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned steward, you’ll find space here to build skills, confidence, and community.
What’s Next?
See below for a list of upcoming events. Click on the event to learn more!
Falling into Rhythm: A Fall Homestead Reset
Ready to hit pause and savor the last sweet moments of summer before fall arrives? Join us for a warm and welcoming online chat all about slowing down, letting go, and setting yourself up for a peaceful, joyful autumn. This is a fun way to connect with others who love seasonal living and an opportunity to share what’s worked (and what hasn’t!) during this time of year. Swap tips, and feel inspired by a supportive community.
Together, we’ll:
Reflect on the lessons this year’s growing season has taught us
Talk seasonal prep for your pantry, garden, and homestead
Share suggestions on how to create cozy routines and healthy boundaries to protect your energy as the holidays approach
Ground ourselves before the season changes and a new set of priorities arise.
All are welcome! There is no charge for this online event. Just bring your favorite tea, a comfy chair, and your curiosity! This is the perfect little reset to help you embrace autumn with calm and intention.
Natural Soap and Salve Making - Virtual Event - 9/16, 7-8:30pm
This lively, beginner-friendly chat is the perfect way to dip your toes into the world of soap and salve making — no messy kitchen required! We won’t be making anything live together — instead, this is an educational and inspiring conversation designed to help you understand the "why" and "how" behind crafting your own natural skincare products. You’ll leave feeling confident and excited to try it on your own when the time is right.
We’ll walk through the basics of soap chemistry, how to safely work with ingredients, and how to select the best herbs, oils, and waxes for your needs. You’ll also discover how to craft healing herbal infusions, blend scents naturally, and troubleshoot common issues — all in a fun, low-pressure setting with plenty of space to ask questions and share ideas.
You’ll get a printable guide on using different oils and butters in soap and salves plus 10 beginner-friendly recipes to help you get started after the class — including those with and without goat’s milk, tallow, and lard, as well as herbal blends for skin soothing, deep moisture, and natural scent.
There will be plenty of time for questions, note-taking, and open discussion — so come as you are, bring your favorite drink, and get ready to soak up some practical, down-to-earth knowledge.
Perfect for beginners, homesteaders, makers, or anyone curious about natural, DIY skincare.
Homestead Honey's: Fall Harvest Potluck
We will be having our Fall Homestead Honey’s Meet-Up and Harvest Potluck Picnic at the ranch on Sunday, October 5th from 1-4pm. This meetup will be at no cost and will be open to the whole family. If you’d like to bring partners or kids feel free, but please leave the pets at home. If you’d like to enjoy a little YOU time, that’s ok too! Either way, we’d love to see ya!
What’s a Harvest Potluck Picnic? It’s a meal we share together with things grown from our land or local farmers. We’ll plan to do this picnic style so don’t forget your dish, and chair or blanket. Disposable plates, cups, and utensils will be provided. If you’re feeling frisky wear your bathing suit and bring a towel for a little cold plunge. Long plants and closed toed shoes are recommended for walking through the property.
Although, there is no fee, we do ask that you RSVP to help us get an estimated headcount. In the event of inclement weather, we’ll plan for a rain date. However, be sure to dress for the weather so that you can enjoy the great outdoors.
*RSVP and location details will be provided closer to the event.
Homestead Honeys: Holiday Make and Take
Who doesn’t love cozy afternoon of crafting and getting into the holiday spirit. In this hands-on, outdoor workshop, you’ll make and take three beautiful, giftable creations using natural materials and homestead-inspired ingredients including a:
Pine Needle Wreath
Herbal Infused Honey
Dried Orange Garland
We'll provide all the materials, instruction, and inspiration you need to create. A hot chocolate bar and light refreshments will be served. The entire event will be held outdoors, so please dress warmly and bring layers to stay comfortable.
Whether you're gathering handmade gifts or simply want to slow down and soak up the season, we’d love to welcome you.
*Cost: $50/ per person. RSVP and location details will be provided closer to the event.
Homestead Honeys - Visit to Lara's Luffa
Curious about growing luffa? Lara of Lara’s Luffas has invited us to her very own garden to learn more about how to grow luffa and all of it’s amazing uses.
Lara has maintained a garden for over 3o years alongside her husband. Years ago she looking for plants that would be great pollinators and I expanded her garden to include Luffa.
This led to an explosion of Luffa, which she then learned how to harvest and dry. She began using these Luffa Sponges in my kitchen for cleaning dishes, fruit, vegetables and eggs from our chickens and in the bath. Looking for alternative uses for her Luffa Sponges, she began to hand pour Luffa embedded soap - glycerin and goat's milk.
Learn more about Lara’s Luffa here.
This event will take place (Varina) Henrico Va 23231. Exact address will be e-mailed 1 week prior to event.
Homestead Honeys - Visit to Ida Belle Meadows
It’s almost time to get back into the garden! Join is for a visit to Ida Belle Meadows Homestead (Louisa, Va) on Sunday, 3/2. from 1-4 pm. We will be helping with Spring garden prep followed by a Seed Swap.
Ida Belle Meadows is the home of Melanie who loves to do all of the things! She cans, raises chickens, pigs, goats, rabbits, and gardens on her 5 acre homestead in Louisa, Va.
Learn more about what’s she’s doing here.
This event will take place Louisa, Va 23093. Exact address will be e-mailed 1 week prior to event.
Sip and Dream Sesh
We will be having our January Homestead Honey’s Meet-Up at River Dog Winery on Sunday, January 26th from 3-6pm. If you’d like to bring friends, kids, or even your dog, feel free. If you’d like to enjoy a little YOU time, that’s ok too! This meet-up is geared towards you and your goals. Either way River Dog is totally family friendly.
Supplies for creating vision boards, calendars, etc. will be provided. You are welcome to bring in food and non-alcoholic beverages, however, there is a great wine list if you choose to partake. Delivery options are limited in the area so please plan accordingly. Don’t forget to dress layers in layers, in the event that the weather allows us to enjoy the outdoor firepit.
Location: River Dog Winery7959 Bradbury Rd, Richmond, VA 23231. You will receive an e-mail reminder with this information as the event approaches.
Although, there is no fee, we do ask that you RSVP so that you do register for the event to allow us to provide a rough headcount to the winery and provide the necessary supplies. If you’d like to make a small donation towards supplies help make this event possible, you may do so below.
Harvest Potluck Picnic
We will be having our Fall Homestead Honey’s Meet-Up and Harvest Potluck Picnic at River Dog Winery on Sunday, October 6th from 3-7pm. This meetup will be at no cost and will be open to the whole family. If you’d like to bring partners, friends, kids, or even your dog, feel free! If you’d like to enjoy a little YOU time, that’s ok too! Either way River Dog is totally family friendly.
What’s a Harvest Potluck Picnic? It’s a meal we share together with things grown from our land or local farmers. We’ll plan to do this picnic style so don’t forget your blanket. Disposable plates, cups, and utensils will be provided. We are free to bring in any food or non-alcoholic beverages. Delivery options are limited in the area. If you think you may want additional food outside of the potluck, please plan accordingly.
Although, there is no fee, we do ask that you RSVP so that you do register for the event to allow us to provide a rough headcount to the winery. In the event of inclement weather, there is plenty of space for us indoors. However, be sure to dress for the weather so that you can enjoy the scenic outdoor seating area.
Location: River Dog Winery7959 Bradbury Rd, Richmond, VA 23231. You will receive an e-mail reminder with this information as the event approaches.
Please only submit 1 RSVP for your group. You will be able to update the number of people in your group after you select the option to RSVP.
Want to see more events like this?
Our goal is to provide meaningful opportunities for community building while supporting local businesses. Donate below to help us continue offering these meet-ups and more!
Hopewell Farmers Market
Browse a great selection of vendors on Thursdays
at the Hopewell Farmer’s Market!
Library Street, Downtown Hopewell
Hopewell Farmers Market
Browse a great selection of vendors on Thursdays
at the Hopewell Farmer’s Market!
Library Street, Downtown Hopewell
Composting Outhouse Workshop
Join us Sunday, September, 8th at 9:30am for an Outhouse Building and Composting Workshop. We will construct a simple outhouse build and discuss the many benefits of composting including the difference between hot and cold composting. This workshop is a great opportunity for those wanting to try their hand at a simple building project while learning about an important aspect of maintaining healthy soil. Each participant will also receive a small vermi-composting bin to take home.
This workshop will be held at Moonrise Farmstead located at
2964 King William Rd, Aylett, VA 23009.
Cancellation Policy: We get it, life happens. If you find you cannot attend, please request a cancellation at least 72 hours before by texting Meg at 703-863-2300. A credit will be issued for a future workshop or purchase. Due to the nature of our events, refunds are not available.
Payment is necessary to reserve your date/time for a class.
Feral Ridge Ranch, LLC reserves the right to cancel a workshop at any time including but not limited to reasons such as inclement weather, in this case, every attempt will be made to reschedule the workshop if we are unable to do so you will be issued a full refund.
Hopewell Farmers Market
Browse a great selection of vendors on Thursdays
at the Hopewell Farmer’s Market!
Library Street, Downtown Hopewell
Hot Corn Summer
Hot Corn Summer
A Dance Party for ALL
August 24th, 2024 | 4-10pm
[Baby Rave: 4-6pm]
at Moonrise Farmstead
For years we’ve heard your requests for more family-friendly fun, we are so excited to be co-sponsoring this kid-friendly event from our buddies at Moonrise Farmstead. Bring all your friends for a farm-tastic summer evening and let loose on the dance floor!
Option to camp overnight 🏕️ lawn games, 3 DJ sets, delicious food, sprinkler to cool off , and lots of good vibes! 🌈 Hope you can join 🥰
Hopewell Farmers Market
Browse a great selection of vendors on Thursdays
at the Hopewell Farmer’s Market!
Library Street, Downtown Hopewell
Hopewell Farmer's Market
Browse a great selection of vendors each Thursday at the Hopewell Farmer’s Market!
Farmstand
Browse a selection of eggs, honey, fresh produce, and handcrafted goods. Hours are self-serve and run on an honor system.
Farmstand
Browse a selection of eggs, honey, fresh produce, and handcrafted goods. Hours are self-serve and run on an honor system.
Farmstand
Browse a selection of eggs, honey, fresh produce, and handcrafted goods. Hours are self-serve and run on an honor system.
Hopewell Farmer's Market
Browse a great selection of vendors each Thursday at the Hopewell Farmer’s Market!
Farmstand
Browse a selection of eggs, honey, fresh produce, and handcrafted goods. Hours are self-serve and run on an honor system.
Farmstand
Browse a selection of eggs, honey, fresh produce, and handcrafted goods. Hours are self-serve and run on an honor system.
Farmstand
Browse a selection of eggs, honey, fresh produce, and handcrafted goods. Hours are self-serve and run on an honor system.
Farmstand
Browse a selection of eggs, honey, fresh produce, and handcrafted goods. Hours are self-serve and run on an honor system.