What is this course?
In this course, Quail Springs offers practical information and activities that will catalyze a deepening relationship with what sustains you. A land-based life isn't something that is done solely in rural areas; urban dwellers can take simple steps towards cultivating this connection. In this course you’ll explore how to work with climate characteristics, water, soil, gardening, animal husbandry, making cheese & ferments, creating a home herbal apothecary, and much more!
There are so many different roads you can take while exploring a land-based life, and the path you take is totally up to you. This course offers practical and achievable steps to incorporate land-based living into your life and community.

Why this course?
This Land-Based Living Course is for you if you are interested in following a way of life that brings you closer to nature or if you would simply like to expand your skill set.
A land-based life doesn’t have to be an all or nothing choice, but rather a process of connection that is cultivated over time. You may have a goal of residing on a few acres, or living vibrantly in your apartment complex or in the suburbs. This online Land-Based Living Course supports the many pathways to more skillful living no matter where you live.
Why Quail Springs?
Quail Springs has been teaching in-person courses for almost 2 decades! Thousands of students from around the world have gained land-based and community building skills with us and have gone on to do change-making work in their communities and in their own lives.
Our teaching staff are farmers, activists, builders, and thinkers who not only teach, but also advocate regionally and internationally for policy change. Our activism is currently focused on regional groundwater advocacy & preservation, and the legalization of climate appropriate earthen building. Quail Springs’ teaching staff includes both instructors who are residents at Quail Springs’ site, and instructors who live elsewhere and have contributed their expertise to this virtual course.
Together. Online.
CURRENTLY IN SESSION
Registration opens in the Winter of 2022
In the meantime, you can sign up for our newsletter and follow us to stay up to date on our future courses.
Preview the course curriculum
Climate and Climate Characteristics
- Introduction to Climate and Climate Characteristics
Water
- Water Ethics with Brenton Kelly
- Water in Design
- Rainwater Harvesting with Nicholas Holmes
- Site Tour: Greywater and Rainwater Systems with Brad Lancaster
Earthworks
- Planting the Rain with Warren Brush
- Small Scale Earthworks Demonstration with Brenton Kelly
Soils
- Living Soils
- Compost
Gardening
- Gardening 101 with Oscar Carmona
- In the Quail Springs Garden
- Growing Your Own Mushrooms Outdoors for Food, Medicine, and Ecological Services with Danielle Stevenson
Animals
- Integrating Animal Systems
- Beekeeping
- Chicken Systems
- Goat Systems
In the Kitchen
- Cheesemaking and Dairy Fermentation
- Vegetable Fermentation
- Bone Broth Basics
- Creating a Home Herbal Apothecary
Waste
- Waste and Bioremediation with Danielle Stevenson
- Greywater Systems with Nicholas Holmes
Bonus Lesson!
- Making Sourdough Bread