Workshops, Events & Groups

“Sustainable Settings’ unique setting and whole systems curriculum provided my students with insight into the bigger picture of our society’s culture of consumption and gave the students first hand experience in ways to reduce our impacts through awareness and thoughtful choices.

Our students are now meeting with the head of the school and board members to explore actions to reduce our school’s carbon footprint and bring local food into our lunch program. This is a direct result of their experiences during our stay with Sustainable Settings. The students now feel empowered to educate and create change.

I have taken many classes on a wide range of trips and none have provided as powerful and life changing learning as Sustainable Settings.”

– Ryan Jaret, Environmental Education Teacher, Logan School for Creative Learning

Workshops

Gardening with Cosmic Rhythms

Saturday, March 28th 2026
10 AM - 12 PM

Join us for the first class in a two-part series exploring Biodynamic Agriculture, a holistic approach to farming and gardening that integrates ecological science, cosmic rhythms, and a deeper relationship with the living world.

This introductory class explores the foundational principles of biodynamics, including how lunar and planetary rhythms influence plant growth and how the farm or garden can be understood as a living organism.

Through discussion and hands-on observation practices, participants will learn to sharpen their perception of natural processes and begin to see the subtle relationships between soil, plants, water, and the wider cosmos.

Whether you are a gardener, farmer, or simply curious about deeper ways of working with nature, this class offers an inspiring introduction to biodynamic thinking and practice.

Participants are welcome to take Class 1 individually, or attend both classes for a deeper dive into the science and philosophy of biodynamic agriculture.

Bee Guardians

Saturday, May 16th & Sunday, May 17th 2026
10 AM - 3 PM

Session 1 covers more than just the bee basics, which is a misnomer because there is nothing basic about the bees! 
Corwin paints a fascinating picture of how bee genetics informs survivor behavior traits, how these traits make up the bees' behavioral immune system and directly relate to survivability.  In Session1 Corwin launches into the big picture of the bees as a super organism, why we teach bee keeping the way we do and why we designed the type of hives we use.  We compare and contrast not only different hive styles generally used by the majority of bee keepers, but we also explore the various management practices which will clearly demonstrate how a natural Bee Guardian approach creates a sustainable habitat for the bees. Once we learn the bee basics, understand the individual types of bees in the colony, and can identify and discern the various combs and their uses in the nest, we will have the foundation to continue with Session 2.

In Session 2 we go through step-by-step management practices during the seasons of the hive. We learn to "read" combs from different locations in the honey bee nest and assess their condition, their state of health and many other factors. Corwin demonstrates unique techniques for hive management, presents a "time lapse" perspective of how the honey bee nest is initially created, how it evolves over the first year and how it is sustained over the years through careful observation and applying specific management techniques using right timing. By the end of Session 2 you should be able to identify colony problems, apply solutions and be able to assess what to do for your bees in just about every circumstance that you will encounter. Session 2 is also when we get to see how Corwin approaches the hives and how he flows with the energy of the bees and moves through the hive, weather permitting.

Building Fertility in your Gardens

Saturday, April 25th 2026
10 AM - 12 PM

In this second class of our Biodynamic Agriculture series, we dive into one of the most fascinating aspects of biodynamic farming: the biodynamic preparations.

These unique compost and field preparations are made from medicinal herbs, minerals, and animal organs and are used to enhance soil vitality, stimulate microbial life, and strengthen the relationship between plants and their environment.

In this class we will explore the preparations through both scientific and spiritual perspectives, examining how biological processes such as decomposition, microbial transformation, and nutrient cycling relate to the deeper energetic principles described in biodynamic agriculture.

Participants will learn how the preparations support soil structure, fungal balance, and plant vitality, and how they can be applied in gardens and farms.

This class can be taken on its own, though it pairs beautifully with the introductory class offered in August.

Dowsing 101 The Practical Art

Saturday, May 23rd 2026
1 PM - 4 PM

Whether you are new to this and just curious or a seasoned pro, this workshop intensive will help you discover and or expand a most priceless life skill. Dowsing 101 is an introduction into the art of dowsing as a means to communicate in other realms. Come together to learn how to read the land, diagnose frequencies and forces in and around your home, measure the quality and quantity in all things, and open you to, in short, how to “talk” with All of The Life We Co-create With. Participants will leave with the fundamentals of how to move with greater sensitivity in the world practically. The only pre requisite is an open mind and heart. Buckle up!

Heirloom Education Presents:
Sheepskin Hide Tanning & Animal Processing

Thursday, June 4th - Sunday, June 7th 2026

Join us at Sustainable Settings outside Carbondale, Colorado for 4 days of sheepskin hide tanning and animal processing. We will be utilizing the whole animal as we start the weekend off with a humane animal slaughter, followed by 3 days of brain tanning sheepskin rugs.

We will be joined by Gabe Crawford, professional butcher, for our animal processing day. Students can expect to learn all aspects of a humane and honorable harvest of a sheep including processing and butchery. We will feast this evening and be eating from the lamb throughout the weekend.

The rest of the weekend, we will dive deep into the art, craft and science of brain tanning sheepskin rugs. Students will tan their own hide and walk away with the knowledge to tan many different types of hides. We will have tanning talks and demonstrations sprinkled in throughout the weekend.

The animal processing is available as a stand alone class on Thursday June 4th.

Spring Prep

Friday, June 12th and Saturday, June 13th 2026

9 AM - 5 PM

$600 per person, includes two lunches & one dinner

Join us at Sustainable Settings for this illuminating 2-day intensive of on-ranch Biodynamic (BD) preparation making. Participants will help make the Biodynamic preparations and through whiteboard talks and demonstrations learn the history, and the who, what, and why of how Biodynamic Agriculture and how it can enhance the quality and quantity of life in/on your garden, farm, ranch, orchard or vineyard.

These preparations will be made with native foraged and specifically grown flowers, herbs, tree barks and sheaths to create homeopathic remedies that regenerate soil and heal the land. Third party scientific laboratory soil tests and empirical testimonials from chefs and customers as well as recommendations on how to begin to establish a Whole Farm Organism will be shared.

Hands-On Practicum:
· Making BD 501 Horn Silica, BD 502 Yarrow and BD 504 Nettle
· Unearthing the preparations buried last fall
· Practical training in dowsing and homeopathic potentization

Lecture topics:
· Demystifying the preps -the significance of the materials
· Describing the physical and subtle cosmic forces of each prep

Tour of Biodynamic ranch systems
This workshop is intended to bring Biodynamics into your daily farming and gardening practice, introducing you to the main Biodynamic land therapies, and best dates for working with positive astronomical influences for the whole farm.

A year-long initiatory seminar including a four day on-ranch intensive & bi-monthly two hour long webinars to follow.

On Ranch: Sunday, June 14th to Wednesday, June 17th 2026

Venture into the frontier of you to rediscover the wealth of possibilities within. We will work to re-eliven our atrophied organs of perception through talks & practicum such as:

  • dowsing

  • land clearing

  • tree harmonizing

  • development of your Nightly Work

  • recoding your food and technology

while exploring the possibilities of reconnecting with:

  • WHO we are

  • WHAT we are capable of

  • HOW to open to more potent relationships with All of the Life we CO-Create with, in order to operate more effectively through practical acts

Understanding the Biodynamic Calendar:
A Summer Solstice Workshop

Sunday, June 21st 2026
10 AM - 12 PM

Join us on the Summer Solstice for an introduction to one of the most practical and fascinating tools in biodynamic agriculture: the Biodynamic Planting Calendar.

Used by farmers, gardeners, and ranchers around the world, the biodynamic calendar tracks the rhythms of the moon, planets, and constellations to guide planting, cultivation, harvesting, and soil care.

In this hands-on workshop we will explore how these cosmic rhythms influence plant growth, soil fertility, and overall garden health. Using Maria Thun’s Biodynamic Calendar, participants will learn how to interpret the calendar and apply it in practical ways at home or on the farm.

The morning will include a short lecture, a group exercise to practice reading the calendar, hands-on planting in the garden, and a guided tour of Sustainable Settings Ranch.

Whether you are new to biodynamics or looking to deepen your relationship with seasonal rhythms, this class will offer a practical and inspiring introduction.

Dowsing 333

Saturday, September 12th 2026
1 PM - 4 PM

Dowsing 333 is for intermediate/ advanced dowsers and will build on Dowsing 101 and personal experiences in the field in order to help the more advanced dowser build their skills and move beyond any challenges/hurdles they have encountered. We will review a host dowsing specialities in order to help you find what your work is. There is always more to bring into our life and practice.
Pre Requisite - Dowsing 101 or Equivalent

Fall Prep

Friday, September 18th and Saturday, September 19th 2026

9 AM - 5 PM

$600 per person, includes two lunches & one dinner

Join us at Sustainable Settings for this illuminating 2-day intensive of on-ranch Biodynamic (BD) preparation making. Participants will help make the Biodynamic preparations and through whiteboard talks and demonstrations learn the history, and the who, what, and why of how Biodynamic Agriculture and how it can enhance the quality and quantity of life in/on your garden, farm, ranch, orchard or vineyard.

These preparations will be made with native foraged and specifically grown flowers, herbs, tree barks and sheaths to create homeopathic remedies that regenerate soil and heal the land. Third party scientific laboratory soil tests and empirical testimonials from chefs and customers as well as recommendations on how to begin to establish a Whole Farm Organism will be shared.


Hands-On Practicum:
· Making BD 500 Horn Manure, BD 503 Chamomile, BD 505 Oak Bark and BD 506 Dandelion
· Practical training in dowsing and homeopathic potentization

Lecture topics:
· Demystifying the preps -the significance of the materials
· Describing the physical and subtle cosmic forces of each prep

Tour of Biodynamic ranch systems
This workshop is intended to bring Biodynamics into your daily farming and gardening practice, introducing you to the main Biodynamic land therapies, and best dates for working with positive astronomical influences for the whole farm.

Heirloom Education Presents:
Sheepskin Hide Tanning & Animal Processing

Thursday, October 1st - Sunday, October 4th 2026

Come join us at Sustainable Settings outside Carbondale, CO for 4 days of buckskin hide tanning and animal processing. We will be utilizing the whole animal as we start the weekend off with a humane animal slaughter, followed by 3 days of brain tanning deer skins.

We will be joined by Gabe Crawford, professional butcher, for our animal processing day. Students can expect to learn all aspects of a humane and honorable harvest of a sheep including processing and butchery. We will feast this evening and be eating from the lamb throughout the weekend.

The rest of the weekend, we will dive deep into the art, craft and science of brain tanning buckskin. Students will tan their own hide and walk away with the knowledge to tan many different types of hides. We will have tanning talks and demonstrations sprinkled in throughout the weekend.

The animal processing is available as a stand alone class on Thursday October 1st.

Groups & Tours

School Group Farm Tours

Come walk the whole ranch organism at Sustainable Settings, an educational biodynamic farm tucked beneath Mount Sopris. Tours weave through barn, pasture, and garden, introducing you to our dairy, heritage animals, and abundant beds of food, while we share the deeper intention behind the work, restoring soil, growing health, and listening for nature’s intelligence.

  • $10 per student

  • Minimum 5 students required

  • Hands-on learning opportunities

  • 1.5 hour guided experience

  • Custom offerings available

  • Book in advance

Public Farm Tour Offerings

Come walk the whole ranch organism at Sustainable Settings, an educational biodynamic farm tucked beneath Mount Sopris. Tours weave through barn, pasture, and garden, introducing you to our dairy, heritage animals, and abundant beds of food, while we share the deeper intention behind the work, restoring soil, growing health, and listening for nature’s intelligence.

  • $25 per person

  • Available Wednesdays & Saturdays only

  • 1.5 hour guided experience

  • Maximum 5 persons per tour

  • Note: Groups of 6+ require Private Tour booking

Private Farm Tour Offerings

  • $300 flat rate, additional charges may apply.

  • For groups up to 15 people.

  • Available by appointment outside regular operating hours.

  • Customizable tour content and duration.

  • Ideal for corporate groups, family gatherings, special interest groups.

Events

Coming Soon…

Meet the Instructors

Brook LeVan

Jared Minori

Llyod Nelson

Forrest Gillies

Corwin Bell & BackYardHive.com Team

Teach a Class