The Franciscan Earth Care Initiative invites you to Homesteading 101: Preserve it Now, Enjoy it Later on August 29, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, in the Pump House at Mount Saint Francis. Tickets are $10 for this hands-on workshop.

Led by our guest lecturer, Christopher Fogle, a Purdue Extension Health and Human Sciences Educator, this workshop will teach participants the essentials of safe home food preservation in this research-based class focused on pressure canning and boiling water bath canning. Participants will explore when to use each method, the science and evidence behind safe canning practices, and how to follow tested recipes to prevent foodborne illness. Topics include proper equipment use, step-by-step canning procedures, altitude adjustments, and safe storage practices. Perfect for beginners or anyone looking to refresh their skills and confidently preserve foods to enjoy year-round. 

About Our Guest Lecturer
Christopher Fogle is a Purdue Extension Health and Human Sciences Educator, serving since 2018 with a focus on process management, home food preservation, food safety and sanitation. He is dedicated to helping communities apply practical, research-based strategies to improve everyday health and efficiency. He lives near Hope, Indiana, with his beautiful wife of six years and their two spunky daughters, ages four and two.

About The Franciscan Earth Care Initiative
Launched in 2018 by the Conventual Franciscan Friars of the Province of Our Lady of Consolation, the Franciscan Earth Care Initiative celebrates the Franciscan tradition of honoring creation and caring for our common home. Through programs such as Greening the Mount at Mount St. Francis, the Initiative promotes environmental stewardship and sustainability in daily life, fostering projects and partnerships with impact both locally and globally.