August 15 and 16 from 10AM to 4PM, we throw open the gates to the homestead and invite you to come down the lane. See what’s on tap for this year!!
There’s something rather wonderful about people gathering on farms.
For one weekend in August, farms across Alberta open their gates and invite people behind the scenes—to ask questions, meet the animals, learn something new and spend a little time reconnecting with the landscapes that feed us.
We’re delighted to once again be participating in Alberta Open Farm Days, and this year’s weekend is shaping up to be our biggest yet. This year’s theme is “Grasslands and Pastoralists” and 2026 was also declared the “International Year of the Woman Farmer.” Our programming is focused on helping you experience the grasslands in new ways. There’s really-and-truly something for everyone.
Whether your interests lie in native prairie, sheep, alpacas, livestock guardian dogs, art, fibre, wildlife or simply spending a summer day wandering a regenerative farm, I am so excited to welcome you to the homestead!
Throughout Both Days
Homestead Tours
Join Tara for informal walking tours throughout the day.
Wondering what regenerative grazing actually looks like? Curious about raising heritage sheep, alpacas or livestock guardian dogs? Interested in life on a small working farm — or perhaps you’d simply like to hear the story of the time Tara was charged by a grizzly bear (yes, really)?
Tours run throughout the day as guests arrive and are always free.
Down the Lane Marketplace
Take home a little piece of the grasslands.
Our marketplace will feature:
- Providence Lane Homestead native wildflower seed blends
- sheeps’ milk soap
- soothing skin balms
- naturally coloured yarn
- honey from Shars, Sheep and Honeybees
- native plants and plant identification resources from Tannas Conservation
- botanical artwork by Geneva Haley (Pasture Land)
- luxurious alpaca home goods from Wilderness Alpacas
- made-to-order knitwear from Marty Lynn
- grassland-inspired artwork and photography from the artists of Route 22 Gallery
Saturday
10:15–11:00 AM – Botanical Drawing Workshop with Geneva Haley
Join artist Geneva Haley (Pasture Land) as drawing becomes a way of slowing down and noticing the prairie more carefully.
Together we’ll wander into our native grassland area, where Geneva will guide participants through observation exercises used by both artists and scientists. No drawing experience is necessary — just curiosity.
Participants will leave with practical techniques they can continue using long after the workshop, wherever they may be!
- $35/person
- All supplies included
- Ages 12+
- Good walking shoes recommended
10:30 AM & 1:30 PM – Grassland Walking Tours with Dr. Steven Tannas
One of Alberta’s leading conservation specialists, Dr. Steven Tannas will guide guests through our native prairie while exploring the ecology of grasslands and the realities of restoring them once they’ve been altered.
This is practical restoration ecology — not just theory.
We’re also hoping Steven’s father, Clare Tannas, one of Alberta’s early prairie restoration pioneers, will join us to share stories from decades of conservation work.
Approximately 45 minutes.
Free
Noon – Livestock Guardian Dogs with Jacquie Turuk
Learn about Brian and Clio — and discover the remarkable history behind livestock guardian dogs, the indispensable companions for so many grassland shepherds!
Jacquie Turuk of Shars, Sheep and Honeybees will introduce guests to these ancient working breeds and explain how humans have partnered with guardian dogs for thousands of years to protect livestock on open landscapes.
Topics include:
- the history of guardian dogs
- how they differ from pet dogs
- what their work actually looks like
Free
Sunday
All Day – Heritage Weavers & Spinners Guild Spin-In
Bring a chair, a blanket and your latest work in progress and spend the day with fellow fibre enthusiasts.
Members of the Heritage Weavers & Spinners Guild will be demonstrating spinning throughout the day, and visitors are welcome to try a drop spindle for themselves.
Knitters, crocheters, weavers, embroiderers, spinners and anyone who simply loves textiles are warmly invited to join the circle.
Free
10:15–11:00 AM – Botanical Drawing Workshop with Geneva Haley
A second opportunity to experience Geneva’s thoughtful introduction to botanical drawing and close observation. No experience necessary!
- $35/person
- Ages 12+
- All supplies provided
11:00 AM & 2:00 PM – Endangered: A Grasslands Walking Tour with Brook Sagan
Wildlife biologist Brook Sagan, our original auditor through MultiSAR (Multiple Species at Risk) and the Prairie Conservation Forum, will lead an engaging, family-friendly exploration of Alberta’s remarkable grassland ecosystem.
Bring your eyes, ears, curiosity . . . and comfortable walking shoes! You never know quite who-oo-oo might show up. . .
This fun and interactive tour will introduce guests of all ages to some of the endangered plants and wildlife that call our native prairie home.
Free
Alpaca Q&A with Barry & Shirley Charters
Few people know Alberta’s alpaca story better than Barry and Shirley Charters.
Among the province’s earliest alpaca breeders nearly thirty years ago, they’ll share stories from decades of farming, discuss mentorship, and reflect on the relationships that sustain agriculture through changing times.
Whether you’re considering alpacas yourself or simply enjoy hearing good farming stories, pull up a chair.
(Top tip, ask Barry about how those first alpacas ever came to the farm. . . and what Shirley did. It’s quite a yarn!)
Free
Supporting The Alice Sanctuary
Every year, we choose a cause to fundraise for as part of our Open Farm Days experience. Throughout the weekend we’ll also be hosting our Silent Auction, with all proceeds supporting The Alice Sanctuary’s Lighthouse Fund.
The Lighthouse Fund provides emergency assistance to rural individuals and families experiencing domestic and intimate partner violence — an issue that too often remains hidden in agricultural communities.
We’re honoured that Janeanne Madill, founder of The Alice Sanctuary, will be joining us on Sunday. We hope you’ll take the opportunity to meet her, learn about the sanctuary’s work and discover why this fund matters so deeply.
We’ll be sharing auction items and bidding information through our newsletter and social media as Open Farm Days approaches.
You are SO welcome!!!!
We believe farms are places where conversations happen . . . naturally.
Sometimes those conversations are about sheep. Sometimes they’re about endangered grasslands. Sometimes they’re about spinning wool, drawing wildflowers or meeting a livestock guardian dog for the very first time.
Whatever brings you through our gate, we hope you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the remarkable landscapes — and people — that make Alberta’s agricultural communities so special.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Providence Lane Homestead.
For more information, driving directions, facilities and links, please do check our Open Farm Days listing! Or drop me an email — I’m always glad to hear from you!
(Just a note, please leave your beloved pooch at home. Clio, Brian and Mabel thank you!)
Providence Lane Homestead 
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