Bell Valley
H MESTEAD
Welcome to Bell Valley Homestead, where we invite you to join us on a journey of self-sufficiency and connection with the earth. As a large & former urban family, we know the challenges of seeking a more sustainable and fulfilling way of life without the means to do so. However; our greatest challenge became the least as we put to practice George Washington Carver's directive to
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Do what you can,
with what you have, and do it now!
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Our homestead is a testament to the possibilities of holistic land management practices, permaculture, and hands-on skill development. We hope to inspire and empower others to explore the joys of growing their own food, connecting with nature, and living a more peaceful and fulfilling life. Explore this website to learn more about our journey and discover resources to support your own self sufficiency and sustainable living goals.
this land was made for you and me
Our Homestead
Bell Valley Homestead was founded in 2019 by Changa & Devonna Bell. We are a 35 mile, north east--ride outside of Baltimore City nestled on 2 acres of land. Already ripe for permaculture--with a well, windmill, solar power, pond and wooded areas--we felt empowered to start with the simple task of growing 80% of we eat. However, we dug in, and found clay! After decades of heavy farming, the large Bachman Farm was parceled to developers. The compacted clay on shale 'soil' made the first growing season hardly productive.
So began our journey to regenerate the soil.
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Honey. Artisanal goods. Produce. Poultry. Yoga.
Featured Market Item
HONEY.
Introducing Homestead Honey, the perfect addition to your pantry. Our honey is 100% natural, raw, and hand-crafted, making it a true artisanal product. Our bees collect nectar from wildflowers, resulting in a delicate and unique flavor profile with sweet notes and subtle floral hints.
We take pride in our sustainable and ethical beekeeping practices, ensuring that our bees are happy and healthy. Our honey is never heated or processed, allowing it to retain all of its natural goodness and nutritional benefits.
Use our Homestead Honey as a natural sweetener in your favorite recipes or simply enjoy it by the spoonful for a delicious and guilt-free treat.
Order your jar of Homestead Honey today and taste the difference that 100% natural, raw, and hand-crafted honey can make!
On the Homestead
Volunteer
Umbuntu means I am because we are. You are welcome to schedule a day that works for you to come volunteer.
Please plan to stay at least 3 hours.
Upcoming Volunteer Date:
Fall Chicken Mansion Clean Out
10/2/2023
Bell Valley Education Center
Bell Valley Homestead is committed to cultivating awareness in the community to foster peace; achievable when we have the opportunity to be educated. We understand, "This land was made for you and me." Moving this work forward involves reconnecting youth, adults and an entire generation of elders who by no fault of their own were disconnected from the land, and restoring each person’s rightful place of self empowerment in the natural food system.
We welcome schools, co-op homeschool groups, families, educators, and anyone who would like to gain hands-on knowledge in these core workshops we offer.
(Courses are structured for 4 levels of instruction- Pre-school, Elementary, Middle, High School)
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Permaculture; A Lesson in Connection, Bio-Diversity, Companions, & Foundations in Environmental Science
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Energy sources: Wind Turbines and Solar
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HIVE DIVE into Beekeeping
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Water, Water, Water: A Well of Knowledge
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Biographies to Live by: George Washington Carver and Woodie Guthrie
The Soil of Black Folk: A tale of alchemy & compost inspired by WEB Dubois
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