U. offers summer classes in 'urban homesteading'

SALT LAKE CITY — The University of Utah is offering a new program this summer on the art of producing one's own food.

The "Urban Homestead" program includes courses on raising chickens, beekeeping, foraging, herbal medicine, fly fishing and food preservation. Several cities on the Wasatch Front have recently relaxed restrictions on backyard chicken coops and beehives, and Salt Lake County has an urban farming initiative to turn unused land into community gardens.

The first class, on raising chickens, runs June 30 to July 7. For more information, visit continue.utah.edu/lifelong/homestead or call 801-587-5433.