Experience Connection, History, and Heritage at Providence Lane Homestead During Open Farm Days

Just 45 minutes northwest of Calgary, tucked among the foothills near Cochrane, Providence Lane Homestead is a small farm with a big story to tell. Every fence post, blade of grass, and soft bleat from the sheep is part of a living landscape where history, conservation, and community meet.

This August 16 and 17, during Alberta Open Farm Days 2025, Providence Lane Homestead will welcome visitors for a weekend of immersive experiences that celebrate the land, local history, and sustainable farming practices. From ancient Indigenous stories to interactive wetland explorations, and from live demonstrations to a cozy farm marketplace, it’s a two-day event that promises to leave a lasting impression.

And of course, there will be plenty of sheep to meet.

A Weekend Rooted in Meaningful Experiences

“This is our second year participating in Open Farm Days, and our first since 2020,” says shepherd and co-owner Tara Klager, who operates the farm with her husband, Bob. “When people make the drive out to our farm, we want them to experience something truly meaningful. We want them to feel connected to the land and the stories it holds.”

That sense of connection is at the heart of the weekend. Every activity, walk, and conversation is designed to help visitors see the farm not just as a place where animals live, but as part of a larger story—of nature, history, and sustainable agriculture in Alberta.

Step Into the Story of Alberta’s Native Grasslands

One of the most extraordinary parts of the homestead is its native prairie grassland, a habitat that’s disappearing at an alarming rate.

“Approximately 75 percent of Canada’s native grasslands have been lost,” Klager explains. “We’re fortunate to steward a small, intact piece of thriving grassland, and sharing it is one of the highlights of Open Farm Days for us.”

On Saturday morning at 10 a.m., guests can join archaeologist Sam Judson and Siksika Nation member Brendan Many Bears for a guided walk through this rare ecosystem. They’ll explore areas where University of Calgary archaeology students uncovered artifacts in glacial formations and discuss how water shaped human movement and life in Alberta.

“The history of humanity is in the land,” says Judson. “From glaciers to rivers, water influenced where people traveled, settled, and thrived. Brendan and I are looking forward to helping visitors connect with the Blackfoot origin stories and the deep human history in this special place.”

This guided walk isn’t just a history lesson—it’s a chance to feel the wind in the native grasses, to imagine the footsteps of generations past, and to understand why protecting these landscapes is so critical for the future.

Learning From the Land: Wetlands, Wildlife, and the Flerd

On Sunday, the focus shifts to water, soil, and the living systems that make sustainable farming possible. Maddy Skinner, a riparian biologist with Cows and Fish, will lead an interactive session exploring the health of wetlands and their crucial role in maintaining resilient ecosystems.

Providence Lane Homestead is a working example of regenerative agriculture in action. The farm’s flerd—a mixed herd of heritage Border Leicester sheep and alpacas—plays an essential role in land stewardship.

“We use our animals to improve soil health, manage invasive plants, promote biodiversity, and build resilience,” explains Klager. “Our sheep are a rare and endangered historic breed, and they’re at the heart of our conservation work.”

Since 2019, the Klagers have intentionally integrated their flerd into their stewardship practices. Their efforts were recognized in 2021, when the farm became Animal Welfare Approved by A Greener World, highlighting their commitment to ethical and environmentally conscious farming.

Visitors to the farm will get to see these practices in action—watching the sheep and alpacas graze, learning about pasture rotation, and understanding how animals and ecosystems can thrive together when carefully managed.

Explore a Cozy Marketplace of Local and Sustainable Goods

Beyond the walks and workshops, guests will find a warm and welcoming farm marketplace featuring both Providence Lane’s handmade products and the work of other local artisans.

The farm’s own offerings include soft, handspun yarns, sheep milk soaps, knitwear, and other wool-based creations that reflect their love for heritage breeds and sustainable living.

For Open Farm Days, the homestead is also hosting special guests:

• Traceable Textiles (Edmonton) – Known for weaving and textile work that highlights sustainability and transparency.

• Marty Lynn Studio (Onoway) – A designer focused on local, nature-inspired pieces with an emphasis on traceability.

“Their focus on sustainability and local production aligns so beautifully with our own values,” says Klager. “Visitors will not only get to enjoy the farm but also discover unique, Alberta-made goods to take home.”

Why This Weekend Matters

Alberta Open Farm Days is about more than just visiting farms—it’s about connecting people with the land, the animals, and the stories that define rural Alberta. Providence Lane Homestead embodies that mission, offering experiences that touch on history, ecology, sustainability, and community.

Whether you’re walking through ancient prairie grasslands, learning how wetlands support life, meeting rare heritage sheep, or shopping the artisan marketplace, your visit to Providence Lane Homestead is a step into Alberta’s living story.

Plan Your Visit

Providence Lane Homestead is located just northwest of Cochrane, an easy 45-minute drive from downtown Calgary. Activities take place throughout the day on August 16 and 17, with special events like the archaeology and Indigenous history walk on Saturday at 10 a.m. and the wetlands exploration workshop on Sunday.

For a full list of opportunities, event times, and workshop pricing, visit the Alberta Open Farm Days website and search Providence Lane Homestead.

Welcome to our frontier. We can’t wait to share it with you.