Small Farm Bootcamp Lessons | Homesteading in Stem, NC

Small-Scale Homesteading: Lessons from the Small Farm Bootcamp in Granville County

When we first looked out over our 9-acre slice of heaven in Stem, NC, we saw infinite potential. We envisioned a thriving ecosystem of agroforestry, naturally gluten-free crops, gourmet mushrooms, and a safe haven for rescue animals. But turning a vision of a sustainable homestead into a working reality takes more than just passion—it takes local knowledge, grit, and a willingness to keep learning.

To root our farming practices even deeper into the unique soil of Southern Granville County, Brittany recently completed the Small Farm Bootcamp hosted by the NC Cooperative Extension.

It was an incredible, intensive experience packed with practical agricultural wisdom. Today, we wanted to share three major takeaways from the bootcamp and how we are putting those lessons to work right here at Myth & Oak Farm.

1. Soil Health is the Foundation of Everything

One of the biggest focuses of the Extension’s Small Farm Bootcamp was soil management specifically tailored to our Piedmont region. The clay and loam soils around Stem, Butner, and Creedmoor require careful stewardship to thrive without heavy chemical fertilizers.

We learned advanced techniques for reading soil test reports, managing cover crops, and building organic matter naturally. At Myth & Oak, we are utilizing a low-impact permaculture approach. By understanding our soil’s specific biology, we can ensure our mushrooms, herbs, and specialty crops grow in a nutrient-rich environment that respects the surrounding Tar River watershed.

2. Designing for Climate Resilience in Stem, NC

Farming in North Carolina means preparing for unpredictable weather—from humid summer heatwaves to sudden heavy downpours. The bootcamp emphasized the importance of smart infrastructure and farm design to mitigate these climate shifts.

For us, this reinforces our commitment to agroforestry. By strategically integrating trees and perennial shrubs into our livestock and crop spaces, we create natural windbreaks, improve water retention, and provide vital shade for our sanctuary animals. Designing our farm as a holistic ecosystem makes our 9 acres incredibly resilient.

3. The Power of the Granville County Ag Community

Perhaps the most rewarding part of the Small Farm Bootcamp was connecting with the network of extension agents, agricultural experts, and fellow small-scale farmers in Granville County.

Agriculture isn’t meant to be done in isolation. The NC Cooperative Extension is an invaluable resource for local homesteaders, offering everything from pest management advice to sustainable farming grants. Being a part of this community means we aren't just building a farm; we are helping strengthen local food security and sustainable land management in the Stem and Butner areas.

Growing Forward Together

Every lesson brought home from the bootcamp is being poured directly into the soil, the crops, and the animals at Myth & Oak Farm. We are proud to practice mindful, ethical agriculture that honors the heritage of Granville County while looking toward a sustainable future.

Connect With Our Farm

Whether you’re a fellow homesteader looking to swap tips, a neighbor searching for fresh local goods, or someone who simply loves rescue animals, we’d love to have you along for the journey.

Building a Predator-Proof Chicken Coop | Stem, NC Homestead

DIY Homestead Infrastructure: Building a Secure Chicken Coop in Stem, NC

If you want to know what the heart of a 9-acre homestead looks like, it looks a lot like sawdust, heavy lifting, and spending your weekends checking structural levels.

Here at Myth & Oak Farm in Stem, NC, expanding our sustainable farm and animal sanctuary means constantly building out new infrastructure. Our latest big project? Constructing a heavy-duty, predator-proof chicken coop and run from the ground up.

Raising a flock in Southern Granville County is incredibly rewarding, but it requires thoughtful design to keep our birds safe, happy, and thriving. Here is a look behind the scenes at how we are building out our new chicken setup.

Designing for Safety: Keeping Granville County Predators at Bay

One thing every poultry keeper in the Stem, Butner, and Creedmoor areas quickly learns is that we share our beautiful landscape with plenty of native wildlife. Because our farm sits right next to the dense forests of the Tar River Land Conservancy corridor, we have to design our enclosures with high security in mind.

When building a chicken run in our region, a standard wire fence just won't cut it against clever predators like raccoons, foxes, hawks, and coyotes.

Key Features of Our Coop Build:

• Solid Timber Framing: We are using heavy-duty treated lumber to build a rigid, permanent frame that can withstand coastal storms and persistent wildlife.

• Hardware Cloth Over Chicken Wire: Standard chicken wire keeps chickens in, but hardware cloth keeps predators out. We are wrapping our run in heavy-gauge welded wire.

• Anti-Dig Trenching: To prevent digging predators from getting under the structure, we are extending the wire mesh underground around the entire perimeter of the coop.

The Role of Chickens in Our Permaculture Design

On our homestead, every animal and structure plays multiple roles. Our chickens aren’t just here for egg production; they are active partners in our low-impact permaculture and agroforestry systems.

Once the coop and run are fully complete, our flock will help us naturally manage pests around our cultivated fruit trees, scratch up and aerate pasture soil, and provide nutrient-rich manure that we can compost to feed our soil naturally. It’s a perfect cycle that reduces our reliance on outside inputs and keeps our 9 acres thriving.

Lessons from the Build

Farming teaches you patience, especially when you are leveling roof rafters under the North Carolina sun. Building your own farm infrastructure takes time, but knowing that every board is secured and every corner is square means we are building something that will last for years to come.

Native Wild Fruit & Foraging in Stem, NC | Myth & Oak Farm

Foraging the Forest Floor: Wild Persimmons and Native Fruit in Stem, NC

There is an old saying that nature is the ultimate landscape architect. Here at Myth & Oak Farm in Stem, NC, we see proof of that every single day. While we spend plenty of time mapping out our low-impact permaculture design, some of the absolute best treats on our 9 acres were planted entirely by our local wildlife.

Take our wild American persimmons, for instance. If you walk through our wooded areas, you’ll find these native fruit trees scattered organically throughout the forest canopy. They weren't planted by our hands; instead, local birds dropped seeds over the years, naturally establishing a beautiful, wild orchard right in our backyard here in Granville County.

Working with this natural abundance is the core of what we do. Today, we’re diving into the unique world of native North Carolina fruits—from the wild persimmons we forage to the pawpaws, blueberries, and plums we cultivate.

The Magic of the American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)

Unlike the larger, store-bought Asian persimmons you might be used to, the native American persimmon is a small, rich, and incredibly sweet fruit when fully ripe. They ripen in late autumn, usually dropping to the ground after the first frost.

Because our trees were planted by birds throughout the forest, harvesting them is a true treasure hunt. Hunting for wild persimmons gives us a deep appreciation for the Southern Granville County ecosystem. When perfectly ripe, they taste like a blend of honey, dates, and autumn spices—perfect for baked goods, jams, or eating right off the forest floor.

Building a Native Food Forest: Pawpaws, Blueberries, and Plums

Seeing how beautifully native plants thrive on our land inspired us to lean heavily into cultivating other regional fruits that belong in a North Carolina climate. By choosing fruits adapted to the Stem and Butner areas, we reduce the need for heavy watering or chemical interventions.

• Pawpaws: Often called the "North American Custard Apple," pawpaws are the largest edible fruit native to the United States. They grow beautifully in our partially shaded understory, offering a tropical, banana-mango flavor profile.

• Blueberries: A staple of sustainable Southern homesteading. Our blueberry bushes thrive in the acidic soils of the NC Piedmont, producing nutrient-dense berries every summer.

• Plums: Highly adaptable and resilient, our plum trees fit perfectly into our agroforestry layout, providing sweet, juicy summer yields while supporting local pollinators.

Why We Choose Native and Low-Impact Agriculture

By nurturing naturally occurring trees like our wild persimmons and planting native varieties like pawpaws, we protect the biodiversity of the local watershed near the Tar River Land Conservancy. These plants feed local birds, support native bees, build soil health, and resist local pests naturally. It proves that agriculture doesn't have to mean clearing the land—it can mean working hand-in-hand with the forest.

Taste the Magic of Granville County

As our food forest grows and our seasonal foraging yields allow, we love sharing the unique flavors of our land with our neighbors in Stem, Butner, and Creedmoor.

Exploring Ledge Creek Forest: A Guide to Stem, NC’s Hidden Gem

If you spend any time driving the scenic rural backroads of Southern Granville County, you already know there is a quiet magic to this landscape. Nestled just outside the busier Triangle hubs, the town of Stem, NC, offers a peaceful escape where open fields meet dense, mature woodlands.

But one of the best-kept secrets in our community is the incredible network of protected lands right in our backyard—specifically, the Ledge Creek Forest Conservation Area.

At Myth & Oak Farm, our 9-acre homestead and animal sanctuary sits right alongside this beautiful green corridor. For us, these woods aren't just scenery; they are a daily reminder of why sustainable, low-impact farming matters. Whether you are a local neighbor from Butner or Creedmoor, or a Triangle resident looking for a weekend nature reset, here is your guide to exploring the natural beauty of Stem, North Carolina.

Discovering Ledge Creek Forest Conservation Area

Managed by the Tar River Land Conservancy, the Ledge Creek Forest Conservation Area is a true haven for outdoor enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and anyone looking for a quiet hike.

The public access point is tucked away off Brogden rd in Stem, NC. Once you arrive, you’ll find a beautifully maintained loop trail that winds through a thriving ecosystem. As you walk beneath the canopy of towering oaks and hickories, you’ll track alongside clean, bubbling streams that feed directly into Ledge Creek.

What to Look For on the Trail:

• Local Wildlife: Keep your eyes peeled for wild turtles, white-tailed deer, and a vibrant population of native owls and songbirds.

• The Watershed: Ledge Creek is a critical tributary. The forest acts as a natural filter, keeping the water clean as it journeys through the Tar River basin.

• Seasonal Foliage: From lush green ferns in the spring to a brilliant display of orange and red canopy leaves in late autumn, it’s a trail that changes beautifully with the seasons.

Why We Farm Next to the Land Conservancy

When we founded Myth & Oak Farm, we chose this slice of Granville County because of its deep connection to nature. Being immediate neighbors to protected conservancy land comes with a shared responsibility. The Tar River Land Conservancy works tirelessly to protect local drinking water, preserve wildlife habitats, and safeguard family farms.

On our homestead, we practice agriculture that mirrors those exact values. Through low-impact permaculture and agroforestry (integrating trees and shrubs into our crops and livestock spaces), we work with the native ecosystem rather than against it.

Whether we are tending to our naturally gluten-free crops, cultivating mushrooms, or caring for our sanctuary animals, our goal is to ensure that our 9 acres actively contribute to the health of the surrounding Stem watershed.

Plan Your Perfect Day Trip to Stem, NC

Ready to swap the pavement for the trail? We highly recommend planning a weekend morning around the local landscape. Grab your hiking boots, pack a camera, and spend an hour or two soaking in the quiet of the Ledge Creek loop trail.

As you drive through Stem, you’re passing through a community of hard-working small businesses, historic homesteads, and family farms that make Southern Granville County so special.

Support Sustainable, Local Agriculture

The next time you visit our corner of North Carolina, you can bring a piece of the farm home with you. Head over to the Myth & Oak Farm to browse our latest seasonal harvests, meet our animals, purchase specialty mushrooms, and sustainably grown farm goods.

Want to stay connected to our corner of the woods? Sign up for our newsletter below to get regular updates on farm life, sanctuary milestones, and upcoming community volunteer days right here in Stem, NC!

Welcome to Myth & Oak

Hi friends — we’re Karl and Brittany, and we’re so excited to welcome you to Myth & Oak, our small but mighty farmstead in the heart of Stem, North Carolina.

What started as a simple dream—to live with more intention, closer to animals, dirt, and each other—has grown into a bold vision: a place where land, community, and care come together in meaningful ways.

We’ve put down roots on just over 9 partially wooded acres with rolling pastures, wildlife trails, and wild edges full of potential. The moment we first walked the land, we knew this was more than a place to grow food. It’s a place to grow stories.

Why “Myth & Oak”?

For us, myth represents the stories we carry and create—about ourselves, the land, and what’s possible. Oak is a symbol of strength, wisdom, and deep roots (plus, we’ve got some mighty oaks right here on the property).

Together, the name reminds us that farming isn’t just about crops or animals—it’s about relationships, stewardship, and choosing to care. Nature was here long before us. We’re not here to conquer it—we’re here to listen, to learn, and to help it thrive.

What We’re Building

Our vision is still evolving, but it’s anchored in a few guiding values:

• Ethical animal care, with plans for a small sanctuary where animals live safely and with dignity.

• Agroforestry and sustainable growing, including native plants, mushrooms, and naturally gluten-free crops.

• Education and community, from trail-building and workshops to hands-on volunteering and seasonal events.

• Accessibility and joy, creating space for everyone—especially those historically excluded from land-based healing and connection.

We’re starting small: fencing pastures, restoring the pond, prepping garden beds. But with each step, we’re building something rooted in care, story, and purpose.

We’ll be sharing our journey as we build Myth & Oak from the ground up—one fence post, seedling, and sunrise at a time.

Follow us on Instagram, share our posts with friends, or reach out if you’d like to volunteer or donate materials. There’s lots ahead—blueberry plans, pig rescues, and forest trail magic.

Thanks for being here at the start.

With love,

Karl & Brittany

Myth & Oak

Investing in Local Roots: Brittany Completes the Small Farm Bootcamp

At Myth and Oak Farm, we believe that good farming isn’t just about putting seeds in the dirt—it’s about stewardship, science, and community. That’s why we are so excited to share that Brittany has officially completed the 2026 Small Farm Bootcamp through the N.C. Cooperative Extension!

Located right here in the heart of Southern Granville, our farm is dedicated to bringing the best of local agriculture to our neighbors in Stem and Creedmoor. This intensive program has given us the tools to do exactly that.

What is the Small Farm Bootcamp?

For those who aren’t familiar, the Small Farm Bootcamp is a rigorous, multi-month program designed for new farmers and landowners in North Carolina. Hosted at the Granville County Center, the course brings together Extension Agents from across the region—including Granville, Person, Vance, and Durham counties—to share expert-level knowledge on sustainable land use.

Brittany spent her Wednesdays and Saturdays diving deep into the "how-to" of modern, responsible farming.

Building a Better Farm for Our Neighbors

The program covered critical modules that we are already implementing at Myth and Oak:

• Soil Health & Pollinator Management: Understanding how to work with the land in Stem, NC, to ensure our soil stays nutrient-rich and our local bee populations thrive.

• Food Safety & Postharvest Handling: Ensuring that every piece of produce or poultry product that leaves our farm meets the highest standards of safety and freshness.

• Irrigation & Infrastructure: From field trips to Lyon Farms in Creedmoor to hands-on small engine repair, Brittany has gained the technical skills to keep Myth and Oak running efficiently.

Why This Matters for Stem and Creedmoor

When you support a local farm, you aren’t just buying food; you’re investing in the local ecosystem. By participating in these Cooperative Extension programs, Myth and Oak is staying at the forefront of:

1. Sustainable Vegetable Production: Growing smarter, not just bigger.

2. Season Extension: Working toward ways to provide fresh options to the community for more months out of the year.

3. High-Standard Poultry Production: Bringing ethical, informed practices to our feathered friends.

Are You a Future Farmer?

If you’ve recently purchased a few acres in Southern Granville or are dreaming of your own garden plot, we cannot recommend this program enough. It’s a wonderful way to meet fellow growers in the 27581 and 27522 zip codes.

We are so proud of Brittany for her hard work and dedication to making Myth and Oak Farm the best it can be. Stop by and say hello—we’d love to chat about soil health, local food systems, or what’s growing next!

Brittany of Myth and Oak Farm holding her Small Farm Bootcamp completion certificate at the N.C. Cooperative Extension Granville County Center.

Blog Post Title Three

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

Blog Post Title Four

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.