Eureka Circle

01/10/2026

Eureka Circle | 2026 Season Kickoff

As the light starts to return, so do we.

Eureka Circle is gearing up for the 2026 growing season, and we’re opening things the same way we did last year: together, in person, and accessible to anyone who wants to learn, share, or simply show up.

We’re hosting two early-season gatherings at Homestead, both free and open to all.

March | Seed Swap
Bring seeds you’ve saved, seeds you overbought, or just your curiosity. No pressure to bring anything. Come trade, ask questions, and start planning what you’ll put in the ground this year.

Around the Spring Solstice | Plant Swap
As seedlings get going, we’ll gather again to swap starts, divisions, cuttings, and knowledge. This is a great chance to diversify your garden, fill gaps, or pass along what you have too much of.

Here’s the thing: these events aren’t about perfection or productivity. They’re about rebuilding local skill, redundancy, and relationships. Food security starts small. It starts with neighbors who know each other, trade with each other, and help each other succeed.

If you’re new to gardening and homesteading, you belong here.
If you’ve been doing this for decades, you belong here.
If you’re just resilience-curious and want to learn, you belong here.

More details and exact dates coming soon. For now, mark your calendar, save a few seeds, and plan to join us.

Spring is coming. Let’s gooooo!

09/04/2025

Hi everyone! Homestead: The Local Hub now has it's own page and Eureka Circle will be reserved for educational events as it was always intended! Soon HOMESTEAD will be *hosting* Eureka Circle events--wahoo!

So please jump over to HOMESTEAD's profile, but in the mean time I'll cross post here so no one misses the good stuff:)

THANK YOU ALL!

HOMESTEAD VOLUNTEER & EVENT OPPORTUNITIES!!!

Hey everyone!

In addition to our Saturday 9/6 pop up in the parking lot (let me know if you want to vend and I don't know you are coming yet!) we are also welcoming volunteers to work inside the store with Mary Pals at that same time (Saturday 1-3pm) and/or Monday 9/8 1-3pm.

Thank you so much for all who have reached out to want to lend a hand! Our big health department inspection is 9/15 so we are working hard to be ready and pass with flying colors so we can OPEN! All hands on deck!

Please email [email protected] if you plan to come volunteer. THANK YOU!

See you Saturday!

09/02/2025

PRE-OPENING PARKING LOT POP UP!

Hey all! As fall harvest is fast upon us we are itching to get HOMESTEAD open! But, these things take time...it will be worth it and more info to come!

In the meantime, we know (sadly) that this is the last farmer's market week of the year and our grower friends are teaming with veggies yet to be harvested (Chris and I have LOADS of peppers of all kinds!).

So, we won't let our parking lot go to waste! Come by, grab some amazing produce, learn about HOMESTEAD and share our excitement! This is just a fun, social and very informal vibe to make the most of a beautiful weekend and get some food circulating.

We will open the store ASAP!!! Thank you so much for all the producers and supporters that have stopped by to sit with Mary Pals or me, it's been such a lovely experience and we aren't even open yet!!!

**If you want to pop up a table, please be local, low toxin and low stimuli. This is an unofficial event, no commission taken, but please be nice :) **

08/12/2025

For everyone dreaming with us about selling your amazing stuff at HOMESTEAD, here’s the info!

08/10/2025

Thank you to all who came out to our Wednesday meeting at HOMESTEAD!

If you couldn't make it, it's not too late! We are looking for volunteers to help with all things HOMESTEAD! Most notably, folks who would like to run the register and interact with customers.

There will be generous perks, like a store discount, for regular contributions!

If you are interested, please fill out this application form linked below and you will be contacted soon!

Opening day is depending on our construction wrapping up, but we hope to only be weeks away! The store will be open to the public and we'd also love your top five items you'd love to be able to get in town from a local, low toxin source. We will also be carrying as much as possible in bulk! Feel free to comment or email [email protected] with your grocery lists!

Thanks for your interest in volunteering with HOMESTEAD! We are on a mission to strengthen community resilience by offering local, low-toxin, and connection-driven options that promote health in rural Montana. All questions: [email protected]

08/04/2025

Hi everyone! This just went out via email--if you think you should have received it, check your spam (it came from HOMESTEAD!) and if you still don't see it, leave your email with me and I'll re-add to the list.

Okay, here we go!

It’s been a while, but we’ve been working on some big things in response to all your enthusiasm! Here’s the latest:

Introducing HOMESTEAD – Coming Soon!

As many of you know, I’ve purchased the old sporting goods store on Highway 93, and we’re currently renovating it into HOMESTEAD: The Local Hub here in Eureka! This space will offer local, low-toxin food, supplements, supplies, and artwork – but it’s also going to be a community gathering spot and the headquarters for Eureka Circle!

Volunteer Program – Get Involved!

We’re launching a volunteer program that comes with great store perks! If you’re interested in learning more (no commitment needed!), join us for our first volunteer meeting:
Wednesday, August 6 at 5 PM
Location: HOMESTEAD, 442 N-93

Can’t make it? No problem! Just reply to this email, and our General Manager, Mary Pals, will reach out to you ASAP.

Exciting Events & Local Produce Program

Once the store is open, we’ll be using the large yard space to host Eureka Circle events. Lauren Stoddard is leading the curriculum, and she’s open to anyone who wants to share knowledge or co-host. If you’re interested, reach out to her via email ([email protected]). Plus, Lauren is working on expanding our distribution and launching a major local produce program for 2026!

501c3 in Progress

In the background, we’re also working on establishing a 501c3 non-profit, which means that, hopefully by next year, your contributions will be tax-deductible! Stay tuned for more details.

Thank you so much for your support, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions!

Best,
Alex

Send a message to learn more

06/29/2025

🌿🔥 Flame Weeding: A Powerful Alternative to Chemical Herbicides 🔥🌿

If you're looking to keep your garden or pathways w**d-free without resorting to chemical herbicides, flame w**ding is a seriously underrated tool in the homesteader's arsenal.

Flame w**ding uses intense heat to rupture plant cells and kill w**ds; no toxic residue, no groundwater contamination, and no risk to your soil biology. You're not incinerating the plant; you're cooking it just enough to disrupt its internal systems. It works best on young, tender w**ds and is especially useful for driveways, fencelines, row crops, and areas where precision matters.

💡 A few perks:

Safe for organic systems
Fast and effective (you’ll see wilted w**ds in minutes)
Doesn’t disturb soil structure like tilling can
Reduces seed germination when used consistently
Bonus: There’s something deeply satisfying about wielding a flame wand and watching unwanted w**ds shrivel up instantly. You can pretend to be a wizard while you do it. We won't tell anybody! 😎

PRO TIP: In the spring, before planting your garden, give your entire plot a deep watering, wait a week or so for all the w**d seeds to germinate, and THEN flame w**d. Blammo! 90%+ reduction in w**ds, without breaking your back.

Anyone else here use flame w**ders, or other alternative w**d management techniques? Tips or lessons learned? Drop 'em below! 👇

05/31/2025

🌱 Hey Zone 5a Homesteaders! 🌱

Can you feel the excitement in the air? Tomorrow, June 1st, marks our official last frost date here in Zone 5a! That means it’s finally safe to tuck those tender plants—like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers—into the soil and watch our gardens come to life!

For those new to homesteading or Zone 5a, the last frost date is a big deal. It’s when the risk of frost drops low enough (based on historical weather data) to plant crops that can’t handle the cold. But keep an eye on the forecast—Mother Nature can be sneaky, and killing frosts are still possible, though less likely from here!

Pro tip: Harden off those seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a few days to avoid shock.

We're so excited to see what everyone’s growing this year! Are you trying new varieties, expanding your garden, or maybe experimenting with new techniques? Drop your plans, questions, or favorite gardening hacks in the comments! We’d love to hear what’s sprouting in your homestead! Let’s make this growing season our most bountiful yet!

05/19/2025

Hey all! This email went out today--if you think I (Alex) already have your email from the April event and you didn't get it, please send your correct address. If you aren't on the list yet, and want to be, please send me your email and I'll add you! See you May 31!!!

Here's the email!

Hi everyone,

Happy spring rain — isn’t it the best?

Thank you all so much for joining us for the first Eureka Circle gathering in April! It was a beautiful start, and I’m grateful for the energy and community you brought.

In case you haven’t heard, we now have a dedicated page where we can keep the conversation going between gatherings. Feel free to join if it feels aligned with you — it’s a space for connection, resource sharing, and inspiration.

And now for the good stuff, you're invited to our Seed Swap & Social!

Friday, May 31 @ Memorial Park (next to Montana Market)

Come celebrate community and build resilience — no seeds required! You're welcome to bring seeds, plants, eggs, baked goods, homemade creations, treats, or just your good energy. Swapping is optional; conversation is required :)

There’s a flyer attached. It’s been making its way around town, but if you notice a good spot missing one, feel free to post it! Let me (Alex--you can text 406 579 4791) know if you’d like printed copies, or you’re welcome to print your own — full permission to spread the word.

Help Us Grow! We really need to work together on this.
A simple text, email, or old-fashioned phone call inviting a friend can make a big difference in helping others feel welcome. The more the merrier!

And last but not least, we’ve got some exciting things brewing for summer, including educational events and a few secret surprises (really could be huge, make sure to open these emails as you will get first notice!).

Stay tuned — and if you have an idea you’d love to see come to life, we're all ears.

Looking forward to seeing you at the Seed Swap & Social!

In Solidarity,

Alex

05/04/2025

🫶🏻 Sunday Share Thread! Post a picture in the comments below from your homestead this week, along with a fun fact or something you love about your homestead. Let’s get to know our neighbors!