Southwest Virginia Alternative Living Expo

Live your own way

From off-grid to underground, tiny homes to truck conversions, homebuilding to homesteading - SwVAL has you covered.
With a focus on information, building connections, and creating community- join us to celebrate all the ways we can live differently.

Ferrum, VA – The Southwest Virginia Alternative Living Expo (SWVAL) is proud to announce the details for its highly anticipated event, bringing together experts, innovators, and alternative living enthusiasts for a day of learning, connection, and inspiration. The event will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Ferrum Park, located at 10884 Franklin St., Ferrum, VA 24088.
This year’s expo promises a diverse range of keynote speakers, hands-on demonstrations, and a vibrant marketplace, all aimed at empowering attendees with the knowledge and tools to lead more sustainable and self-sufficient lifestyles.

Keynote Speakers:

Joshua Dusci: DIY Aquaponics - Explore the world of aquaponics and learn how to create your own sustainable food system.

Mark Hanson: REEVA DIY Solar - Discover the power of solar energy and learn how to build your own DIY solar setup.

Scott McStacy: Building With Hempcrete - Learn about the benefits and techniques of building with hempcrete, a sustainable and eco-friendly building material.

Jim Bordwine: "The Salt Maker" - Explore the art of finding salt veins and distilling water into salt anywhere in Appalachia.

Sahara Hetland: Heirloom Seed Saving - Discover the importance and techniques of preserving heirloom seeds.

Nate Miller: Edible Native Landscaping - Learn how to create beautiful and functional landscapes using edible native plants.

Stephen Kaplan: Foraging Edible Mushrooms - Explore the world of wild mushrooms and learn how to safely forage for edible species.

Emma Churchman: Author, "Thriving In An Off-grid World" - Emma will share what she learned living off-grid for months after Hurricane Helene.

Daniel Edwards: Building with Compressed Earth - Learn about the benefits and techniques of building with compressed earth blocks, a sustainable and eco-friendly building material.

Featured Demonstrations:

Bill Champney: DIY Chicken Processing - Learn the basics of chicken processing and how to do it yourself.

Jakob Raven: Ammunition Reloading - Discover the art of reloading ammunition and learn how to do it safely and efficiently.

Stacy Young: DIY Mushroom Log Farming - Learn how to grow delicious mushrooms at home.

Winona & Donnie Chittum: Building with Cordwood - Explore the benefits and techniques of building with cordwood, a sustainable and eco-friendly building material.

Jarrett Barksdale: Beekeeping 101 - Learn the basics of beekeeping and how to get started with your own beehive.

Additional Attractions:

Ambulance, Van, and Bus Conversions: Tour unique and creative conversions and learn how to turn your vehicle into a home on wheels.

Over 40 vendors: Browse a wide range of vendors offering sustainable living products, and unique homesteading provisions, plus connect with services and solutions for living differently.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, May 31, 2025

Time: 8am-5pm

Location: Ferrum Park - 10884 Franklin St. Ferrum, Va. 24088

Tickets $20.00 in advance on SWVAL.com or $25.00 on site. Kids under 18 are free.

Contact Information:

For more information, please visit our website at www.swval.com or contact us at info@swval.com or 920-740-6360