Jams, Jellies, & Preserves Workshop

Sustain the flavors of the season by transforming fresh fruit into jams and preserves to savor and share all year long.

From the burst of ripe berries to the gentle simmer of fruit on the stove, preserving holds the fleeting sweetness of the season. For generations, families have turned summer harvests into jars of jam and jelly that brighten winter breakfasts and carry the memory of warm days long after the fruit is gone.

In this hands-on kitchen workshop, we’ll work together to safely transform fresh fruit into simple preserves while learning the science and tradition behind the process. As fruit cooks and flavors deepen, you’ll gain the confidence to turn everyday harvests into something lasting, delicious, and worth sharing.

YOU'LL EXPERIENCE:

• Fruit Preservation Fundamentals: Learn the difference between jam and jelly while exploring how sugar, pectin, and acid work together to create flavor, texture, and safe preservation.
• Hands-On Jam Making & Kitchen Know-How: Work together in Oxbow’s Outdoor Kitchen to cook a batch of jam while learning the tools and techniques that transform fresh fruit into preserves. Along the way, you’ll taste a variety of jams and jellies and learn which tools you truly need to start now, and which you may want to add over time as your skills grow. To begin, all you need is a pot, sugar, a spoon, and a few jars.
• Seasonal Food Traditions: Experience how preserving fruit connects people to seasonal harvests, family traditions, and the simple joy of sharing homemade food.

ABOUT YOUR FACILITATOR

Tony Ruby (he/him), Director of Education & Conservation at Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center, is a career educator with more than 20 years of experience in teaching, curriculum design, and school leadership. His work has included teaching high school social studies and middle school science, supporting the rollout of the Next Generation Science Standards as a principal, and leading district-wide science curriculum revisions for St. Louis Public Schools. Throughout his career, he has focused on bringing high-quality, standards-aligned science instruction into PK–12 classrooms and supporting educators through professional development. At Oxbow, Tony leads efforts to align OxEd programs with current science standards while keeping them accessible, engaging, and rooted in the unique ecosystems of the farm. He is passionate about sparking curiosity and helping students and teachers connect more deeply with the natural world through hands-on learning. Tony also brings a lifetime of experience with wild fruit and home preservation, practices he has shared with his three children at Oxbow and throughout Western Washington.

GRANT-SUPPORTED PRICING

We’re excited to offer this workshop at just $5, thanks to generous funding from 4Culture’s Doors Open grant! This experience is valued at $30, but the grant helps us make it accessible to more of our community.

We’re deeply grateful for this support, which allows us to connect more people with outdoor learning experiences.

All participants must register in advance—spaces are limited!