The book ‘A Modern Guide to Homesteading’ is available on Amazon, and you can also find more resources, courses, and information through the Homestead Mentors community on Facebook, and online at homesteadmentors.com.

When a young Park County family felt the pull towards a simpler, more intentional lifestyle, they didn’t imagine that their journey would someday help complete strangers get back to basics themselves.

Although they both worked full-time jobs — Brett Trudo in the water industry and Ashley Trudo as the marketing director at Cody Regional Health — the couple recognized that they wanted their children to grow up differently from what society deemed “normal” in this day and age. So they moved to a 9-acre plot of land southwest of Cody and began laying the groundwork for a more natural lifestyle.

“We wanted (our children) to grow up understanding where food comes from, how to work with their hands, and what it means to steward land,” said Ashley. “We didn’t grow up thinking we’d become homesteaders, but the idea of building something meaningful as a family kept growing in our hearts.”

The Trudos’ experience was so life-changing that Ashley published a book to help others on their journey to reconnect to the earth. “A Modern Guide to Homesteading” walks readers through the foundations of grassroots living — starting a garden, raising animals, building sustainable systems, preserving food, and creating a lifestyle that supports independence and community. 

The couple started out small — accepting free chickens from a friend and planting a garden in their backyard. From there, they learned no-dig gardening, bought Jersey cows for milk, learned how to preserve food, and created systems that make daily life more sustainable. 

As the Trudos learned these new skills, it made them realize how disconnected many people have become from the basics of life, such as food, land and community. 

“Homesteading reminds us that we don’t have to be fully dependent on systems we don’t understand,” said Trudo. “There’s incredible freedom in learning how to provide for your family in small but meaningful ways.”

And in part because Ashley has a background in marketing and public relations, she decided to share what her family was learning with a wider audience.

“I wrote the book because so many people were asking how to get started,” she said. “There’s a growing desire for people to live more intentionally, but many don’t know where to begin. I wanted to create a practical guide that makes homesteading feel accessible rather than overwhelming.”

“A Modern Guide to Homesteading” walks readers through the foundations of such radical lifestyle changes — but it also blends the practical instructions with stories from the family’s own journey, so readers can see what those actions actually look like in real life.

“I love teaching people how small changes, like growing herbs or baking their first loaf of bread, can transform how they experience their home,” said Trudo.

For everyday families who want to live more intentionally, Trudo said it doesn’t matter whether they have acres of land or just a small backyard — they can begin living a more self-sufficient lifestyle from right where they are.

“My hope is that people feel empowered to start somewhere,” she said. “Plant a garden. Raise a few chickens. Cook from scratch. Learn a new skill. Homesteading isn’t about perfection — it’s about progress toward a life that feels meaningful and connected.”

From her perspective, Trudo said that homesteading has completely shifted how she and her family think about time and success.

“Instead of chasing busyness, we focus on rhythms — planting seasons, caring for animals, preserving food, and spending meaningful time together as a family,” she said. “Our meals come from our garden, animals and local suppliers. Our boys spend more time outdoors than on screens.”

Trudo said that their family has created an entirely new relationship with their community, as well. 

“Our home has become a place where neighbors, friends and family gather around real food and meaningful conversations,” she said.

The Trudos’ boys, ages 9 and 6, are reaping the benefits of a simpler lifestyle.

“I believe it’s teaching them responsibility, work ethic and appreciation,” said Trudo. “They’re learning that good things take time and effort. They’ve watched calves be born, seeds grow into food, and hard work turn into something tangible. Those experiences build confidence and character in ways that are hard to teach any other way.”

The Trudos have found such success with their small lot on the South Fork that they have decided to expand their operation. They’ve decided to sell their 9.15 acre homestead, and are in the process of relocating within Park County.

“We’re moving to a larger property with more potential,” said Ashley. “This little farm has been a blessing to our family, and we are grateful for the memories made here. We’re excited to see who will write the next chapter on this land.”