CASBA and Earth Light Build invite you to a 

Straw Bale Stacking Work Party

San Diego, CA

April 18-19, 2026

9am-3pm

FREE

We’re ready for one of the most exciting phases of our Ocean Beach ADU project — stacking straw bales! Join us for a hands-on work party where we’ll be stuffing the walls of this handsome little 600SF accessory dwelling unit with this carbon storing, energy efficient, healthy, local, agricultural by-product! 

This is a fun, community-powered build day. No prior experience is necessary — we’ll provide guidance, tools, and orientation so everyone feels comfortable. You’ll learn about straw bale building techniques, sustainable construction methods, and gain insight on how natural materials can create beautiful, energy-efficient spaces. The work party will be led by Cat Odell and Erin Emslie of Earth Light Build and long time California Straw Building Association member and Architect, Bob Theis. He helped write the book on building with straw!

What to expect:

• Instruction, guidance, and clever tips

• Lifting and stacking straw bales ( with a friend!)

• Light trimming, resizing, and fitting

• Dust, noise, teamwork, and laughter

• Snacks, water, and lunch

What to bring:

• Work gloves

• long sleeve shirt - bales are itchy!

•Your water bottle

•Closed toed-shoes

Please arrive at 9am for orientation! We will conclude the day at 3pm.

Come for a couple of hours or stay the whole day. Whether you’re curious about natural building, or just enjoy being part of a collaborative project, we’d love to have you.

Register at https://www.earthlightbuild.com/balepartyregistration

Contact catherine@earthlightbuild.com for more information.