2025 Workshop Descriptions
(growing list)
Essentials of Water Procurement- A visual workshop to learn crucial skills for locating and purifying water in natural settings. Discover how to identify reliable water sources, efficiently collect water, and utilize different purification methods such as boiling, filtration, and chemical treatments. This workshop will empower you with the knowledge to safely secure drinking water in outdoor survival situations along with in your daily life. Class by Marc O'Conner
Wisteria Egg (Melon) Basket Workshop with Eden Cornelius: Learn to craft a traditional ribbed egg basket using invasive wisteria vine in this hands-on Appalachian folk craft class. From shaping the hoop and handle to lashing a strong god’s eye and spiral weaving the body, you'll create a sturdy and beautiful basket while exploring sustainable harvest and use of wild materials. A blend of old-world technique and modern resourcefulness, this class is limited to 15 participants. Teens & adults (ages 12+). Pay-what-you-can materials fee: $15–30 (size dependent—Eden works hard to gather it!). Class by Eden Cornelius.
Coal-Burned Spoons- Learn the ancient art of carving wooden spoons using hot coals and a sharp knife. In this hands-on class, we’ll explore the slow, meditative process of shaping wood with fire—an accessible and beautiful way to make functional tools with minimal gear. We’ll cover safety, wood selection, burning technique, and knife carving methods. All skill levels welcome. Materials fee: $15–$25 (includes wood, sandpaper, and shared coals). Additional wood blanks available for purchase. Bring your own sharp carving knife. Class by Eden Cornelius.
Fire Building 102: Take your fire skills to the next level as you walk the land to identify the best natural materials for fuel and kindling. Learn how to build efficient, reliable fires in a variety of conditions, including strategies for damp environments, and put your skills to the test with the fast-paced “one match fire” challenge. A practical and engaging class for anyone ready to deepen their connection to this essential skill. Teens & adults (ages 12+). No materials fee. Class by Eden Cornelius.
Sling & Stone: Ancient Ranged Weaponry for the Modern Thrower: Learn the ancient art of sling throwing in this hands-on workshop that blends history, craft, and skill. Participants will build their own functional sling from leather or cordage, then learn traditional throwing techniques to safely hit steel targets with a variety of projectiles. From Mesopotamian warriors to modern-day survivalists, discover the legacy and precision of one of humanity’s oldest ranged weapons. Teens & adults (ages 12+). Materials Fee TBT Class by Eric Shipp
Reading the Land: Ecology, History, and Animal Trails with Eric Shipp: Slow down and see the woods with new eyes in this immersive tracking and awareness workshop. Blending ecology, local history, and animal behavior, participants will explore trail systems, human land use patterns, and sensory practices to better understand the stories written across the land. Learn to move like a deer, sit in stillness, and read subtle signs of wildlife and change. Teens & adults (ages 12+). No materials fee. Class by Eric Shipp.
Unlocking the Past: Intro to Lock Picking with Eric Shipp: Step into the world of locksport with this hands-on introduction to the art and ethics of lock picking. Participants will explore the history and mechanics of common locks, learn foundational picking techniques, and craft their own beginner tools from simple materials. With guided practice on training locks and clear ethical framing, this workshop is perfect for curious minds who love puzzles, precision, and problem-solving. Teens & adults (ages 12+). Materials provided. Class by Eric Shipp.
Plant and Mushroom Foraging Walk-Nature is abundant with food, medicine & more yet we have forgotten our ancient ways of working with the botanical and fungal relatives growing all around us. Learning about wild foods takes some time and focus but in the process we are rewarded with greater health, happiness, resilience and connection to the natural world. In this walk we will cover topics such as:
-Plant & mushroom identification
-How to harvest sustainably and prepare different wild edible foods throughout the seasons
-Basics of botany, mycology, field herbalism and medicinal preparations
-Planting & propagation techniques
-Agroforestry principles & practices
-Temperate ecology and more
Materials Fee: Donations Accepted; Class by Bodhi Vasilopoulos
Honeybee Alchemy - This workshop is an immersive exploration of honeybees and their role in sustainable ecosystems. Discover bee behaviors, the art of beekeeping and experience various edible and medicinal hive products within the context of permaculture principles. Option to create your own hand-rolled beeswax candle to remember your journey into the fascinating world of honeybees and their contributions to sustainable living. Teens and Adults (12+) $5 materials fee. Class by Kypriana Daniels
Uncommon Applications for Common Plants with Iris Kirsch: Take a whimsical walk into the green world and discover just how many ways plants can be woven into your daily life. From healing and cooking to crafting, meditating, and creating art, Herbalist Iris Kirsch will guide you through the lesser-known gifts of familiar plants. Bring a journal, your curiosity, and leave with a magical, plant-based creation made by you. Teens & adults (ages 12+). No materials fee. Class by Iris Kirsch.
Storytime and Nature Adventure- Reconnect with Nature! Join author Kypriana Daniels for foraging storytime. She will read her book, Spring Forage! (or Autumn Forage!) then children will take part in an interactive game inspired by the book. They will then set off on a nature adventure, exploring a range of wild plants, trees and mushrooms learning about their edible, medicinal, and practical applications. This class will also touch on outdoor/foraging safety and lost proofing. Children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult during this workshop. Class by Kypriana Daniels
Sweat Lodge Ceremony- Participate in a traditional sweat lodge ceremony, an experience that promotes physical detoxification and spiritual rejuvenation. Learn about the rituals involved and the significance of this sacred practice in fostering community and personal growth. Donations Accepted. Ceremony by Sweat Lodge Team
Ecological Forestry and Ethical Timber Selection: Join two seasoned woodsmen for a walk through the forest focused on how to choose the right trees for homestead building while supporting the long-term health of the ecosystem. This class blends practical forestry with a deep respect for woodland stewardship, helping participants understand how thoughtful harvesting can actually improve a forest over time. Ideal for aspiring builders, landowners, and anyone looking to work with—not against—nature. Teens & adults (ages 12+). No materials fee. Class by Jamie Byron & Robert Hatcher.
The Art of Safe Felling: Learn the fundamentals of safe tree felling with chainsaws in this live demonstration-based class. Participants will gain essential knowledge about personal protective gear, assessing lean and hazards, setting up proper notches and back cuts, and planning safe escape routes. A must for anyone working with trees or hoping to gain confidence around powerful tools in the woods. Teens (with supervision) & adults (ages 12+). No materials fee. Class by Jamie Byron & Robert Hatcher.
Cordage Council with Chelsea Ihnacik: Come sit in circle and learn to make cordage from natural materials—no experience needed. As your hands twist fiber into rope, we’ll open space for conversation and connection on meaningful topics like designing land-bonded family programs, sustaining village relationships, and aligning purpose with paid work. This co-created workshop invites all genders to engage with both craft and community in an intentional, grounded way. Teens & adults (ages 12+). No materials fee. Class by Chelsea Ihnacik.
Homestead Milling — Logs to Lumber : Watch a raw log become usable lumber as Jamie and Robert guide you through the process of using an Alaskan chainsaw mill. This hands-on class demystifies small-scale milling for homestead use and covers key considerations like log selection, milling setup, safety, and grain orientation. Perfect for DIY builders and landowners ready to turn trees into timber. Teens & adults (ages 12+). No materials fee. Class by Jamie Byron & Robert Hatcher.
Timber Frame Tools and Joinery : Explore the traditional tools of timber framing—from chisels to slicks to mallets—and learn to cut your first mortise and tenon joint. With guidance from veteran frame builders, you’ll get hands-on experience in this age-old craft and walk away with foundational skills for larger timber projects. Teens & adults (ages 12+). No materials fee. Class by Jamie Byron & Robert Hatcher.
Timber Frame Design and Raising: Sit at the feet of experience as Robert shares stories and lessons from four decades of timber frame raisings. Then, get your hands involved in assembling and raising a small-scale timber frame as a group, learning the structural elements that make these timeless buildings so strong and beautiful. A rich and collaborative class for anyone curious about craft, community, and construction. Teens & adults (ages 12+). No materials fee. Class by Jamie Byron & Robert Hatcher.
Making Tools from Bone- Explore the art of making traditional tools from deer leg bones in this concise workshop. Learn the techniques to shape awls, gouges, and needles, starting from selecting the right bones to processing and crafting them into functional items. Perfect for those interested in heritage crafts and sustainable practices, this session offers a hands-on experience to connect with ancient skills and create your own set of useful tools.Materials fee $10 Class by Tipi Paul