Our 2024 Presenters
Madison Hale
Madison Hale is a farmer, artist, and naturalist. She currently manages Shepherd University’s Tabler Farm and is pursuing her own subsistence farmstead with her partner. Her focus is on regenerative farming practices, permaculture philosophy, and wild foodways. She is passionate about cyclical/seasonal living, local food systems, and building sustainable communities.
Heather Cornelius
Heather has been passionate about fiber arts for two decades, teaching all ages for the last 10 years. Natural dyeing with plants she grows and forages marries her love of fiber arts and her botanical interests. Handspinning raw wool aquired from the local fibershed is one of her favorite expressions of sustainable craftmanship. Heather will be helping you learn to dye with natural plants, make your own yarn, and more.
Paul Bisgaard aka "Tipi Paul"
Since the early nineties, Paul has been deeply immersed in the world of primitive technology. He spent five years living in a 26-foot Nomadic Tipi, embracing the rhythms of nature in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. His passion for traditional living led him to work on Native American dwellings at Explore Park in Virginia, where he refined his skills in crafting and traditional techniques. Under the mentorship of Firehawk, also known as Daniel Abbot, Paul mastered the intricate art of making tools from deer leg bones, deepening his connection to ancestral methods and the natural world.
Bodhi Vasilopoulos
Bodhi is a passionate forest gardener, herbalist, naturalist, and educator. He regularly teaches on topics such as foraging, botany, permaculture and more. He also helps manage Forested, which is a regenerative food forest farm and education center in Bowie, Maryland.
With a bachelor's degree in environmental science and engineering, multiple technical certifications and a decade of working with the land under his belt, Bodhi applies the skills and knowledge he has acquired towards his service to life on Earth. He strives to be a steward, uplift consciousness & leave a loving footprint on the Earth. Bodhi's mission is to help people connect more deeply to themselves and the natural world around them with the hope of ushering in a more beautiful and harmonious world for all.
Marc J O'Connor
Marc J O'Connor is a writer, tactical tracking and survival skills instructor. His instructional praxis is founded on preparing individuals as assets for their community and infrastructure development.
Eden Cornelius
Eden has been teaching Earthskills in the DMV area for nearly a decade. Growing up homeschooled and immersed in nature, their passion was fueled by a hands on, DIY curriculum. From off grid living on an Island to a farm in upstate new york! With a background in multimedia art and youth leadership, Eden loves to share skills with all ages.
Eden's workshops cover a variety of skills, from friction fire starting and basket making to the intricate art of coal-burned spoon carving.
Holland Hook
With over 12 years of seeking a deeper relationship with the natural world in various forms, Holland has come to embrace the value of animal foods and the myriad resources they provide. She recognizes the essential role these resources play in many of our lives. Eager to share this knowledge, Holland will be leading a workshop focused on utilizing beef tallow, guiding participants through its processing and transformation into everyday products. This workshop is designed to not only bring us closer to nature but also to impart sustainable practices that honor the cycle of life.
Jamie Byron
Jamie is an educator, arborist and forest farmer. He is passionate about exploring modes of forestry and agriculture that yield food and useful materials from forests, while fortifying the health and diversity of the forest ecosystem. In addition to practicing as a professional arborist and teaching homeschool courses, Jamie grazes a herd of cattle and goats in his 9 acre wood along the Potomac River.
Julie Biedrzyck
Juliei lives with her husband and four children in a historic home, nestled in a beautiful forest, where she hosts nature-based programs for her community. She has been an educator for the last 23 years, specializing in environmental and outdoor education for the bulk of her career. Having taught in every kind of school setting and for all ages, she prefers nature as her classroom whenever possible. Julie is President of the Board of Directors for Ancestral Knowledge, a Maryland non-profit organization that offers workshops, camps, and classes focused on primitive skills, nature connection, and environmental stewardship.
Sweat Lodge Team
A dedicated group of ceremonialists who are committed to learning and practicing the ways of the Sweat Lodge Ceremony. Four Quarters' Sweat Lodge staff comprises three water pourers from various traditions, along with many students who cut wood, carry water, and sing along. Anyone can help, and everyone can pray—come see what it's all about!
Jillian-Taylor Stokes
JT Stokes has embraced an ethical and emergency response to a world in dire need of traditional ecological knowledge, rewilding, and simpler living. She has chosen to pursue a lifestyle of living lighter upon the land and in direct relationship with the resources needed to live well. She will be guiding us in a beginner's herbalism class and a discussion on reconnecting to nature-based spirituality through our daily walk in the world.
Elias Schwartzman
Elias Schwartzman is a Washington DC-based freelance violinist, violist, mandolinist and guitarist with a repertoire both broad and deep ranging from Baroque to Celtic to bluegrass. A native Washingtonian, he performs solo as well as in collaboration with various local artists ranging from duo to full symphonic orchestra and across many genres.
Ken Crampton
Ken Crampton of Everybody Drum, brings community connection through rhythm and arts experiences. Everybody Drum creates engaging and inclusive spaces where participants of all backgrounds can come together to explore the power of rhythm and collective expression. Ken’s passion for building community through the arts has made Everybody Drum a celebrated force for unity and inspiration. Learn about drumming, jam late night, and be inspired by Ken. Got a busted drum? Ken will be offering repair services.
Carrie Krystek
Carrie has always been drawn to botanicals, gardening since she was 10. She enjoys drying and using herbs and florals in homage to our ancestors. She has studied the history of candlemaking and its uses in the lives of our ancestors.
Carrie enjoys learning the Old Ways of responsible living and delights in bringing these ancient arts through the mists of time to be used by everyone, every day! Join her in a hands-on candle-making workshop.