MIDDAY FIBRE AND YUCCA WORKSHOP
2024-02-08 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Thursday, February 8, Noon.
midday FIBRE AND YUCCA WORKSHOP IN THE ARROYO
This is one of our Ethnobotany class series.
We’ll be in a section of the Arroyo Seco and learn about some the history and unique plant-life of the area.
We’ll see edible and medicinal plants on our short walk, and will learn some basics about making cordage, nets, and bags.
You will practice hands-on making cordage, nets, bags, brushes, etc. A very good introduction to this ancient art.

Bring your canteen.
Location — you’ll get details upon registration.
$45 ($30 senior and students).

EAT TO YOUR HEALTH: A Wild Food Foraging Walk
2024-07-13 10:00 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
Saturday, July 13, 10 a.m.
EAT TO YOUR HEALTH: Wild plant FORAGING
Your food should be your medicine! We will walk in a local area and learn which (wild) foods can be great food, and great medicine! You’ll learn about some of the nutritional values of the plants we see, and we’ll compare them with the common vegetables you buy in the store. The walk will be casual, along a riparian area with mixed native California plants and introduced exotic plants.
We will see a variety of the plants currently in season. Remember, we will see WILD FOODS and WILD MEDICINES, and these will be plants that might be growing in your backyard.
We will see both natives and non-native plants on this walk. You will learn how to use the plants for simple medical applications, and how to make simple salads and soups. Most of the plants we will see are widespread.

Location sent with registration.
Dress appropriately for the weather, and carry water. Bring a bowl for soup and salad!
$65 (seniors/students $45)

BUSHCRAFT: MAKING A PACK WITH JAMES RUTHER
2024-09-28 10:00 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
Saturday, September 28, 10 a.m.
BUSHCRAFT with James Ruther, Master Carver of Spoons and other mundane artifacts

THE BAG OF HOLDING

Man has been trying to figure out how to carry more stuff around since the dawn of time. In this class, we’ll go back to the roots of the most basic types of packs and we will emphasize the do-it-yourself pack.

We’ll begin with the trousers pack (from Ruther’s favorite book “How to Survive Anywhere “), and then the hobo bag, and the basic Indian net pack. You’ll see how each of these is made.

Then, you will have a look at the Otzi pack. Otzi, or Iceman, was the man who had been buried for 5000 years in the Austrian Alps, and his bronze age gear has been studied extensively. You’ll see what Otzi carried, and how he made it. And today, in addition to teacher James Ruther, there will be a guest joining — the famous wilderness expert Nathan Machain who will also be showing his Otzi pack.

You will also learn about the Roycraft pack, and get a history of backpacks.

Each participant will be guided to make an historical bag to take one home — either the Roycroft pack or the net bag.

A true Bushcraft class, with skills that have stood the test of time.
Class will be approximately 3 hours, led by School of Self- Reliance staff member James Ruther, L.M.

This is an excellent introduction to a number of basic BUSHCRAFT skills! Learn from a real authority.
LOCATION sent with registration.
$65 ($45 for seniors and students)

TRADITIONAL ARROW-MAKING WORKSHOP
2024-12-28 10:00 - 13:30 UTC
Saturday, December 28, 10 a.m.
You will learn at least two common methods that arrows were made in the past. You will learn each step of making the traditional arrow, and then each student will make one. You will learn all the steps along the way, from selection of wood, shaft straightening, to adding the nocks, points, and feathers.

You will also see and learn about a few other of the common, and silent, weapons of the past, such as the atlatl, slings, nets, etc.

Bring your knife, and fine files if you have them. Otherwise, tools will be provided. Location 2, Hahamongna Watershed Park.
Bring water, and a snack if needed.

Bushcraft Skills: Fishing-related: Make a Fish Spear, net, etc. -- plus discussions of knives and tools -a Hands-on Workshop
2025-03-01 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Saturday, March 1, 10 a.m.
BUSHCRAFT SKILLS: Making a simple FISH SPEAR, NET, and other Traps. PLUS discussion of survival knives and assorted tools.
. And a few other skills if time.
These are very basic bushcraft skills for taking fish to survive.
Bring your knife, since we’ll make a simple spear and learn its many variations. Also, how to make line and fish hooks.

Also we’ll make a basic net, and you’ll learn all aspects of this style of net-making, with its many applications.
Even if you never go fishing, these skills have multiple applications.

Hahamongna Watershed Park, Location 2 But please RSVP for exact location…

SURVIVAL SKILLS Class, ON-LINE
2025-03-07 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Friday, March 7, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., SURVIVAL SKILLS Class, Five Weeks, $75
One of the best deals in town!
on-line class
FIVE CONSECUTIVE FRIDAYS

Sponsored by Pasadena City College. Call (626) 585-7608 for information and registration. Cost to college is $75.
This course consists of five two-hour classes, on five consecutive Friday nights.
The Class topics include the following:
Wild Plants for food, medicine, and other uses, focusing on plants that are currently in season.
Everything we need to know about Water: How to find it, how to purify it, how to store water — and more.
How to make fire with both primitive and modern methods. You’ll learn the 4 Principles by which fire is made.
How to make and use a shelter when you get stuck in the outdoors. Simple lean-tos to more complicated shelters will be shown.
Tools and supplies will be discussed — you know, all the stuff you buy for your pack.
Other topics include natural navigation, finding fibre from natural sources and making cordage, dealing with no electricity or no toilet, and more.
The conversation and questions from students makes this lively and engaging. Taught by Christopher Nyerges.

MAKE A GOURD, MAKE A SPOON!
2025-06-28 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
MAKE A GOURD! MAKE A SPOON!
Saturday, June 28, 10 am.
We’re going to practice traditional bushcraft skills. You will learn to clean and carve a gourd. We’ll wash and clean it, and cut it to create a bowl. You’ll learn by doing all the steps to have a functional bowl.

Then under the guidance of Spooncarver James Ruther, you will learn the details of making a useful spoon. You will cut the wood and learn the steps that it takes to reduce the wood to a functional and beautiful spoon.

Great skill for children and adults. Bring your knives if you have any. If not, we will have extras for you to use.

$65 ($45 for students and seniors)
This class qualifies if you’re working for the Bushcraft certificate
Books and knives will be available for sale.

LUNCHTIME PLANT WALK IN THE ARROYO
2025-07-03 12:00 - 14:00 UTC
LUNCHTIME BOTANICAL WALK
Thursday, July 3, Noon

NOTE: BE SURE TO RSVP TO GET THE LOCATION.

We’ll walk in a section of the Arroyo Seco and see lots of Native California Plants. You’ll learn about their history and unique traditional uses from the Old Days.

We’ll see edible and medicinal plants. We’ll do some foraging, and depending on what is available, we might make a salad, so bring your bowl, and bring your canteen.

Directions sent upon registration.

GOURD WORKSHOP, mid-day
2025-07-10 12:00 - 13:30 UTC
mid-day GOURD WORKSHOP
Thursday, July 10, noon.

Here’s another ancient skill that you’ll enjoy learning. Each person will work on turning an ornamental gourd into a bowl for eating, or perhaps a canteen, ladle, or plate.
There are several skill sets involved, and we’ll talk you through them so you’ll understand the mechanics of making a gourd that you’ll be happy to use.

We’ll bring tools, but if you have a good knife, hacksaw, fine files, bring them! Not a highly-complicated craft, but requires patience. You will select a gourd that we bring, and clean it, decide where to cut it — no two gourds are alike — and then clean the inside and smooth the sharp edges. You’ll end up with a new skill and a bowl or dish that you can use right away.
You’ll also get to take seeds home so you can grow your own if you have the space.

$45. [$30 for seniors/students] RSVP for this one so we bring enough gourds! Location given after you register.

LUNCHTIME SHELTER WORKSHOP
2025-09-11 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Thursday, September 11, Noon, LUNCHTIME SHELTER WORKSHOP
We need shelter not just from the cold, but from rain, wind, even the sun. The location and circumstances dictate what sort of shelter we build. And in an emergency, we have to be very creative about how to make a shelter, or to find something to adapt as a shelter.
You will learn about setting up a tent, and some simple shelter ideas from tarps.
Learn the most basic of wilderness shelters, and work on at least two primitive shelters. Bring gloves!

You will also learn about some of the useful plants of the area.

Meet at Location 2, Hahamongna Watershed Park.

BUSHCRAFT WEAPONRY WORKSHOP
2025-10-04 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Saturday, October 4, 10 a.m.
WEAPONRY WORKSHOP, focusing on TRAPS, TRIGGERS, DEADFALLS, NETS, etc.

These are bushcraft skills that everyone took for granted a few generations ago, but which most urban folks know nothing about. Simple trapping of animals can be a life-or-death skill, under certain circumstances. You’ll be provided with an overview of all primitive weapons systems, both active and passive. The techniques are generally quite simple, but they take practice to master to the level where you are effective.
We will then focus on how to make the simplest of snares, and trigger mechanisms for bird traps and dead falls, such as the scarf trigger of the quail trap, and the basic figure 4 trigger.

You’ll also learn how to make a basic net, whose many applications include hammock, fishing, carrying net, etc.
You will also learn about several other primitive and silent weapons, both passive and active weapons.
No animals will be present, and no animals will be harmed. This is strictly an educational how-to program.
Bring your knife since you will be making things. Bring water, and a snack if needed.
Location 2. Hahamongna Park but RSVP in case location must be changed.
Also bring your bowl, and water, since we will probably cook a wild dish.
Exact directions to be sent after registration.

MID-DAY NATURAL NAVIGATION CLASS
2025-10-23 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
October 23, noon
Getting around accurately is a valuable survival skill! Sometimes you have a compass and map, and sometimes you don’t.
In this two-hour class, you’ll learn how to construct a sun compass, and how you can use that to tell direction and time. This sun compass is nearly as accurate as your magnetized compass, and the “clock” is more accurately telling you local solar time — good enough for general purposes.

You’ll also learn some natural methods of telling direction, which are ages-old observations. You’ll learn which are worth remembering, and which are “old husband’s tales.”

We’ll also address how to identify constellations for telling directions, and how to navigate with only a compass. So bring your compass.

What we cover in our short time will depend upon how much time everyone needs to grasp the concepts. Location 2, Hahamongna Watershed Park.

MIDDAY GOURD WORKSHOP -- a Bushcraft skill!
2025-11-20 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Thursday, November 20, Noon to 2P
LEARN THE ART OF CREATING A CUP, BOWL, PLATE, OR SCOOP FROM THE HARD-SHELLED ORNAMENTAL GOURD

In this mid-day class, you will take a dried gourd and learn all the steps to turning it into a beautiful and functional plate, or bowl, or canteen, or even a scoop.
We’ll bring the tools you need, but if you have saws, files or rasps, bring them.

It’s not that hard to make a good functional gourd. We used to each make one before a week at Dirttime, and then if we cut it just right, we’d have a dish, and a bowl. Bushcraft skills? Survival Skill? Whatever you call it, it’s a great skill, and a great opportunity to meet with like-minded people.
$45 ($30 students/seniors)
location: 5835 Burwood Ave., Highland Park, cA 90042 — we will meet at the top of the hill…

THANKSGIVING SEASON -- WILD FOOD COOKING WORKSHOP -- INCLUDING ACORN PROCESSING
2025-11-22 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Saturday, November 22, 10 a.m.
WILD FOOD COOKING WORKSHOP
Join us as we do a short walk to forage wild foods that are in season, and learn how to recognize what is available now.
We’ll then gather and prepare the various wild foods, along with some that we have brought, including ACORNS. You will work together to create a salad, a soup, an egg dish, acorn pancakes, tea, and some sort of desert items. We’ll have mushrooms if we find any.
Learn how to eat the older nopales
It’s worth noting that when the first peoples of Hahamongna lived here, they relied on the plant and animal life for their sustenance. You will just be getting a small taste of what that would have been like. And it is worth noting that the majority of the wild foods that are available today are mostly European invasive plants, plants that the first peoples would not have had.

Bring your notebook and camera, and bring your water and bowl. This is not a spectator sport, so be prepared to process greens, make the fire, and cook.
$65 ($45 for seniors and students)

BASIC NATURAL NAVIGATION, AND ORIENTATION
2025-11-29 10:00 - 13:30 UTC
NATURAL NAVIGATION AND ORIENTATION
Saturday, November 29, 10 a.m.

What are some of the tried-and-proven methods for navigation that people have used for centuries?
We’ll begin with observations of the terrain — shadows, looking at trees, moisture, feeling rocks, insect signs, etc.
We’ll learn how to use the stars, the sun, the moon, for navigation, including how to read the natural terrain. These are skills that our grandparents took for granted, but as we rely more and more on technologies, we have forgotten these very basic skills.
Yes, you’ll also learn the basics of how to read a map, how to use a compass, how to align the map with a compass, and ways to navigate the terrain with these tools.
Since this is a two-hour lunchtime class, we will cover the most basic skills.
We’ll do exercises to test your new skills. Bring a notebook.

Location sent with registration
$65 (Students and seniors, $45)
This class can be applied towards Bushcraft Certificate

LUNCHTIME NATURALIST WALK
2025-12-11 12:00 - 13:30 UTC
LUNCHTIME RIPARIAN PLANT WALK, Thursday, December 11 at noon

We’ll walk into the Upper Arroyo, north of JPL, and explore the chaparral and riparian plants, and you will see the highly versatile yucca plant.
From the Windsor exit of the 210 freeway, drive north on Windsor until Ventura, where you will veer to the left, but continue driving north. The hill descends slightly, and then it opens to the large parking area east of Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Drive as far north into the JPL East Lot, where we will meet.
We will explore the watershed and see native and non native plants, and learn about the edible, medicinal, and other useful qualities of the plants.
We will walk along water, and you will see mostly the native plants. A great opportunity to see this unique environment.
Carry your Water, and bring a camera.
Catalina Island cherry fruits
Ruther examines the yucca flower

WATERSHED EXPLORATION
2025-12-30 11:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Tuesday, December 30, at 11 a.m.
In this approx. 3 hour class, we’ll explore along the watershed of the Upper Arroyo in the Angeles National Forest. We’ll learn about food and medicine from plants, make soap from plants, and weave rope and baskets from natural materials. We will walk along the stream, and see a lot of plants. Be sure to bring your canteen, bowl for eating, and snacks you might want.
There are some unique features at this location that makes it quite memorable. Plus, it might be very quiet at this time of the year.
NOTE: We had planned to do this walk at Switzers Camp but we cannot do so because of road closures as a result of the rain. We will do the class at a lower elevation. Be sure to RSVP.

PRIMITIVE to MODERN FIRE WORKSHOP
2026-01-31 10:00 - 14:00 UTC
HANDS-ON FIRE-MAKING WORKSHOP — January 31, 10 a.m.

Learn how to make fire by several primitive methods. You will learn the 4 Principles by which fire is generated: friction, the sun, chemicals, and electricity. You will practice several of these, and learn the best techniques for mastery.

You will use reflectors and magnifying glasses, batteries, flint and steel, the bow, the hand drill, the piston, magnesium and others.
You will learn by doing. You goal will be to create an ember, and “mother” it to a flame. You will learn which woods are best, and how to process your woods.
A short walk will be included to see which plants are best for your fire-making kit.

This class applies to our Bushcraft Certificate.
Location 2. Details sent with registration.
Copies of our books are available at all classes.

TOM BROWN III: Learn survival skills and outdoor awareness with the son of the famous Tracker...
2026-02-04 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
MEET TOM BROWN III AT THIS ON-LINE FREE CLASS.
FREE SESSION TO MEET TOM BROWN III. 7 P.M. pacific time.
This is a free introductory class. Additional classes are $100. each, or $300. for all 4 future Tom Brown III Classes (live or video replay).

Link for the free class: https://trackolytes.as.me/meet-T3

Link for the group of 4 classes for $300.00 (A $100.00 savings): https://trackolytes.as.me/Wisdom-of-Wilderness

Links for each separate class at $100.00 each
•Wilderness safety https://trackolytes.as.me/Wilderness-1
•Awareness: the most important skill in life https://trackolytes.as.me/Awareness1
•Edible plans and ethical foraging: https://trackolytes.as.me/edible-ethical
•Animal tracks and sign: https://trackolytes.as.me/Tracks-sign

INTRODUCING A SERIES OF 4 CLASSES

Tom Brown III, often known as T3, is a lifelong wilderness educator, nature photographer, and storyteller dedicated to carrying forward the ancestral skills and philosophies taught to him by his father, Tom Brown Jr. Tom or “T3” has been teaching for 26 years, And has a lifetime of practical experience in wilderness living, tracking, survival, and nature connection, And stewardship. Tom’s work focuses on helping people rediscover confidence, awareness, and a meaningful relationship with the natural world. His teaching blends practical skills, deep observation, and personal insight, making complex knowledge approachable and relevant for modern life.
During this collaboration with the School of Self-Reliance, Tom will be offering four foundational classes designed to build confidence, awareness, and self sufficiency in natural settings.
Wilderness Safety, Taking the Fear Out of Wild Places [on-line class on February 12]
This class focuses on mindset, preparation, and core survival priorities. Students will learn how to stay calm, make good decisions, and use a small set of essential items to dramatically increase their chances of success in emergency situations.
Awareness: The most important life skill. [on-line class on February 19]
Focused on moving quietly and efficiently through the landscape, this class explores posture, balance, awareness, and energy use. These skills improve tracking ability, personal safety, and overall connection to the environment.
Wild Edible Plants and Ethical Foraging [on-line class February 26]
This class teaches how to identify common wild edible plants while emphasizing safety, sustainability, and respect for the land. Students will learn how to forage responsibly and deepen their awareness of seasonal abundance.
Animal Tracks and Sign [on-line class March 5]
An introduction to reading the stories animals leave behind. Students will learn how to identify common tracks and signs, understand animal behavior, and sharpen observation skills that translate far beyond the trail.

Together, these classes offer a well rounded introduction to ancestral skills that foster self-reliance, awareness, and a deeper sense of belonging in the natural world.
We hope to see you at this FREE EVENT where T3 will delve a little bit deeper into the philosophy that drives him in his omnipresent quest to lead just one more person back to the Earth, so they can learn how to become human again.
Whether you are an absolute novice or seasoned outdoors person, I can guarantee you will learn many valuable techniques to apply every time we enter the wilderness!

https://trackolytes.as.me/meet-T3

TOM BROWN III -- CLASS ONE: WILDERNESS SAFETY
2026-02-12 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Link for the group of 4 classes for $300.00 (A $100.00 savings): https://trackolytes.as.me/Wisdom-of-Wilderness

Links for each separate class at $100.00 each
• Feb. 12, Wilderness safety https://trackolytes.as.me/Wilderness-1
•Feb. 19, Awareness: the most important skill in life https://trackolytes.as.me/Awareness1
•Feb. 26, Edible plans and ethical foraging: https://trackolytes.as.me/edible-ethical
•March 5, Animal tracks and sign: https://trackolytes.as.me/Tracks-sign

Tom Brown III, often known as T3, is a lifelong wilderness educator, nature photographer, and storyteller dedicated to carrying forward the ancestral skills and philosophies taught to him by his father, Tom Brown Jr. Tom or “T3” has been teaching for 26 years, And has a lifetime of practical experience in wilderness living, tracking, survival, and nature connection, And stewardship. Tom’s work focuses on helping people rediscover confidence, awareness, and a meaningful relationship with the natural world. His teaching blends practical skills, deep observation, and personal insight, making complex knowledge approachable and relevant for modern life.
During this collaboration with the School of Self-Reliance, Tom will be offering four foundational classes designed to build confidence, awareness, and self sufficiency in natural settings.
Wilderness Safety, Taking the Fear Out of Wild Places [on-line class on February 12]
This class focuses on mindset, preparation, and core survival priorities. Students will learn how to stay calm, make good decisions, and use a small set of essential items to dramatically increase their chances of success in emergency situations.
Awareness: The most important life skill. [on-line class on February 19]
Focused on moving quietly and efficiently through the landscape, this class explores posture, balance, awareness, and energy use. These skills improve tracking ability, personal safety, and overall connection to the environment.
Wild Edible Plants and Ethical Foraging [on-line class February 26]
This class teaches how to identify common wild edible plants while emphasizing safety, sustainability, and respect for the land. Students will learn how to forage responsibly and deepen their awareness of seasonal abundance.
Animal Tracks and Sign [on-line class March 5]
An introduction to reading the stories animals leave behind. Students will learn how to identify common tracks and signs, understand animal behavior, and sharpen observation skills that translate far beyond the trail.

Together, these classes offer a well rounded introduction to ancestral skills that foster self-reliance, awareness, and a deeper sense of belonging in the natural world.

Whether you are an absolute novice or seasoned outdoors person, I can guarantee you will learn many valuable techniques to apply every time we enter the wilderness!
SIGN UP HERE:
https://trackolytes.as.me/meet-T3

WILDERNESS SURVIVAL FOUNDATION COURSE
2026-02-21 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Saturday, February 21, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Wilderness survival: “Foundation Course” — Led by Keith Farrar, James Ruther, and assorted ad hoc, adjunct assistants.

Wilderness Survival Foundation Course:

Not all who wander are lost, however, some are, which is why learning Wilderness Survival is critical.

In this Wilderness Survival Foundation Course, we address the priorities in a wilderness survival situation.
Learning what priority to address first and how to address each priority is the best way to understand what to do if you have to spend an unplanned night or two in the wilderness.

Each topic is addressed in such a way that you will have a thorough understanding along with hands-on experience with that skill. While each topic, on its own, can be a full multi-day class, you will be comfortable enough with what you learn at this foundation class –or curious enough — to go further in your learning experience.

James Ruther demonstrating how to make a survival net

Due to personalized instruction, class size is limited.

What to bring:
Please bring a camp chair, lunch (there is no time to leave for lunch), water, appropriate clothing for the weather a compass (if you have one) and any personal wilderness survival items you might like to discuss.

We start the class at 10:00 (please arrive a bit early) and we finish around 3:00. There will be a very short lunch break somewhere along the program.

There are several hands-on portions, including but not limited to:

Emergency Shelter Set-Up’s
Critical outdoor knots to facilitate emergency shelters
Fire making (modern & primitive)
Basic Compass use
Emergency Navigation
Signaling for rescue
Water Purification
Deadfall Traps

What is different about this class? So may survival instructors give a list of gear to carry….we teach what needs to be done, and from that information, you decide what gear to carry based on what you are comfortable using to facilitate each priority in a survival situation.

Keith has taught this program for over 15 years and feels your confidence in what to do in a wilderness survival situation will significantly increase with the knowledge gained in this class.

Learning about emergency shelters
$75. [$55 for seniors/ students]
Location sent out upon registration.
Keith Farrar demonstrates how to turn a tarp into an emergency shelter

MIDDAY FIRE WORKSHOP -- hands-on
2026-02-26 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Thursday, February 26, Noon.
LUNCHTIME FIRE WORKSHOP

SURVIVAL, BUSHCRAFT, SELF-RELIANCE!
Primitive skills are very popular, and the ability to make fire without matches is at the top of the list.
We will practice a few of the primitive methods of fire-starting methods, and you will learn some of the secrets that come from years of experience.
You will get to practice the bow drill, the hand drill, flint and steel, and the fire piston.

We will also go for a short walk (if time) so you can see the types of woods that are best for making fire, and the tinders that are best for getting your fire to light.
And enjoyable gathering. Bring a bowl and water.
And yes, you will learn about a few wild plants at this class as well.

Location sent when you register — most likely Hahamongna.

OJAI "OUTDOOR SURVIVAL SKILLS" WORKSHOP
2026-02-28 10:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 10 a.m.

Join me (Lanny Kaufer_)and renowned author/forager/survivalist Christopher Nyerges on Saturday, February 28, at Euterpe Farms in Ojai for an outdoor Foraging & Firemaking workshop. This workshop is based on Christopher’s many books, including Foraging California and How to Survive Anywhere.
Participants will:

learn to identify edible, medicinal, and useful plants and mushrooms
forage wild foods for our meal
learn the 4 basic principles of making fire and practice 2 or 3 ways of matchless firestarting
learn and practice hand drill firemaking
try bow drill firemaking with Christopher’s kit
enjoy a foraged meal cooked over a campfire
process acorns and/or black walnuts for eating, time permitting

The workshop will begin with a morning herb walk among the native plants on the fringes of Euterpe Farms, bordering the Ventura River Preserve. The afternoon workshop will take place in a grassy area. Everyone will have a chance to participate in all activities.

Javier shows the three book special

After the workshop, Christopher and I will have our mobile bookstores on display, including copies of my book, Medicinal Herbs of California, and several of Christopher’s many books, available for sale and signing.
Christopher Nyerges is an author, forager, survivalist and ethnobotanist with a lifelong interest in how native peoples lived off the land. He has been teaching classes and leading field trips since 1974 to over 40,000 students. Nyerges has authored nearly two dozen books, including Foraging California, How to Survive Anywhere, Guide to Wild Foods, Nuts and Berries of California, Extreme Simplicity, and many others. Chicago Review Press, the publishers of the late Larry Dean Olsen’sOutdoor Survival Skills, asked Christopher to lightly edit the 7th edition of that classic book and add color photos and a new foreword.
Christopher was the editor of American Survival Guide magazine and served as editor of Wilderness Way magazine for 7 years. He has written several thousand newspaper and magazine articles in such publications as the Los Angeles Times, Pasadena Star News, Pasadena Weekly, Whole Life Times, Countryside, Mother Earth News, Acres USA, American Survival Guide, and others.
He has appeared on the late Huell Howser’s public television series on California, KCET’s “Life and Times,” and National Geographic’s “Doomsday Preppers.” For two years, he appeared on Fox TV’s “X Show,” where he demonstrated survival skills on the streets of Los Angeles. He currently serves as a consultant to the “Naked and Afraid” show on Discovery. Christopher Nyerges’ web site is SchoolofSelf-Reliance.com.
REGISTRATION INFO:Registration at https://herbwalks.com/event/foraging-firemaking-workshop-with-christopher-nyerges-2/. Paid registrants will receive a confirmation email with all necessary info, including weather forecast and parking directions, a few days prior to the workshop. They also will receive a follow-up email afterwards with a list of all plants identified and used, recipes, and more.
The cost for the workshop, including all materials, is $85 for adults and $45 for children under 18 (one per adult).

FIBRE-CRAFT 101 (including introduction to basketry)
2026-03-28 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m. FIBRE-CRAFT 101:
The Art of Turning Plant Fibres into Bags, Baskets, Nets, String, Sandals.
We’ve had some requests for a BASKETRY Workshop. This class will include Basketry basics, though this class will not be only basketry.
The art of working fibre is nearly a lost art. You’ll learn to recognize some of the common plants which yield a useful fibre, and learn how to work them into strings, and baskets, and nets, and sandals, and more. In the old days of the Southwest, the lives of the people were literally tied together with fibre: for shelter, for clothing (hats, belts, shoes), fishing nets, bags, weaponry, fire-making, brushes, looms for fabric.
In the past, most people had a more intimate connection to plant fibres. There are so many practical applications, though today someone makes everything we use. So it’s become a lost art.
You will learn how to process a few plant fibres and how to make them into a usable product!

Actual networking!

We will do a short walk (if time) and learn about some of the plants that are useful for weaving, and making cordage.
You will then learn by making some of the useful products.
Along the way, you’ll also see many of the other useful and edible plants of the area.
NOTE: PLEASE RSVP SINCE WE NEED TO PLAN TO BRING SUFFICIENT SUPPLIES!
$65 (Seniors and students $45)

WATER SURVIVAL: Learn the Essential Water Skills for wilderness or city
2026-04-02 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
LUNCHTIME WATER SKILLS
April 2, Noon

This will be an overview of WATER in the City and Wilderness. HOW to find water, how to purify it, how to store it.
Let’s learn and apply the skills that allow you to survive in the desert (and other) environments. Water, of course, is paramount. You’ll learn how to obtain water when none seems present, methods such as the well, solar still, transpiration bag, plants, etc.

Water is the most critical element of survival, and so you will learn the necessity of storing water, and how to store water.
How much water should you store? What sort of containers should you use?
How about rain water? Are any special precautions needed?
How about water purification? Learn different ways to purify water, under different circumstances. Learn how to make a make-shift water filter in an emergency.
An essential survival skill, in the wilderness or the city.
Depending on our time, we might learn to identify a few wild plants too.
You can apply this class towards our Certification program.
Location given after registration. Class fee $45. (Seniors/students $30)

Books and tools available for purchase at all classes…

LUNCHTIME TRAPS,TRIGGERS, PRIMITIVE WEAPONRY WORKSHOP
2026-04-16 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Learn to make traps, triggers, snares, deadfalls — learn by doing!
Thursday, April 16, noon
Note: We do not go out and try to kill or trap animals when we do this class.
We recognize that hunting and fishing are long-established methods of putting food on the table, especially during times of hardship and emergency. Though I have never really been what you’d call a “hunter,” I always wanted to know how to capture and clean animals for food, if I had to. I learned originally how to clean animals by using roadkill, and fish that I caught. Later, I learned how to make and use primitive traps from various sources, such as Paul Campbell and Larry Dean Olsen. So if you’re like me, and just want to know how to make these devices “just in case,” please come to the class.
We’ll meet in the Arroyo Seco to learn which woods are best for traps and triggers. Then’ we’ll work on carving a deadfall trigger, a trigger for a quail trap, and more.

You’re learn by doing. Bring your knife! (We have extras if you don’t have one)

We’ll see edible and medicinal plants. Bring your canteen.

PRIMITIVE & MODERN TECHNOLOGY: FIRE WORKSHOP
2026-04-18 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
PRIMITIVE & MODERN TECHNOLOGY: FIRE WORKSHOP
WE’LL BE COOKING TOO!
April 18, 10 a.m.
Angelo’s favorite book on FIRE
We will take a walk and you will see the woods that are used to make the most basic methods of fire-production: The bow and drill, and the hand drill. You will also see flint and steel. You will learn by doing. You will work to make an ember, and you will learn which woods are best, and how to process your woods. A short walk included to see which plants are best for your fire-making kit. This is a timeless bushcraft skill.

We expect that each person will be able to collect and process most of your kit during this class. You will learn this fundamental bushcraft skill by doing! An excellent overall survival skill, since fire is at the very heart of survival: signalling, purifying water, cooking, etc.
BONUS: Once we make a fire, we’ll cook some wild foods at the grill for each of you to try.
Location 2, Hahamongna.
Exact location sent with registration

LUNCHTIME CANDLE MAKING WORKSHOP
2026-04-23 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Thursday, Noon, April 23
Candle-making is one of the pioneer arts that goes back in time. Not exactly Bushcraft, but a Pioneer Self-Reliance skill. It’s how people lit their homes in the days before electricity.

You will learn the 3 methods of making your own candles: rolling, dipping, and molds.
You will take at least a few candles home that you made.
Javier making candles by dipping
This is a great skill to teach children, and there is also the possibility of creating a product you can sell at craft faire, or barter with your neighbors.
Diann with a candle made with a mold
As a bonus, you will also learn how to make a very simple slush lamp, used for millenia to light the night.
Hahamongna Watershed Park.

MEDICINAL PLANT WALK -- CANCELLED
2026-05-14 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Thursday, May 14, Noon. MEDICINAL PLANT WALK
When you study the floral wealth of the world, you find that many plants are very efficacious in healing many of our illnesses and symptoms. This is a unique and valuable survival skill!
Just a few generations ago, before everyone got hooked on drugs and hospitals, the knowledge of using wild and garden plants for common medical applications was common and normal. Our grandparents often foraged for their own medicinal plants in fields and backyards.
On our walk, we’ll see many of the local herbs used for medicine, and discuss some proven methods for dealing with common illnesses that are both proven and safe.
Location: Arroyo Seco, exact location sent upon registration.

SURVIVAL SKILLS INTENSIVE -- An Field Overview of all the Skills you NEED
2026-05-23 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
May 23, Saturday, 10 a.m.

SURVIVAL SKILLS INTENSIVE
May 23, 10 a.m.
$75 ($55 for seniors and students)

Here’s a chance to practice all of the basic skills that are considered the essential skills. We will do a little bit of everything, and try to keep hiking to a minimum.
Knowledge of plants and their many uses is a critical skill that relates to every other skill. You will learn how to identify key plants, and how to use them for food, medicine, fire-making, cordage, and more.
Fire-making is an essential survival skill, and you should always have a few ways to make fire. On this class, you will practice primitive fire-making, as well as cooking, and water purification.
Along the way, you will learn about emergency shelters, how to make cordage, and more.
A great day to get into the mountains with like-minded people.
Location details sent upon registration. Bring a bowl, knife, and water.

Books by Nyerges available at class.
