School of Self-Reliance

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.

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.

FORAGING FOR WILD FOODS, WITH RIPARIAN FOCUS, --- A walkabout
2026-01-10 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Saturday, January 10, 10 a.m.

ARROYO SECO
We’ll walk into the watershed area, through the willows and waterways, and see the diverse flora, with WILD FOODS, EDIBLE CALIFORNIA PLANTS. We will learn about the wild foods, wild medicines, and some uses of the yucca plant.

During our walk, we’ll learn about the unique riparian plants, and the uses of the many plants we’ll see. We’ll see the alders, mulefat, mugwort, willow, etc. There are many other riparian plants, which we may or may not see, depending on the conditions. We know we’ll see many wild edibles that sprout at this time of the year when it’s a wet year.
Ruther examines the yucca flower
There are always lots of surprises in store on these sorts of walks. We see native California plants, non-native introduced plants, and various wildlife.
Bring your own water, and dress comfortably. Bring a bowl for a salad
This walk can be applied towards the Ethnobotany certificate.

Location sent with registration$65 ($45 student/senior).

Books by Nyerges will be available, as will knives and other tools.

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.

EAT TO YOUR HEALTH! A Medicine and Food Foraging walk -- with disaster survival commentary
2026-02-07 10:00 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
Saturday, February 7, 10 a.m. MEDICINE AND FOOD FORAGING WALK

EAT TO YOUR HEALTH: Eat your Medicine. Learn about native and non-native Edible and Medicinal, and Utilitarian plants.

WITH DISCUSSION OF PLANT FAMILIES.
We’ll do a short walk along a trail in the Arroyo Seco to see and study the native, and introduced plants. We’ll be seeing chaparral plants, riparian plants, and exotics. We’ll see a good selection of plants, and you’ll get an understanding of what plants are found in the fall. You will also learn a bit about Plant Families, and families that are entirely safe.
We’ll explore and learn about the medicinal properties of many plants, and we’ll collect some of the wild edibles. Our goal will be to sample at least a wild soup, so be sure to bring your bowl.
Besides learning about the food and medicinal uses of the plants, you’ll learn a little about which plants are good for fire-making, and which are good for cordage/basketry.
Leisurely walk. Bring a canteen of water, a bowl, and a camera.
We’ll cook a few wild food dishes too, so bring your bowl.
$65 ($45 seniors/ students).
Location sent with registration.

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…

ETHNO-BOTANICAL SERIES: WILD FOOD WALK for SOUP AND SALAD
2026-04-04 10:00 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
Sarah Shin collects some ripe coffeeberries

Saturday, April 4, 10 a.m.

WILD SOUP AND SALAD
ETHNO-BOTANICAL introduction and WILD FOOD WALK

We’ll begin by covering some of the topics of ethno-botany, that is, how cultures have used wild plants for food, medicine, tools, and all everyday needs. You will learn about some of the references for further study, and we will do some hands-on.

Then, we will go on a short walk where we explore the edible, medicinal, and other useful qualities of many of the plants found in the local environment. Both natives and non-natives will be seen. You’ll learn about the historical uses of native plants for food, medicine, fibre, soap, etc. An eye-opening experience. This will be leisurely and you will get a chance to taste some of the plants.
Then, we will prepare a SOUP and SALAD from wild foods so you can taste it for yourself.
Wear comfortable footwear and bring water. Bring a bowl for eating.
This class can be credited towards the Ethnobotany certificate.
$65 (Seniors and students $45).

FORAGING WALK -- WILD FOOD OUTING
2026-05-09 10:00 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
May 9, 10 a.m

Saturday, May 9, 10 a.m.
WILD FOOD FORAGING AND ETHNO-BOTANICAL WALK
Join us for our outing where we explore the edible, medicinal, and other useful qualities of many of the plants found in the environment with many introduced plants. Both natives and non-natives will be seen. This will be leisurely and you will get a chance to taste some of the plants.
We will introduce a few basics of systematic plant identification, and ways you can take your own records. We’ll also bring up another important point: Many of the wild plants that we see — and especially the non-natives — can be easily cultivated in your own yard for ease of harvesting. Also, we’ll tell you about some of the local native plant nurseries where you can obtain native plants — such as toyon, ceonothus, oak trees, mulefat, elder, etc — and grow them in your own yards, which is an ideal situation.
Wear comfortable footwear and bring water. Bring a bowl for eating.
This class can be credited towards the Ethno-botany certificate.
Directions sent upon registration.
$65 (Seniors and students $45).

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.

LUNCHTIME EXPLORATORY NATURE WALK
2026-06-04 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Thursday, June 4, noon
EXPLORATORY NATURE WALK
We’ll explore the perimeter of this section of the Arroyo Seco and find some of the in-season wild edibles, and medicinal plants, and we’ll view the overall basin.
Along this footpath, we will find foods, medicines, and several plants used for weaving and basketry. We’ll learn about the woods that were used for shelter, and fire, and discuss how some of the rocks were used in the past. We’ll also see many of the “invasive” non-native edibles.
Carry a water bottle.
RSVP for exact directions to location.

LUNCHTIME TRAPS,TRIGGERS, PRIMITIVE WEAPONRY WORKSHOP
2026-06-25 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Learn to make traps, triggers, snares, deadfalls — learn by doing!
Thursday, June 25, 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.

SEASONAL FORAGING -- WILD FOOD AND USEFUL PLANTS BY THE SEASON
2026-06-27 10:00 - 13:30 UTC
SEASONAL FORAGING — SUMMER
Saturday, June 27, 10 a.m.

This series of field trips occurs one per season, so you can learn to see nature through the seasons, from a forager’s perspective.
The essence of this class is to develop seasonal knowledge and observational skills: How to look, where to look, what to look for. Plus, we will also focus on responsible and sustainable gathering methods, including collection of seeds and cuttings so you can grow plants in your own backyard.
You’ll learn how to identify and collect foods, medicines, soaps, fire-materials, and other useful parts of plants. You’ll learn to think like foragers of the past, who had to have an intimate knowledge of the seasons, and foresight for the future. (For example, sometimes you do NO foraging in an area if the plant or seed is not abundant.)

Join us each quarter for an insightful walk into a wild area, with a focus on interpreting what’s available that season. Each session will include demonstrations, hands-on practice, and sampling of the seasonal foods, such as salad, soup, biscuit, or tea. Each session includes a list of what is normally available in that season.
SUMMER
In this period, there usually has not been rain for awhile, so the environment is a bit drier. Most of the early spring vegetation is mature. However, there are some greens that develop a bit later and are typically found in summer, such as purslane, and lamb’s quarter. This is also the time for many of the fruits to be collected, such as wild cherries, manzanitas, and the ceonothus berries which are used for soap. The acorns are starting to mature. You’ll learn what’s in season in this traditional “harvest” time, and how to collect sustainably, and responsibly.

Location sent out with registration.

Applies to our Ethnobotany certificate

TRADITIONAL ARROW MAKING
2026-07-04 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Dude on right, discusses a new traditional arrow made by Paul Campbell.
Saturday, July 4, 10 a.m., TRADITIONAL ARROW MAKING
$65 ($45 for seniors and students)

BUSHCRAFT SKILLS
This is one of the fundamental bushcraft skills that all hunter-gatherers needed to know. You might make a new bow every year, but you had to make arrows all the time.
In this class, you will learn the basic parts of the arrow, and how an arrow can be very simple, or more complex.
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.
Bring your knife, and fine files if you have them. Otherwise, tools will be provided.
What’s more important? The bow, or the arrow? Obviously, the arrow, since it is the projectile that flies through the air. It must be straight, and properly aligned.
Nearly every society of the past used archery for hunting, and that meant LOTS of arrows. You’ll learn that there are several ways to make an arrow that will shoot straight, and you will make at least two.
Again, bring whatever tools you might have.
Cost is $65, with a senior and student rate of $45.
Be sure to RSVP. LOCATION 2. Hahamongna Watershed Park, on Pasadena’s west side, bordering with La Canada. Enter the park from Oak Grove and Foothill, and drive into the park, staying on the upper road (do NOT make that left turn and drive downhill), until you see the outdoor bathroom. Park there.

Copies of books by Nyerges and Paul Campbell will be available.

LUNCHTIME FORAGING WALK - Learn Plant ID, Learn edible plants
2026-07-09 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Thursday, July 9, Noon, LUNCHTIME PLANT ID WALK
Ever wondered what sort of useful plants grow right in the city, including medicinal plants? We’ll explore a unique one-acre wildlife sanctuary in the Highland Park area where we will see native plants, cultivated plants and many of the plants so typical of the urban areas.
You will be able to collect samples. There is also a greenhouse on -site where you can purchase potted plants to take home to your garden.
We will learn about the food uses, medicines, fibres, and more. Our discussion will revolve around ethical foraging, and you will be able to collect greens to take home, and cuttings in some cases. There is also a nursery on the site where you can purchase various potted plants to take home.
We’ll also make a simple salad so you can taste some of the in-season foods! An excellent opportunity to see and taste some of the plants that everyone living in this area will encounter most of the time.

We will also review the Botanical Families that are entirely safe. A good time to review.
Bring a bowl!
A great survival skills for the ages.

Location is 5835 Burwood Ave., off Figueroa in Highland Park. Park on the street and we’ll walk up the dirt road into the one acre sanctuary.
Bring a bowl, and water. Be sure to RSVP.
Learn how to eat the older nopales
