URBAN PREPAREDNESS -- in view of the many recent Disasters
2026-05-02 10:00 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
Urban Survival Guide, by Nyerges
Saturday, May 2, 10 a.m.
Urban Preparedness can mean a life of self-reliance! But it also means you’re a bit more prepared for disasters such as an earthquake, or a flood, or a fire.
We will cover some of the basic elements that you should know in order to take care of yourself at home. This class is all about urban preparedness.
We’ll cover issues about WATER and how to store water in Los Angeles County. What FOODS should you store, and grow. We will also show (and cook) some wild foods. We will share how to COOK in your backyard if you can’t use your indoor stove. We will address first aid only minimally — we suggest you take a Red Cross course. We will share TOILET alternative that is relatively easy. We will also show some of the alternate devices to ELECTRICAL devices. And we’ll talk about the notion of a “bug out bag,” and some common sense, such as the benefits of joining Neighborhood Watch, or starting one, if one is not active in your neighborhood.
This class will include a short PLANT WALK to learn about edible and medicinal wild plants.
Location sent with registration
Books and products will be available for sale

SURVIVAL SKILLS INTENSIVE -- An Field Overview of all the Skills you NEED
2026-05-23 10:00 - 15:00
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.

TRADITIONAL ARROW MAKING
2026-07-04 10:00 - 14:00
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.

TRADITIONAL BOW MAKING WORKSHOP -- an ancient and universal skills
2026-09-05 10:00 - 15:00
BOW-MAKING WORKSHOP
A time to meet like-minded folks, and to discuss the important issues……..

September 5, 10 a.m.
In our class time, we will cover all the basics of making your own archery bow. You’ll learn how to select a piece of wood for making a bow.
You’ll learn the basics of creating a long bow (aka self bow). You will learn how to determine the belly from the back, how to slowly reduce, how to tiller, make nocks, etc.

Your goal will be to learn all the steps involved in making a functional bow. If you rush because you simply want to take a bow home, you might be disappointed. We will supply the staves for you to use, and we have extra tools.

If you have tools, such as sharp axe, draw knife, files, rasps, etc., bring them. We do bring tools if you don’t have any.

Location given upon registration. This class requires a bit more prep, and so please RSVP. Limited to 14 participants.
$75. ($55 for seniors/ students).
