School of Self-Reliance

Burbank's Second Annual Earth Day
2026-04-25 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Christopher will be at a table, sharing information about wild plants and survival skills, from 11 to noon.

EARTH DAY "FORAGING WORKSHOP" IN CLAREMONT
2026-04-19 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Sustainable Claremont operates a farmers market every Sunday in Claremont’s historical village.

Helen teaching
Today, for Earth Day, they will have some special events, including Christopher’s Foraging Workshop, from 11 a.m. to noon. Both Christopher and Helen will be there. You will see a variety of wild foods and medicines, and learn how to sustainably harvest, and even which are easy to grow. It will be an intimate setting and you will be able to see the plants and ask questions. There is a requested $20 donation, which you can check out at the link below.

The latest book by Helen and Christopher (and other books) will also be available for purchase.
Foraging Workshop Led by Chris Nyerges Tickets, Sunday, April 19 • 11 AM – 12 PM | Eventbrite

The workshop will be at Shelton Park in Claremont, at the northeast corner of W. Bonita and Harvard Ave. N.

New Class: OFF GRID COMMUNICATIONS
2026-04-11 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Class title: Off Grid Communications
April 11, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

THIS IS A NEW CLASS FOR US DUE TO REQUESTS FROM STUDENTS FOR THIS SPECIFIC INFORMATION.

Taught by Greg Birchfield and James Ruther

Greg Birchfield
James Ruther

We’ve all grown very dependent upon reliable communication systems, and yet…. in an emergency, we find they are not as reliable as we hoped. Most recently, there were widespread failures during the Eaton and Pacific Pallisades fires of Southern California.

In this class, we are going to explore the practical alternatives to your land-based cell phone. You will learn how to set up an emergency, or alternative, communication system, and you will learn what to buy, and what training you’ll need (to get a ham license, for example).

We will cover the following:

Radio – types of radios, shortwave, GMRS, AM, FM, Ham
Bands of radio
Bands – short distance, long distance, worldwide
Setting up a Comms plan for your people
Smartphone apps, Cell, Text, Radio
Enciphering
Repeaters and how to use them
Baofeng Radios – overview and what they’re good for
Better than Baofeng Radios and recommend
Meshtastic – what is it? How do I set it up? What’s it good for?
You will also learn some Morse code, and various low-tech local communication methods, such as signalling mirrors, whistles, clackers. If time, we’ll even address some of the Hobo codes from the depression era.
You will go home with a clear idea of what you should do next for your own family ‘s communication systems.

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).

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…

SEASONAL SPRING FORAGING -- wild foods and useful plants by the Season
2026-03-21 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m.
SPRING FORAGING, part of our ETHNO-BOTANY SERIES
Spring is the time of peak leaf production, when the native and non-native plants are sprouting up everywhere. It’s typically still a bit cooler, and everything is greening up. We’ll discuss what’s available now, and learn which are useful for food, and learn how to collect them sustainably. In some cases, you’ll be learning how to recognize sprouts which you can come back later for harvesting.
The young new growth of prickly pear cactus occurs now, so this is the best time to collect it. (However, you can harvest prickly pears year round). Some barks are best collected now, such as willow. Some fruits occur early, and we’ll see those. Some non-natives, like mustard, flower early, and can be readily collected and used for food or medicine. Learn how some of these can also be dried and stored for later use.
Join us and learn what edible salad plants may be growing right in your backyard, your local neighborhood, and in the wild area this spring. Learn the plants which can be foraged and made into nutritious food with simple recipes. You’ll get to see the images and learn about the diverse uses.
We’ll also share with you a way to look at the environment to see what the future will bring in terms of foraging. We offer this Seasonal Foraging walk four times a year, so that you can learn how to “read” the environment. A great Survival Skill!
Upper Arroyo, we will send registrants the exact meeting location. Bring along water.

WILD FOOD AND USEFUL PLANTS BY THE SEASON
This series of workshops, one per season, allows you 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.
This workshop 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.
SPRING FORAGING
Spring is the time of peak leaf production, when the native and non-native plants are sprouting up everywhere. It’s typically still a bit cooler, and everything is greening up. This means we’ll discuss what’s available now, and learn which are useful for food, and learn how to collect them sustainably. In some cases, you’ll be learning how to recognize sprouts which you can come back later for harvesting.
The young new growth of prickly pear cactus occurs now, so this is the best time to collect it. (However, you can harvest prickly pears year round). Some barks are best collected now, such as willow. Some fruits occur early, and we’ll see those. Some non-natives, like mustard, flower early, and can be readily collected and used for food or medicine. Learn how some of these can also be dried and stored for later use.
Join us and learn what edible salad plants may be growing right in your backyard, your local neighborhood, and in the wild area this spring. Learn the plants which can be foraged and made into nutritious food with simple recipes. You’ll get to see the images and learn about the diverse uses.
We’ll also share with you a way to look at the environment to see what the future will bring in terms of foraging. We offer this Seasonal Foraging walk four times a year, so that you can learn how to “read” the environment. A great Survival Skill!

MEDICINAL PLANTS WORKSHOP with Dr. James Adams
2026-03-14 10:00 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
MEDICINAL PLANTS WORKSHOP WITH DR. JAMES ADAMS & Enrique Villasenor and Michelle Wong
part of our ETHNO-BOTANY SERIES
Part of our certification program.
In this field session, Dr. James Adams will focus upon the uses of traditional native plants, used for MEDICINE. Dr. James Adams, author of “Healing with Medicinal Plants of the West,” will share his two decades of training in the subject of traditional healing herbs, and he will demonstrate how certain pain-relieving linaments are made.
Students will be shown how to make their own natural medicines.
We’ll discuss some of the ideal literature about healing with herbs, and some of the herbs you can grow in your own yard.
A truly eye-opening, life-changing class!
BRING: folding chair, glass jar (like a pickle jar), container of 70% isopropyl alcohol, a tub (to soak your feet), an avocado seed.

In the Arroyo Seco. Exact location given upon registration.
You’ll actually learn to FORAGE for your own WILD MEDICINES. An Excellent Survival Skill.

THE FUNGUS AMONG US! A Mycological Adventure
2026-03-13 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
A MYCOLOGICAL ADVENTURE –
FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 7P, ON-LINE

Join us for a look at the fascinating world of mycology, with pointers that both beginner and experts will find useful.
What is a mushroom, after all?
Learn how mycologists have classified the many types, and learn some tips for cultivation and cooking.

Remember, mycology is a Science and you could spend your whole life studying the various intricacies of this field.

In this session, you will get an overview of the field, and you will see some of the very most common mushrooms of the West. (Most, actually, are pretty cosmopolitan).

ON-LINE. Link is sent a week before the class
$45

TOM BROWN III, class 4: ANIMAL TRACKS --POSTPONED
2026-03-05 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
CLASS SERIES POSTPONED — WATCH SCHEDULE FOR UPDATES
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

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).

TOM BROWN III: class 3: WILD PLANTS -- POSTPONED
2026-02-26 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
CLASS SERIES POSTPONED — WATCH SCHEDULE FOR UPDATED SCHEDULE

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

TOM BROWN III, CLASS SERIES #2: AWARENESS --CLASS POSTPONED -- WATCH FOR UPDATES
2026-02-19 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
CLASS SERIES POSTPONED — WATCH FOR UPDATES — NO CLASS TONIGHT
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

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

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

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.

OPEN HOUSE -- Julie's Farm and Educational Garden
2025-12-20 15:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
FREE EVENT. CALL JULIE WITH QUESTIONS AT 323 255-4028

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

THANKSGIVING DAY
2025-11-27 11:00 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
HAVE A WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING with your friends and family!
Give thanks where it is due!

If you want to join a Thanksgiving gathering in Highland park, where we learn some history about the day, share a light meal, and go on a very short educational walk, please contact me for details. Christopher_nyerges@yahoo.com
Here is the information:
Thanksgivingjulie-thankfounding25

[NOTE: We are available for PRIVATE classes for groups or individuals. Contact us if interested …. ..]

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…

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.

FALL GARDENING WORKSHOP. CANCELLED Led by Urban Gardener Julie Balaa!
2025-10-18 15:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
CLASS CANCELLED. WATCH THE SCHEDULE FOR THE NEW DATE….

— Saturday, October 18, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., $34.
Julie discussing and selling nopales at the farmers market
Cactus pad and sprawling purslane

Getting Started with Fall Gardening
Saturday, October 18, 3 p.m.
Our focus today is how to get started on Fall Gardening.
You will learn about seed selection, timing of plantings, how to actually go about the plantings, mulching, tree planting and more.
This is both lecture and hands-on, and you’ll get to ask all the questions you may have.
Note: This is part of a series of 3 classes on Fall Gardening. September 20, October 18, and November 15. You can attend one or all.
Location: 5835 Burwood Ave., Highland Park, CA., 90042. Julie’s greenhouse is at this location as well, and plants are available for purchase.
$34./person. Prepay with Zelle using Julie’s phone number. For information call/email Julie at: 323-255-4028 or email at juliebalaa@gmail.com

Note: Julie’s new book, “Low Cost Emergency Preparedness: A DIY Guide to Family Disaster Preparedness,” will also be available for sale, for $17.

NATIVE AMERICAN USES OF PLANTS
2025-10-11 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Saturday, October 11, 10 a.m.
Barbara Kolander with ripe elder berries
Catalina Island cherry fruits

NATIVE AMERICAN USES OF PLANTS.
Sarah Shin collects some ripe coffeeberries
Learn about the many plant contributions of Native Americans to our culture today – plants for food, medicine, and tools. You’ll get to see these plants that are in many cases very common, and simply taken for granted, without generally recognition of their rich history. This will be a botanical exploration of the many plants of the Americas that many of us still use today.
We begin with the many plants from the Americas which have profoundly affected the diet of the world.
On our walk, you will get to see many of these plants and learn h ow they were used.

Of course, in today’s world, we will see many wild plants that have been introduced from Europe and Asia and elsewhere. We will discuss these plants if native peoples began to use them after they were introduced into North America.
We will make one or two food dishes from native foods, so bring your bowl and cup

$65 ( $45 for seniors/students).
Books and products will be available for sale.

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.

FREE SURVIVAL SKILLS LECTURE - BURBANK CENTRAL LIBRARY
2025-10-03 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Christopher Nyerges will speak about outdoor survival skills at the Burbank Central Library, Friday, October 3, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The Library is located at 110 N. Glenoaks in Burbank.
You will learn about plants, water, fire, tools, all with an application to urban survival scenario and the need to possibly evacuate.
A short video will be shared.
Books by Nyerges will be available for purchase.
Survival School! – Burbank Public Library

THE ART OF MANAGING RELATIONSHIPS -- a series
2025-09-27 17:00 - 19:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
THE ART OF MANAGING RELATIONSHIPS
This “class” is primarily focused on waking participants to the purpose for and means to see “relationships” in their higher perspective of the overall Purpose for embodiment in a human body. “Class” is in quotes because the term “class” is used as a communication convenience. That is because this “class” will serve as a Guidant on the path of Seeking why and how to have and manage relationships. This “class” will require at least 3 committed class members to attend at the frequency or one “class: per month attendance.
Central to our focus in this “class” is gender and all its ramifications. This “class” will focus on human relationships and will include significant others, marriage partners, progeny, siblings, relatives, acquaintances, co-workers, et al. The goal is to find the universal Principles in all relationships, and to discover their overall Purpose, as well scientific ways to manage those relationships.
The class coordinator, Prudence Boczarski-Chukwudi, is uniquely qualified to lead the participants to their collective AHAs! because of her over 40 years of study in all aspects of the topic. Prudence, in addition, was close assistant to the original author of this class, Richard E. White (aka, REVVE or Key Q. Ell), and was mentored to explore and live the Principles taught in the class. Prudence’s experimentation has led to her own insights regarding relationships that will be helpful to those in need of some guidance in this, sometimes treacherous, endeavor called “forming and keeping relationships.”
A Zoom link is available to those who wish to join electronically. After paying the class fee of $51 per class and $500 for the 10-class series, by sending your check or cash to WTI at 5835 Burwood Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90042, send your email address for a link to the Zoom class.
Regular fee is $51/class. $68./couple; $34./ students & elderly
Please join us in taking a deep look into relationships and what makes them work.

HEALING with NATIVE PLANTS with ENRIQUE VILLASENOR
2025-09-20 10:00 - 14:00 UTC
Saturday, September 20, 10 a.m.
HEALING WITH NATIVE PLANTS WITH ENRIQUE VILLASENOR
ETHNO-BOTANY SERIES: – part of our certification program.

This is a rare opportunity to learn in the field with Enrique Villaseñor, associate of Dr. James Adams, and co-author of “Healing with Medicinal Plants of the West.”
In this Session, we focus upon MEDICINAL PLANTS.
Enrique Villaseñor, a co-author of the book “Healing with Medicinal Plants of the West”, will conduct today’s class on traditional medicinal plants. This class, as part of our Ethno-botanical series, will include a walk, and a workshop where students will learn how to make the healing medicines. Villaseñor will discuss the appropriate medicinal uses of elder, white sage, black sage, California sagebrush, mugwort, prickly pear cactus, and other plants that may be present on the trail. Students will learn specific recipes for making foot soaks, liniment, and other herbal medicines.

Enrique Villaseñor is a multi-ethnic Healer, naturalist, cyclist and author with indigenous ancestry. Enrique learned traditional healing from his mother and Dr. James Adams, Professor Emeritus from USC. As part of this process, Enrique has researched and taught traditional healing, participated in field studies, has co-authored several papers with Dr. James Adams, and is a co-author of the fourth edition of Healing with Medicinal Plants of the West.
In his 35 years as a teacher, he taught elementary, middle, and adult school, he was was an Instructional Advisor, where he focused on training teachers. Among his many other achievements, working with several agencies, he designed, built, and maintained the award-winning El Oro Way Habitat, a two-acre, outdoor classroom with primarily California native plants and trees.
NOTE: It is suggested that you bring a folding chair.
We’ll discuss some of the ideal literature about healing with herbs, and some of the herbs you can grow in your own yard.
Books will be available, as well as pre-made herbal linaments.
If you have special requests, let us know ahead of time.

THIS IS A FIELD TRIP. Location given after registration.
Class fee $65. (Seniors/students $45)
Cover of the latest edition
Note: Private field trips are available on arrangement.

LOCKSMITHING CLASS
2025-09-13 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Basic Locksmithing Class taught by Keith Farrar and James Ruther

You will gain a basic understanding of how locks work, and you will learn the art of opening a lock without a key.
Class Size Limited. Please RSVP for Class Location.
Class size limited due to need for personal instruction.
$5 of the $65 class fee is the cost of the tools you take home. (Additional tools available to purchase)
In this introduction to the art of lock-smithing, you will learn how a pin tumbler lock works, as well as how to pick a standard pin tumbler lock.
A pin tumbler lock is the most common lock found on homes. Understanding the inner-workings of a pin-tumbler lock, including how to re-key your lock and how to pick your lock are valuable pieces of knowledge while working toward self-reliance.
Our class will take you through the details of the pin tumbler lock and you will learn how pin tumbler locks are picked open. You will work through the process using locks that are super easy to pick through locks that are very difficult to pick. By class end you will understand exactly how this process works and you will find success opening several locks without keys, using only bypass tools.
You will work through various steps of difficulty from a single pin (to get the feel) to a 5 pin lock with a difficult pinning order.We’ll look at high-security locks, pick guns, plug spinners, and other basic locksmith tools.You will also learn how to proceed to more advanced studies in the field of lock-smithing.

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.

WILD FOOD COOKING -- edible wild plants of Southern California
2025-07-26 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
WILD FOOD COOKING WORKSHOP
Learn Edible Wild Plants of Southern California
Saturday, July 26, 10 a.m.
$65 ($45 for students and seniors)
We’re going to explore a local area, and do our best to create a local meal provided by nature.

We’ll create a meal with a salad, soup, vegetable dish, egg dish, pancakes, and a drink, from plants that we collect today and from plants that were previously collected. Our walk will not be long — it will be somewhat leisurely. We will collect along the way, learning how to identify food plants, as well as other non-food plants that we encounter.
Foraging has gotten popular — learn how to ethically forage, and how to properly identify wild plants. A great survival skill!

We never know exactly what we’ll find, but we are likely to have wild greens for salad and soup, buckwheat for pancakes, herbs for tea, cactus for an omelette, and possibly some wild fruits for a dessert item. But we don’t really know until after we do our walk about.
THIS COUNTS TOWARDS THE ETHNO-BOTANY CERTIFICATE.

Location sent out when you register.
$65 (senior/student $45)
