School of Self-Reliance

FORAGING WALK -- WILD FOOD OUTING
2026-08-22 10:00 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
Saturday, August 22, 10 a.m

WILD FOOD FORAGING AND ETHNO-BOTANICAL WALK
The lost art of foraging for one’s meals is experiencing a renaissance as we are seeking to learn the uses of the many wild plants growing everywhere.
Learning about some wild foods imparts a feeling of self-confidence. You can use wild foods and wild herbs in times of need, or just because you want to add these nutritious foods into your daily diet.
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).

GOURD WORKSHOP, mid-day
2026-08-20 12:00 - 14:00 UTC
mid-day GOURD WORKSHOP
Thursday, August 20, noon.

Here’s another ancient skill that you’ll enjoy learning. Botanists know that the “ornamental gourds” came out of Africa, and somehow made it to the American south, and spread to the Southwest. How they got to the Americas is a matter of debate — some say they simply floated, but it’s very likely that they simply came on one of the many boats from Africa that came to the Americas in the pre-Columbian era.
You will get to choose a gourd, and learn all the steps necessary to clean, cut, sand, and create a funtional product.
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.

PRIMITIVE to MODERN FIRE WORKSHOP
2026-08-15 10:00 - 14:00 UTC
HANDS-ON FIRE-MAKING WORKSHOP — August 15, 10 a.m.

FIRE! Yes, it can be dangerous, and yet, it can save your life. Uncontrolled, fire can be devastating. Yet, once you learn how to make and control fire, it’s possibly one of your most important survival skills since you use fire to stay warm, to purify water, to cook food, to signal, to make tools, etc. etc.
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.

LUNCHTIME TRAPS,TRIGGERS, PRIMITIVE WEAPONRY WORKSHOP
2026-08-13 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Learn to make traps, triggers, snares, deadfalls — learn by doing!
Thursday, August 13, noon
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.

EAT TO YOUR HEALTH! A Medicine and Food Foraging walk -- with disaster survival commentary
2026-08-08 10:00 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
Saturday, August 8, 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.

LUNCHTIME NATURALIST & FORAGING WALK
2026-08-06 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Thursday, August 6, Noon
FORAGING WALK
Join us as we explore the landscape with a naturalist’s eyes. We’ll learn about plants used by generations of indigenous peoples. We’ll see the many plants used for generations of people for wild foods, medicines, and utility. We’ll see California native plants, and we’ll see non-native edibles and medicinals.
And, if we get that far, we’ll explore some of the uses of yucca and other natural fibres.

Bring water, and your bowl. Hahamongna Watershed Park, Location 2.

Regular $45 (senior/students $30)
Exact location sent with registration

URBAN PREPAREDNESS -- in view of the many recent Disasters
2026-08-01 10:00 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
Urban Survival Guide, by Nyerges
Saturday, August 1, 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

SOAPSTONE WORKSHOP
2026-07-30 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Thursday, July 30, noon
Soapstone, also known as steatite, is a material that is soft enough to carve with your fingernails. Native peoples carved containers from soapstone, some quite large. They can be made into pipes, amulets, fish weights, anything you can imagine.

We have not done this class in over 10 years! But we currently have a supply of soapstone and will have this two hour lunch class.
Each person will get a block of soapstone and we will give you some ideas what to make from it. You can cut it into two smaller pieces, or make a bowl, a pipe, or a nameplate for your desk.
We will not be using any power tools — only spoons, nails, hacksaws, pump drill, file, etc. Bring any such tools you might have. We also suggest that you bring gloves (such as dish-washing gloves), and a dust mask — the dust is fine and gets all over your hands and clothes and you want to avoid breathing it in.
This will be at Hahamongna and you will be sent exact directions when you sign up.
A $5 material fee is added to this class for the soapstone…
Every one will sign a waiver for this class.
If you’re working towards a Certificate, this applies to Bushcraft.

FORAGING FOR WILD FOODS, WITH RIPARIAN FOCUS, --- A walkabout
2026-07-25 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Saturday, July 25, 10 a.m.

UPPER 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.
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.

TRADITIONAL GOURD WORKSHOP
2026-07-18 10:00 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
GOURD WORKSHOP — Learn to make a bowl, cup, or spoon!
July 18, 10 a.m.

[NOTE: Besides each of you working on a gourd, we will also share some lessons in making triggers for traps, such as with the quail trap, and you will get to try some wild food at this class]

You will learn how to clean and process a traditional gourd grown for utilitarian purposes. These are the hard shelled gourds that probably originated in Africa, and were common all across the American Southwest.
Your job will be to clean, and learn how to cut and then clean the gourd. The seeds you can take home to grow.
There are artists who make some equisite items from these gourds, and you might be one of them. However, we will focus on the fundamentals, and just a few hints about the artistic embellishments.
If time, we will have a short plant walk and possibly prepare something you can eat in your gourd.
We will supply all the tools needed, but if you have your own knife, hack saw, files, etc., please bring them.
Bring water to drink and a snack if required.

In addition to the comradie that comes with such activities, you will be able to obtain books, knives, and other survival gear for sale.
$65 ($45 for students/seniors)

LUNCHTIME PLANT WALKABOUT
2026-07-16 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Thursday, Noon, July 16
Come take a walk in the canyon, learning about the bounty of nature’s flora.

We’ll see wild herbs, native plants, and more. A short walk, getting out in nature, and connecting with the skills of our ancestors.

We will see many of our native plants, and also many of the introduced non-natives.
PAY FOR ONE, BRING A FRIEND!

WILD FOOD COOKING and SURVIVAL discussion
2026-07-11 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Saturday, July 11, 10 a.m.
WILD FOOD COOKING and discussion.

On our walk, we will learn to recognize wild foods of the area, and we will collect samples for our meal. Previously collected foods will be brought also for you to prepare into our meal.

Besides our short walk, you will then make a fire, and prepare a salad, soup, a mixed dish, pancakes, and a few other dishes, depending on what we find. Then we can sit around the table and talk, ask questions, consider the future. We’d love to have you join at this end-time of the year.

Bring your bowl! And bring water for the walk.
Location sent out to registrants.
$65 ($45 for students and seniors)

LUNCHTIME FORAGING WALK - Learn Plant ID, Learn edible plants-- NEW LOCATION
2026-07-09 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Thursday, July 9, Noon, LUNCHTIME PLANT ID WALK

NOTE — WE HAD TO CHANGE LOCATION. THIS WILL BE BY LOCAL STREAM. ONCE YOU REGISTER, YOU WILL RECEIVE THE LOCATION.

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.

Bring a bowl, and water. Be sure to RSVP.
Learn how to eat the older nopales

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 EXPLORATORY NATURE WALK
2026-07-02 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Thursday, July 2, 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. Though it has been dry, you will still find many useful plants closest to the water.

Carry a water bottle.
RSVP for exact directions to location.

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

ETHNOBOTANY SERIES: WILD and USEFUL PLANTS, Session One
2026-06-20 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Ethno-botany 101. Learn about how to study wild plants, how to identify families, how to keep records. This is your introduction to the art of Foraging, and Medicinal Plants.
Saturday, June 20, 10 a.m.

Saturday, June 20, 10 a.m. ETHNO-BOTANY
WILD FOOD & USEFUL PLANTS ( part of our certificate and certification program.)
This Session begins with a plant walkabout, getting to know some of the common local plants.
We’ll then cover some basic botany, so you have a sense of context of the types of plant groups, as well as their relationships in Families.
You will be instructed how to make field records for your own use.
You can take just this session by itself, or sign up for all four. [IF you pay in advance for Four of the Ethno-botany classes, you can pay for 3 and attend 4!]

We will also try a wild food dish as part of this class.

Bring notebook. Pricing: $65 per class. ($45 senior/student)
Location sent upon registration. Books and products will be available for sale.

BASIC NATURAL NAVIGATION, AND ORIENTATION
2026-06-13 10:00 - 14:00 UTC
NATURAL NAVIGATION AND ORIENTATION
Saturday, June 13, 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.
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

NO PUBLIC CLASS TODAY
2026-06-11 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)

FORAGING WALKABOUT: WILD FOOD & USEFUL PLANTS, with Focus on FIRE and WEAVING plants
2026-05-30 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
FORAGING USEFUL WILD PLANTS — for FOOD, FIRE, WEAVING, MEDICINAL, and UTILITARIAN —
May 30, 10 a.m.
We will explore a watershed area, seeing native and introduced plants.
Our focus today will be to learn about those plants that are used for food, making fire, and weaving. You will learn about various edible plants, and medicinal plants. And while we might collect some greens used to make soup, we want you to see the plants that will be used to make primitive fire. And if you’re interested in basketry, you will see the traditional plants used for cordage and weaving.
Actual networking!

On our walk, you will learn how to identify these plants, and learn how to properly harvest.
Join us for an insightful walk into a wild area, and learn about useful plants.
Back at the tables, we will show how to make the parts of a fire kit, and you will get a chance to try it yourself. And we will also demonstrate simple basketry techniques as well.

Dress comfortably and bring water. Bring a bowl for eating. The trail will be more or less flat.
Location sent after registration.
$65 [seniors/students $45).

MIDDAY FIRE WORKSHOP -- hands-on
2026-05-28 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Thursday, May 28, 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.

ANIMAL TRACKING with Rob Remedi-- CLASS IN HONOR OF MASTER TRACKER JIM LOWRY, RIP
2026-05-16 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
T

This class on ANIMAL TRACKING with Rob Remedi
will be held in honor of Jim Lowery, master tracker, who passed away in April 2026.
Rob Remedi was Lowery’s top student and acolyte, and he passes along the tradition of Jim Lowery. We will say a few words about Lowery at this class for those of you who didn’t know him.

Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Rob Remedi

LET’S GO ANIMAL TRACKING

ANIMAL TRACKING

Whether you’re new to animal tracking or already have some experience, this class will provide you with ample knowledge and a solid foundational skillset on the art and science of tracking. The outing covers actual field observation and practice in Clear Print Identification, Wildlife Sign and Interpretation (including track aging), Gaits and Patterns, and concepts in Behavior and Sign on the Landscape.

The outing location offers great possibility especially of finding track and sign of a wide scope of animals such as mountain lion, coyote, fox, deer, raccoon, skunk, rabbit, squirrel, turtle, frog, owl, hawk, and many others! The experience is guaranteed to have you looking at the ground and landscape in a completely different way.

Rob is one of the best trackers we’ve ever met — and time spent with Rob is time well spent on your tracker education.

Note: We’ll take an easy-rated slow-going walk, 1.0 mile, mostly on-trail yet a bit off trail exploration in a dry streambed.

RSVP
Arroyo Seco (exact directions sent with registration)

$65 ($45 senior/student)

Join us to learn to read the ground for an accurate account of the animals who call home in our local mountains and parks.

This class is led by instructor Robert Remedi, a locally certified tracker with over 30 years’ experience, one of the most knowledgeable trackers and wilderness teachers in the U.S. today.

Bring: Proper clothing for weather, water, snacks, lunch, notebook/pen, hat, sunscreen, bandana, bowl, utensils.

TRACKER JIM LOWERY, R.I.P.
Jim Lowery (photo from Earth Skills web site)
In mid-April of this year, 2026, the wildlife tracking world lost a great: Jim Lowery passed away. He was 78 years old.
When I first became aware of the world of tracking – tracking animals and people — mostly through the writings of Tom Brown Jr., I met Jim Lowery who was widely regarded as one of the best trackers of the West.
When Westways magazine hired me to write a review of Jim Lowery, I was treated to a private tracking class not far from his home. He read the animal tracks in the soil as a normal person would read a newspaper. He told me what animals walked there, and when they turned, or sped up, and he had an almost psychic sense of what the animal was doing and why.
Later, Jim would teach at the weeklong Dirttime events that I conducted in the local mountains with Dude McLean and Alan Halcon. Jim would set off a dedicated zone where no one was to walk, and we came back in a day to interpret all the tracks that appeared in the soil. Jim could handle a large class of student trackers who were all working hard to interpret the soil.
Over the years, I would run-into Jim at various wilderness locations, teaching a class, often with his “sand box” that he created to create and study tracks.
Jim was exceptionally knowledgeable about all aspects of the subject of tracking. Plus, he was a good teacher, friendly, and interested in the student’s progress.
I will miss him.

I asked Rob Remedi to say a few words about Jim Lowery. Rob was a protégé of Jim Lowery, and always mentioned Jim in his own classes.
FROM ROB:
Jim’s book. Note: Rob Remedi is at the right, with white hat, observing a track.
“I had the great fortune to partake in Jim’s classes. It is he whom I owe my tracking abilities, and frankly, who led me to further hone my skills and teaching. He was first my teacher; me, a neophyte to the art of tracking, and eventually he became a colleague and a valued friend. I even had the privilege to teach alongside him.
Jim took classes from Tom Brown back in the 1980’s. Serious about sharing these ancient arts, Jim started Earth Skills in Southern California and began teaching tracking and wilderness skills.
Jim was a master specifically in tracking, knowing exactly what he taught. Once, I housesat while he was away, and I saw a six-tiered bookshelf stocked with his personal tracking notebooks. Perusing through those notebooks, they were full of footprint measurements, gaits and patterns, and details and observations of the animals he crossed paths with. I knew he was a treasure worth learning from.
Yet, he did not teach with an air of superiority. It was a kindness; a gentle, calm, personable presence that made me (and everyone else) want to take his classes just to “hang out” and soak up his vast knowledge. In addition, his teaching was totally hands-on, inviting you to get down in the dirt, where he welcomed feedback, opinions, and interpretations with validity.
There are too many stories and experiences to share here, but they all remain in my heart. Still, I wish everyone could have met this incredible man.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Brooks, who assisted him in his classes and is an accomplished tracker in her own right.
Words of wisdom: when you get the “inkling” to call someone, do it before it’s too late. I miss you, Jim. – Rob Remedi”

MEDICINAL PLANT WALK
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.

EARTH DAY WILD FOOD AND NATURE WALK
2026-04-25 14:00 - 16:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
SPECIAL EARTH DAY NATURE WALK 2 P.M.

Elder flower and fruit. Photo by Helen Wong.
Join us for this Special Earth Day Plant and Nature walk at Hahamongna Watershed Park. 2 p.m.
We will explore some of the native and non-native plants, and learn about medicinal plants as well.
This is just two hours in the afternoon, but bring water and snacks if needed. We might make a simple wild food soup, so bring a bowl just in case.
SPECIAL: Buy a ticket and bring a friend for free!
Hope to see you there!
More details on location sent when you register.

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!
