LEARNING THE BASIC PLANT FAMILIES -- a new class!
2025-04-27 12:00 - 15:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
LEARNING THE PATTERN METHOD OF IDENTIFYING PLANT FAMILIES
Sunday, April 27, Noon

Taught by certified Herbalist Cash Robertson

This is a new class we will be offering.
You will learn the specifics of how to identify key botanical Families, which is very important if you plan to eat any wild foods.
Utilizing the book “Botany in a Day” and ” Shanleya’s Quest 1 and 2″ by Tom Elpel (books available for purchase at the class for a discounted rate), you will spend time studying the 8 most common plant families found world wide through discussion, show and tell, and “Botany” card games. You will learn to memorize the easily identified characteristics of these plant families.
We’ll do a short walk along a trail to see and learn, the plant families.
Many of the plant families we will encounter and identify are entirely safe and we will collect with a goal to sample at least a wild soup, so be sure to bring your bowl.
Besides learning about the common plant families, basic 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.
Suitable for all ages
NOTE: This class is a prerequisite for the Second 8 most common plant families
Taught by certified herbalist Cash Robertson.

URBAN DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE -- TO BE RESCHEDULED...
2025-05-04 10:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Urban Disaster Preparedness and Response
POSTPONED — TO BE HELD AT A FUTURE DATE
$50, ($35 students and seniors )

This workshop seminar will be conducted by Nathan Machain.

We will cover the following topics:

How to keep your plans on P.A.C.E.

When should you shelter in place?

When is it time to evacuate?

How to stay in touch with your loved ones during a crisis

Realistic Bug Out locations

Urban navigation

Hidden resources

Preparation for fort home

Preparation for your vehicle for evacuation, and as an alternate bug out location

How to put together a Bug Out bag that fits your specific needs and environment

If you already have a Bug Out bag, please bring it with you to class

WILD FOOD FORAGING WALK -- with salad
2025-05-15 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Thursday, May 15, noon

WILD FOOD FORAGING: LUNCH TIME PLANT WALK
Join us to learn some of the basics of wild plant identification, and how to use certain wild plants for food. We’ll discuss some of the common “safe” botanical families, and how to determine if you have the right plant. Learn how to prepare some simple dishes.

Join us for a walkabout in a wild area in the city! We’ll also explore native and introduced plants that grow here. You will be able to take cuttings to grow at home.
We will see introduced tree, native trees, native plants, many introduced European plants. Minimal walking.

Bring water, and a bowl (we might make a salad). A few of the plants found here we rarely see anywhere else.

$45 ($30 seniors/students).
5835 Burwood Ave., Highland Park, CA 90042

IN DEPTH MEDICINAL AND EDIBLE PLANT walk -- with focus on chaparral and native plants
2025-05-24 10:00 - 13:30 UTC
Saturday, May 24, 10 a.m. MEDICINAL AND EDIBLE PLANT walk
CALIFORNIA FORAGING ….. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FORAGING

In this walk, we’ll be looking at some of the common plants — wild — native and non-native, with a focus on the chaparral environment. A true California foraging class! You will see and learn about the edible, and medicinal, uses of these wild plants of the chaparral.
As Hippocrates said, our food should be our medicine. As we explore, we will identify many of the wild plants found along the trail. Most will be common plants that could be found in your backyard and local neighborhood which can be used for food and medicine in these times.
It’s often surprising to learn that some of the best medicine-foods are not grown on farms at all. Learn the two foods that author Michael Pollan suggests you eat.
Join us for this class and we’ll try some wild teas, soup, and probably more.
Bring water and bring your bowl.
Location sent upon registration.

URBAN SURVIVAL SERIES -- FOOD and WATER STORAGE -- IN THE CITY
2025-05-29 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
FOOD IN THE CITY. FOOD AND WATER STORAGE
Thursday, May 29, Noon

We will start with basic home food storage. What should YOU store? How long do these foods last? Can you dry some of your own foods?

We will also talk about the abundant food in the cities, if you know where to look: We will explore the trees on city streets, weeds, neighborhood gardens, and trading.

What grows good in your yard? Are there food items from your trees and bushes? Do you have edible weeds? Do you grow prickly pear cactus?
Learn how to eat the older nopales

We will cover the basics of securing a water supply, including local streams, and even rain and solar stills, as above. We will address various methods of water purification, such as SODIS. And we will share the many ways you can store water in your own home.
Traditional food storage involves drying, canning, picking, and freeze-dried. We’ll discuss each of these. In an emergency, you’ll want food not dependent on electricity for storage.

Learn some of the basics of food storage, and how to create your own food storage system. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket!

$45 ($30 student/senior).

Free Lecture: ETHNOBOTANY OF THE SAN GABRIEL VALLEY
2025-06-19 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Christopher Nyerges will give a free public lecture on the USES OF PLANTS, used traditionally by native peoples, both native and non-native plants. Lecture will be at 6 p.m. on June 19, at the Hart Park House, 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd in Sierra Madre. The Hart Park House is roughly in the middle of the park.
Talk is sponsored by the Sierra Madre Historical Society.
Books by Nyerges will be available.
Participants will see many of the locally-grown plants and learn about their uses.
Holly-leaf cherry in fruit

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

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

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

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

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

NOTE: BE SURE TO RSVP TO GET THE LOCATION.

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

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

Directions sent upon registration.

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

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

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

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

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)

LUNCHTIME NATURALIST & FORAGING WALK
2025-07-31 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Thursday, July 31, 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

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.

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.

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.

SEASONAL FORAGING: Autumn session. Wild Food and Useful Plants by the Season
2025-09-27 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Saturday, September 27, 10 a.m. WILD FOOD AND USEFUL PLANTS BY THE SEASON

This series of workshops, one per season, will show you 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.

palo verde seeds
Learn how to eat the older nopales

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. Each session includes a list of what is normally available in that season.

AUTUMN
In early autumn, it is usually dry, and plants are in a dormant phase. It’s typically hot, and dry. Streams will be dry, or running low. You’ll only find the hardiest of plants for eating, such as mustards. There still might be some manzanitas left to collect, and the acorns will just be starting to mature and to fall. Though it’s still early for toyon berries, you’ll be able to observe what sort of crop will be coming. You’ll be able to take note of what to look for in the next few months.
You never know what to expect, but you might find some greens as well, usually the hardiest greens, and the late-blooming greens. This is a good way to look at the environment at a lean time, with an eye to the future.
We’ll also share a few bushcrafting skills.

Location: San Gabriel Mountains. Meeting location to be sent upon registration.
Class fee:$65. (student/senior $45)
www.SchoolofSelf-Reliance.com

NOTE: We offer a program where you can work at our non-profit in Highland Park doing various tasks, and earn your way to classes. Contact us at christopher_nyerges@yahoo.com

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THANKSGIVING 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 …. ..]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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