School of Self-Reliance

WILDCRAFTING SEEDS for FOOD and PROPAGATION
2020-10-24 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Saturday, October 24, 4 p.m. WILDCRAFTING SEEDS FOR FOOD AND PROPAGATION
If you’re a wild-crafter, you might be collecting wild foods for your own meals, and you might be collecting the seeds so you can propagate the plants in your own back yard, or elsewhere in the wild. We’re going to look at the wild plants that are most readily wild-crafted because they are easy to grow, easy to harvest, and nutritious.
If you’re collecting the seed to eat, you’ll need to be a bit more cautious so you don’t bring in other material. If you’re collecting seed for propagation, you should still be meticulous in your work, though perhaps less so.
We’ll share with you how to collect the seed, which seeds to collect, how to process the seed, and how to store the seed. Also, most seeds are not viable forever, so your seed collecting program should dovetail with your practices of growing these plants.
Join us for this interesting lesson, and the optional discussion afterwards.

Presented on Zoom, Pay on Paypal to Christopher_nyerges@yahoo.com.

CREATING YOUR OWN MEDICINE PLANT GARDEN
2020-10-22 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Thursday, October 22, 6 p.m.
CREATING YOUR OWN MEDICINE PLANT GARDEN
You’ve begun to learn about foraging for food and medicine, and now you realize the value of many of the wild medicines that grow seasonally all around. And just like the earliest humans way back in the mythical beginning of time, you want to have and grow some of these “wild” medicines closer to home.
In our modern world, more and more foragers can impact the local environment. But it’s not hard to collect some of the wild seeds, or take cuttings, and create your own wild medicinal garden in your own back yard or back 40. We’ll share some of the wild medicine plants that are easiest to cultivate in your own backyard. We’ll also share the techniques of propagation, which includes seeds, cuttings, and transplants.
Don’t forget, some of the common wild medicines, if native, can be purchased at local nurseries. We’ll tell you where. And everything you know about organic gardening will be relevant to growing your own wild medicines, since you’re now growing them! Many of the wild plants are more resilient than cultivated plants, and they do best when you try to replicate the conditions where they thrive in the wild.
Quite an adventure. Join us for the class, and join the conversation that follows.

Presented on Zoom, Pay on Paypal to Christopher_nyerges@yahoo.com.
DURING THIS TIME, WE WILL BE DOING CLASSES ON ZOOM. PLEASE JOIN US. To join, you must email us (christopher_nyerges@yahoo.com) that you intend to join, and we will send you a link. $45 ($25 seniors and students; scholarships available)

ACORN PROCESSING WORKSHOP
2020-10-17 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Saturday, October 17, 4 p.m., ACORN PROCESSING WORKSHOP. Acorns fall from oak trees, and they are part of traditional diets world-wide. They were an important part of the diet of California’s indigenous population. We’ll share how to process acorns by at least two different methods. We will demonstrate the steps that it takes to go from a raw acorn to a tasty pancake. Tune in and ask questions. Join us for the conversation after the class as well.
Presented on Zoom, Pay on Paypal to Christopher_nyerges@yahoo.com.
DURING THIS TIME, WE WILL BE DOING CLASSES ON ZOOM. PLEASE JOIN US. To join, you must email us (christopher_nyerges@yahoo.com) that you intend to join, and we will send you a link. $45 ($25 seniors and students; scholarships available)

In The Footsteps of Our Ancestors: ROCKS AS TOOLS
2020-10-10 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Saturday, October 10, 4 p.m.
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF OUR ANCESTORS: ROCKS AS TOOLS.
Rocks and stones were used in North America (and elsewhere) for everyday uses, including making fire, processing food, making bows, and just about every daily activity. A very heavy topic! This class was suggested by Helen Sweaney, and Christopher shares his early experiences and progression of learning to make making cutting tools, and fire, with rocks. Then the lesson proceeds to how rocks were the everyday tool for all work in much of the world. Lessons are based upon Paul Campbell’s “Universal Tool Kit” book, with Paul showing many of the products made with nothing more than a split rock.
Presented on Zoom, Pay on Paypal to Christopher_nyerges@yahoo.com.
DURING THIS TIME, WE WILL BE DOING CLASSES ON ZOOM. PLEASE JOIN US. To join, you must email us (christopher_nyerges@yahoo.com) that you intend to join, and we will send you a link. $45 ($25 seniors and students; scholarships available)

"BUG OUT" or "GET HOME" BAG -- The 10 Essential Categories of Gear you should have!
2020-09-26 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Saturday, September 26, 4 p.m., “BUG OUT” or “GET HOME” BAG — The 10 Essential Categories of Gear you should have!

Many focus on a “bug out” bag, but you should also have a “get home” bag! Learn about the 10 categories of tools that are often referred to as “survival tools,” either in the wilderness, or in a “bug-out” bag. You’d probably be surprised to learn that you already have most of these. We’ve cover the categories of what are called the “ten essentials,” and break it down for you. Come with your questions.
We’ll also (briefly) provide an overview of emergency food storage, and how you should go about securing a food supply. Emergency situations occur all the time, when we least expect it. We’ll explore the disasters (natural or man-made) that could occur to us. Our discussion topics will include: Your plan of action, gear system concepts, the gear, important considerations for emergency situations, a few first aid topics, and more.
Presented on Zoom, Pay on Paypal to Christopher_nyerges@yahoo.com.
DURING THIS TIME, WE WILL BE DOING CLASSES ON ZOOM. PLEASE JOIN US. To join, you must email us (christopher_nyerges@yahoo.com) that you intend to join, and we will send you a link. $45 ($25 seniors and students; scholarships available).

Note: Pay in advance for 4 classes and pay only the cost of 3 classes.
Also, we are scheduling PRIVATE classes; contact us if interested.

LEARN TO MAKE A VEST, CAPOTE, AND A BAG!
2020-09-24 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Thursday, September 24, 6 p.m. LEARN TO MAKE A SIMPLE CARRYING BAG, A VEST, AND CAPOTE!
This has always been a popular class in the field, where students are actually going to make these items, and take them home. In this presentation, you will learn how to make 3 items, and you will be mailed patterns for your home use. We show how to make the African man’s bag, a simple bag with utilizing one piece of leather and a cord. We show you how to put together a simple vest, which you can embellish with pockets and buttons, as you wish. Lastly, we show how to make the full-length capote, the cape made by Plains Indians from “trade blankets.” These are simple long coats, consisting of one main portion, two arms, a hood, and a belt. We make it easy, step by step. Join us for a great learning experience. Details are also found in Christopher’s “How to Survive Anywhere” book.
Join us for this 2 hour class with optional social time and discussion afterwards.

Presented on Zoom, Pay on Paypal to Christopher_nyerges@yahoo.com.
DURING THIS TIME, WE WILL BE DOING CLASSES ON ZOOM. PLEASE JOIN US. To join, you must email us (christopher_nyerges@yahoo.com) that you intend to join, and we will send you a link. $45 ($25 seniors and students; scholarships available)

Note: If you pay for 4 classes in advance, you only pay the cost of 3 classes.
Private field trips can be arranged.

CREATE YOUR OWN WILD FOOD GARDEN
2020-09-17 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Thursday, September 17, 6 p.m. CREATING YOUR OWN WILD FOOD GARDEN

You’ve begun to learn about foraging and now you realize the value of many of the wild foods that grow seasonally all around. And just like the earliest humans way back in the mythical beginning of time, you want to have and grow some of these “wild” plants closer to home. Yes, that’s how agriculture got started. In the modern world, more and more foragers can impact the local environment. It’s not hard to collect some of the wild seeds, or take cuttings, and create your own wild garden in your own back yard or back 40. We’ll share some of the wild plants that are easiest to cultivate in your own backyard. We’ll also share the techniques of propagation, which includes seeds, cuttings, and transplants. Don’t forget, some of the common wild plants, if native, can be purchased at local nurseries.
We’ll tell you where. And everything you know about organic gardening will be relevant to growing wild plants, since you’re now growing them! Many of the wild plants are more resilient than cultivated plants, and they do best when you try to replicate the conditions where they thrive in the wild.
Quite an adventure. Join us for the class, and join the conversation that follows.

Presented on Zoom, Pay on Paypal to Christopher_nyerges@yahoo.com.
DURING THIS TIME, WE WILL BE DOING CLASSES ON ZOOM. PLEASE JOIN US. To join, you must email us (christopher_nyerges@yahoo.com) that you intend to join, and we will send you a link. $45 ($25 seniors and students; scholarships available)

WHY EAT WILD FOODS?
2020-09-03 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
Thursday, September 3, 6 p.m., WHY EAT WILD FOODS?
This presentation explains the profound benefits of learning to identify, and use, wild plants for both food and medicine. Especially now, these skills are very important. You’ll get a pdf of the booklet called “Why Eat Wild Foods” with your class registration.
Join us for this 1 1/2 hour class with optional social time and discussion afterwards.

Presented on Zoom, Pay on Paypal to Christopher_nyerges@yahoo.com.
DURING THIS TIME, WE WILL BE DOING CLASSES ON ZOOM. PLEASE JOIN US. To join, you must email us (christopher_nyerges@yahoo.com) that you intend to join, and we will send you a link. $45 ($25 seniors and students; scholarships available)

BASIC NAVIGATION
2020-08-20 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Thursday, August 20, 6 p.m. BASIC NAVIGATION.
In this program, we will begin with a discussion of how we take general navigation for granted in our society with all our smart phones and GPS devices. We’ll share ways to observe the world for clues to directions.
We’ll look at ways to observe the sun, stars, and moon for navigation, and then some fundamentals about using a compass. This will be loosely based upon Nyerges’ latest book, “Guide to Getting Around with or without a Compass.”
After, we will have an optional social time and discussion, where we can discuss what’s going on in today’s world, and how we might respond most appropriately.
Presented on Zoom, Pay on Paypal to Christopher_nyerges@yahoo.com.
DURING THIS TIME, WE WILL BE DOING CLASSES ON ZOOM. PLEASE JOIN US. To join, you must email us (christopher_nyerges@yahoo.com) that you intend to join, and we will send you a link. $45 ($25 seniors and students; scholarships available)

NATIONAL MUSTARD DAY CELEBRATION, FREE class (donation welcomed)
2020-08-01 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Saturday, August 1, 4 p.m.
NATIONAL MUSTARD DAY CELEBRATION.
Celebrate this special day with us! CLASS IS FREE but we’ll welcome a small donation.
We’ll begin with a little information about National Mustard Day — which is supposedly about the condiment mustard — and you’ll learn about the many edible members of the Mustard Family. Learn how to recognize the Mustard Family, which is much more extensive than you might think.
This will be a pictorial class about the many mustards growing around us, with their many delicious uses from leaf, to flower, to seed. From Alyssum to Watercress, learn recipes about this fascinating family.

Presented on Zoom, Pay on Paypal to Christopher_nyerges@yahoo.com.
DURING THIS TIME, WE WILL BE DOING CLASSES ON ZOOM. PLEASE JOIN US. To join, you must email us (christopher_nyerges@yahoo.com) that you intend to join, and we will send you a link. You can join this one for free, and if you want to support our efforts, you can give us a donation through our website [www.SchoolofSelf-Reliance.com] or via Paypal.

FORAGING NORTH AMERICA in the times of Covid-19: Learning about the Wild Plants for Good Health
2020-07-18 10:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Thursday, April 30 6 p.m. FORAGING NORTH AMERICA — IN THE TIMES OF COVID-19: Recipes for Keeping Good Health.
Join us and learn what edible plants may be growing right in your backyard, your local neighborhood, and in the wild area this spring. Learn what plants commonly grown in North America 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 will be exploring native plants, non-native plants, weeds, trees, and ornamentals. Ask live questions during class and enjoy post-class gathering and discussions with like-minded folks.
Presented on Zoom, Pay on Paypal to Christopher_nyerges@yahoo.com.
DURING THIS TIME, WE WILL BE DOING CLASSES ON ZOOM. PLEASE JOIN US. To join, you must email us (christopher_nyerges@yahoo.com) that you intend to join, and we will send you a link. $45 ($25 seniors and students; scholarships available)
To sign up for the Class, pay at PayPal to christopher_nyerges@yahoo.com, or call us with a Credit card (office # is 626 791-3217). Then we send you a link to join the Zoom Class.

EAT THE WEEDS and Keep Your Health!
2020-06-21 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Sunday, June 21, 2 p.m., EAT THE WEEDS to Keep Your Health.
FATHER’S DAY AND SUMMER SOLSTICE SPECIAL:
Pay for one class, bring your “father-figure” or friend for free.
Before the weeds wither in summer, Learn how to identify, grow, preserve, eat your non-native exotic weeds, which are highly nutritious, to maintain good health!
Eating edible weeds grown locally also allows you to eat less long-distance transported food grown in conventional farms. Whenever you eat local wild foods, you’re helping to save water and the harmful effects of fuel use. Learn to Identify, Preserve, and Prepare common wild foods, before spring is over.
Remember: Healthy Environment, Healthy Eating, Healthy You. Be a part of the solution!
Presented on Zoom, Pay on Paypal to Christopher_nyerges@yahoo.com.
DURING THIS TIME, WE WILL BE DOING CLASSES ON ZOOM. PLEASE JOIN US. To join, you must email us (christopher_nyerges@yahoo.com) that you intend to join, and we will send you a link. $45 ($25 seniors and students; scholarships available)

ETHOBOTANY SERIES: Medicinal Plants
2020-06-20 10:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Saturday, June 20, 10 a.m.
ETHNOBOTANY SERIES: – part of our certification program.
HEALING WITH NATIVE PLANTS WITH DR. JAMES ADAMS.

For those of you who’ve already signed up for the series, you can join this class and are also entitled to a field trip when things return to normal. Anyone can sign up for one class at a time.
In this session, we focus upon local MEDICINAL plants, with Guest teacher Dr. James Adams, author of “Healing with Medicinal Plants of the West.” Dr. Adams will share his two decades of training in the subject of Chumash healing herbs, and he will demonstrate how certain pain-relieving linaments are made.
We’ll discuss some of the ideal literature about healing with herbs, and some of the herbs you can grow in your own yard.
Presented on Zoom, Pay on Paypal to Christopher_nyerges@yahoo.com.
DURING THIS TIME, WE WILL BE DOING CLASSES ON ZOOM. PLEASE JOIN US. To join, you must email us (christopher_nyerges@yahoo.com) that you intend to join, and we will send you a link. $45 ($25 seniors and students; scholarships available)

THE WORLD OF CONTAINERS
2020-05-28 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Thursday, May 28, 6 p.m., THE WORLD OF CONTAINERS. You know you need a pack, a bag, a purse, a basket to carry things, but everyone buys those today. The ability to make containers is nearly a lost art. Let’s look at make-shift containers that you can create, and containers you can make from nature, such as fabrics, yucca, gourds, woods, clay, etc. We’ll also include a short lesson on how to set up an “emergency survival camp” in your backyard.
Presented on Zoom, Pay on Paypal to Christopher_nyerges@yahoo.com.
DURING THIS TIME, WE WILL BE DOING CLASSES ON ZOOM. PLEASE JOIN US. To join, you must email us (christopher_nyerges@yahoo.com) that you intend to join, and we will send you a link. $45 ($25 seniors and students; scholarships available)

EARTHDAY 50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION SPECIAL: EAT YOUR WEEDS and Help Save the Earth!
2020-04-23 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
Thursday, April 23, 6 p.m., EARTHDAY 50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION SPECIAL: EAT YOUR WEEDS and Help Save the Earth.
ON ZOOM.

Learn how identifying, growing, and eating your non-native exotic weeds could help save the environment and your health!
Eating edible weeds grown locally allows you to eat less long-distance transported food grown in conventional farms. Whenever you eat local wild foods, you’re helping to save water and the harmful effects of fuel use when you eat local wild foods.
Be a part of the solution! Join this class – with a donation of your choice (suggested donation is $10).
[Note: When you use our “ticket,” it charges you “$6 shipping” which is a mistake. We will refund that amount until we figure out how to change this automated system. Otherwise, you can just go direct to Paypal and provide a donation of your choice to Christopher_nyerges@yahoo.com]
LET US KNOW YOU WANT TO JOIN SO WE CAN SEND YOU A LINK.

"FORAGING CALIFORNIA" IN THIS TIME OF COVID-19
2020-03-28 10:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m on ZOOM.
Sat., March 28, “FORAGING CALIFORNIA” IN THIS TIME OF COVID-19. $40 (to PayPal), 10 a.m. on ZOOM.
DURING THIS TIME, WE WILL BE DOING CLASSES ON ZOOM. PLEASE JOIN US. To join, you must email us (christopher_nyerges@yahoo.com) that you intend to join, and we will send you a link.
There are many common foods that grow around your yard which you can use for your fresh meals, like salads and soups. In the Zoom format, we’ll be all looking at the plants together and we will be able to chat about what we are seeing. I look forward to seeing you in this format. Participants will also receive a pdf of the class for your own future reference.
Most of the plants we’ll be seeing and discussing are found nation-wide, and so this should allow those of you who live further away to join us.

NOTE: We have some scholarships available so you can join even if you don’t have enough funds. Please email us at Christopher_nyerges@yahoo.com.

DISCOVER THE MANY USES OF WILLOW, $25
2020-03-12 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Thursday, March 12, Noon. DISCOVER THE MANY USES OF WILLOW, $25
Willow is one of the most common trees all over the world. The wood is flexible, yet strong enough for many uses, including bows, fire kits, shelters, medicine, various tool materials, drills, triggers, etc. We’ll do a walk about and make a few things from the willow wood. Meet at the intersection of Ventura and Windsor in Altadena. From the Windsor exit of the 210 freeway, drive north on Windsor until Ventura, where you will have to carefully park in the parking area on the west side of the street, overlooking the Arroyo Seco.

LUNCHTIME CRAFT WORKSHOP
2020-02-27 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Thursday, February 27, Noon, LUNCHTIME CRAFT WORKSHOP, WITH STONE, BONE, AND WOOD, $25
During this lunchtime session, you’ll see some of the simple but effective methods for working bone and shell into cutting instruments and hooks, working stone into useful tools, and some woodworking. Gloves and eye protection suggested. Bring your water container and soup bowl as well. Hahamongna Watershed Park, Location 2.

ROCKS AS TOOLS, PLACERITA CANYON FREE TALK
2020-01-19 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Sunday, January 19, 2 to 3 p.m., Rocks as Tools, Free Placerita Canyon Class
This is a free public presentation held at Placerita Canyon Nature Center, 19152 Placerita Canyon Rd, Newhall, CA 91321. Christopher Nyerges will share how rocks and stones were used in North America (and elsewhere) for making fire, processing food, making bows, and just about every daily activity. A very heavy topic! Come early for seating.

SHELTER WORKSHOP
2020-01-18 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Saturday, January 18, 10 a.m., SHELTER WORKSHOP, $40.
We’ll explore a wild area and learn about shelters, both man-made shelters that you can carry in your pack and the type of shelter that you’d have to create using only what nature has provided. You will learn by doing so wear gloves if necessary. Along the way, you will learn about the uses of plants of the area, for food, medicine, tools, etc. Location: Orcas Park, in the Big Tujunga Wash, northeast of Hansen Dam, in Lake View Terrace. From the 210, exit Osborne and go east to Orcas Ave. and enter the park. We’ll meet in the southern-most parking area. [Thomas Guide pg. 503, A2]

LUNCHTIME PLANT ID WALK AND SOUP! $25
2019-12-26 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Hahamongna Watershed Park
Join us for a short walkabout in the Hahamongna Watershed. We’ll learn about the local plants, make fire, and cook some soup. We’ll meet at Location 2, upper area of Hahamongna Watershed Park.

TO REGISTER
2019-12-21 10:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Call (626) 791-3217 (office) or (323) 605-7283 to pay with a credit card;
Or mail a check to School of Self-Reliance, Box 41834, L.A., CA 90041. Indicate class you will attend, and how many will attend. E-mail (or Paypal) to christopher_nyerges@yahoo.com. Check the website for new classes.

WEEKEND WARRIOR WORKSHOP SERIES #3
2019-12-14 10:00 UTC
PRIMITIVE SURVIVAL SKILLS – part of our certificate and certification program.
This is a 4-part series which will occur on the first Saturdays of the month, including today, Sept. 14, and continuing through the year. This Session begins with a workshop on FIBRE: Plants which produce fibre, processing plants to make cordage, making sandals, nets, brushes, and other useful items. You’ll never look at rope and cordage the same! Class includes a short walkabout, hands-on, some plant gathering, and fire-making.
Pricing: $65 per class; if you pay in advance, you pay $195, meaning, you get the 4th class FREE.
Location 2, Hahamongna Watershed Park.

FULL MOON WALK, $25.
2019-12-13 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
We’ll explore a foothill area and discover how you can identify plants by odor and silhouette. Learn how sounds travel. We’ll see some stars, and discuss how to use stars for navigation. And maybe we’ll hear some of the night animals. Meet at the intersection of Ventura and Windsor in Altadena. From the Windsor exit of the 210 freeway, drive north on Windsor until Ventura, where you will park in the parking area on the west side of the street, overlooking the Arroyo Seco.

WEEKEND WARRIOR WORKSHOP SERIES #2
2019-12-07 10:00 UTC
PRIMITIVE SURVIVAL SKILLS – part of our certificate and certification program.
This is a 4-part series which will occur once a month. This Session begins with a workshop on WATER: Finding it, Purifying it, Storing it. We’ll make a solar still, transpiration bag, and review how to find and purify water under harsh conditions. Class includes a short walkabout, hands-on, some plant gathering, and fire-making.
Pricing: $65 per class; if you pay in advance, you pay $195, meaning, you get the 4th class FREE.
Location 2, Hahamongna Watershed Park.

NATIVE AMERICAN FOODS lecture, FREE
2019-12-04 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Christopher will present a free public lecture at Topanga Library, 122 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. Participants will learn about the wild plants that were used by the local indigenous people for food, medicine, tools, etc. Come and see these plants, and ask questions. Books by Christopher will also be available for sale.

SURVIVAL SKILLS INTENSIVE, $65.
2019-11-30 10:00 UTC
In this walkabout, we’ll learn about the uses of the wild plants, how to make fire, making cordage, building shelters, purifying water, cooking, and more. We cover a lot in the day. Dress comfortably, and carry water, a bowl, and bring your knife. Hahamongna Watershed Park, Location 2.

THANKSGIVING DAY!
2019-11-28

LUNCHTIME PLANT WALK, $25.
2019-11-21 12:00 UTC
We’ll walk in a section of the Arroyo Seco and explore the history and unique plantlife of the area. We’ll be near the original Busch Gardens, and near the Suicide Bridge. We’ll see edible and medicinal plants. Bring your bowl for salad, and bring your canteen. We’ll meet in the parking area of the Casting Ponds/ Archery Range. Casting Ponds, Lower Arroyo, location 8. This is south of the Rose Bowl in the Arroyo Seco.

NATIVE PLANTS OF THE WEST lecture, FREE
2019-11-16 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Christopher will present a free public lecture at the Hacienda Heights Library, 16010 La Monde Street, Hacienda Heights, free to the public. Participants will learn about the many native plants found in our area, and their many uses in the past by indigenous peoples. You will get to see many of the common native plants used for food, medicine, fire, soap, etc., as well as some of the non-native plants that are very common.
