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…

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).

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.

PRIMITIVE & MODERN TECHNOLOGY: FIRE WORKSHOP
2026-04-18 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
PRIMITIVE & MODERN TECHNOLOGY: FIRE WORKSHOP
WE’LL BE COOKING TOO!
April 18, 10 a.m.
Angelo’s favorite book on FIRE
We will take a walk and you will see the woods that are used to make the most basic methods of fire-production: The bow and drill, and the hand drill. You will also see flint and steel. You will learn by doing. You will work to make an ember, and you will learn which woods are best, and how to process your woods. A short walk included to see which plants are best for your fire-making kit. This is a timeless bushcraft skill.

We expect that each person will be able to collect and process most of your kit during this class. You will learn this fundamental bushcraft skill by doing! An excellent overall survival skill, since fire is at the very heart of survival: signalling, purifying water, cooking, etc.
BONUS: Once we make a fire, we’ll cook some wild foods at the grill for each of you to try.
Location 2, Hahamongna.
Exact location sent with registration

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.

LUNCHTIME EARTHWEEK PLANT WALKABOUT
2026-04-23 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Thursday, Noon, April 23
Come celebrate Earth Week with us by taking 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.
PAY FOR ONE, BRING A FRIEND!

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 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.

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

FORAGING WALK -- WILD FOOD OUTING
2026-05-09 10:00 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
May 9, 10 a.m

Saturday, May 9, 10 a.m.
WILD FOOD FORAGING AND ETHNO-BOTANICAL WALK
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).

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.

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”

LUNCHTIME CLAY WORKSHOP
2026-05-21 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
May 21, Noon
At this class, you will see natural clay dug from the local hills.

You will learn the ways to process clay, and we will be doing one of those methods.

You will process clay, and attempt to make a useful item from the clay.
We won’t do any firing.

A great opportunity to get outdoors and learn another survival skills

SURVIVAL SKILLS INTENSIVE -- An Field Overview of all the Skills you NEED
2026-05-23 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
May 23, Saturday, 10 a.m.

SURVIVAL SKILLS INTENSIVE
May 23, 10 a.m.
$75 ($55 for seniors and students)

Here’s a chance to practice all of the basic skills that are considered the essential skills. We will do a little bit of everything, and try to keep hiking to a minimum.
Knowledge of plants and their many uses is a critical skill that relates to every other skill. You will learn how to identify key plants, and how to use them for food, medicine, fire-making, cordage, and more.
Fire-making is an essential survival skill, and you should always have a few ways to make fire. On this class, you will practice primitive fire-making, as well as cooking, and water purification.
Along the way, you will learn about emergency shelters, how to make cordage, and more.
A great day to get into the mountains with like-minded people.
Location details sent upon registration. Bring a bowl, knife, and water.

Books by Nyerges available at class.

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.

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).

LUNCHTIME EXPLORATORY NATURE WALK
2026-06-04 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Thursday, June 4, 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.
Carry a water bottle.
RSVP for exact directions to location.

WILD FOODS: TRADITIONAL ACORN PROCESSING WORKSHOP --
2026-06-06 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
PROCESSING WILD ACORNS — FROM RAW ACORN TO DELICIOUS PANCAKES!

Saturday, June 6, 10 a.m.
$65 ($45 for students and seniors)
TRADITIONAL ACORN PROCESSING

This Session is a complete lesson on the historical value of the ACORN in west coast native societies, along with some nutritional information. You will then go through the entire process of turning the raw acorn into a delicious food. You’ll shell, grind, leach, test, leach some more, and blend with a few other ingredients to make acorn food products.
If you didn’t already know this, ACORNS are a Super-Food, not simply squirrel food. They contain all the amino acids! Native Americans of the Americas understood this and regularly processed and consumed acorn products. In fact, acorns have been used for food by many cultures the world over. They are still commonly used in Korean dishes. In the U.S., the use of the acorn is experiencing a revival.
We will also prepare a few other wild food dishes, depending on what is in season.
There will be minimal walking today, but still bring your field notebook.
This can apply to an Ethno-botany certificate.
Location sent upon registration.
Pricing: $65 per class. (Seniors/ students $45)

Francisco offers freshly-made acorn pancakes

Books by Nyerges available at Classes

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

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

SEASONAL FORAGING -- WILD FOOD AND USEFUL PLANTS BY THE SEASON
2026-06-20 10:00 - 13:30 UTC
SEASONAL FORAGING — SUMMER
Saturday, June 20, 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.

Sarah Shin collects some ripe coffeeberries

Location sent out with registration.

Applies to our Ethnobotany certificate

LUNCHTIME TRAPS,TRIGGERS, PRIMITIVE WEAPONRY WORKSHOP
2026-06-25 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Learn to make traps, triggers, snares, deadfalls — learn by doing!
Thursday, June 25, noon
Note: We do not go out and try to kill or trap animals when we do this class.
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.

ETHNOBOTANY SERIES: WILD and USEFUL PLANTS, Session One
2026-06-27 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 27, 10 a.m.

Saturday, June 27, 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 in the use of the plant press for your record-keeping, and 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 salad 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.

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

Location is 5835 Burwood Ave., off Figueroa in Highland Park. Park on the street and we’ll walk up the dirt road into the one acre sanctuary.
Bring a bowl, and water. Be sure to RSVP.
Learn how to eat the older nopales

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)

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)

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

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

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

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

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

WILD FOOD OUTING, with cooking
2026-10-10 22:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Saturday, October 10, 10 a.m.
WILD FOOD OUTING
Toyon berries

Folks, this will be an excellent way to see what’s in season and to try some of the wild edibles. We will go on a short walk to explore an area and learn about the wild plants, and their edible and medicinal uses.
We will study the diverse flora and we’ll have an opportunity to make a fire and do some light cooking.

Students examining fresh chicken-of-the-woods
Come and enjoy your time outdoors learning about plant and how they can be used for teas, salads, soups, and medicines. Also you’ll learn about those plants used for fire in a traditional manner.

Hahamongna Watershed Park; exact meeting spot given upon registration.

Bring water, a bowl, and knife. Bring your snacks if necessary.

TRADITIONAL CONTAINER WORKSHOP: MAKE A BURN-BOWL
2026-10-17 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Saturday, October 17, 10 a.m.
CONTAINER WORKSHOP: LEARN TO MAKE AN EXPEDIENT BURN BOWL
Julia Han shows a burn bowl made by Christopher from a burl

As part of our Container series, we have taught how to make clay bowls (from local clays), how to make baskets, how to process gourds, how to make yucca and agave quivers, how to make soap stone bowls (yes, a slow process!), and this time, how to make a burn-bowl. A burn bowl is a piece of a log that we slowly burn out with coals, and then scrape it out to create a useful bowl. You will learn by doing.
We begin with a dry log, and cut select pieces. Then we split them, and you will slowly burn them out to create a functional bowl. In fact, there are many items that can be made by this process.
We will create coals in our fire, which you will then carefully put onto your wood. You let it burn a bit, and then you scrape. You create a little hole, and then you add another coal, and repeat, and repeat. Bring a spoon for scraping. Bring eye protection too.
Sometimes this goes quickly, and sometimes not, so bring your water and a snack.
Probably Hahamongna, but we will send location to registrants.
Limited participation.
$65 ($45 seniors/students)
