Wild Food and Self-Reliance Discovery

To attend and for exact location, register HERE

Thursday, July 30, noon
Soapstone, also known as steatite, is a material that is soft enough to carve with your fingernails. Native peoples carved containers from soapstone, some quite large. They can be made into pipes, amulets, fish weights, anything you can imagine.
We have not done this class in over 10 years! But we currently have a supply of soapstone and will have this two hour lunch class.
Each person will get a block of soapstone and we will give you some ideas what to make from it. You can cut it into two smaller pieces, or make a bowl, a pipe, or a nameplate for your desk.
We will not be using any power tools — only spoons, nails, hacksaws, pump drill, file, etc. Bring any such tools you might have. We also suggest that you bring gloves (such as dish-washing gloves), and a dust mask — the dust is fine and gets all over your hands and clothes and you want to avoid breathing it in.
This will be at Hahamongna and you will be sent exact directions when you sign up.
A $5 material fee is added to this class for the soapstone…
Every one will sign a waiver for this class.
If you’re working towards a Certificate, this applies to Bushcraft.

To attend and for exact location, register HERE

Saturday, August 1, 10 a.m.
Urban Preparedness can mean a life of self-reliance! But it also means you’re a bit more prepared for disasters such as an earthquake, or a flood, or a fire.
We will cover some of the basic elements that you should know in order to take care of yourself at home. This class is all about urban preparedness.
We’ll cover issues about WATER and how to store water in Los Angeles County. What FOODS should you store, and grow. We will also show (and cook) some wild foods. We will share how to COOK in your backyard if you can’t use your indoor stove. We will address first aid only minimally — we suggest you take a Red Cross course. We will share TOILET alternative that is relatively easy. We will also show some of the alternate devices to ELECTRICAL devices. And we’ll talk about the notion of a “bug out bag,” and some common sense, such as the benefits of joining Neighborhood Watch, or starting one, if one is not active in your neighborhood.
This class will include a short PLANT WALK to learn about edible and medicinal wild plants.
Location sent with registration
Books and products will be available for sale

August 1 @ 10:00 am - 1:30 pm
$45.00 – $65.00

To attend and for exact location, register HERE

Thursday, August 6, Noon
FORAGING WALK
Join us as we explore the landscape with a naturalist’s eyes. We’ll learn about plants used by generations of indigenous peoples. We’ll see the many plants used for generations of people for wild foods, medicines, and utility. We’ll see California native plants, and we’ll see non-native edibles and medicinals.
And, if we get that far, we’ll explore some of the uses of yucca and other natural fibres.

Bring water, and your bowl. Hahamongna Watershed Park, Location 2.
Regular $45 (senior/students $30)
Exact location sent with registration

Saturday, August 8, 10 a.m. MEDICINE AND FOOD FORAGING WALK
TO attend and for exact location, Register HERE

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.