"Chip Carving" is an ancient form of wood-surface decoration. It can be applied to wood surfaces both practical and decorative. Examples can be seen on jewelry, Christmas ornaments, boxes, furniture, door frames, spoons and more! In this class each student will have guided practice, then choose/create a traditional Rosette pattern to complete their own Chip Carving artwork. This hands-on class […]
Join us on Saturday, January 17th at 10:00am for a Beginning Woodcarving Class. Participants will have the opportunity to learn essential woodcarving techniques in a supportive and creative environment. If you have your own carving tools, please bring them along to enhance your experience. Registration is required.
The February Conservation on Tap environmental presentation series will be a discussion of “Bumble Bees and Controlled Burns in Wisconsin Tallgrass Prairie.” We have nearly 500 species of bees in Wisconsin, approximately 20 of which are bumble bees. We are even lucky enough to be home to a Federally endangered species, the Rusty-Patched Bumble Bee (Bombus affinis)! Join Jade Kochanski, […]
In celebration of Black History Month, Denise Christy of the Enduring Families Project will present stories of several historical figures with ties to Cheyenne Valley, Town of Forest, Vernon County. The Enduring Families Project is a program of the La Crosse County Historical Society. It was founded to create public theater based on the lives of early African-American settlers to […]
This will be an immersive experience in the winter woods learning to get more comfortable with winter conditions. We'll use woodland skills that provide for our needs in this season, reading wildlife track and sign, identifying winter wild edibles, and enjoying the rare beauty of this season. We will hike out into a wild area along the Wisconsin River, navigate […]
Accurately reading the woods, marshes and meadows in the winter can be a challenging endeavor but there is so much to observe and learn at this time of the year. This half-day class will introduce participants to observation skills, tree and plant communities and identification in the winter, wildlife ecology and its study through track and sign, bird life and […]
For thousands of years, people have cherished fire and all it provided. And one of the prevalent methods of creating those uncountable fires around the world was the 'bow-drill': a well-shaped rod of soft wood spun in a bow with a cord, which generates enough heat in its spinning against the hearth board to create a powdery, smoldering ember. This […]
Both Queerness & the natural world urge us to see ourselves as unique parts of a complex and interdependent system, rooted in both weirdness & wonder. As Queer writers, we are uniquely attuned to our more-than-human connections, and both the politics & poetics of place. In this class, students will create community & sink into the sensory world through interactive […]
Come learn the magic of fruit tree grafting! With this versatile skill you will be able to make your own apple trees at a fraction of the cost of purchasing them, and have the tools to clone any apple tree you happen to fancy. In the class we will discuss and demonstrate whip-and-tongue and cleft grafting in detail. The basics […]
This class will focus on the practical application of herbs for basic first aid. This comprehensive session is designed to equip you with the foundational knowledge and skills to effectively use herbs for common cuts, scrapes, and other minor occurrences. During the class, we will not only delve into various herbal remedies but also learn how to accurately assess your […]
In Value Your Voice, you will discover the power of your voice in this transformative workshop. You will dive into the mysterious world of singing and claim your right to vocal confidence and clarity. Learn voice science strategies to elevate your everyday voice use, accompanied by intentional yoga asana, mudra, and pranayama to support both your body and mind. Join […]
This class will explore the digestive system and how to optimally support its health. We will cover a range of approaches, from digestive bitters to pre- and probiotics, to enlist herbal tonics, fermented foods and beverages, and other remedies to promote this vital bodily function and its supporting organs. The instructor will share guiding principles for incorporating herbs and nourishing […]
A windmill is both a rural icon and a time-honored method of pumping water - one that is still a viable method today. This class will introduce you to windmill parts and types, and the basics of constructing a foundation for the tower. The class will have access to Jon's Aeromotor 403 B windmill, which operates as his main water […]
Are you interested in going off-grid, with batteries and solar panels for power? In this class we will discuss types of batteries and how to connect and maintain them. We'll also introduce other elements necessary for setting up off-grid solar, including rack types, roof mounts, solar panels, charge controllers, off-grid inverters, and wiring. The afternoon includes a tour of several […]
In this in-depth exploration of wild edibles of the Driftless area we will learn a wide range of plants that offer us food during this season. Many roots and tubers from the previous season are available still, a plethora of greens and blossoms have burst out, and even some early stalk vegetables are showing. We will thoroughly learn the plants […]
This workshop focuses on incorporating flower remedies (or flower essences) in daily practice as well as folk and clinical herbalism settings. Suitable for flower enthusiasts and seasoned herbalists alike, we will spend the afternoon learning about how this homeopathic medicine can support balance of emotional and energetic shifts. In this workshop we will: discuss the history and background of flower […]
We're gearing up for Shepherdess Camp 2026 - June 12, 13, 14!Our shepherdess team has confirmed and we're planning a dynamic weekend! We're bringing back some of the favorite sessions from 2025 and adding a few new ones.We're waiting to hear back from a woman shearer, a woman who works with herding dogs, and a woman who works with livestock […]
We're gearing up for Shepherdess Camp 2026 - June 12, 13, 14!Our shepherdess team has confirmed and we're planning a dynamic weekend! We're bringing back some of the favorite sessions from 2025 and adding a few new ones.We're waiting to hear back from a woman shearer, a woman who works with herding dogs, and a woman who works with livestock […]
We're gearing up for Shepherdess Camp 2026 - June 12, 13, 14!Our shepherdess team has confirmed and we're planning a dynamic weekend! We're bringing back some of the favorite sessions from 2025 and adding a few new ones.We're waiting to hear back from a woman shearer, a woman who works with herding dogs, and a woman who works with livestock […]