About

Hello!

My name is Zach Fisher.  I'm a Survival Skills Educator, Adventure Guide and Artist based in the Hudson Valley, NY.  Originally from San Francisco, I got my start in the outdoors when my family would take camping trips up and down the California and Oregon coastlines, into the Redwood groves and up in the mountains of Lake Tahoe.  We eventually moved to Sonoma County where I was able to roam freely along the creek in our backyard or across the fields to visit friends and explore the landscape. 

As an artist and musician, I was inspired to move to New York City and at the behest of my younger brother, Geoff, began attending classes at the Tom Brown Jr’s Tracker School. I quickly developed a deep connection within the natural world through the study and practice of Earth Skills. It was the type of education that I had always been searching for, infusing practical skills with art, physical health and deep spirituality.

Since then I have studied, taught and guided with many incredible teachers and organizations throughout the Northeast and beyond. In 2015, I helped co-found an outdoor education collective called Earth Living Skills which implemented Earth Skills classes throughout the tri-state area.

As a teacher I aim to create an inclusive learning environment that is equal parts challenging, empowering and fun for students of all ages, backgrounds and levels of experience. I know I’ve done my job when I send people home inspired, with dirty hands and a big smile.

TESTIMONIALS

  • "The classes are engaging, fun and relaxed. Most importantly, my kids feel safe and confident with Zach, and I am so grateful for that. There’s a collective sad sigh in our household whenever we get to the end of a session, and we countdown until the next one begins!"

    -Natasha, Homeschool Parent

  • "Zach is constantly amazing me with not only his vast knowledge of the natural world, but also his passion for teaching, his patience, and his kindness. I love learning from Zach and always come away from adventures together with a new appreciation for the world around me!"

    Lauren Skotieczny, Senior Guide, Good Trip Adventures

  • "My 2 girls (ages 7 and 10) LOVE Zach’s class. They look forward to going each week and at the end of the day can not stop talking about all the amazing, unique, and special things they’ve experienced. They now know so much about wildlife, plants, trees, survival techniques, animal habitat and life cycles. I love that the group feels less like a formal class and more like a pack of kids adventuring in the woods!"

    -Stacey, Homeschool Parent

  • "I've worked with Zach numerous times, both at tracker classes and also at our own school. He has always been strongly dedicated to not only the skills, but also to the energy of a class and to the learning journey of the student. I've always found him to be not only ready to help with anything asked of him, but also with the planning and logistics needed at any class."

    Matt Corradino, Caribbean Earth Skills

  • When spending time with Zach one can’t help but be affected by his enthusiasm and curiosity for nature. His dedication to ancient arts is shown in the beauty of the objects he shapes.

    Dustin Lamberta, Wild Earth