Adult Workshops
Springtime Plant walk
Saturday, March 23
10 am - 3 pm
$45 / participant
Ages 18+ (16+ with parent)
Location: Ramapo Mountain Reservation, Mahwah, NJ
From friction fire to medicine to baskets to natural dyes to food, plants are part of the foundation of all developed cultures. Come along and learn some the edible, medicinal and utilitarian trees, shrubs and plants in our own area. Plants are a true gateway into our understanding of local ecosystems, personal health and deeper connection to our landscapes. On this easy to moderate hike, we will seek out species of plants that have been used for centuries as well as newer arrivals and talk about the benefits that they provide for ourselves and the earth. We will also discuss proper identification and harvesting practices, processing and preservation as well as their traditional and modern uses. Join us for a full sensory experience into the world of plants!
Go bags and emergency preparedness
Sunday, March 24
11 am - 3 pm
$45 / participant
Ages 18+ (16+ with parent)
Location: Vulpes Outdoor Classroom, Bloomfield, NJ
What is a go bag and why do you need one? A go bag is a pre-packed kit that you can grab and go in an emergency scenario. Should the need arise, you don’t have to worry about finding a knife, a shelter, a water filter or a headlamp at the last minute, it’s all there ready for you. Go bags can vary based on your location, time of year, level of outdoor experience, etc. You can find go bags online that claim to have everything covered, but in my experience it’s best to build your own. Join me for an afternoon going through my personal kit, talking about preferred brands and equipment, and learning how to use some of the gear. We will also cover some basics of emergency preparedness as well as send you home with a few new skills that should accompany and survival kit.
The Art of fire
Saturday, April 13
10 am - 4 pm
$75 / participant
Ages 18+ (16+ with parent)
Location: Vulpes Outdoor Classroom, Bloomfield, NJ
Where would we be without fire? Not where we are today, that’s for sure. Come spend a day learning about the dos and don’ts of creating and tending a proper fire for cooking, projects or just the enjoyment of warmth and light that it can bring to a community. Whether terrified of it or a seasoned outdoor person, participants will learn the nuanced art form of how to source material and build a functional fire in any weather condition using a selection of modern and primitive methods. Participants will also carve their very own bow drill friction fire kit to take home. The day will end with a small ceremony around our ancient relationship with fire and it’s power of transformation.
All tools and materials provided.
The knife
Saturday, April 27
10 am - 3 pm
$75 / participant
Ages 18+ (16+ with parent)
Location: Vulpes Outdoor Classroom, Bloomfield, NJ
A knife if one of the most important tools for bushcraft, but its effectiveness also depends on the skill of its user. In this workshop, we will cover the history of blades starting with the stone age, the proper safety precautions around knife use, different types of knife steel and construction, choosing the right knife for right job, and some foundational techniques to help with any woodcarving project. Participants will try their hand with different blades, sharpening, stone-age blade production, carving chopsticks and other small projects to take home at the end of the day. Come experience all a knife can do and why it is the first item in any proper survival it.
All tools and materials provided.
Springtime Plant walk
Saturday, May 4
10 am - 3 pm
$45 / participant
Ages 18+ (16+ with parent)
Location: Ramapo Mountain Reservation, Mahwah, NJ
From friction fire to medicine to baskets to natural dyes to food, plants are part of the foundation of all developed cultures. Come along and learn some the edible, medicinal and utilitarian trees, shrubs and plants in our own area. Plants are a true gateway into our understanding of local ecosystems, personal health and deeper connection to our landscapes. On this easy to moderate hike, we will seek out species of plants that have been used for centuries as well as newer arrivals and talk about the benefits that they provide for ourselves and the earth. We will also discuss proper identification and harvesting practices, processing and preservation as well as their traditional and modern uses. Join us for a full sensory experience into the world of plants!
Willow wrestling: Harvesting Baskets
Saturday & Sunday, May 18 & 19
10 am - 4 pm
$215 / participant (includes material fee)
Ages 18+ (16+ with parent)
Location: Vulpes Outdoor Classroom, Bloomfield, NJ
Willow is an amazing resource in our area. It is flexible, strong, and beautiful which makes it perfect for a wide range of basketry styles. Although it can feel more like Willow Wrestling at times, with a few techniques and a bit of patience, it can be used to make beautiful vessels that will last generations.
Each student will be making their own round bottom harvesting basket
We will also cover the identification, harvesting, storage, and preparation of the willow as well as other local plants that are ideal for wicker-style basketry.
All tools and materials provided
Outdoor Educators Weekend Workshop
Saturday,-Monday, May 25-27
10 am - 4 pm
$325 / participant
Ages 18+ (16+ with parent)
Location: Vulpes Outdoor Classroom, Bloomfield, NJ and local state parks
An in depth look behind the scenes of being an outdoor educator for kids and adults. Whether you are an experienced outdoor educator or just a parent that wants to connect your kids to the bounty of natural experiences, I have created a curriculum to help you enrich the nature education experience for yourself and your students . Join us for this weekend workshop that covers everything from games, earth skills and art projects, foundational survival skills, and plant/tree/bird/animal track ID to managing group dynamics, program promotion, deep nature philosophy and so much more. Kick off your summer with a whole new bag of tricks and tips designed to upgrade and optimize your own nature education programs. Based on over 15 years experience working in the adventure guide/outdoor education industry, this workshop is guaranteed to give you a solid foundation on which to build your nature career.
Upon completion of this class you will receive a certificate of completion for 20 hrs of outdoor education training from Vulpes Wild Arts.
Natural Dye
Workshop
Sunday, June 9th
10 am - 4 pm
$90 / participant (includes material fee)
Ages 18+ (16+ with parent)
Location: Vulpes Outdoor Classroom, Bloomfield, NJ
Learn how to make your own pigments and dyes from your natural surroundings! In this one day workshop, we will cover the basics (and not so basics) of natural dyes, material selection and preparation, eco-printing, mordants, the effects of time, heat, and pH through the creation of our own silk scarves, cotton bags, and wool thread. Participants are also welcome to bring their own 100% natural fiber garments to play with. Join us for a journey through the dazzling array of natural colors around us.
All tools and materials provided