Fire by Friction
Saturday, January 14th 2017
1pm-4pm
Come and see why we keep this ancient skill alive!!
We will be working with several types of friction fire techniques and each participant will return home with a friction kit for personal practice.
Participants are asked to bring a full tang or locking blade knife for wood carving.
* This Class is open to adults & teens.
All minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Come and see why we keep this ancient skill alive!!
We will be working with several types of friction fire techniques and each participant will return home with a friction kit for personal practice.
Participants are asked to bring a full tang or locking blade knife for wood carving.
* This Class is open to adults & teens.
All minors must be accompanied by an adult.
To bring warmth, light, and safety to a community is a powerful duty. After many years of experiencing fire, I am still amazed that someone, somewhere, somehow, mastered the creative effort of bringing fire to life. It is a skill that has been largely forgotten, that in the most difficult of situations may save your life and at the very least is an empowering and personal metaphor.
Join us as we embark on this journey of making fire, a fire created with our own skill and effort, a fire made by friction.
This class will be held at Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center Northeast of Albany, NY in the beautiful forests of the Rensselaer Plateau.
Campfire Cuisine
Saturday, February 4th 2017
1pm-4pm
Cooking on a campfire is fun and rewarding. However, it is an art and if you plan to provide food for a teaching group, scout group, or friends and family, the pressure is on! There is nothing more rewarding than sharing a well crafted meal cooked on an open fire.
In this workshop you will learn several techniques for cooking on open fires. This workshop will include recipes and dishes for making snacks or whole meals fireside.
This class will be held at Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center Northeast of Albany, NY in the beautiful forests of the Rensselaer Plateau.
In our modern world we often forget the abundance nature provides. Join Dave Muska of Ondatra Adventures for a family friendly workshop in Wilderness Crafts at the Van Dyke Preserve in Delmar, NY. In this class you will make a small melon basket from local and wild-harvested vines, learn the art of making cordage from natural fibers, and how to make stone necklaces. Be prepared to hear some stories, learn natural history, and have fun with your family outdoors!
When: Saturday, May 13th 2017
10am-1pm
Where: MHLC Van Dyke Preserve, Delmar, NY
Cost: FREE
In Cooperation with the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy
Wilderness Survival Skills
Saturday, June 11th 2017
Have you ever wondered what it takes to survive in the wild?
Join Dave Muska of Ondatra Adventures as we explore fundamental skills and tools of wilderness survival. In this workshop, you’ll be introduced to the skills necessary to keep yourself and your loved ones safe in the forest and off the trail. Dave will offer his knowledge and experience with skills such as shelter building, edible and medicinal plants, fire building, and more.
A great course for hikers, backpackers, and outdoors people alike. All skill levels and interests are welcome.
When: Saturday June 11th, 2017
Where: Holt Preserve, New Scotland, NY
Cost: Free
Winter Shelters & Backcountry Safety:
Adirondack Folk School
Lake Luzerne, NY
February 25th, 9am - 4pm
Winter is a wonderful time to explore the outdoors. Our northern forests are quiet and covered in a blanket of white snow. Animals not normally seen can be spotted now at a greater distance. A wonderful time for a snowshoe hike, to follow animal tracks, or a jaunt on your cross-country skis for a few hours to burn off that cabin fever.
We love our winter activities here in the northeast, yet it is incredibly important to know how to keep yourself safe in the event of an emergency such as injury or becoming lost.
This workshop will give you some incredible tools and knowledge on how to deal with those unexpected circumstances. Some of the skills covered will include what to carry in your daypack, how to stay warm with little to no gear, how to build a snow shelter (weather appropriate) for withstanding dropping overnight temperatures and how to maximize the use of fire.
When: Sunday, February 25th, 9am-4pm
Where: Adirondack Folk School
Cost: AFS Members $145
Non-Members $155
* Class includes both indoor AND outdoor instruction.
PLEASE DRESS ACCORDINGLY
Winter Tracking:
Huyck Preserve and Biological Station
January 20th, 10am - 1pm
Join us at the Edmund Niles Huyck Preserve for a class in Winter Tracking. In this class you'll be introduced to the fundamentals of tracking and awareness to better understand the stories animals that leave behind.
You’ll be introduced to basic tracking skills and concepts such as clear print identification, track patterns, as well as techniques to develop your skill in tracking.
This is a great class for photographers, hunters, or anyone who wishes to deepen their outdoor experience.
Beginners and experienced trackers welcomed!
When: Saturday, January 20th, 10am-1pm
Where: Huyck Preserve & Biological Station in Rensselaerville, NY
Cost: $5 Suggested Donation to Huyck Preserve
* Class includes both indoor AND outdoor instruction.
PLEASE DRESS ACCORDINGLY