Wilderness Skills for Everyone:
For a Sustainable and Thriving Planet
In an era where the connection to nature is often overshadowed by technology, the revival of earth skills is essential for fostering sustainability and resilience. We believe that everyone, regardless of background or experience, should have access to these vital skills. Together, we can cultivate a thriving planet by embracing practices that honor the earth and its resources.
We are here to foster collaborative environments where everyone learns together. Workshops emphasize community building and sharing knowledge, creating networks of individuals committed to protecting the planet. By learning from one another, we empower participants to take actionable steps towards sustainability in their own lives, reinforcing that collective efforts produce significant change. We hope these experiences ignite creativity and resourcefulness, proving that sustainable living can be rooted in tradition.
Our Offerings:
Browse our 11 varieties of basket and ornamental willows!
All of our willow is currently flourishing in zone 4 here in Minnesota. Our willow is grown in full sun without the use of pesticides or fertilizers and harvested in winter after the leaves have fallen.
Our willow was sourced from basket teacher and friend, Margaret Mathewson, from her homestead, the Ancient Arts Center near Corvallis, Oregon.
March 7-9, 2025
Embrace the Winter, Weekend Adventure!
Join us for an exhilarating 2-night, 3-day winter immersion! We will spend our days ice fishing on the lake for crappie, sunfish, and pike. Bait and shared fishing poles will be at your available for participants. Our cozy cabin and two yurts will provide you with warm lodging and a welcoming space to unwind.
No experience? No problem! Beginners are wholeheartedly encouraged to dive into this winter weekend. In addition to fishing, you can enjoy snowshoeing, exploring the stunning surroundings of the lake and public lands, or simply relaxing in the beauty of nature.
If luck is on our side, we'll gather around for a fish fry featuring the fruits of our labor.
A multi-day immersion in willow basketry!
Join us May 8th-11th for a deep dive into willow weaving! Great for beginners and more advanced students.
We will go through the basics of stake and strand basketry or for more advanced students jump into a project you have been wanting to tackle and hone in your skill set.
Each student will go home with 2 hand crafted baskets that very well may become an heirloom possession in your family! These babies are very hearty baskets!
Your Instructor-
Zac Fittipaldi began his basketry journey in 2008 with a year long apprenticeship in Oregon under the guidance of basketry expert Margret Mathewson. Since then he has inspired and taught hundreds of students.
Today most of our willow comes from our willow farm where we tend several thousand basketry and ornamental willow plants! However, we cannot resist a nice wild willow patch and you may find us in your nearby stream bed doing some wild harvesting!
Prepare for long weaving days from 9am-5pm and tender fingers, weaving will take it out on you but the reward is well worth it!
Meal option available!
Accommodation will be tent camping, let us know if you need to borrow any camping gear, we do have some extras.
May 29th-June 1st
We are hitting the road and headed for the UP! Join basket instructor Zac Fittipaldi for three full days of weaving in the pine forests of Gwinn, Michigan.
Students will go home with up to two baskets of their own weaving. Your baskets, built with durable strong willow and accompanied by Zac’s guidance will be ready to last the test of time, potentially lasting for generations.
Beginner to advanced weavers welcome, there will be something for everyone.
There will be dedicated time for questions about growing, harvesting, and preparing your own willow.
All tools provided.
Prepare for long weaving days, 9-5pm. You will need moderate hand strength.
Accommodation is tent camping, you will need to bring your own gear for this, if you need any gear do ask, there may be some loaner items.
Casting Lines: A Weekend of Fishing & Connection in Nature
Join us for a 2-night, 3-day adventure in the pristine landscapes of Northern Minnesota, right at the edge of the Boundary Waters. This event is tailored specifically for women united by a passion for fishing and the great outdoors, creating a welcoming space for connection and skill enhancement.
Workshop Details:
Location: Snowshoe Country Lodge, Sand Lake, Isabella, MN
Accommodation: Six rustic cabins situated throughout the property, accommodating up to 10 guests. The cabins include electricity, nearby hand pump well, and individual outhouses.
Overview:
Three scheduled fishing sessions on the Sand Lake, you can come solo and get paired up here or come with a friend. From beginners to experienced, this is your opportunity to broaden your skillset in a supportive environment surrounded by fellow enthusiasts. There will be time for discussion to go over technique and strategies.
Throughout the weekend, you will have access to canoes allowing you to explore at your own pace. I can provide fishing gear for those who need it. After each fishing session, we’ll delve into practical learning with hands-on fish processing techniques. With a bit of luck, we'll gather for an evening fish fry. We will go over recipes and cooking methods to recreate these meals at home.
Breakfast and dinners will be provided, with the first night featuring a potluck.
Open Availability!
Sandstone, MN
Get Off -Grid in our Yurt on Tamarack Lake!
Come stay at our yurt on Tamarack Lake and enjoy use of the canoes, dock, and walk the hundreds of acres of attached public land!
We would love to have you!
Yurt comes with cookware, 2 burner Coleman stove, use of high quality well water, and rustic wood fire cast iron hot tub over looking the lake.
We can’t wait for you to come visit!
$115 a night
September- November
Learning to hunt and fish is not just about filling your tags; it’s about developing a profound respect for wildlife and ecosystems. During these weekends I hope to emphasize ethical practices of hunting, understanding animal behavior, conservation laws, and sustainable methods.
Through fostering a deep appreciation for the natural world, we all promote coexistence rather than exploitation.
This will be 2 weekends with an optional 3rd weekend. Bow or rifle hunters welcome. Options to: scout together, set up provided deer stands, come up with a hunt plan, make sure you are prepared for your hunt weekend.
On your hunt weekend if a deer is harvested we will gut and if desired, process together!
If you would like to sit together during your hunt that is also an option!
Camping included, yurt rental is an option
Trail lunch provided during hunt weekends.
Price:
By Donation
Stay tuned for winter events!
Looking forward to winter 2025! Hopefully we have more snow than last year! Here’s to future of cross country ski, snowshoe, and ice fishing trips this winter! Stay tuned and we will see ya there!
Connect with Us
Want to come visit us in Sandstone? Have questions about an upcoming event? Want to collaborate? Reach out, we would love to hear from you!
Have an adventure you have been dreaming of but need support?
Let’s hear about it! As a wilderness guide over the past 6 years and an adventurer for much longer I would love to support you! We can go out together for a couple of days to iron out the kinks so you are ready to take on longer trips!