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 in Corvallis, Oregon.
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.
Coming Spring 2025 Sandstone, MN
A Deep Dive into the World of Willow Basketry
Immerse yourself in the traditional art of willow basketry! Join us for a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn to weave your very own willow baskets using our homegrown willow.
Workshop Details:
Instructor: Zac Fittipaldi, with nearly two decades of experience, has guided students to create hundreds of beautiful baskets.
Location: Tamarack Lake, Sandstone, MN
plenty of opportunities for swimming and fishing.
Accommodation: Tent camping on-site. For added convenience, you can rent a ready-to-go tent from us.
Schedule:
First Night: The weekend kicks off with a potluck dinner, bonfire, and getting a lay of the land.
Learning and Weaving: Spend the following days weaving one or more baskets, honing your skills alongside fellow weavers.
Pricing:
Course Fee: $450, which includes camping accommodations.
Meal Plan Option: For an additional $100, enjoy two homemade, healthy meals each day, plus breakfast on the final morning.
Workshop Announcement: Willow Basket Camp!
Dates: Spring 2025
Location: The 816 Bicycle Collective
518 East 31st Street, Kansas City, MO 64108
Instructors: Zac Fittipaldi and Clare Odegard
Workshop Details:
Join us for an immersive three-day workshop dedicated to the art of willow basketry! This event welcomes both beginners and advanced weavers, offering a deep dive into traditional European-style weaving techniques. Participants will work with an array of colorful cultivated basketry willow sourced from Zac Fittipaldi’s own willow farm.
You will have the chance to explore several different weaving patterns, working at your own pace, and can expect to leave with 1-3 beautiful baskets, depending on your experience level and chosen projects. Moderate hand strength is required for working with willow.
Pricing: Sliding Scale $650-$450 for all 3 days
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!