Wild Weekend
May 8 & 9, 2010
Edible Landscapes (1732 Pell Road, Roberts Creek)
Hone your outdoor skills in a relaxing and supportive environment. Take any number of classes, camp on site ($5) or stay with friends. 20 minutes from the Langdale ferry terminal. To register connect with This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call Robin at 604.885.4505.

Saturday, May 8
Edible Landscapes (1732 Pell Road, Roberts Creek)

Introduction to Wild Edibles with Annette Clarke (9:30 – 11:00 am)
Easy to identify plants that do not need any complicated cooking methods are the topic of this course. An emphasis is placed on respectful collection and proper identification of the food plants. Different plants are growing and ripening with each season. Topics change slightly depending on the time of the year. We will cover berries, wild weeds and edible trees. $25

Wild Containers with Annette Clarke (bring brown bag or order $4 snack lunch to eat during this class) (11:15 am – 1:30 pm)
We may find ourselves in the bush, wanting to carry berries, mushrooms or other precious finds. Annette will show us samples of various containers made from bark, leaves and vines that will last for years. Container materials will be: Grass, Leaves, Sedges and Rushes, Cattail and Birch bark. We won't make all the different container types, but I will bring them all for showing the options and then pick one simple version (Leaf or Grass) and a Cattail container to make ourselves. $25

Into the Wild with Peter Light (off site – 2692 Highway 101 - Carpooling can be arranged, camping available at Peter’s) (2:00 - 5:00 pm)
Covers most of the resources one can find close to our doorsteps in our west coast woods. Learn how to recognize the principal trees in our forest; spot useful old, moss-covered logs for multiple uses; process cedar poles and beams for all your building needs; split cedar shakes for roofs and walls – in short, how to go into the woods and harvest all you need for a FREE house, barn, shed, bench, fence, gate, handle, etc., etc., as well as a FREE supply of fuel to heat your home and cook your food. Learn, too, of more unsuspected wealth that lurks among the trees! Includes an introduction to the hand tools you will need to harvest these resources. $30 - $45 sliding scale. A prerequisite for this course is to read the segment of the instructor's autobiographical sketch to be found by clicking here.

Cook-out Around the Doorstep Firecircle
Instructor will contribute hearty soup and bread for all (5:30 to 7:00 pm)

Firecircle Hang-out (7:00 pm onward)
Some beer, wine and smoke provided for all. Sleep over optional. Please register.

Wild Pigments (2:00 to 4:00 pm at Edible Landscapes)
Colouring with plants and minerals with Annette Clarke (or: how to make the best out of a berry stain). Colours made from charcoal and clay earth pigments such as red and yellow ochre have been used worldwide since prehistoric times. In this course we will make red, orange, yellow, white and black oil paint from minerals and pollen and purple and red water paints. All materials used are local, easy to find and lots of fun to work with.
The course also includes the making of your own brush from a small branch or twig, as well as handouts and all materials needed. $25

Sunday, May 9
Edible Landscapes (1732 Pell Road, Roberts Creek)

Native Plant Technology with Cymba (10:00 am – noon)
The workshop will consist of a walk around the area to identify plants that were (are) commonly used in various technological ways (providing materials for cordage, adhesives, shelters, clothing, tools etc. Samples of important materials from off-site will also be provided for discussion. In a hands-on component we will play with simple tool construction (includes binding and gluing). * The exact nature of these workshops will vary according to interaction between participants. We will attempt to cover all materials and the instructor is willing to spend more time if participants feel a need. $25

Wild Medicines and Wildcrafting Skills with Robin Wheeler (1:00 – 2:30 pm)
Beginner class for harvesting wild medicines. We will learn some recognition techniques, identify common wild medicines, take samples, and learn some uses. We’ll learn sustainable and respectful wildcrafting techniques, plus how to dry and store berries, leaves, roots and flowers for highest quality results. We’ll drink teas and apply poultices. $25

Fire! with Kim Wilkinson (3:00 pm onwards)
Rekindle your relationship with fire in this 1.5 hour course for beginners on fire-making in a wilderness living or survival situation. We’ll start with basic concepts tinder and spark with modern methods and materials. Then we’ll try our hands at ancestral techniques including flint & steel and finally bow & drill friction fire with natural materials. We’ll discuss respectful gathering of tinder, cordage, and wood materials, and how fire interacts with other survival priorities including water, shelter, food, and emotional health. Be aware that when we work with ancestral skills we are not guaranteed to “make” a fire—fire is a gift that comes from a relationship. Bring a sense of gratitude and join us to experience the wonder of fire! $25

Dinner at the Fire Pit (5:00 pm onwards)
With our wild edibles, harvested teas, bannock, fish and homemade wine. $3.00 per person or contribution to above.