Earth Skills Workshop

The Earth Skills Workshop is an experiential exploration of sustainable living skills, ways humans have lived in harmony with the Earth for countless generations. Learning and living these skills is to find our own sense of belonging to place and is the outward expression of sustainable cultures.

Permaculture Workshop: Ideas and practice, with forest garden hands-on project
In this one-day workshop we will explore Permaculture theory and practice in the morning and then in the afternoon work together in the emerging Earthlands forest garden to see how Permaculture principles are applied on the ground. We will begin with an overview of permaculture, the philosophy, practice and movement that is inspiring thousands around the world to be self-sufficient and integrate water collection, animals, buildings, alternative waste, forest management, and people. Then we will see how permaculture is implemented and learn a few hands-on skills by continuing to plant and care for the Earthlands forest garden, where the wild and cultivated ecosystems meet. Applying the theory and inspiration, we will play with how to actualize Permaculture on the ground.
The intention of this workshop is to inspire us to see the possibilities of creating food systems that work in harmony with nature so that we can take steps in our lives to grow what nourishes us - healthy food, vibrant communities and a regenerating Earth.

Facilitator: Jono Neiger, Regenerative Design Group
Date: July 13
Time: 9am-5pm


Primitive Skills & Nature Awareness
The focus of this one-day workshop is a blend of primtive skills and nature awareness tool sets. Skills such as friction-fire, cordage-making and shelter building will be complemented by core routines of tuning our awareness into the natural world. Together, this focus helps develop a native connection to the land.
Facilitator: Walker Korby
Date: July 14
Time: 9am-5pm


Wild Plants Workshop
This workshop will exploring wild plants and our relationship to them. Led by expert forager Russ Cohen (author of 'Wild Plants I Have Known...and Eaten'), we will focus on edible plants and mushrooms available in season. Russ will lead the group on an experiential site walk that will delight the senses as we discover the abundance of wild food available. The day will culminate with a dinner prepared by the group using foraged foods found during the day.
Facilitator: Russ Cohen
Date: July 15
Time: 9am-5pm, plus optional foraged dinner


Fee: Sliding scale $60-80/day
Participants need to bring their own lunch
Location: Earthlands, Petersham, MA

Please note, The 3 programs can be taken together or separately if you wish to only do one. There is an additional lodging fee if you wish to stay over at our facilities.