Learn

You are here:  Home > Foraging > Learn

See below for upcoming classes, presentations, and seminars that are open to the public.  If you would like to arrange for a walk or presentation, including private and small group instruction, please contact Arthur Haines by sending an email to .  Alternatively, feel free to call or write using the information supplied on the Contact page.

>>> Links to other websites offering quality foraging instruction or merchandise (e.g., books, videos, supplies) can be found here.

>>> Videos of Arthur Haines sharing wild plant knowledge can be found here.

>>>>> 2012 Classes

Traditional Bow Making (private sessions)

May through October 2012

Archery is one of the peak primitive talents that encompasses many skill areas—plant identification, wood working and tillering, fiber arts, adhesives, stone knapping, and wood bending.  Additionally, if the bow is used for hunting, tracking, stalking, concealment, and the talents surrounding accurate shooting enter the scene.  Though some of the oldest bow artifacts date only to 9000 years ago, projectile points for arrows have been recovered from the African continent dating approximately 64,000 years old.  Hunting bows are one of the tools used to acquire animal foods that possibly separated modern humans from Neanderthals (who primarily hunted with close-quarters weapons).  Learning to make a bow represents a large step toward self-reliance and builds a historical connection to ancestral lifeways used by our indigenous predecessors.  The bow has many features that make it as useful today as it was millennia ago.  For example, in suburban areas, bow hunting is one the relatively safe ways to hunt game and is silent (so neighbors are neither alerted to your activities nor annoyed when you target shoot).  This self-directed class is for individuals who wish to hand-build a functional tool that can be used for target shooting, hunting, and/or self defense.  Students will build a bow that is roughly based on the Meare Heath Bow of England, and will learn necessary tool use and terminology for understanding bow building and shooting, including learning to make the string by hand, weather-proofing, silencers, and other topics of interest to the students.  Class duration will be variable and dependent on the student, weather, etc., but will likely take an average of three days for most people that are active and reasonably fit.  Scheduling will be arranged between the student and instructor and can be consecutive days or split into separate days.  Camping is available for those wishing to stay on the premise.  All the materials and tools can be provided by the instructor.  Students will complete the class with a functional bow that they take back to their homes to learn the potential that traditional bows offer.  Price for the class is 475.00 dollars.  Sessions are arranged privately (i.e., you will not be joined by additional people unless you scheduled the class with them) and will fill on a first come first serve basis.  Arrow making sessions are available as well.  Interested persons should contact Arthur Haines by email or any means listed on the Contact page.

Traditional Braintan Buckskin (private sessions)

May through October 2012

Braintan buckskin is the traditional leather of many indigenous cultures, including Native Americans.  It has allowed anatomically modern humans to protect themselves from the elements and travel throughout the world.  Though buckskin shares many qualities with contemporary leather, such as beauty, function, durability, it is a vastly different product, neither damaging to the environment nor rigid (though it can be made stiff).  Buckskin offers a method of creating strong fabric locally.  It is completely natural and helps hunters and scavengers better utilize the animals they obtain (proper thankfulness is shown by not wasting valuable portions of the animal).  Buckskin has a multitude of uses, from functional clothing that is quiet, blocks scent, and resistant to punctures, to quivers, bags, pouches, and cords.  Students will take a raw deer skin and turn it into buckskin, along the way learning the necessary skills and terms for understanding the tanning process.  Several options exist for dressing (I recommend brains, but other dressings are available, so don't avoid this critical self-reliance skill for this reason).  Class duration will be variable and dependent on the student, weather, etc., but will likely take an average of three days for most people that are active and reasonably fit.  Scheduling will be arranged between the student and instructor and can be consecutive days or split into separate days.  Camping is available for those wishing to stay on the premise.  All the materials and tools can be provided by the instructor.  Students will complete the class with a functional buckskin that they take back to their homes to learn the potential that traditional leather has to offer.  Price for the class is 425.00 dollars.  Sessions are arranged privately (i.e., you will not be joined by additional people unless you scheduled the class with them) and will fill on a first come first serve basis.  Interested persons should contact Arthur Haines by email or any means listed on the Contact page.

Plant Systematics (Module 3)

29 January 2012

New England Wild Flower Society

This third of five Plant Systematics modules will examine tracheophyte families referred to as the tricolpates (i.e., the majority of dicot plants). Discussion will include primitive tricolpates (e.g., Ranunculaceae, Papaveraceae, Amaranthaceae) and eurosids (e.g., Rosaceae, Betulaceae, Brassicaceae). The lecture will use text and images that describe both critical characters for family level identification and representative genera in New England.  To download the course handout (pdf file), click here.

How Your Understanding of Nutrition Affects Land Conservation

4 February 2012

(Offered in conjunction with Anaskimin and the Long Branch School of Maine)

Many people are aware that preserving land benefits the local communities, and while some benefits are obvious (e.g., protecting the watershed, preventing soil erosion), others can be difficult to quantify in terms of value to human health (e.g., pleasing scenery, relaxing sit spots).  One crucial value that is rarely discussed centers on wild food.  Examination of isolated populations and numerous independent studies have shown that wild, nutrient-dense foods are necessary for a life free of chronic disease.  In fact, many people living in the United States unknowingly bear facial deformities that are the result of poor diet experienced by the mother prior to conception of the fetus and during pregnancy.  Our current food production systems (including organic agriculture) are not viable substitutes for wild food.  This lecture takes a provocative look at agriculture (particularly small-scale) and its effects on the environment and human health.  Understanding the anatomical and genetic changes that have occurred in the past century will help illuminate deficiencies in our diet.  Appreciating the critical need humans have for wild food provides another powerful argument for the protection of land from uses that drastically alter its ecological function.  This lecture is supported (in part) by Anaskimin and will be given free of charge at the Long Branch School in Bowdoinham, ME, and starts at 4:00 pm (it will last approximately an hour and time for questions will be provided).  Questions about the lecture (e.g., directions, seating availability) can be directed to the Long Branch School (phone:  207-666-8900 or visit their webpage for email options).

How Your Understanding of Nutrition Affects Land Conservation

18 February 2012

(Offered in conjunction with Anaskimin and Aimee's Livin' Magic)

Many people are aware that preserving land benefits the local communities, and while some benefits are obvious (e.g., protecting the watershed, preventing soil erosion), others can be difficult to quantify in terms of value to human health (e.g., pleasing scenery, relaxing sit spots).  One crucial value that is rarely discussed centers on wild food.  Examination of isolated populations and numerous independent studies have shown that wild, nutrient-dense foods are necessary for a life free of chronic disease.  In fact, many people living in the United States unknowingly bear facial deformities that are the result of poor diet experienced by the mother prior to conception of the fetus and during pregnancy.  Our current food production systems (including organic agriculture) are not viable substitutes for wild food.  This lecture takes a provocative look at agriculture (particularly small-scale) and its effects on the environment and human health.  Understanding the anatomical and genetic changes that have occurred in the past century will help illuminate deficiencies in our diet.  Appreciating the critical need humans have for wild food provides another powerful argument for the protection of land from uses that drastically alter its ecological function.  This lecture is supported (in part) by Anaskimin and will be given at the WrapAround Porch in York, ME, and starts at 5:00 pm (it will last approximately an hour and time for questions will be provided).  Questions about the lecture (e.g., directions, seating availability) can be directed to the Aimee's Livin' Magic (phone:  207-409-0899 or visit their webpage for email options).

Springtime Foraging for Edible Plants

5 May 2012

(Offered in conjunction with the Maine Primitive Skills School)

Traditional people around the world understand that food does not just represent calories but it supplies also important nutrients and protective compounds.  For these people, food is a defining feature of their culture and is incorporated into their collecting tools, containers, songs, and rituals.  Important to note is that people who still enjoy their traditional diet are free from many of the chronic ailments that plaque modern societies in every country―cardiovascular diseases, neurological diseases, diabetes, inflammatory diseases of the digestive and musculoskeletal systems, and autoimmune disorders.  Aside from such serious topics, wild plants offer variety in our diet and can provide unique flavors and textures to liven up dishes that may be frequently prepared in our households.  Join in the footsteps of Euell Gibbons and see how wonderful it feels to gather your own food.  This field class will begin with a brief explanation of the protective benefits of wild foods and then delve into identifying and gathering various late spring wild edibles.  Conditions allowing, a wild salad of seasonal greens, flowers, and tubers will be prepared for the students.  Seasonal differences will be discussed and preparation techniques for the different plant parts examined.  Class will be held from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm in Lisbon, ME (directions will be provided to participants).  This single-day class will be led by Arthur Haines and will be limited to 12 students.  This is an outdoor class, so be prepared for whatever weather occurs and uneven and/or rocky ground.  A bagged lunch will be needed and a hand lens for examining small plant structures (used for identification) may be helpful.  The price of the class is $90.00.  If you are interested in enrolling for this class, please contact Maine Primitive Skills School by calling (207)-623-7298, emailing mpss@gwi.net, or visiting http://www.primitiveskills.com/survival-course-reg.html.

Flora Novae Angliae:  Cathedral Ledge

20 May 2012

(Offered through the New England Wild Flower Society)

Cathedral Ledge in North Conway, New Hampshire, is well known to rock climbers and vacationers who enjoy sweeping views of the Saco River Valley from atop its 500-foot granite face.  It is also a botanical destination.   Along the eastern flank of this peak is a rich, rocky slope that supports a bountiful spring-ephemeral flora.  As part of the class, we will travel along the cliff's base, identifying the various elements that make up the early-flowering species—violets, sedges, crowfoots, and many others.  We will also look at the expanding ferns and learn to identify them by their partially coiled leaves.  Participants will summit the small peak and survey the dry cliff-top flora as well.  This class is designed to help take students with a basic understanding of identification and vocabulary  and further their proficiency in plant identification (though special problems can be provided for more advanced students).  The reference for the class will be the new Flora Novae Angliae manual.  Students should expect loose and uneven ground and come prepared for the weather.  Hand lenses will be a must.  Bring a bag lunch and ample water.  If you are interested in enrolling in this class (12 student maximum), contact the New England Wild Flower Society at 508-877-7630 extension 3303 or visit http://www.newenglandwild.org/learn/how-to-register.  

Late Spring Foraging Along the Androscoggin River

2 June 2012

(Offered in conjunction with the Maine Primitive Skills School)

Follow in the foot-steps of the Anasagunticooks and learn to see and gather the bounty of wild plant foods along the Androscoggin River.  Traditional people around the world understand that food does not just represent calories but it supplies also important nutrients and protective compounds.  For these people, food is a defining feature of their culture and is incorporated into their collecting tools, containers, songs, and rituals.  Important to note is that people who still enjoy their traditional diet are free from many of the chronic ailments that plaque modern societies in every country―cardiovascular diseases, neurological diseases, diabetes, inflammatory diseases of the digestive and musculoskeletal systems, and autoimmune disorders.  Aside from such serious topics, wild plants offer variety in our diet and can provide unique flavors and textures to liven up dishes that may be frequently prepared in our households.  Join in the footsteps of Euell Gibbons and see how wonderful it feels to gather your own food.  This field class will begin with a brief explanation of the protective benefits of wild foods and then delve into identifying and gathering various late spring wild edibles.  Seasonal differences will be discussed and preparation techniques for the different plant parts examined.  Class will be held from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm in Brunswick, ME (directions will be provided to participants).  This single-day class will be led by Arthur Haines and will be limited to 12 students.  This is an outdoor class, so be prepared for whatever weather occurs and uneven and/or rocky ground.  A bagged lunch will be needed and a hand lens for examining small plant structures (used for identification) may be helpful.  The price of the class is $90.00.  If you are interested in enrolling for this class, please contact Maine Primitive Skills School by calling (207)-623-7298, emailing mpss@gwi.net, or visiting http://www.primitiveskills.com/survival-course-reg.html.

Robin Blankenship will visit the Delta Institute of Natural History in early May to provide rustic skills instruction (see below).  Robin is the owner of Earth Knack, a Colorado-based school specializing in primitive skills instruction and wilderness treks since 1990. Robin has been working in the outdoor field since 1978, beginning as a leader on horse packing trips into the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness for Adventure Unlimited Ranches.  She has also served as an instructor for NOLS (the National Outdoor Leadership School), Outward Bound, and Larry Dean Olsen's School of Urban and Wilderness Survival.  Robin is the coauthor of Earth Knack:  Stone Age Skills for the 21st Century, holds degrees in English literature and Education, and has written her own music (available on compact disk).  The following classes will be offered at the Delta Institute (Canton, ME; click here if you need directions):

Felting with Robin Blankenship

11 August 2012

(Offered in conjunction with the Maine Primitive Skills School)

Felting is a manner of making wool fabric without weaving.  It is an ancient tradition, being first developed on the Karakul sheep of Central Asia approximately 8000 years ago.  Felting can be used to make many different products, including pouches, hats, footwear, vests, pot-holders, and blankets.  Felting (along with brain-tanned buckskin and other similar skills) allows us to create warm, durable clothing and provides a degree of self-sufficiency.  Robin will take students through the process of felting and help them understand the concepts behind this art.  She will also discuss pattern making for larger projects.  Students will leave with a hand-made product.  This class will run from 10:00‒5:00 pm and cost $100.00 (price is discounted to $85.00 if you enroll for both days).   Registration is limited to 12 students.  If you are interested in enrolling for this class, please contact Maine Primitive Skills School by calling (207)-623-7298, emailing mpss@gwi.net, or visiting http://www.primitiveskills.com/survival-course-reg.html.

Soap-making with Robin Blankenship

12 August 2012

(Offered in conjunction with the Maine Primitive Skills School)

Plants have been used for cleansing the human body for millennia.  They are free for use, do not contain harmful chemicals, and lack the often cloying scents that have been added to modern soaps.  Many plants used as cleansing agents contain beneficial phytochemicals that are antiseptic, helping to clean cuts and abrasions and prevent the growth of harmful micro-organisms.  Further, many natural soaps are ideal remedies for contact dermatitis caused by species of poison-ivy and poison-sumac (Toxicodendron).   Soap-making is a fun past-time that also provides people with one more level of self-sufficiency.  In times of financial worries and troubled world governments, learning the old ways is one avenue to help people gain peace-of-mind.  Robin will teach soap-making in the tradition of the American pioneers, using lye and lard as a base, then adding plant components to affect the aroma, color, and texture of the soap.  Several different plant ingredients will be discussed, including some that have mild medicinal action for those dealing with skin issues.  Students will leave with soap they have made (though it will require curing prior to use).  This class will run from 10:00‒5:00 pm and cost $100.00 (price is discounted to $85.00 if you enroll for both days).  Registration will be limited to 12 students.  If you are interested in enrolling for this class, please contact Maine Primitive Skills School by calling (207)-623-7298, emailing mpss@gwi.net, or visiting http://www.primitiveskills.com/survival-course-reg.html.

Flora Novae Angliae:  Phelps Pond

19 August 2012

New England Wild Flower Society

Phelps Pond in West Greenwich, RI, is small water body with a coastal plain flora; therefore, the plants found there have affinities to the vegetation of the mid-Atlantic United States.  In normal years, when the water level declines, the exposed shoreline and pond bottom reveal a host of plants that were submerged earlier in the year.  This site hosts a diverse assemblage of plants, including state and regionally rare species.  The adjacent uplands are also of interest and will be surveyed by the students.  This class is designed to help take students with a basic understanding of identification and vocabulary  and further their proficiency in plant identification (though special problems can be provided for more advanced students).  The reference for the class will be the new Flora Novae Angliae manual.  Students should be ready for wet ground (waders not necessary) and come prepared for the weather.  Hand lenses will be a must.  Bring a bag lunch and ample water.  If you are interested in enrolling in this class (12 student maximum), contact the New England Wild Flower Society at 508-877-7630 extension 3303 or visit http://www.newenglandwild.org/learn/how-to-register.

Rewild Yourself:  Ancestral Skills for Reversing Human Domestication

24–26 August 2012

(Offered in conjunction with Surthrival)

Fall Foraging

28–30 September 2012

(Offered in conjunction with the Maine Primitive Skills School)

This hands-on class is designed for those with with an interest in self-sufficiency, human health, and a deeper relationship with plants.  Foraging provides many avenues of connection with nature and fosters a greater appreciation of the many things that local landscapes can provide for us.  It has become increasingly clear through many independent studies that diets rich in wild foods promote health and defend the body from many of the debilitating ailments that plague modern societies (e.g., obesity, diabetes, arthritis, coronary disease, periodontal disease).  Students should expect to spend much of the weekend outside identifying, collecting, and preparing wild plants for food (so be prepared for weather and uneven terrain).  Class will focus on gathering plant foods and medicines that are appropriate for the season (nuts, legumes, fall roots and tubers, and wild rice--as available).  Throughout the class, simple tools will be used and reference will be made to primitive and contemporary methods of processing plants.  As well, wildcrafted medicine and utilitarian plants will be discussed to provide a more holistic understanding of how plants can positively affect our lives.  Wild nutrition is both a link to the past and a gateway to a sustainable future.  This class will be taught by Arthur Haines and will be offered at the Delta Institute of Natural History in Canton, ME (click here if you need directions).  All food will be included and prepared by Chef Frank Giglio (http://frankgiglio.com/).  Expect local, wild, and/or organic food offerings from the four food kingdoms prepared in a traditional manner (i.e., a Weston Price-inspired menu).  Some locations will be visited off site so please be prepared to carpool short distances from the property.  Price is $375.00 and class is limited to 10 students.  Class begins at 7:00 pm on Friday and ends at 12:00 pm on Sunday.  If you are interested in enrolling for this class, please contact the Maine Primitive Skills School (207-623-7298) or visit http://www.primitiveskills.com/registration00.html.