Course Description
Tuition: $50.00
Please join Naturalists Jazmen Yoder (Northwest Natura) & Ryan Johnson (Firecraft NW) at the Chuckanut Center for this interactive and beginner friendly Fungi and Mushrooms crash course.

Learn the different structures of fungi and mushrooms, life cycle, and how to categorize them.

Participants will review examples of edible mushrooms of the Pacific Northwest, what conditions they grow in, and how to use keys to identify them, followed by a demonstration on creating a spore print.

The class will conclude with a brief discussion and demonstration on using fungi to create fire, as well as books and resources to further pursue the study of mycology and fungi!

Tuition: $65.00

Course Description

In this introductory carving class, led by Ryan Johnson, learn to make handmade wooden spoons using a knife, axe, saw, gouge, and hook.

Each step of the process, follow along with the instructor to make your own spoon to take home.

Class fee of $65 includes a brand new carving knife for the participant to keep. Wood material, templates, and tools for the class will be available for use.

Please bring water, lunch, and any snacks you may want during class breaks.

If you have any questions about the class please reach out to ryan AT firecraftnw.com. We’ll see you there!

Kids aged 12 + with a guardian welcome.

Parking is available at Chuckanut Center. If the lot is full, please find additional parking next door at Fairhaven Park.

Course Description
Tuition: $50.00
Please join Naturalists Jazmen Yoder (Northwest Natura) & Ryan Johnson (Firecraft NW) at the Chuckanut Center for this interactive and beginner friendly Fungi and Mushrooms crash course.

Learn the different structures of fungi and mushrooms, fungi propagation, life cycle, and how to categorize them.

Participants will review examples of edible mushrooms of the Pacific Northwest, what conditions they grow in, and how to use keys to identify them, followed by a demonstration on creating a spore print.

The class will conclude with a brief discussion and demonstration on using fungi to create fire, as well as books and resources to further pursue the study of mycology and fungi!

Tuition: $60.00 - CLASS IS FULL

Course Description

In this introductory carving class, led by Ryan Johnson and Gary Cassera, learn to make handmade wooden spoons using a knife, axe, saw, and gouge.

Each step of the process, follow along with the instructors to make your own spoon to take home.

Please bring water, lunch, and any snacks you may want during class breaks.

Class fee of $60 includes wood, templates, and tools for the class. Participants do not take the tools home, but keep all projects they create.

Extra wood will be available for participants to take home at the end of the session.

If you have any questions about the materials or tools, or what the flow of the class will be like, please reach out to ryan AT firecraftnw.com. We'll see you there!

Kids aged 12 + with a guardian welcome.

Parking is available at Chuckanut Center. If the lot is full, please find additional parking next door at Fairhaven Park.

Tuition: $90.00

Program Description:

Use essential survival skills to build a fire and hand craft your own primitive arrow for archery to take home! We’ll use western red cedar, deer bones and sinew, pine pitch glue, feathers, and other natural materials for our construction! Follow along with the instructors each step of the way. This program is a collaboration between Ryan Johnson of Firecraft Northwest and Jazmen Yoder of Northwest Natura! Learn more and register below:

Class Outline

• Fire making in rainy conditions

  • Learn to identify key PNW plants so you can find fire materials like douglas fir fatwood

  • Practice setting up your fire with the guidance of instructors

  • Build fire skills for use in wildcrafts

• Hand make your own Arrow from all natural materials

  • Knife Work - learn techniques to carve and notch your arrow shaft

  • Deer Bone Arrowheads - shape and design your own arrowhead

  • Pitch Glue - make your own natural adhesive from the landscape to bind all of your arrow components

  • Feathers - use wild turkey feathers to create your own stylish arrow fletchings

  • Sinew - work with deer backstrap sinew to lash your arrowhead and fletchings

  • Burnish & straighten your arrow shaft with heat from your fire

The Firecraft Carving series is an entry point into the incredible world of green woodworking and sloyd crafting!

Learn to make what you need, like common household items, from the woods in your own area and simple tools!

This series of classes introduces participants to core woodworking techniques, projects, and concepts, while simultaneously familiarizing the group with the tools and materials to get started.

The course is designed with beginners in mind, but intermediate and advanced woodworkers will also enjoy the step by step process of these classic projects and social atmosphere.

Each session, participants will craft multiple projects (up to 9 over the course of the series!) to take home. You’ll also have the option to create essentials like a hand-carved mallet and chopping block for continuing this crafting journey outside of class!

Tuition: $215 (includes a knife to keep on day 1, as well as all materials and projects participants take home)

Program Outline and Dates (Please note the specific dates for each session!)

Session 1 - Saturday October 28th, 2023

Time: 1PM to 4:30PM (ish)

Lessons and Content for this session

• Introductions and safety

• Tools of the trade

• Core carving techniques - practice and training

Projects for this session

• Branch Carved Spreaders

• Chopsticks

• Bark-Side Simple Salt Bowls (optional)

• Mallets (optional)

Session 2 - Sunday, November 5th, 2023

Time: 1PM to 4:30 PM (ish)

Lessons and Content for this session

• Intermediate and alternative carving techniques

• More complex projects

• Working with billets

Projects for this session

• Billet spreaders

• Simple spoons

Session 3 - Sunday November 12th, 2023

Time: 1PM to 4:30 PM (ish)

Lessons and Content for this session

• Building carving setups and stations (chopping blocks)

• Advanced carving techniques

• Working with a chopping block (safety and techniques)

• Mortise and tenon simple joinery

• Pull cuts and details with a sloyd knife

Projects for this session

• Spatulas and / or Cooking Spoons

• Coffee Bag Clip / Chip Clip (optional)

• 3-legged chopping blocks (to take home) (optional)
  via hand carved mortise and tenon

Course Description
Tuition: $50.00
Please join Naturalists Jazmen Yoder (Northwest Natura) & Ryan Johnson (Firecraft NW) at the Chuckanut Center for this interactive and beginner friendly Fungi and Mushrooms crash course.

Learn the different structures of fungi and mushrooms, fungi propagation, life cycle, and how to categorize them.

Participants will review examples of edible mushrooms of the Pacific Northwest, what conditions they grow in, and how to use keys to identify them, followed by a demonstration on creating a spore print.

The class will conclude with a brief discussion and demonstration on using fungi to create fire, as well as books and resources to further pursue the study of mycology and fungi!

Cost: $50
Location: Raven’s Roots campus in Ferndale, WA

It’s a wonderful feeling to cook and eat with utensils you’ve made yourself! In this introductory carving class, learn to make beautiful handmade wooden spoons from wood using a knife, axe, saw, and gouge. We’ll discuss which tree species to use and why, where to find them, and how to harvest them sustainably. Then, we will section the logs into billets so we can begin carving. Each step of the process, you’ll follow along with the instructor to make your own spoon to take home. You’ll also get to meet other carvers in the community and socialize while we carve. Tools and materials will be provided. If you have tools or woods of your own you would like to use, you are welcome to bring those along too! Students can bring additional wood billets home for future projects.

Course Outline

• Overview of Sloyd woodworking and using hand tools to make everyday items

• Learn how to use various woodworking tools including knife, axe, saw, gouge, and hook

• Discuss tree identification and sustainable harvesting

• Follow step-by-step instructions to create your own spoon to take home.

Please Bring: Lunch, water bottle, snacks, any carving tools you wish to use or share.

The Bellingham Carver’s Guild is a group of Green Woodworkers looking to socialize, craft, and learn!

Come join us to work on a project, like a spoon, spatula, spreader, wood spirit, and more!

New Carvers – Please arrive at 12:00 PM for a tool and safety introduction so we can get you set up on your first project!

Participants will be asked to bring their own tools and wood to share (if they have any). Some spare tools will be available.

This event is free and open to the public.
Suggested donation to the Chuckanut Center: $5.00

Parking is available at the center. If the lot is full, please find additional parking next door at Fairhaven Park.

If the weather is nice, we will bring out a fire pit and carve outside. If the weather is challenging, we will carve inside.

Course Description
Tuition: $240.00

Make new friends! Go hiking! Learn new skills! Spend time outside at beautiful locations.

In this apprenticeship style series, join Survival Instructor & Naturalist Ryan Johnson for a deep dive into nature awareness and survival skills. Our cohort will meet once a month for four sessions on Saturdays September 2nd, October 7th, November 4th, and December 2nd.

We’ll cover a wide variety of subjects, including survival basics, fire making, plant id, bird id, wildlife tracking, tool use, sensory/nature awareness, fireside cooking, and more. Sessions utilize a blend of hands on training, interactive activities, and detailed educational content. We will visit a new location each date for this course.

Registration for new participants to the program includes a belt knife (Morakniv) to use for the duration of the course, as well as relevant materials for each craft and project to take home.

Session Dates:
9:00 AM PST to 3:30 PM [ish] PST
Saturday September 2nd, 2023 @ South Fork Park (Acme / Deming area)
Saturday October 7th, 2023 @ Edfro Creek (Thousand Puddles Trail)
Saturday, November 4th, 2023 @ Bell Creek Nature School / TBD
Saturday, December 2nd, 2023 @ Larrabee State Park / TBD (pending permit)

Tuition & Scholarship
Please contact Ryan directly if you have challenges in paying this tuition or would like to request financial assistance.

Course Description
Tuition: $50.00
Please join Naturalists Jazmen Yoder (Northwest Natura) & Ryan Johnson (Firecraft NW) at the Chuckanut Center for this interactive and beginner friendly Fungi and Mushrooms crash course.

Learn the different structures of fungi and mushrooms, fungi propagation, life cycle, and how to categorize them.

Participants will review examples of edible mushrooms of the Pacific Northwest, what conditions they grow in, and how to use keys to identify them, followed by a demonstration on creating a spore print.

The class will conclude with a brief discussion and demonstration on using fungi to create fire, as well as books and resources to further pursue the study of mycology and fungi!

Course Description
Tuition: $50.00

Take a tour of the wild plants growing at Bell Creek Nature School, a beautiful blend of Old Growth temperate rain forest and riparian riverside.

In this workshop, led by Survival Guide Ryan Johnson, identify key plant species of the Pacific Northwest with core botany principles to help you discover edible species to forage throughout our region.

At the end of class, we will use our new found knowledge to build a fire and make wild tea!

Course Description
Tuition: $45.00

Learn the fundamentals of making knives and tools sharp!

In this workshop, join Woodworker and Survival Skills Instructor Ryan Johnson for a tutorial on sharpening your knives and tools by hand.

We’ll discuss the principles of sharpening and get hands-on practice using free hand techniques.

Please bring 2-3 knives or tools from your arsenal to practice on. If you don’t have any knives or don’t know what to bring, contact Ryan and he can bring extras for you.

Due to the high cost of materials and high level of coaching required for this course, class sizes will be small.

Parking is available. If the lot is full, please find additional parking next door at Fairhaven Park.

Please direct questions to the instructor : Ryan AT firecraftnw DOT com

Tuition: $60.00

Course Description

In this introductory carving class, led by Ryan Johnson and Gary Cassera, learn to make handmade wooden spoons using a knife, axe, saw, and gouge.

Each step of the process, follow along with the instructors to make your own spoon to take home.

Please bring water, lunch, and any snacks you may want during class breaks.

Class fee of $60 includes wood, templates, and tools for the class. Participants do not take the tools home, but keep all projects they create.

Extra wood will be available for participants to take home at the end of the session.

If you have any questions about the materials or tools, or what the flow of the class will be like, please reach out to ryan AT firecraftnw.com. We'll see you there!

Kids aged 12 + with a guardian welcome.

Parking is available at Chuckanut Center. If the lot is full, please find additional parking next door at Fairhaven Park.

Course Description
Tuition: $35.00

Using the right knot for the job makes life easier! This short workshop will be designed for beginners who are looking to build a foundation with a useful variety of basic knots.

We’ll work as a group and follow along step by step to practice these common knots and discuss when to use them. We’ll finish the class with training in setting up a tarp for outdoor use.

This clinic welcomes backpackers, gardeners, hikers, survival enthusiasts, and any others who want to practice and learn!

This session is led by survival instructor and guide Ryan Johnson of Firecraft Northwest.

If the lot is full, please find additional parking next door at Fairhaven Park.

The art of wildlife tracking is an incredible journey into studying the animals and living things all around us. This short lecture is a great place to begin!

• Do interactive activities with the instructors to see tracks and signs of local animals in Northwest Washington

• Connect with other hikers and nature enthusiasts in Whatcom County

• Learn to identify tracks of local mammals

• Build a foundation of core concepts in track and sign

New trackers and experienced trackers and nature enthusiasts alike are welcome!

Suggested Donation day of event: $20.00

Click the button below to register / sign-up:

Course Description
Tuition: $40.00

Join Survival Instructor and Wildlife Tracker Ryan Johnson on a field hike through Bell Creek Nature School, a beautiful blend of Old Growth temperate Rainforest and Riparian Riverside. In this workshop, learn the basics of wildlife tracking and bring your new knowledge to the field to look for tracks and signs of wildlife on the landscape.

Course Outline

Wildlife tracking basic concepts - tracks, gait, signs, disturbance

Animal behavior and morphology

Nature observation and awareness, nature connection

Hands on training in the field to practice interpreting wildlife track and sign.

RESCHEDULED

Course Description
Tuition: $50.00

Take a tour of the wild plants growing at Bell Creek Nature School, a beautiful blend of Old Growth temperate rain forest and riparian riverside.

In this workshop, led by Survival Guide Ryan Johnson, identify key plant species of the Pacific Northwest with core botany principles to help you discover edible species to forage throughout our region.

At the end of class, we will use our new found knowledge to build a fire and make wild tea!

Materials: Please bring lunch, water bottle, & warm clothing for all weather conditions (especially rain). Please bring a mug or cup for wild tea at the end of class.

Course Description
Tuition: $50.00
Please join Naturalists Jazmen Yoder (Northwest Natura) & Ryan Johnson (Firecraft NW) at the Chuckanut Center for this interactive and beginner friendly Fungi and Mushrooms crash course.

Learn the different structures of fungi and mushrooms, fungi propagation, life cycle, and how to categorize them.

Participants will review examples of edible mushrooms of the Pacific Northwest, what conditions they grow in, and how to use keys to identify them, followed by a demonstration on creating a spore print.

The class will conclude with a brief discussion and demonstration on using fungi to create fire, as well as books and resources to further pursue the study of mycology and fungi!

Course Description
Tuition: $30.00

Using the right knot for the job makes life easier! This short workshop will be designed for beginners who are looking to build a foundation with a useful variety of basic knots.

We’ll work as a group and follow along step by step to practice these common knots and discuss when to use them. We’ll finish the class with training in setting up a tarp for outdoor use.

This clinic welcomes backpackers, gardeners, hikers, survival enthusiasts, and any others who want to practice and learn!

This session is led by survival instructor and guide Ryan Johnson of Firecraft Northwest.

If the lot is full, please find additional parking next door at Fairhaven Park.

Course Description
Tuition: $40.00

Fire is an essential survival skill that also brings us joy and warmth in nature! It can be challenging to get your fire going, especially as the rain starts coming down! In this course, led by Survival Guide Ryan Johnson, practice fire building in the challenging conditions of the Pacific Northwest. We’ll dive into different fire configurations and key strategies for building a consistent fire in any weather. We'll also cover survival basics that are useful for any outing!

This class will run in all weather conditions except heavy winds (unsafe overhead trees).

Materials: Please bring lunch, water bottle and warm clothing for all weather conditions (especially rain).

Optional Materials:

• Knife

• Lighter, matches, ferrocerium, friction fire kits

• Notepad & Pencil
  

Course Description
Registration: $30.00

The art of wildlife tracking is an incredible journey into studying the animals and other living things all around us. This short lecture is a great place to begin.

We'll discuss what wildlife tracking is, build a foundation of core concepts, and do interactive activities to learn and see tracks and signs of local animals in Northwest Washington.

At the end of the lecture, Ryan will recommend resources such as guide books and training programs for you to continue your education in wildlife tracking if you are interested!

This course is led by Ryan Johnson of Firecraft Northwest. Ryan teaches wilderness survival skills and holds a certificate in Wildlife Track and Sign interpretation.

Course Description
Tuition: $40.00

A Sharp knife in the kitchen, or a sharp tool in the garden is a pleasure to use, but much safer, too!

In this workshop, join Woodworker and Survival Skills Instructor Ryan Johnson for a tutorial on all things sharp.

We’ll discuss the principles of sharpening, the chemistry of steel, and what materials to use and buy! This class incorporates free hand techniques to sharpen our knives and tools.

Please bring water and any snacks/ or dinner you may need for the duration of the session.

Please bring 2-3 knives or tools from your arsenal to practice your sharpening technique. If you don’t have any knives or don’t know what to bring, contact Ryan and he can bring extras for you.

If you have waterstones or other sharpening tools and materials, you are welcome to bring those as well.

Due to the high cost of materials and high level of coaching required for this course, class sizes will be small.

This class will be held indoors. We may go outside to picnic tables if weather permits.

Parking is available. If the lot is full, please find additional parking next door at Fairhaven Park.

Please direct questions to the instructor : Ryan AT firecraftnw DOT com

Course Description
Tuition: $30.00

The rainy winters of the Pacific Northwest are a beautiful time to be out in nature, but it's important to be prepared! In this course led by Survival Guide Ryan Johnson, study the core principles and strategies of wilderness survival. We'll cover gear, clothing, fire, and shelter-- essentials for successful adventures in harsh weather conditions. We'll then take these skills to the field for practice and training!

Course Outline

• Survival rule of 3s

• Fire making in cold, wet weather

• Emergency shelter building and terminology

• Shelter construction principles and practice

• Tarps - configurations and essential knots

• Lightweight emergency gear for your backpack

• Weather ready clothing and outdoor strategies

Course Description
Tuition: $50.00

Learn to make hand carved wooden spatulas using a knife, axe and saw. We’ll discuss which tree species we recommend using and why, where to find them, and how to harvest them sustainably. Each step of the process, you’ll follow along with the instructor to make your own piece to take home.

Tools and materials will be provided. If you have tools or woods of your own you would like to use, you are welcome to bring those along too! Please bring water, snacks, and lunch or anything else you may want during the class.

Class will be held both indoors and outdoors, dress warmly.

Class fee of $50 includes woods, templates, and tools for the class. Participants do not take the tools home, but keep all projects they create. If you have any questions about the materials or tools, or what the flow of the class will be like, please reach out to the instructor: ryan AT firecraftnw.com

Participants may park at Chuckanut Center. If the lot is full, please utilize parking at Fairhaven Park and walk over to the Center.

Join Naturalist, survival instructor, and wildlife tracker Ryan Johnson on a hike through Stimpson Nature Reserve. The pace of this hike will be 'slow-medium speed.' We'll cover about 3 miles and complete a simple loop to view this beautiful natural space and meet other hikers!

Ask questions about flora and fauna we see if you have them, or socialize while we hike!

Course Description
Registration: $10.00

The art of wildlife tracking is an incredible journey into studying the animals and other living things all around us. This short lecture is a great place to begin.

We'll discuss what wildlife tracking is, build a foundation of core concepts, and do interactive activities to learn and see tracks and signs of local animals in Northwest Washington.

At the end of the lecture, Ryan will recommend resources such as guide books and training programs for you to continue your education in wildlife tracking if you are interested!

This course is led by Ryan Johnson of Firecraft Northwest. Ryan teaches wilderness survival skills and holds a certificate in Wildlife Track and Sign interpretation.

This will be a hike of "easy difficulty" totaling about 2.5 miles. There will be an uphill section for about 1/2 mile (roughly).

During this walk / hike, we'll practicing identifying plants and learn some botany basics to observe what plants are out and about as Fall is under way!

Led by Naturalist Ryan Johnson [Firecraft Northwest]

Donations / Tips for guides are not necessary but always appreciated.

To sign up, register on the meetup page here.