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Camping and Picnics: The Perfect Combination

Are you looking for a fun and exciting way to spend time with your family, with your friends, or with your romantic partner? If you are, have you taken the time to examine camping? Camping is nice as it is occasionally referred to as a recreational activity that is affordable. As nice as camping is, did you know that you can do much more, like have a picnic? In fact, when you think about it, camping and picnics really are the perfect combination.

One of the many reasons why camping and picnics are the perfect combination is because it seems as if they are designed for each other. For instance, if you were to go camping, there is a good chance that you would choose to do so at a state park or a public campground park. When examining these popular camping destinations, you will find that many of them have picnic areas, many of which may be right on or near your campsite. It is common to find parks and campgrounds that already have picnic tables installed or you can choose to bring your own picnic blankets to use.

Another one of the many ways that camping and picnics make for the perfect combination can be seen when you examine popular picnic locations. What is nice about having picnics is that you can have them in your own backyard and at local parks. While some of the local parks that you may be interested in having a picnic at may be “traditional,” in nature, it is possible to find parks that also have onsite camping available. Often times, you may find that camping is included in the cost of your admission. If the cost of camping is not included, you may be surprised with just how affordable the extra cost it.

When having a picnic, many families, friends, and couples, do much more than just eat. That is one of the many reasons why camping and picnics tend to go hand in hand. Many popular picnic activities, depending on the location of your picnic, tend to include boating, swimming, fishing, and hiking. These are many of the same activities that are associated with camping. In fact, you will find that many state parks and public campground parks have swimming pools, lakes, or other bodies of water, as well as great hiking trails.

As much as camping and picnics make the perfect combination, many individuals do not make this association. One of the reasons for that is because many individuals associate picnics with a few hours worth of fun. Although picnics can last a few hours, there is no need to rush. Many families and couples have their picnics last hours upon hours. If you are interested in doing the same and if you would like to picnic in a public location, like a state park, you may want to consider adding camping to your fun list of activities. Even if you aren’t familiar with camping, it is something that you should enjoy and many of the needed supplies are easy to come by, as well as affordable.

As outlined above, camping and picnics really make for the perfect combination. If you have a little bit of free time in your future or if you are looking to take an affordable vacation, you may want to examining combining a picnic with a camping adventure, as you can have an unlimited amount of fun when doing so.

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Dec 21, Human Tracking Course - The Science of Mantracking

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Human Tracking Course
The Science of Mantracking

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Dec 26, Ecosystem Succession: Cycles of Nature

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Ecosystem Succession:
Disturbance and Recovery

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Jan 17, Herbal Cold Remedy

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Herbal Cold Remedy
Using Wild Plants to Heal a Cold

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Feb 10, Mammal Tracks &#x26; Sign: A Book Review

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Mammal Tracks & Sign: A Book Review

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Feb 10, Permaculture Articles

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Permaculture Articles

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Apr 18, Creating a Worm Composting System

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Creating a Worm Composting System
Turning Food Scraps into Rich Soil!

by Filip Tkaczyk

A worm composting system is an easy, inexpensive and compact way to turn your food scraps into rich, plant-nourishing compost and organic fertilizer! Its an excellent addition to any sustainable home, garden, or permaculture farm. Worms are an excellent choice for small scale composting, such as in your home garden or kitchen. This system of composting is also called the

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Apr 25, Wildlife Tracking Apprenticeship

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Alderleaf's Wildlife Tracking Apprenticeship

Discover the Stories in Wildlife Tracks!

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May 14, Growing Chives in the Home Garden

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Growing Chives in the Home Garden

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May 16, Wilderness Instructor Apprenticeship

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Alderleaf's Wilderness Instructor ApprenticeshipExpand Your Outdoor Leadership, Teaching, & Nature Skills!

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Jun 7, Growing Oyster Mushrooms

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Growing Oyster Mushrooms

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Jun 27, Hummingbird Habitat

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Hummingbird Habitat

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Jul 31, The Bowline Knot

by Steve Nicolini

The bowline knot is one of the few essential knots to know for wilderness survival, rescue, and maritime applications. The strength of this knot is unparalleled. It is at least centuries old. The first documentation of the bowline was found in John Smith’s 17th century journals. He claimed that the sails of his ship would break before the knot came undone. There is also rumor of the knot being used in ancient Egypt.

The bowline is used to create a fixed loop at the end of a rope or line. A fixed loop will not increase or decrease in size with tension or slack applied to the line. Rope may be passed around or through an object in the tying of the knot. A rope will retain 60-70% of its strength at the location of the bowline.

The bowline knot is used for setting up a tarp shelter, tying a string to the bow of a bow-drill fire making kit, attaching a string to an archery bow, rescuing a person from water or a crevasse, tying up a bear bag, or any other

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Sep 28, Outdoor Survival Training

by Filip Tkaczyk

What are the keys to successful outdoor survival training? There are a variety of methods you can use tolearn more about outdoor survival. Hereare some great ways to gain more knowledge and experience.

Hitting the Books

Using books as a resource can be helpful. We are lucky to have many wonderful books out there to use as a source of knowledge on wilderness survival.

Cody Lundin's book 98.6 Degrees is a good book that introduces the basic physical and psychological challenges presented by a survival situation. His focus is on using your knowledge and the assistance of modern tools to get yourself out of potentially life-threatening situations. Lundin is based in the southwest of the USA and is most known for his role in the television series "Dual Survival".

Ray Mears' book The Outdoor Survival Handbook is an excellent resource which focuses on utilizing both modern and primitive survival skills and tools. The book is laid out according to what survival skills are needed during each season. The book is laid out very visually, containing many great illustrations and is somewhat less text than many other survival guides. Mears is a well-known bush-craft expert based out of England. He has traveled to various locations throughout the world to learn survival techniques from Native peoples.

Michael Pewtherer's book Wilderness Survival Handbook is another excellent read, focused on primitive skills for both short-term survival and long-term comfort. Pewtherer makes these skills accessible and straightforward excellent descriptions interspersed with both photos and illustrations. He writes from personal experience and includes sections that mention common mistakes to avoid with a variety of skills. Pewtherer is based in the northeast USA.

The challenge of using books is that theyare only static words and images to learn from. A series of drawings or photos of how to set up a deadfall trap, start afriction fire, or build a shelter is enough for some. Meanwhile, it leaves others confused andfeeling defeated. No matter how usefulyou find a book, it is very difficult to read and attempt to learn a new skillat the same time!

Instructional Videos

If made properly, instructional videos can both inspire andeducate. One advantage is that you don’t have to try and read a book at thesame time as you try to actually do a skill. Another advantage is you may be able to watch a skill demonstrated fromstart to finish, as well as listen to someone describe it at the same timewhich utilizes more than one of your senses and allows better memoryretention.

Thomas J. Elpel's "The Art of Nothing Wilderness Survival Video Series" are great resources to check out. Elpel shares his knowledge in the skills through recording his experiences living off the land for several days in different locations. He demonstrates that these skills are accessible and can be done by anyone who is willing to learn. The videos are interspersed with humor and lessons on how to improve certain skills.

Ron Hood's survival video series are additional great resources for outdoor survival training. Hood's approach includes both modern and primitive survival skills. His personal focus is no-nonsense, practical and based somewhat in his military background. He is a well-known and well-loved bush-craft expert.

The challenge with any videos - even the excellent ones mentioned here - is that if you struggle and have a questionnot addressed on the video, there is no live person to support you or to answeryour query.

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Sep 28, Pacific Northwest Weather: Surviving and Thriving

by Filip Tkaczyk

The wet, cool and moderate Pacific Northwest weather is apowerful force in shaping the ecology of the land. Understanding its patterns and how theychange throughout the seasons is a vital skill to anyone who is serious aboutlearning to enjoy the outdoors and especially for those interested in wildernesssurvival. The weather patterns present aunique assortment of challenges and blessings on the lands of the PacificNorthwest. It affects all aspects of thelives of the people who live in this region, and also strongly influences eacharea of curriculum at Alderleaf Wilderness College.

Lay of the Land

To understand the Pacific Northwest weather, you must firstunderstand its geography. Large mountainranges cross this land in several places, the largest being the Cascade Rangewhich stretches from northern California, through Oregon and Washington, andreaching into southern British Columbia. This range of mountains acts both as a rain trap and a rainbarrier. On the western slopes of theCascades, rainfall is high from 40 to over 80 inches per year. Meanwhile, on the eastern slopes it is muchlower and decreases as you travel further east and lower in elevation, fromabout 30 to less than 20 inches. Therelatively dry, semi-arid region east of this mountain range is called theColumbia plateau. This region can seeless than 15 inches of rain annually! This dramatic climatic impact of the mountains is known as the

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Sep 28, Recognizing Moose Habitat

Aftermonths of preparation we are on our way to Alaska to look at tracks. Moose habitat and behavior were high on our specieslist. We just spent 39 hours straight driving through Canada and are close tothe Alaskan border The last three hourswere filled with a dirt road containing potholes the size of minivans and alate night broadcasting of the World Invitational Moose CallingChampionship. We finally stop to rest,only to be woken three hours later by a passing motorist. I crawl out of the tent completely exhaustedand when I could finally focus I was greeted with a bull moose in the middle ofthe lake. He was magnificent, and he waseating something under the water

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Oct 16, Bow Hunting Games

By Connor O’Malley

Bow hunting games are a ton of fun! The best way to practice a skill, in my opinion, is to make a game out of it. With a skill like archery and bow-hunting, practice is of utmost importance. You may not get more than one shot during hunting season so it needs to count. Repetition is key so that when the time comes, there is no question about where the arrow will land.

Here are 10 tips and bow hunting games that you can use to keep things fun and to continue honing your skills.

1. Blank hay bale. If it’s been a while since you’ve shot your bow, start with a blank hay bale. Don’t worry about where the arrow lands, just practice shooting the exact same way every time. Draw the same way and be sure to release the arrow from an exact anchor point (like the corner of your mouth) every time. Once you’ve shot several hundred arrows without a target, put one on the hay bale and see how you do.

2. Shooting from all different positions. Hide behind trees, shoot through limbs/brush, run back and forth to get heart rate up then shoot. If you’ll be hunting from a deer stand, be sure to practice from one, or at least up high above the target.

3. 3-D targets are a great way to get used to shooting at real-life animals. You might be able to find cheap 3-D targets on e-bay or Craigslist. The only downfall with 3-D targets is that they will likely damage a stone point if you are hunting with stone-tipped arrows. A loosely packed hay-bale is the best practice target for a stone-tipped arrow.

4. Tournaments are great for practice under pressure. There is no greater pressure than an open shot at a deer in season. Tournaments are fun and may simulate a sense of pressure that will be valuable to you during the true pressures of hunting season.

5. Shooting at the edge of a target. It is less comfortable to aim at the edge of a hay bale than the middle. It forces you to really focus and put the effort into each shot because if you don’t, you may lose an arrow! Instead of placing your target in the middle of the bale, try placing it near the edge.

6. Horse. This may be the most fun bow hunting game to play with a friend. Pick a target and a way of shooting at it. If you hit the target then your opponent has to do the same. If he or she misses, then they get an

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Nov 1, Tracking Animals: Understanding the Basics

Tracking Animals: Understanding the Basics Tracking Animals:
Understanding the Basics

by Filip Tkaczyk

The act of tracking animals connects us to our distantancestors and may have helped us become who we are as modern humans. It is in the words of Ernest Thompson Seton

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Nov 9, Antifungal Herbs

by Filip Tkaczyk

A variety of truly wonderful antifungal herbs are used by herbalists to helptreat different ailments. Some of these powerful healing herbs are used internally, while others are taken externally. These natural medicines can be found in manyplaces around North America. Some ofthem even grow in urban gardens and other heavily developed areas.

Here are some of the best antifungal herbs:

California Bay (Umbellulariacalifornica)

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Nov 20, Wolf Tracks and Sign

by Filip Tkaczyk

Wolf tracks and sign can be found in only certainwilderness regions of North America. Although they are highly adaptable, they have been heavily persecutedfor hundreds of years and are now limited to specific wilderness areas,especially in the lower 48 United States. Wolves eat a wide variety of things including fruits, reptiles,amphibians, ground birds, small

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Nov 21, Brain Tanning Course

Brain Tanning Course Details:
Dates: Jun 7-9, 2013
Duration: 9am Fri - 4pm Sun
Location: Monroe, WA
Instructor: Connor O'Malley
Cost: $250
Register

Believe it or not, all of our ancestors wore brain-tannedbuckskin. From primitive,hunter-gatherers to the early American pioneers, buckskin was a universalmaterial for clothing, rope, footwear, etc. In this three day course you will learn to transform a raw, somewhatunappealing deerskin into soft, luxurious buckskin.

Over three days we will scrape the skins clean, soak them ina bucking solution, rinse them, soak them in a brain solution and stretch themuntil they are soft and dry. Finally wewill smoke the skins, turning them golden brown and preserving them asbuckskin.

In this course you will:

Get a skinned deer hide and be guided through working it into a beautiful brain-tanned buckskin to take home
Learn fleshing, graining, and scraping techniques for working with a skinned hideCome to understand the braining, softening, and smoking processes for finishing a raw hideGain experience with each of the tools and steps involved with hide-workingLearn about the many survival uses of brain-tanned buckskin and other components of hide-working, include hide glues & rawhide

Register for the Brain Tanning Course

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Located in Snohomish County in the Seattle / Puget Sound Region of the Northwest
360-793-8709 · 18715 299th Ave SE, Monroe, WA 98272

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Nov 21, The Advanced Wilderness Skills Program

Advanced Wilderness Skills
Program Details:
Begins: Sep 2, 2014
Ends: May 23, 2015
Location: Campus and field trips
Instructors: Alderleaf staff &
guest teachers



Continue to grow your wilderness skills with advanced training, more practice in the field with experienced instructors, and a focus on the applications of nature skills. The Advanced Wilderness Skills Program is for individuals who have completed the Wilderness Certification Program (or an equivalent in-depth training) and are seeking to further develop their skills towards careers.

The program focuses on advanced studies and applications of each of our core curriculum areas (survival, tracking, ethnobotany, permaculture, naturalist skills, and outdoor leadership & teaching). Classes include topics such as advanced trailing and tracking, advanced flint-knapping, advanced bow making, and food forest planning. Students also take on individual study projects that are supported through regular check-ins and mentor-ship from staff experts.

Class Topics Include:

Advanced Survival: Hide-Tanning, Moccasin-Making, Felting, Primitive Pottery, Game Processing, Primitive Fishing Kits, Survival Bedding, etc...

Advanced Ethnobotany: Fermentation, Tule/Cattail Hats, Soap-Making, Medicinal Lotions, Native Plant Propagation & Cultivation, etc...

Advanced Tracking: Animal Skull Identification, Advanced Trailing, Live Trapping, Motion Camera Techniques, Wildlife Track Surveys, etc...

Advanced Naturalist Skills: Advanced Birding & Bird Language, Taxidermy, Habitat Restoration Projects, Taxonomy, etc...

Advanced Permaculture: Food Forest Design, Hedgerows, Surveying, Drafting, Natural Building, Site Installation, Animal Husbandry, etc...

Advanced Teaching & Leadership: Community Building, Mentoring, Wilderness Trip Planning, Public Speaking, etc...

The Advanced Wilderness Skills Program at a Glance:

Location: Based out of our campus in Monroe, WA (in the Seattle / Puget Sound Region) with field trips throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Duration: School-year schedule. Meets Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 9:30am - 3:30pm, with several extended trips during 32 weeks of classes between September and May. Begins September 2014.

Faculty: Alderleaf staff and guest teachers.

Enrollment: Class sizes range from 10 to 20 students.

Tuition: $9500. Tuition covers all instruction and field trips.

Financial aid: Scholarships and student loans are available. You can apply for a work-trade scholarship by mailing in a scholarship application along with your program application letter.

To Register or Apply: Wilderness Certification Program graduates may register directly into the Advanced Wilderness Skills Program with a $950 deposit. Graduates of equivalent trainings may apply by writing a two-page letter of intent that describes your experience and goals in the program. Application letters can be emailed to info(at)wildernesscollege.com or sent via postal mail to Alderleaf Wilderness College.

More Information: For questions or to learn more, contact us.

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Alderleaf Wilderness College: Nature & Wilderness Survival School
Located in Snohomish County in the Seattle / Puget Sound Region of the Northwest
360-793-8709 · 18715 299th Ave SE, Monroe, WA 98272

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Nov 21, Outdoor Education Courses at Alderleaf Wilderness College

Alderleaf offers several outdoor education courses. Learn outdoor leadership and nature-based teaching skills. Choose from weekend classes and nine-month programs.

Prepare for a career in wilderness education. Learn the skills needed to become a competent outdoor educator.

Current course offerings include:

3-Day Wilderness First Aid Training Course - Certification in the fundamental concepts of medical care in a wilderness setting.The class focuses on basic life support skills, minor trauma, spine assessment, selected environmental topics, toxic and allergic reactions, the ruling out process, and "common" medical emergencies. The majority of time is spent in hands-on skills practice and simulations.

Nine-Month Alderleaf Wilderness Certification Program - Our most comprehensive course. In-depth training in survival, nature skills, outdoor leadership, and sustainability.The program prepares you to apply nature skills in a variety of outdoor careers in wilderness education, environmental research, sustainable living, and beyond. Imagine Knowing how to teach nature skills to others in a way that inspires hope, leadership, and action.

Nine-Month Advanced Wilderness Skills Program - A second year of advanced training for Wilderness Certification Program graduates seeking to further develop their skills towards careers.The program focuses on advanced studies and applications of each of our core curriculum areas (survival, tracking, ethnobotany, permaculture, naturalist skills, and outdoor leadership & teaching).

Online registration is available for many of our wilderness courses.
Visit the Course Registration page to sign up for classes.

Course Discounts - Receive 10% Off!

We offer three ways to receive a 10% discount for our short courses (day-long, weekend, and week-long wilderness courses):

1. Early Registration Discount: Register at least two months prior to the start date and receive a 10% discount; or

2. Family/Friend Discount: Register together with a family member or friend at the same time and receive a 10% discount; or

3. Multiple Class Discount: Register for more than one class at the same time and receive a 10% discount.

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new wilderness courses and nature skills articles.

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Alderleaf Wilderness College: Nature & Wilderness Survival School
Located in Snohomish County in the Seattle / Puget Sound Region of the Northwest
360-793-8709 · 18715 299th Ave SE, Monroe, WA 98272

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Nov 21, Permaculture Courses at Alderleaf Wilderness College

Alderleaf offers several permaculture courses. Learn about permaculture design, sustainable living skills, and self sufficiency.

Permaculture design integrates the best of sustainable food production, natural building, forest stewardship, habitat restoration, water management, alternative energy, and much more.

Current course offerings include:

1-Day Introduction to Permaculture Class - Join us for a day to learn about the basics of permaculture - a revolutionary sustainable design system. The course covers permaculture principles, strategies, and ethics; basic design; and a hands-on tour of permaculture projects in action at Alderleaf. Learn how to get started with this ecological approach to designing for green human settlements.

Two-Week Permaculture Design Certificate Course - Learn how to work with nature to create a more sustainable world and become more self sufficient.Earn a Permaculture Design Certificate while gaining hands-on experience on our permaculture farm and wilderness campus. This two week course focuses on permaculture design principles, ecology, and sustainable living skills.

Nine-Month Alderleaf Wilderness Certification Program - Our most comprehensive course. In-depth training in survival, nature skills, and permaculture.The program prepares you to apply nature skills in a variety of outdoor careers in wilderness education, environmental research, sustainable living, and beyond.

Nine-Month Advanced Wilderness Skills Program - A second year of advanced training for Wilderness Certification Program graduates.The program focuses on advanced studies and applications of each of our core curriculum areas (survival, tracking, ethnobotany, permaculture, naturalist skills, and outdoor leadership & teaching).

Online registration is available for many of our wilderness courses.
Visit the Course Registration page to sign up for classes.

Course Discounts - Receive 10% Off!

We offer three ways to receive a 10% discount for our short courses (day-long, weekend, and week-long wilderness courses):

1. Early Registration Discount: Register at least two months prior to the start date and receive a 10% discount; or

2. Family/Friend Discount: Register together with a family member or friend at the same time and receive a 10% discount; or

3. Multiple Class Discount: Register for more than one class at the same time and receive a 10% discount.

Sign up to theAlderleaf eNewsletterto receive updates on
new wilderness courses and nature skills articles.

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Alderleaf Wilderness College: Nature & Wilderness Survival School
Located in Snohomish County in the Seattle / Puget Sound Region of the Northwest
360-793-8709 · 18715 299th Ave SE, Monroe, WA 98272

Home - Courses - Calendar - Register - FAQs - Articles - Newsletter - About - Contact

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Nov 21, Wilderness Survival Courses at Alderleaf Wilderness College

Alderleaf offers a variety of wilderness survival courses. Learn outdoor survival skills, bushcraft, primitive skills, and self sufficiency. Choose from weekend classes, week-long courses, and nine-month training programs.

Alderleaf teaches both primitive and modern wilderness survival skills that empower people to be prepared and at home in the outdoors.

Current course offerings include:

Weekend Wilderness Survival Course - Learn the most important skills for survival: shelter, water, fire and food. Gain practical, hands-on experience.

5-Day Wilderness Survival Skills Intensive - Spend five full days immersed in studying outdoor survival skills. Detailed instruction and hands-on practice.

Nine-Month Alderleaf Wilderness Certification Program - Our most comprehensive course. Training in survival, nature skills, and sustainability.

Nine-Month Advanced Wilderness Skills Program - A second year of advanced nature and survival training for Certification Program graduates.

3-Day Wooden Bow Making Course - Learn how to make a wooden long bow. Build and take home a bow, an arrow, and the skills to make more.

Weekend Survival Trapping & Game Processing Course - Learn survival trapping and game-processing techniques for long-term survival.

3-Day Brain Tanning Course - Learn how to turn animal hides into beautiful brain-tanned leather for clothing and survival projects.

1-Day Wilderness Navigation Class - Learn how to use map & compass, as well as aid-less navigation techniques, for traveling in the outdoors.

1-Day Survival Fire Making Skills Class - Learn how to create fire with natural materials. Gain experience with bow drill, hand drill, and flint & steel.

Online registration is available for many of our wilderness courses.
Visit the Course Registration page to sign up for classes.

Course Discounts - Receive 10% Off!

We offer three ways to receive a 10% discount for our short courses (day-long, weekend, and week-long wilderness courses):

1. Early Registration Discount: Register at least two months prior to the start date and receive a 10% discount; or

2. Family/Friend Discount: Register together with a family member or friend at the same time and receive a 10% discount; or

3. Multiple Class Discount: Register for more than one class at the same time and receive a 10% discount.

Sign up to theAlderleaf eNewsletterto receive updates on
new wilderness courses and nature skills articles.

Return from Wilderness Survival Courses back to All Courses

Alderleaf Wilderness College: Nature & Wilderness Survival School
Located in Snohomish County in the Seattle / Puget Sound Region of the Northwest
360-793-8709 · 18715 299th Ave SE, Monroe, WA 98272

Home - Courses - Calendar - Register - FAQs - Articles - Newsletter - About - Contact

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Nov 21, Wildlife Tracking Courses at Alderleaf Wilderness College

Alderleaf offers several wildlife tracking courses. Learn to identify, interpret, and follow animal tracks & sign at our wildlife tracking courses. Choose from weekend classes up to ten month programs.

Wildlife tracking skills enhance outdoor experiences, are a valuable tool for wilderness survival, and can be used to contribute to wildlife research & conservation. Learn to see the natural world through new eyes as you become a wildlife tracker. There is a story within every animal track that unfolds as you learn the ancient art of animal tracking.

Current course offerings include:

Weekend Wildlife Tracking Course - Discover the fascinating world of wildlife tracking. This course covers track identification, interpreting behaviors from track patterns, and documenting tracks & sign through photography and field journals. The course is a mixture of engaging presentations and ample hands-on field practice along beautiful local rivers and forests.

10-Weekends Wildlife Tracking Apprenticeship - Discover the stories in animal tracks and sign. Become a wildlife tracker. In the wildlife tracking apprenticeship you discover stories of your own while growing as a tracker and naturalist. You learn basic through advanced tracking skills and gain an understanding of animal behaviors and their environments.

Nine-Month Alderleaf Wilderness Certification Program - Our most comprehensive course. In-depth training in survival, wildlife tracking, nature skills, and sustainability.The program prepares you to apply nature skills in a variety of outdoor careers in wilderness education, environmental research, sustainable living, and beyond.

Nine-Month Advanced Wilderness Skills Program - A second year of advanced training for Wilderness Certification Program graduates seeking to further develop their skills towards careers.The program focuses on advanced studies and applications of each of our core curriculum areas (survival, tracking, ethnobotany, permaculture, naturalist skills, and outdoor leadership & teaching).

Online registration is available for many of our wilderness courses.
Visit the Course Registration page to sign up for classes.

Course Discounts - Receive 10% Off!

We offer three ways to receive a 10% discount for our short courses (day-long, weekend, and week-long wilderness courses):

1. Early Registration Discount: Register at least two months prior to the start date and receive a 10% discount; or

2. Family/Friend Discount: Register together with a family member or friend at the same time and receive a 10% discount; or

3. Multiple Class Discount: Register for more than one class at the same time and receive a 10% discount.

Sign up to theAlderleaf eNewsletterto receive updates on
new wilderness courses and nature skills articles.

Return from Wildlife Tracking Courses back to All Courses

Alderleaf Wilderness College: Nature & Wilderness Survival School
Located in Snohomish County in the Seattle / Puget Sound Region of the Northwest
360-793-8709 · 18715 299th Ave SE, Monroe, WA 98272

Home - Courses - Calendar - Register - FAQs - Articles - Newsletter - About - Contact

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Dec 7, Wilderness Survival Quiz

A wilderness survival quiz can be a fun way to learn more!

These questions cover a wide variety of wilderness survival skills, including knowledge of making shelter and fire, finding survival food, recognizing hazards and addressing first-aid situations.

Going through a wilderness survival quiz like this can help you learn new information as well as refresh your memory of survival essentials. It can be fun to quiz yourself or your friends on what you know. Once you have finished this quiz, you can view the answers at the bottom.

1. Which of these factors do not contribute to thedrying of wood (for the purpose of finding dry parts of a bow-drill fire-making kit)?

A. Being on the south side of trees

B. Branches being exposed to sun and wind

C. Branches high up in a tree

D. Branches being covered in moss

2. Where would you find dry tinder in the rain?

A. Inner bark on cedar trees

B. Under rocks covered in lichen

C. Under moss

D. Ocean spray flower heads

3. What do you need to do to a coal to make itignite a wet tinder bundle?

4. What are three edible plants available during the fall season?

5. Where would you find a vitamin D supplement innature?

6. Which of the following is not a sign ofhypothermia?

A. Shivering

B. Apathy and lethargy

C. Incoherence, irrational behavior

D. Impairment of muscular performance

E. Stomach pains

7. What should you do if attacked by a cougar?

A. Play dead

B. Fight back

C. Take a picture

D. Talk calmly and try to sneak away

8. What percentage of blood loss will likely causedeath?

A. 10%

B. 15%

C. 25%

D. 50%

9. Your friend fell out of a tree trying to gethoney from a bee hive. She fell 20 feet and was knocked unconscious for 45seconds. You know from your trainingthat she should be monitored for 24 hours. Which of the following signs do NOT indicate a serious head injury?

A. Complaints of blurred vision lasting over anhour

B. Unusual tiredness or sleepiness

C. A headache that increases in intensity

D. Burps that smell like sulfur

E. Unusual loss of balance

10. Your other friend went up into the honey treeand also fell. He was knocked unconsciousfor 5 minutes. Which of the following isNOT a sign of serious head trauma with a need for rapid evacuation?

A. Depressed fracture of the skull

B. Black and blue around swollen eyes

C. Black and blue behind and below the ears

D. Unusual rigid postures

E. Shivering uncontrollably.

11. Why must you apply a traction device for abroken femur? (A traction device gently creates tension to pull the foot awayfrom the body).

A. To prevent movement of the broken leg

B. Reduce bleeding into the thigh

C. Reduce the amount of pain

D. To prevent further injury by spasms of themuscles

E. All of the above

12. Which is more dangerous, emotional shock or trueshock?

13. What is the cause of true shock?

14. What is the most consistent sign of true shock?

A. Rapid, weak pulse

B. Rapid breathing

C. Pale or bluish skin, nail beds, and lips

D. Restlessness, anxiety, weakness

E. Nausea and vomiting

15. When digging for water at a curve in a dry riverbed, is it better to dig on the inside of the curve or the outside of thecurve?

16. What are three edible/nutritional uses of pinetrees?

17. What are three natural bow drill cordpossibilities local to the northwest?

18. What is the most important calorie source insurvival living?

A. Sugar

B. Fat

C. Carbohydrates

D. Protein

19. Which method of cooking wild food will retainthe most nutrients?

A. Boiling in a pot

B. Roasting on the coals

C. Pit baking

D. Frying on a rock

20. Which of these animals is the most dangerouswhen in western Washington?

A. Rattlesnakes

B. A wounded deer

C. Black bears

D. Mountain Lions

E. Wolves

21. Which of these is the most useful stone tool forsurvival living?

A. A big sandstone slab

B. An obsidian dagger

C. A burin

D. A baseball sized granite cobble

22. When making a bow-drill cord from natural fiberslike dogbane or nettle, what is the best number of strands to reverse-wrap?

A. 1

B. 2

C. 3

D. 9

23. Where is the best place to go to look for rocksin a survival situation?

A. North facing slopes

B. South facing slopes

C. River beds

D. Mountain tops

E. Cedar forests

24. What is a good number of traps to set in asurvival situation?

A. 1-3

B. 3-5

C. 10-20

D. 143

25. What is the most important thing in a survivalsituation?

A. Practice and preparation

B. Positive attitude

C. Big muscles

D. Always carrying a knife

You have reached the end of the wilderness survival quiz. If you really want to challenge yourself, don't scroll down passed the photo below until you have answered all of the questions above. If you are ready for the answers to this wilderness survival quiz, scroll down.

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Jan 3, Native American Basket Weaving

Native American Basket Weaving Native American Basket Weaving

by Connor O'Malley

Native American basket weaving was practiced by many different tribes for various uses.  They canbe used for food gathering, processing hides, cooking, water containers,sifting seeds, processing clay, drying meats and fruits, shelter, clothing

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Jan 3, Wilderness Evasion

by Connor O'Malley

WildernessEvasion is simply: how to remain undetected in the wilderness.  These skills are vital to the survival of many animals, like the 2 deer in the photo above.  These are skill that many Native Americantribes mastered in times of war.  Thefamous Apache Chief, Geronimo

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Jan 3, How to Grow Blueberries

by Steve Nicolini

Learning how to grow blueberries is simple and they canprovide a unique addition to our diet. Are there any other blue fruits? The incredibly high level of antioxidants in each blueberry makes it anessential fruit for longevity.  This iswhy the northwest natives lived to become wise elders.  The wild blueberries and huckleberries were astaple food for them. The B vitamins boost metabolism.  The minerals in each berry aid in moderatingheart rate and blood pressure. 

Just like the unique role the berries play in our bodies, thebushes that blueberries grow upon fill a unique ecosystem niche.  In the wild, blueberries and their huckleberryrelatives grow on forest edges where they receive a lot of sunlight.  In learning how to grow blueberries, we have to understand that different species grow at different altitudesand therefore ripen at different times of the summer and early fall.  And so the blueberry (and huckleberry) isessential to the survival of many wildlife species, especially the belovedblack bear.

How can we apply these observations of blueberry bushes innature to our farm and garden ecosystems? 

We know from studying the wild relatives that they thrive invery moist, acidic soil conditions (4-5.5 pH). They grow on edges where they receive a good amount of sunlight.  They are enjoyed by animals. 

These observations guide us in our blueberry patch decisionmaking processes.  We place our patch ina moist, yet still well drained place that receives a lot of sunlight, possiblyalong the southern edge of our orchard or forest garden.  We plant the plants in the fall or spring,when temperatures are mild and root growth is peaking.  We plant many varieties that fruit atdifferent times during the season for two reasons.  In considering how to grow blueberries, we first want to maximize pollination andtherefore fruit production.  Second, we,like the black bear, want to snack on fresh blueberries for longer than two orthree weeks each year.  We protect ourblueberry bushes and (especially) their fruits from predation. 

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Jan 3, Bird Tracks: Identification

By Filip Tkaczyk

Bird Tracks are an exciting aspect of naturalist studies andcan be found in many places.  Withhundreds of species of birds found in North America,  studyingtheir tracks can seem very daunting. Since tracks are made mostly by the feet of birds, one of the easiest ways tobreak down different tracks is according to foot type. The main groupings are: anisodactyl, game bird, palmate, totipalmate andzygodactyl. 

It also helps to know that bird toes are numbered from the back toe (called "toe 1" or the "halix") to the outside.  So the outer most toe is called "toe 4."

Anisodactyl Tracks

These "classic bird tracks" are made by birds with feet that are anisodactyl, which isdefined by a foot in which 3 toes are pointed forward and 1 is pointedbackward.  Birds that have feet designedin this way include practically all songbirds, herons and egrets, eagles,hawks, falcons, vultures, doves, and moorhens. Kingfishers are often included in this group because they leave tracks that match this group, even though they have toes 3 and 2 on their foot fused for part oftheir length (syndactyl).  An example of anisodactyl tracks are visible in the photo below, in this case from a great blue heron (Ardea herodias).

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Jan 10, Make a Water Filter

Make a Water Filter How to Make a Water Filter

by Connor O'Malley

Learning to make a water filter is a valuable survivalskill. A thousand years ago people could wander through North America drinkingany water that they pleased. Unfortunately that is not the case anymore.  Much of our water contains pathogens such asgiardia that may cause extreme illness

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Jan 15, Bird Behavior: Observing Herons

by Filip Tkaczyk

The study of bird behavior is a rich and rewarding field, and can lead to very exciting wildlife encounters.

One of the most charismatic and beautiful group of birds are the herons.  These water-loving hunters demonstrate a wonderfully diverse range of behaviors when it comes to survival.  Some of the everyday behaviors exhibited by a heron may include hunting, grooming, social-interactions, thermoregulation and resting.

Hunting

Perhaps the most exciting bird behavior to observe is hunting.  The speed of a striking heron as it lunges forward to grab prey is really amazing.  So is their ability to stand extremely still for lengths of time as they stalk their prey.  Did you know that every heron species has its preferred hunting styles? Here are few styles you might observe and the species that typically do them:

Hunting meadows.  You might not think this is typical heron habitat, but great blue herons are often observed hunting voles in meadows with short grass, especially those near wetland areas.  They will stand by a vole runway and watch for movement, then strike with lightning speed and grab one of these fat little rodents.


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Feb 9, Wilderness First Aid Training Course

Wilderness First Aid Training Course HomeAbout UsCoursesCertificationRegisterCalendarQuestionse-NewsletterNature StoreUpdatesMediaReviewsBlogForumSearchEmploymentContact UsArticles:-Survival-Tracking-Wild Plants-Birding-Permaculture

Wilderness First Aid Training Course
with CPR Certification

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Feb 19, Calendar of Courses and Events at Alderleaf

Calendar of Courses and Events at Alderleaf HomeAbout UsCoursesCertificationRegisterCalendarQuestionse-NewsletterNature StoreUpdatesMediaReviewsBlogForumSearchEmploymentContact UsArticles:-Survival-Tracking-Wild Plants-Birding-Permaculture

2013 Calendar of Courses and Events

Dates:Course:Cost:Mar 16-17Wilderness Survival Course$250Mar 30-31Specialist Track & Sign Evaluation (full)$325Jun 1-2Standard Track & Sign Evaluation (full)$200Jun 7-9Brain Tanning Course (full)$250Jun 22-23Wild Edible & Medicinal Plants Course (full)$250Jun 29-30Wilderness Survival Course (full)$250Jul 6Wilderness Navigation Class$85Jul 7Introduction to Permaculture Class$85Jul 8-12Wilderness Survival Skills Intensive$600Jul 12-14Wooden Bow Making Course$250Jul 15-19Nature Camp for Youth$300Jul 20-21Wilderness Survival Course$250Jul 22-Aug 2Permaculture Design Course$1195Jul 27-28Wild Edible & Medicinal Plants Course$250Aug 3-4Wildlife Tracking Course$250Aug 10-11Wilderness Survival Course$250Aug 12-16Nature Camp for Youth$300Aug 17-18Survival Trapping & Game Processing Course$250Aug 24-25Wild Edible & Medicinal Plants Course$250Aug 31Wilderness Instructor Apprenticeship begins$1,250Sep 3Wilderness Certification Program begins$9,500Sep 7Wildlife Tracking Apprenticeship begins$1,995Oct 19Wild Mushroom Identification Class$85Nov 2-3Wilderness Survival Course$250Nov 25Survival Fire Making Skills Class$85Dec 13-15Wilderness First Aid Training Course$250

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Mar 4, Chicken Tractor: Movable Chicken Pens

by Steve Nicolini

A chicken tractor is truly a wonderful thing.  On the homestead or in the backyard, these floorless, movable chicken coops allow you to fully utilize the benefits that chickens offer.

Most movable chicken pens are built with a wooden skeleton and chicken wire walls.  They usually have a small sheltered area built into one end that contains a roost (a horizontal stick that the chickens sleep on) and a nesting box (for laying eggs). Dimensions vary depending on the number of chickens, but the tractors are usually 4 to 10 feet wide and 6 to 15 feet long.  Most tractors also contain a water source and a feeder.

The amount of birds in a flock will dictate the square footage of the chicken tractor.  It is a ratio of 1-2 birds per 3 square feet of space.  So if you live in the city with a 6 bird flock you would probably build a 4 ft. x 5ft. tractor.  If you are raising a big flock of 40 meat chickens on pasture, then you are looking at a 5ft. x 12 ft. pen.  I know of one farmer who keeps 70 birds in a 10 ft. x 12 ft. tractor.

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Mar 12, Cat Tracks: North American Species

by Filip Tkaczyk

Cat tracks are distinct and often relatively easy toidentify with practice.  First, it isimportant to study the foot morphology of cats to better understand theirtracks.  Next, it helps to become morefamiliar with the kinds of wild cats that live in North America.  Knowing your species will help you narrowdown the possibilities.

Cat Tracks: Foot Morphology

All North American cats share certain features incommon.  All of North American catspecies have 5 toes on their front feet and 4 toes on their hind.  Generally speaking, you will only see fourtoes in both front and hind tracks you find in the field.  Although, cats do have 5 toes on their frontfeet, this fifth toe is further up on the leg and the pad is very reduced insize.

Cats have toes that are arranged in an asymmetricalfashion.  Like the finger on our hands, acat’s longest toe is the toe 3 (on the front) and toe 2 (on the hind, sincethey only have 4 toes on that foot).  Toes are numbered from the inside to the outside of the foot.

Claws generally don’t register in cats, as they are keptsheathed in order to protect them and keep them sharp.  Occasionally, while a cat is walking a steepslope, while it’s chasing prey, or if it’s climbing, you will see claws registerin the tracks.

The main pads on the feet of cats - the metacarpal andmetatarsal pads

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Mar 12, Coyote Teaching

by Connor O'Malley

Coyote teaching is a phrase popularized by Tom Brown Jr. andJon Young.  Similar teaching methodshowever, have been used by indigenous people, philosophers, psychologists, andwise individuals all over the world.  A

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Mar 13, Building A Quinzee

by Steve Nicolini

Quinzees are great group shelters to build for fun, though more importantly, they can be built in twoshakes of a muskox tail to keep winter backpackers from freezing to death!  The word "quinzee" comes from the indigenouspeoples of Alaska and Northern Canada. This makes sense because these people lived their whole lives insnow. 

The materials required for building this kind of snow shelter are few butimportant.  Winter clothing is an obviousrequirement.  You will also need a snowshovel or a sturdy snowshoe for piling up the snow.  When the quinzee construction is complete,you will need a sleeping bag and a pad (vegetation can substituted for the pad). 

Quinzee: How to Build

The first step is to make a big dome-shaped pile of snow.  You want to make this pile about as high as atall person.  The total length at thebase of the pile should be about four feet longer than the tallest person the shelter will house.   Be sure that the top of the pile is domed (rounded), because a flat roof will collapse.

Once your pile is built, walk all over it to compact thesnow.  Then let the snow settle for at least an hour.  This step is crucialbecause it gives the walls and ceiling structural integrity.

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Apr 8, Recognizing Woodpecker Habitat

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Recognizing Woodpecker Habitat

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Apr 16, Herbs for Allergies: Common Allies

Herbs for Allergies: Common Allies Herbs for Allergies: Common Allies

By Fil Tkaczyk

Utilizing herbs for allergies can be an effective way tolessen and to treat allergic symptoms. Different herbs have different ways of supporting our bodies to help usdeal with allergies.  Some help ourbodies cleanse the blood which helps reduce inflammation.  Others help us calm down, helping us reducestress. 

Here are some of the best herbs for allergies I am familiar with, all of which I have used myself. Given below are their common and scientific names and their typicaleffects.

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May 3, Position Announcements

Position Announcements HomeAbout UsCoursesCertificationRegisterCalendarQuestionse-NewsletterNature StoreUpdatesMediaReviewsBlogForumSearchEmploymentContact UsArticles:-Survival-Tracking-Wild Plants-Birding-Permaculture

Employment at Alderleaf

Alderleaf has been growing every year. We can accept resumes at any time of the year and can keep them on file for when new positions open. Typically the hiring process takes place in the spring and new positions start in the summer.

Oftentimes we are hiring additional instructors. The instructor position description is listed below.

Core Instructor Position

Core instructors are the primary instructors for Alderleaf courses. It is a year-round position that includes teaching at the Wilderness Certification Program (including field trips), as well as various other courses (including weekend classes and summer programs). Core instructors are involved with all aspects of the programs, from lead teaching to coordinating trips, mentoring apprentices, and overseeing student progress. Core instructors also assist with outreach including writing blog posts & web articles, taking photos & video, as well as caring for classrooms & the land, and various other support tasks.

Hours: The position will average 32 to 40 hrs per week over the course of the year, though specific weeks will be more hours (field trips and other special classes), which are balanced by other weeks that are less hours.

Responsibilities include:Instructing at Alderleaf coursesCoordinating program logisticsAssisting with outreach and other support tasks

Qualifications:

Required:Experience instructing in at least several of our core curriculum areas: wilderness survival; ethnobotany (edible/medicinal wild plants); naturalist skills; wildlife tracking; permaculture/sustainability; and outdoor education.Good leadership, communication and writing skillsWilderness first aid certificationComputer / office skillsWillingness to work a variable schedule and some weekends

Preferred (though not required):Bachelor or Master’s degree in an environmental or education fieldManagement experienceVideography skills - experience producing short videos for the webOutreach experience - marketing, sales, and advertisingFamiliarity with Alderleaf's courses and curriculum

Compensation:Hourly (for part-time employment) or salary (for full-time employment) based on a rate of $14 - $18 per hour (Depending on experience & qualifications).

To Apply:

Send a cover letter, resume, completed employment questionnaire, and contact info for two references to: jasonk

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May 9, Plants in the Desert: Living Survival Aids

by Filip Tkaczyk

There are many plants in the desert that can serve as vitalaids in wilderness survival.  Some serveas a source of food, some as material for shelters and others serve as theperfect material for friction fires. Knowing your plants can also help lead you to water, the desert’s mostprecious and elusive resource.

Desert Edibles

Some of the best plants in the desert for food are thosethat provide some kind of edible fruit or seed. Many desert plants protect themselves with spines, sharp leaves and/ortoxins.  Therefore, you need to learn toproperly identify any plants you intend to eat. It is best approach them withrespect and consume them in moderation.

In the United States, there are four major deserts that spanmuch of the southwestern portion of the country.  These are: the Great Basin, the Mojave, theChihuahuan, and the Sonoran deserts.  Eachdesert has its own distinct plant communities, and therefore, edible plants youmay find in one may be absent in the other.

Here are some of the most common and best species to knowand their common uses.  It is wise to getfamiliar with these species, and how to prepare them before you are put into asurvival situation.

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May 30, Survival Snares: Construction and Use

Survival Snares: Construction and Use Survival Snares: Construction and Use

by Steve Nicolini

Survival snares can be an effective way to harvest meat in anemergency survival situation.  Bear inmind that you must be very familiar with them before a real survival situationin order to use them successfully.

Ethics

Primitive traps are illegal unless one is in a survivalsituation that is not self-induced. Also, traps are very dangerous. They are meant to kill.  So don’tgo setting a trap in your backyard if your neighbors have cats, dogs, or smallchildren.

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Jul 9, Black Bear Attacks

by Connor O'Malley

When you are thinking about black bear attacks, consider that humans and black bears have been co-existing for thousands of years.  If you encounter a black bear in the woods, consider yourself lucky!  They are magnificent animals and great teachers.  In the extremely unlikely circumstance that you encounter an aggressive black bear, here are some things to keep in mind.

Stay calm and avoid direct eye contact.  Try to stay upwind so the bear can smell youand identify you as a human.  Stand up,talk to the bear and wave your hands above your head.Do not approach the bear, especially if cubs arepresent.  If you do come upon a bearalways make sure the bear has an escape route; avoid making it feel cornered.If you cannot safely move away from the bear andthe bear does not leave, try to scare it away by clapping your hands, yellingor throwing stones.If the black bear attacks, fight backaggressively.  Only as a last resortshould you curl into a ball and play dead.

The most common reason a black bear attacks is because it became habituated to humans.  This happens when people leave trash out and the bears learn to visit these places for an easy meal.  In order to avoid this scenario and to protect the bears (by ensuring they do not need to be euthanized) always keep your camp clean, put your garbage in wildlife-resistant containers, store food in double plastic bags and when possible, place the bags in your vehicle’s trunk.  When you are camping in bear country always sleep at least 100 yards from your cooking area and your food storage area.  Never store food in your tent

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Jul 9, Pacific Northwest Trees

by Connor O'Malley

Pacific northwest trees are one of the most important resources to survival.  They provide firewood, shelter, tools, food, medicine, wildlife habitat, and so much more to the ecosystem.  If you know how to identify and use the trees in your local forest it will enhance your feelings of self-reliance and confidence in the outdoors.  They are a great resource!

In this article I will share a few of the most common deciduous trees we see in the forests of western Washington and some of their survival, edible and medicinal uses.  If you are interested in the common evergreen trees of Washington check out this great article: http://www.wildernesscollege.com/types-of-evergreen-trees.html .

Enjoy!

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Nov 29, Survival Essentials: What Matters Most

Survival Essentials: What Matters Most HomeAbout UsCoursesCertificationRegisterCalendarQuestionse-NewsletterNature StoreUpdatesMediaReviewsBlogForumSearchEmploymentContact UsArticles:-Survival-Tracking-Wild Plants-Birding-Permaculture

Survival Essentials: What Matters Most

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Dec 20, Water Hemlock - One of the Most Poisonous Plants in North America

Water Hemlock - One of the Most Poisonous Plants in North America HomeAbout UsCoursesCertificationRegisterCalendarQuestionse-NewsletterNature StoreUpdatesMediaReviewsBlogForumSearchEmploymentContact UsArticles:-Survival-Tracking-Wild Plants-Birding-Permaculture

Water Hemlock
A Deadly Poisonous Plant

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Jun 7, Backyard Fish Farming

Backyard Fish Farming HomeAbout UsCoursesCertificationRegisterCalendarQuestionse-NewsletterNature StoreUpdatesMediaReviewsBlogForumSearchEmploymentContact UsArticles:-Survival-Tracking-Wild Plants-Birding-Permaculture

Backyard Fish Farming

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Nov 21, Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants Courses at Alderleaf

Alderleaf offers a variety of wild edible and medicinal plants courses. Learn plant identification and ethnobotany skills - how to utilize a diversity of native wild plants for food, medicine, and survival crafts. Choose from weekend classes up to nine-month programs.

Current course offerings include:

Weekend Wild Edible & Medicinal Plants Course - Learn how to utilize wild plants for food and medicine in the wilderness or at home.This course covers a full range of uses, from quick emergency survival foods to incorporating wild plants into culinary dishes, and the how-to of making salves, tinctures, decoctions, and infusions, as well as using fresh wild plants for first aid situations.

1-Day Wild Mushroom Identification Class - Learn the skills needed to utilize wild edible mushrooms. The course begins with a fascinating slide show presentation that explains how to identify a wide variety of mushrooms found in the Pacific Northwest. The course continues with a mushroom foraging hike. The last portion of the day is spent cooking up the harvested mushrooms into several tasty dishes to sample.

Nine-Month Alderleaf Wilderness Certification Program - Our most comprehensive course. In-depth training in wilderness survival, wild edible & medicinal plants, wildlife tracking, outdoor leadership, and sustainable living skills. Imagine making herbal medicines and harvesting wild foods that bring greater health to yourself, your community, and the earth. The program prepares you to apply nature skills in a variety of outdoor careers in wilderness education, environmental research, sustainable living, and beyond.

Nine-Month Advanced Wilderness Skills Program - A second year of advanced training for Wilderness Certification Program graduates seeking to further develop their skills towards careers. The program focuses on advanced studies and applications of each of our core curriculum areas (survival, tracking, ethnobotany, permaculture, naturalist skills, and outdoor leadership & teaching).

Online registration is available for many of our wilderness courses.
Visit the Course Registration page to sign up for classes.

Course Discounts - Receive 10% Off!

We offer three ways to receive a 10% discount for our short courses (day-long, weekend, and week-long wilderness courses):

1. Early Registration Discount: Register at least two months prior to the start date and receive a 10% discount; or

2. Family/Friend Discount: Register together with a family member or friend at the same time and receive a 10% discount; or

3. Multiple Class Discount: Register for more than one class at the same time and receive a 10% discount.

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new wild edible and medicinal plants courses & articles.

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Alderleaf Wilderness College: Nature & Wilderness Survival School
Located in Snohomish County in the Seattle / Puget Sound Region of the Northwest
360-793-8709 · 18715 299th Ave SE, Monroe, WA 98272

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Mar 14, Building a Wilderness First Aid Kit

by Connor O'Malley

A Wilderness First Aid Kit can greatlyimprove your chances of survival when disaster strikes.  The wilderness can be an unforgiving place.  It is prudent to be prepared. In this article I am going to talk about howto put together a good first aid kit for the wilderness, and share with you what we, at Alderleaf WildernessCollege, carry in our first aid kits. 

In order to build a good wilderness first aid kit, we must first thinkabout what types of injuries we are likely to encounter in the wilderness.  It is important to have supplies for bleedinginjuries, internal ailments, and bone/ligament injuries. 

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