Frequently Asked Questions for the Alderleaf Wilderness Certification Program

What is Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK)?
Traditional Ecological Knowledge is the term used to describe the skills, wisdom, and understanding of nature that all of our ancestors had when they lived close to the land as indigenous hunter-gatherers. It is an extensive system of knowing nature that emphasizes the practical application of skills and knowledge for the sustainable use of renewable resources. It provides a useful understanding of how ecological systems work and interrelate, and how human influences can enhance, regenerate, and revitalize nature. TEK encompasses many fields including botanical medicine, natural history and taxonomy, sustainable agriculture, wildlife tracking and conservation, sustainable development, and much more.

Why the name Alderleaf?
In the Pacific Northwest, the red alder tree (Alnus rubra) is often the first tree to return to a damaged ecosystem. It grows rapidly and helps fertilize the soil through fixing nitrogen and dropping its leaves. It helps prepare the ground for the return of mature old-growth tree species such as western red cedar and western hemlock. In many ways, the red alder is the bridge between an ecosystem out of balance and a healthy old-growth forest. In today’s world we are experiencing an environment far out of balance. With increasing climate change, the rapid depletion of natural resources, and a strong cultural disconnect from nature, much work is needed to restore cultural and biological balance. Alderleaf strives to be like the red alder, providing much needed support to promote healthy, sustainable relationships with the natural world. Thus the name serves us as a powerful metaphor, reminding us of the important work and education needed at this crucial time in history.

Why attend the Alderleaf Wilderness Certification Program?
The Alderleaf Wilderness Certification Program is unique in that it provides holistic training in nature skills that bring about a deep, meaningful connection and knowledge of the natural world. This comprehensive course is ideal for those seeking to learn outdoor skills at a depth necessary to become excellent wilderness educators, naturalists, and field ecologists. No other course of its kind offers instruction from as highly qualified and experienced faculty with as well of a developed curriculum that integrates both modern and indigenous knowledge of nature.

What is a class day like at the Certification Program?
Class days are spent learning specific skills from one of the program’s core subjects. Most class days begin at 9am and often start with an inspiring presentation relating to the day’s topic. For an example, a day could begin with a slide show presentation about of the uses of stinging nettle (a wild plant) for food, medicine, and cordage, including proper collection and preparation methods. This section of the day usually lasts between one and two hours and is peppered with pertinent fun stories, practical information, and guidance.

The next portion of the day is usually spent getting your hands into the skills, often in small groups or teams guided by the faculty. Most class time is spent gaining tangible experience and practice with the skill at hand. As an example, our stinging nettle day would continue with breaking into small groups and going out into the field to identify and collect the useable parts of the plant using ethical harvesting techniques. The plant material would then be brought back to the classroom where the groups would make stinging nettle soup, begin creating a medicinal decoction, and process the stalks into cordage (string for bows and other projects). This section of the day often lasts around four hours. A short lunch break often takes place mid-day while in the field.

Towards the end of the class day, the groups re-convene to share and discuss the day’s learning activities. This provides a great opportunity for students to share stories, learn from each other’s experiences, gain valuable feedback from the staff, and celebrate the day’s accomplishments. As an example, at the end of the day spent on stinging nettle, the smaller groups would join back together as one class to share their different foods made from the nettle, and to test the completed stinging nettle cordage for use with a bow drill fire-making kit. On most days, class wraps up at 3pm.

You can also read student accounts of class days at our blog, Notes from the Alderleaf Campus.

What are field trips like at the Certification Program?
There are six exciting overnight field trips to different locations in the Pacific Northwest that take place over the course of the school year, including a tracking expedition to the Oregon Dunes, several trips to the sagebrush deserts of central Washington, and a survival trip in the Cascade Mountains. During these trips the whole program, instructors and students, are camping and living outdoors. These trips are considered intensives, as teaching and experiential activities are often scheduled throughout the entire trip. Staff and students alike look forward to these adventure-filled immersion experiences.

Where do student live while attending the Certification Program? Does the school have any housing available?
Many students choose to live on-site at Alderleaf Farm. The school has two houses and two cabins for community living. The ten rooms are often available to rent, ranging from $275 to $500 a month depending on the room size and if it is shared. Many students enjoy the added benefit of living on the property among fellow classmates and other residents who share a passion for nature, sustainability and community, as well as having opportunities to be involved with stewarding the land. You can visit our page about the Alderleaf campus.

Other students choose to rent homes nearby while attending the Certification Program. Students often rent homes together to share the costs. There are many houses, cabins, and apartments available in Monroe and the surrounding areas. Alderleaf also hosts an email listserver for incoming students that allows students to communicate and coordinate housing arrangements with each other before the program begins.

Where is the Alderleaf campus located? How do I get there?
Alderleaf is located at 18715 299th Ave SE, Monroe, WA 98272. You can navigate the Google Map below to view our location and determine driving directions.

Jobs are often available in Monroe and the surrounding communities. Seattle is also a 45 minute drive away. Students often find work in coffee shops, plant nurseries, landscaping, farms, child care, in the restaurant business, and a variety of other positions. There are also numerous environmental education organizations that work with children in the region that often have contract work available for those with experience.

Do I need a vehicle while attending Alderleaf? What kind of transportation is available in the area?
Though not required, we highly recommend having a vehicle while attending Alderleaf, especially if you plan on working while attending the program. Biking to Sultan and Monroe is an option, though doing so during our wet season requires good equipment and planning. There is also a bus system that runs through downtown Monroe and Sultan that can be used to travel to Snohomish, Everett, Seattle, and beyond. To learn more about our bus systems, visit Community Transit and Metro Transit.

What type of certification / credential is awarded to graduates?
The Alderleaf Wilderness Certification Program is a state-licensed vocational program in Washington State. The course provides students with the training necessary to be excellent naturalists, environmental educators, and field researchers with a specialization in Traditional Ecological Knowledge. Upon graduation, students receive a Certificate in Environmental Education & Ecology. The Certificate is signed by the core faculty, and is a physical representation of the hard work, study, and experience that has been completed.

In addition to the Alderleaf Certificate, graduates also receive a Permaculture Design Certificate. This certificate qualifies graduates as permaculture designers.

Students also participate in an official Track & Sign Evaluation (the international standard for testing wildlife trackers). Through the evaluation, students have the opportunity to become certified wildlife trackers.

What kinds of jobs would I be qualified for after completing the Alderleaf Wilderness Certification Program?
The course prepares students to be excellent naturalists, wilderness skills instructors, permaculture designers, wildlife trackers, and environmental field technicians. Many graduates go on to work in the environmental field in positions such as outdoor educators, park naturalists, and field researchers. Many find work at wilderness schools around the country. To learn more about the variety of possible jobs available, visit our webpage on outdoor careers.

Can I receive college credit for participating in the course?
Yes. Students participating in the Certification Program have the option to receive 12 college credits through Western State College. The credits are transferable and consist of 4 credits in Environmental Studies, 4 in Biology, and 4 in Outdoor Leadership. The credits can be used towards completing a bachelor's degree. To receive the optional credits, students submit a packet and credit fee to Western State College.
View the Western State College credit information.

Please note: The credits are optional. Many students choose to attend without receiving credit.

Alternatively, students already working on a degree at another college or university are often able to receive credit directly from that institution. Administrative staff at Alderleaf are available to help students coordinate credit options with an outside institution, by providing course syllabi, transcripts, credit hour conversions, and speaking with advisers and professors.

Our catalog contains additional information regarding credit. You can request a Certification Program Catalog or contact us for more information about credit.

Is Alderleaf a federal Title IV accredited institution?
Alderleaf is a state-licensed vocational program and career training school in Washington State, though we are not a federal Title IV accredited institution. The state license is more appropriate for our school since we offer a one year certification rather than multi-year degrees. Unfortunately, this means we are not eligible for federal forms of financial aid, though financing plans and scholarships are available (see below).

Who may apply to the Alderleaf Wilderness Certification Program? Are there any prerequisites?
Alderleaf welcomes applications from anyone interested in attending and completing the course. Adults at least eighteen years of age with a minimum of a high school diploma, GED or equivalent may apply to the program. It is also a prerequisite that applicants speak English and be in good physical health for outdoor activities. We suggest that applicants inform us of any conditions that may affect their ability, or require special adaptation, to complete the course so that we may work together toward program completion.

You can apply online or download our mail-in application form. You can also request that an application be mailed to your address using our info request / contact form.

What types of people attend the Certification Program?
Adults of all ages and walks of life attend the Certification Program, from students straight out of high school to retired adults. Most students are completing the course as part of career preparation and training, though others are primarily interested in the personal value of the education. Most students are in their mid twenties and are pursuing environmental and/or educational careers. Students often share a love for the outdoors, wildlife, and sustainability.

You can visit our student biographies page to learn about some of the students from the 2008-2009 program.

What kind of financial aid is available?
Alderleaf Wilderness College believes that financial ability should not limit access to a quality education. Therefore, scholarships and financing plans are available for the Wilderness Certification Program. Listed below are financial aid options:

Scholarships are available for Wilderness Certification Program participants. Alderleaf Wilderness College awards several scholarships based on financial need. Awards range from $500 to $2000. Click here to download the scholarship application.

Financing plans are also available. You can apply to finance a portion your tuition over a 3 year period with monthly payments. Click here to download detailed information about the financing plan options. To apply for financing, download the credit application and mail it to Alderleaf Wilderness College along with your program application.

Loans and/or lines of credit from your bank can be a great option for many students. Many local and national banks offer competitive rates and terms. Speaking with your local branch manager is a great place to start.

Credit cards can also play a role in financing your education, while also helping build good credit. Student credit cards are designed for people investing in their education. Learn about the Discover Student Credit Card.

Please contact us to discuss financial aid. Our staff can help you navigate the variety of financial aid options!

What are your tuition payment plans?
We offer three different tuition payment options:
1. Payment in full
2. Balance paid in two equal payments
3. Monthly payment plans

Why attend the Alderleaf program over a similar program?
What are the benefits?
There are many benefits to attending Alderleaf. List below are several:

1. Graduates of Alderleaf receive professional certifications.
Students receive a Certificate in Environmental Education & Ecology, which prepares students to work in the fields of nature education and environmental science. Also, as part of the course, students complete the Permaculture Design Certification, which qualifies graduates to work as permaculture designers helping landowners implement sustainable living practices into their property. Students also participate in an official Track & Sign Evaluation, the international standard for professional trackers, where they have the opportunity to become a certified wildlife tracker (most pass with flying colors!).

2. Classes at Alderleaf are taught by seasoned experts.
All of our staff are recognized leaders in their respective fields and have been teaching for over ten years, many for decades. Visit our faculty page to learn more about our dynamic instructors.

3. Our campus is a small-scale ecovillage & permaculture farm.
Students have the opportunity to live on the farm, as part of a community engaged in nature study and sustainable living. There are two homes, two cabins, a large barn/workshop, library/classroom, office, greenhouse, trails, and gardens on our land. We have a permaculture site plan, regular work party/potlucks, community meals, and plenty of wilderness to explore. The campus houses ten to eighteen residents at a time. This allows students and other residents to easily work together on projects outside of class, go on hikes together, and have lots of fun!

4. We provide guidance and support for finding employment.
Alderleaf prepares students to work in a wide range of professional environmental careers, ranging from outdoor education, to wildlife research, and permaculture. We actively help graduates connect with organizations and employment opportunities in their chosen field and maintain a web page on environmental careers. We also help students connect with wilderness schools around the country to gain employment.

May I visit the program to see what its like?
Yes. If you are considering attending Alderleaf, you can schedule a time to visit the program while it is in session. We are more than happy to provide an opportunity to meet students, staff, and see our campus. Please contact us to schedule a visit.

How do I find out more about the Alderleaf Wilderness Certification Program?
The Certification Program Catalog contains much more detailed information about the course. You can request a catalog through our info request / contact form. For specific questions you can call our office at (206) 369-8458 or contact us through the web.