Alderleaf Wilderness College Blog
Listed below are new articles, classes, and recent updates to the Alderleaf Wilderness College website. Checking this page frequently is a great way to stay abreast of new information on our site!
Sep 10, 2022
Mushroom Identification
Learn mushroom identification skills that are key to opening up the world of wild mushroom foraging and enjoyment.
Apr 08, 2022
How to Homestead
How to Homestead - 6 Ways to Go from Surviving Short-term to Thriving Long-term.
Mar 17, 2022
What's Better Than Survival Gear?
If you want to feel confident that you can survive in the wilderness, then you'll want to read this message:
Feb 24, 2022
Nettle Beer Recipe
Learn how to turn wild-foraged stinging nettle plants into a tasty tonic with this nettle beer recipe.
Dec 24, 2021
Flint Knapping Arrowheads
Learn how to turn a stone into an arrow point. Flint knapping arrowheads is a connection to the past and a practical wilderness survival skill.
Oct 27, 2021
Emergency Survival Kit
Recommendations for putting together an emergency survival kit for the backcountry.
Sep 21, 2021
Mushroom Cultivation
How to grow mushrooms - a detailed guide to mushroom cultivation at home and in the garden.
Apr 17, 2021
Nettle Pesto Recipe
This nettle pesto recipe is a tasty way to get started with adding wild foraged foods to your diet.
Jan 26, 2021
Fire Pit Construction
Wilderness survival fires have different requirements. Learn fire pit construction tips for surviving a cold night.
Nov 23, 2020
Birch Polypore
The birch polypore fungus, aka tinder fungus, is an incredibly useful survival resource for fire making.
Aug 26, 2020
Survival Fish Trap
This survival fish trap is a very old method for catching fish. In this article we show how to build and use this trap.
Apr 26, 2020
Survival Stone Tools Video
Learn how to make a quick stone blade for wilderness survival uses.
Mar 25, 2020
Amphibian Eggs
Learn to identify amphibian eggs & egg masses of frogs and salamanders found in western Washington lowlands.
Feb 25, 2020
Building a Survival Shelter
Exposure is the most common danger in survival situations and building a survival shelter is one of the primary tools used to mitigate that threat.
Feb 07, 2020
Blacksmithing Course
Learn blacksmithing basics while forging your own knife to take home at this blacksmithing course.
Jan 30, 2020
Clove Hitch
How to Tie a Clove Hitch Knot - A Valuable Skill for Wilderness Survival and More
Nov 22, 2019
Birch Beer Recipe
Birch beer is an unique gourmet beverage, similar to root beer. This birch beer recipe can be made at home.
Nov 19, 2019
Wildlife Tracking Walks
Learn to identify animal tracks & sign while exploring habitats of the northwest through our Wildlife Tracking Walks.
Nov 18, 2019
Wild Plant Walk Classes
Learn to identify wild plants and recognize edible, medicinal, & craft uses at these seasonal wild plant walk classes.
Nov 18, 2019
Leatherworking Course
Make your own moccasin style leather shoes or a leather backpack in this leatherworking course.
Sep 26, 2019
Wild Mushroom Recipes
Here are some great wild mushroom recipes to take your wild delicacies to a new level of culinary delight.
Aug 26, 2019
How to Dry Herbs
Learn the different techniques of how to dry herbs including for specific parts such flowers, leaves, bark, and roots.
Jun 20, 2019
Common Camas
Common camas is a versatile plant with a long history of use by native people throughout the northwestern United States.
May 27, 2019
Camping Food List
Learn about how to make a camping food list and gain great meal ideas for your next outdoor adventure.
Mar 07, 2019
Best Bushcraft Knife
A knife can be the most important survival tool in your kit. Learn how to choose the best bushcraft knife for your needs.
Feb 26, 2019
Paracord
Paracord, or parachute cord, is one of the most useful pieces of survival gear. Learn about its properties and uses.
Jan 29, 2019
Dog Tracks
Learn how to differentiate dog tracks from other animal tracks, such as coyotes, wolves, foxes, and cougars.
Dec 21, 2018
How to Make Maple Syrup
Learn about the tools and steps of how to make maple syrup - an exciting sustainable living skill.
Dec 11, 2018
Wildlife Tracker Training
Wildlife trackers work as researchers, field technicians, rangers, and biologists all over the world. Learn how to get the wildlife tracker training needed for starting a wildlife career.
Nov 28, 2018
Permaculturist Training
Permaculture Education - Train to Become a Permaculturist. Earn Certificates in Permaculture Design and More.
Nov 21, 2018
Home Cheese Making
Home cheese making is easy and with some basic knowledge and minimal equipment you’ll be started in no time! It’s also a skill set that increases your capacity for self-sufficiency and sustainable permaculture lifestyles.
Nov 08, 2018
Wildlife Trailing Course
Learn how to locate fresh animal sign; follow the tracks and subtle clues, and find the animal, approaching without alerting them at this Wildlife Trailing Course.
Nov 08, 2018
Survival and Tracking for Hunters Course
Learn wilderness survival and wildlife tracking skills specifically applicable to hunting. Survival skills are key for backcountry hunts, while wildlife tracking skills allow you to find game more efficiently.
Nov 07, 2018
Intro to Mushroom Cultivation Class
Learn the basics of how to grow your own mushrooms - both wild and popular culinary varieties - such as shiitake, stropharia, and oyster mushrooms - at our Intro to Mushroom Cultivation Class.
Nov 06, 2018
Primitive Hunting Tools Course
Learn how to build an atlatl, bola, rabbit stick, sling, and quickie survival bow at the Primitive Hunting Tools Course.
Sep 19, 2018
Bear Attacks
Learn what to do for different types of bear attacks, as well as preventative measures. Bear awareness and knowledge helps ensure your time in the outdoors is well spent and safe.
Aug 22, 2018
Permaculture Plants
Learn about 15 helpful permaculture plants that will serve you well whether you are planning to start a garden, landscaping around your property, or going all out on a sustainable homestead design.
Aug 09, 2018
Alderleaf Alumni
Learn about what graduates have done after attending the Alderleaf Wilderness Certification Program.
Jul 27, 2018
Survival Gear Checklist
Learn about the Ten Essential Systems for a survival gear checklist that can make the difference in surviving a challenging outdoor situation.
Jun 22, 2018
Seaweed Recipes
Check out some of the seaweed recipes we share with students in our core programs when we teach about wild edible seaweeds on our marine ecology field trips to the coast.
May 15, 2018
Atlatl
Learn how to make an atlatl - an ancient survival projectile weapon for hunting and sport that pre-dates the bow & arrow.
May 04, 2018
Alderleaf Open House
Join us for a free, family-friendly event to get a taste of what we offer at Alderleaf! Demonstrations and activities are led by our Advanced Wilderness Skills Program students.
Apr 24, 2018
Nettle for Hair
Herbalists use stinging nettle for hair and other scalp-related issues. Learn how to make your own nettle remedies for hair.
Mar 21, 2018
Solar Oven
A solar oven is a unique and fun way to cook food by converting free sunlight into heat energy. It can be especially useful for emergencies, off-grid homesteading, and permaculture plans.
Mar 06, 2018
Position Announcements
Check out the latest job openings / position announcements at Alderleaf!
Feb 22, 2018
Mora Knife
The Mora Knife, such as the Companion or Bushcraft models, is an excellent tool for survival and bushcraft. Learn about the qualities to consider in choosing good outdoor knives.
Jan 29, 2018
Medicinal Plants List
Our top ten common medicinal plants list for North America - great species to get to know as a starting point towards making your own remedies.
Is The Essential Wilderness Survival Skills Course Right for You? Take the "Online Survival Training Readiness" Quiz
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Our New Book (and Best Seller!)
The Essential Skills of Wilderness Survival
This beautifully-organized, 164-page survival guide shows you our systematic approach to survival that will increase your confidence in the outdoors and teach you exactly what to do, and in what order, if you find yourself in a survival situation.
(learn more)
The Six Keys to Survival: Get a free copy of our survival mini-guide and monthly tips!
Learn more
The Six Keys to Wilderness Survival
Get a Free Copy of our Survival Mini-Guide and Monthly Wilderness Skills Tips!
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