During this lush and vibrant time of year, we will spend these days learning and experiencing all we can of the living landscape of the Driftless region. The array of trees, diverse herbaceous plants of forest and meadow, nesting birds, elusive mammals, and frogs, insects, fungi, and reptiles will all be explored as we work to comprehend the workings of the overall natural community here. Through the tools of drawing, discussion, observation, tracking, sits, and creative activity these plants and animals will be understood first-hand and become personally known, appreciated and respected neighbors in life upon this land.
There will be segments of dedicated lessons and purposeful forays, quiet sits for observation and absorption, explorations to survey certain environments, and even some time in and on the Kickapoo River. These experiences will be designed to both engage with these landscapes but also to create foundations and habits that will allow this journey of learning to proceed into the future. (No, we will not learn everything of our local ecology in these three days!)
This program is open to ages 16 and up, will be a busy and tiring three days, and we will be traversing a good amount of irregular and challenging ground and waterways. This will not be an overnight program and everyone will be responsible for their accommodations during the program.
Instructions: Please bring an unlined notebook/sketchbook, pencil, pen, and colored pencils, as well as a backpack to carry all needed things for our days. A camera or phone for recording, and optics like binocs and magnifying glasses are also welcome.
Date: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 14-16
Time: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm each day
Lunch will be provided each day.
Ages: 16+
Location: La Farge, WI area
Sliding Scale Course Fee Guidelines
Supporter Level Ticket: $405
If you move through the world with financial ease and the means to fulfill many of your wants as well as your needs – you are able to eat out when you want, abundantly meet your needs through employment or can comfortably not work, have access to family wealth, own property, etc. – consider paying at this level, which will help us ensure the long term sustainability of our programs while keeping our offerings accessible to those with access to fewer resources.
Sustainer Level Ticket: $330
If you are able to meet your needs with relative ease while budgeting your educational and entertainment spending – for instance, you are able to take classes and eat out occasionally as long as you are mindful – consider paying at this level, which will help sustain the work of the Folk School at a modest level.
Supported Level Ticket: $255
If you struggle to fund your basic needs and have limited access to resources in your family and community, or if you would not be able to access this offering without a discounted payment option, consider paying at this level. We value your presence and contributions to our community and do not want any economic circumstances to be a barrier to attendance!
Instructor Bio — Nicholas WazeeGale
Nicholas WazeeGale has been a lifelong student of Nature, traditional culture, and sustainability. He is passionate about Nature observation, living closely with the Earth and natural rhythms, hunting and gathering, craft and handwork, and community. He resides in the Driftless region with his wife and children and has taught for DFS, the Kickapoo Valley Reserve, and independently for almost 20 years. He is a certified wilderness guide and is a level 4 Track and Sign certificate holder through TCNA/Cybertracker. He and his wife Kindred earn their livelihood teaching outdoor skills and hand craft, running summer camps, and selling fine handcrafts through their business, WildRoots HandCrafts. (Instagram: @wildroots.handcrafts and/or @naturalnuances)