Discover Wild Traditions
Since the beginning of time, humans have gone into the wilderness to seek vision, experience, and develop a deeper sense of self. Through our expertly trained Forest Guides, EarthWorks Institute offers ancient wisdom and secrets of ecology passed down through generations by the indigenous peoples of our land. Our nature-based programs offer skills and experience to:
– Connect you with your world
– Journey through nature
– Listening to Native tales
– Understand the natural world
– Explore green spaces in Rochester
Nature has a certain kind of light and clarity that speaks to each of us in the most primitive way- it touches a deeper energy within. Hidden by the distractions and hectic pace of daily life, this energy brings a peace through connecting the unconscious with a larger feeling of oneness. Find workshops for your ideal group size:
3-8 people
5-12 people
3-15 people
Nature Workshops
Our unique survival skills workshops challenge groups and individuals to experience a world where your senses are key and nature knows best for survival. All programs are held at green space locations in and around the Greater Rochester Area.
Start your own group for any of our wild workshops!
Intro to Wilderness Survival | Fairport, NY
Group Size 3 – 8, $20/person
During this three hour workshop, you’ll learn ancient methods used by humans for tens of thousands of years. Our Forest Guides will teach you the basics of:
– Water purification
– Carving & fire building
– Creating primitive tools
– Friction fire methods
– Seasonal foraging & more
You can expect a few challenges because this class will take place entirely outdoors. Participants must be at least seven years of age to participate.
Forest Foraging & Cooking | Fairport, NY
Group Size 3 – 8, $25/person (Seasonal May 15th – October 15th)
During this three hour workshop, you’ll learn about the joy of cooking through the ancient practice of gathering wild edibles. Join our guides for a delicious and unique experience where you’ll have the chance to:
– Gather wild edibles
– Learn about plant nutrition
– Practice seasonal foraging
You can expect a few challenges because this class will take place entirely outdoors. Participants must be at least nine years of age to participate.
Primitive Tools & Crafts | Brighton, NY
Group Size 3 – 8, $25/person
During this three-hour workshop, you’ll learn methods passed down through hundreds of generations and make some relics to be proud of. Our Forest Guides will teach you the basics of:
– Working with animal hides
– Creating stone tools
– Using plants for baskets, ropes, & utensils
You can expect a few challenges because this class will take place entirely outdoors. Participants must be at least seven years of age to participate.
Intro to Bow Making | Bristol, NY
Group Size 5 – 12, $150/person
During this sleep-away workshop at Shimmering Light Farm, you’ll make your own wooden self-bow through traditional woodworking. Our Forest Guides will teach you the basics of:
– Traditional techniques
– Basic hand tools
– History of the self-bow
– Seasonal foraging & more
Classes typically run from Saturday at 10 am to the following day. Accommodations and meal options available when you register. Participants must be at least fifteen years of age to participate.
Tracking & Nature Awareness | Rochester, NY
Group Size 3 – 15, $10/person
During this two-hour workshop, you’ll learn the time-honored techniques of basic tracking and stalking from our forest guides. This workshop is about tuning into your true primal awareness and reading the signs of the natural world hidden all around you:
– Listen to a forest alarm
– Vanish without a sound
– Stalk silently like a fox
You can expect a few challenges because this class will take place entirely outdoors. Participants must be at least seven years of age to participate.
Guided Nature Walk | Rochester, NY
Group Size 3 – 15, $10/person
During this two-hour workshop, you and your little ones will discover the joys of nature. Our Forest Guides will teach you the basics of:
– Weird nature & creatures
– The changing seasons
– Tuning your senses to nature
– Playing forest games & more
You can expect a few challenges because this class will take place entirely outdoors. Participants must be at least four years of age to participate.
Nightventures | Rochester, NY
Group Size 3 – 15, $10/person
During this hour and a half workshop, you will enter the woods under the cover of darkness to explore the nocturnal world of our forests. Our Forest Guides will teach you the basics of:
– Owl calls
– Animal Skulls
– Noctural Adaptions
– Sensory games & more
You can expect a few challenges because this class will take place entirely outdoors. Participants must be at least seven years of age to participate.