upcoming classes & events
Winter Solstice Social Hike (Free)
Join us for a casual hike to celebrate the winter solstice and meet new friends! We'll do a slow meander along Evergreen's Beach Trail enjoying the quiet, dripping PNW forest and good company :) This trail also features beach access with views of the bay.
Winter Birds & Beavers Walk (Free)
With winter in full swing, the forests and wetlands are quiet — a closer look and a few extra layers to brave the cold will reward the outdoors person with plenty of examples of wildlife still on the move!
This winter-themed wildlife walk, led by naturalists Ryan Johnson and Licia Sahagun of Firecraft Northwest will focus on the birds that don’t migrate south and the mammals that don’t hibernate like beavers!
Wild Women Walks - Wolf Moon (Free)
Join Licia for January’s Wild Women full moon walk. January’s moon, known by some as the Wolf Moon, refers to the sound of hungry wolves howling in the night. Though we won’t be lucky enough to hear howling wolves in our area, we can meander through the woods, sometimes silently, to listen for other creatures we may encounter. We’ll also discuss what edible plants still stay with us through the winter months.
Interactive Wildlife Tracking Lecture ($35)
The art of wildlife tracking is an incredible journey into studying the animals and living things all around us. This short lecture serves as a place to begin, so new trackers can build a foundation to take into the field for their next outing.
Ready to sign up? Register now.
Want to learn more about this outing? Click the button below!
Intro to Nature Awareness and Sensory Hikes ($25)
Join Licia, certified Yoga and Meditation instructor, from Firecraft Northwest, for a quiet morning of mindfulness activities and sensory guided hikes. We’ll start with hot tea at the shelter to learn the basics of nature awareness and practice activities to clear the mind. Afterwards, we’ll engage in a series of three, silent walks with prompts and tips to stay present in the moment. Reawaken your senses and reconnect with the natural world around you during this morning’s mindful outing!
Ready to sign up? Register now.
Want to learn more about this outing? Click the button below!
Camp Cooking and Fireside Food ($85)
It’s hard to beat the tastes and flavors of a hot cooked meal when you’re outdoors. If you are ready to be the next camp chef, this class is for you! In this workshop, discover the joy of cooking in the field and at camp using a variety of different hand-made wooden structures.
Ready to sign up? Register now.
Want to learn more about this outing? Click the button below!
Winter Plant ID & Foraging ($25)
Have you ever wondered what plants you could forage for and eat in the winter months in the Pacific Northwest? During this plant-focused class at Burfoot Park along Budd Inlet of the South Sound, we'll do a slow-moving walk through the trails identifying and learning cold weather staples as we go.
Ready to sign up? Register now.
Want to learn more about this outing? Click the button below!
Wild Women Walks - Snow Moon (Free)
Join Licia for February’s full moon, the Snow Moon. As the name suggests, February’s moon name comes from this cold time of year when our forest floors are sometimes blanketed with snow.
To keep warm, we’ll meander through the forested hills at LBA Park and Woods as we get to know our fellow hikers!
Knot Tying Clinic ($35)
This clinic is designed for beginners who are looking to build a foundation with a variety of knots that can be used for camping, shelters, traps, gardening, and more.
We’ll work as a group and follow along step by step to practice common knots and discuss when to use them. We’ll finish the class with a training on how to set up a ridge line that can be used for a variety of purposes including tarps and shelters.
Ready to sign up? Register now.
Want to learn more about this outing? Click the button below!
PNW Tree ID (Free)
Join naturalists Ryan and Licia from Firecraft Northwest as we meander along the old growth forested trails of Evergreen College’s Beach Trail. We’ll learn about the trees we pass by, including ethnobotany facts and tidbits and the ways in which the trees interact with other species in the local ecosystem.
Spring 2025 Nature & Survival Series ($325)
In this apprenticeship style series, join Firecraft Northwest Instructors for a deep dive into nature awareness and survival skills. Our cohort will meet once a month on Saturdays for four sessions February through May.
We’ll cover a wide variety of subjects including survival basics, fire making, plant identification, bird identification, wildlife tracking, tool use, sensory/nature awareness, fireside cooking, and more. Sessions utilize a blend of hands-on training, interactive activities, and detailed educational content. Every session the group will learn Naturalist Skills, Survival Skills, and practice and take home one Wild Craft. We will visit a new location each date for this course. Registration includes a belt knife, multiple hand-made projects from the field, and other skills-practice materials.
Ready to sign up? Register now.
Want to learn more about this outing? Click the button below!
Wildlife Tracking Field Workshop ($40)
Join certified wildlife tracker and naturalist Ryan Johnson for a waterside field session at Deschutes River Ranch. In this workshop, participants will learn the basics of wildlife tracking and develop methods for interpreting tracks and signs on the landscape.
Ready to sign up? Register now.
Want to learn more about this outing? Click the button below!
Wild Women Walks - Cold Moon (FULL)
Join Licia from Firecraft Northwest for December’s full moon Wild Women Walk. December’s moon is the Cold Moon (also known as the Frost Moon, Long Night Moon). We’ll gather together for a contemplative hike, followed by hot tea and a conversation about letting go of lingering darkness to prepare for a new year.
This event is now full. Consider signing up for January’s full moon outing!
Survive & Thrive: A Hiker’s Guide to Shelters ($45)
In this outdoor program, learn survival skills with a focus on the world of shelter building. Train with the instructors to discover two emergency debris shelter building techniques. Learn five essential knots for quick and easy tarp set up, and then deploy your shelter in minutes!
Ready to sign up? Register now.
Want to learn more about this outing? Click the button below!
Winter plant ID Practice (FULL)
As we approach the start of Winter, the leaves of many plants have dropped! This doesn’t mean we can’t get out there and practice our identification skills!
In this free community walk, naturalists Ryan Johnson and Licia Sahagun will lead the group on a walk through beautiful Darlin Creek to practice identifying plants by their bark, branch arrangement, patterns, and in many cases, evergreen leaves!
Getting Started in Whittling & Carving (FULL)
In this introductory whittling and carving class, craft your own jam spreader and a mushroom figurine from a simple branch! Participants will head home with one of each project, and will have the opportunity to carve more pieces if time allows.
Screen Break Nature Walk (Free)
Join us for a free outing at Olympia's Watershed Park to walk the trails, study what we find, and take a break from our computer and phone screens! This will be a slow meandering walk through the woods with time to socialize and meet other hikers!
Waterfowl Walk (Free)
Join naturalists and birders Licia Sahagun and Ryan Johnson for the first waterfowl walk of the season! In this session, participants will walk the trails around Capitol Lake searching and identifying the waterfowl we see, like Mallards, wood ducks, wigeons, geese, buffleheads, pintails, and more! This session is welcome to beginning birders and experts alike!
Wild Women Walks - Beaver Moon (FULL)
Join Licia from Firecraft Northwest for November’s Full Moon Wild Women Walk. This month is the Beaver Moon, a time when beavers are their most active, building dams in preparation for the winter months. We’ll walk the McLane Creek Nature Trail, a perfect spot for beaver sightings (and possibly some salmon still running), and take time to reflect on how we’re preparing for our own winter season.
This outing is now full. Sign up for our newsletter to be updated on upcoming events and/or check out December’s full moon walk.
South Sound Wildlife Walk ($15)
Take a walk with us on the banks and forests of the incredible South Sound to study the fauna that live there!
During this outing, in partnership with Capitol Land Trust, we’ll engage in interactive wildlife tracking activities, learn tips and tricks to spotting wildlife tracks and signs, and practice Tracking 101 in the field.
Knot Tying Clinic ($35)
This clinic is designed for beginners who are looking to build a foundation with a variety of knots that can be used for camping, shelters, traps, gardening, and more.
We’ll work as a group and follow along step by step to practice common knots and discuss when to use them. We’ll finish the class with a training on how to set up a ridge line that can be used for a variety of purposes including tarps and shelters.
Ready to sign up? Register now.
Want to learn more about this class? Click the button below!
Tree & Fungi ID Basics (full)
Join us for a free outing at Olympia's Watershed Park to learn the basics of tree and fungus identification. We'll do a slow meandering walk through the woods and discuss what we find! This class is now full. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified about upcoming foraging and fungi sessions.
Rainy Day Fires and Survival Skills Workshop ($70)
Fire building is an essential survival skill can be used for an unlimited number of skills and tasks around camp and home. Confidence building fires could also save your life in an emergency! It can be challenging to get your fire going as the rain starts coming down, so we’ve designed this course to provide practice in training in the heart of the fall rainy season! We’ll dive into different fire configurations and key strategies for building a consistent fire in any weather. We'll also cover survival basics that are useful for concepts for every outing!
Ready to sign up? Register now.
Want to learn more about this outing? Click the button below!
Happy Hour Hike - Fall Foraging (free)
Swap the happy hour drink for an interactive hike at Squaxin Park about PNW fall edibles! We'll do a slow-moving walk through the trails at Squaxin, stopping to learn about plants, fungi, and even trees that have edible components to them, some of which can still be foraged in the fall season. We'll touch on the main points of Honorable Harvesting and ways you can be a community- and sustainability-minded local forager.
Tree and Plant ID Educational Session with the Chehalis Land Trust (free)
Have you always wanted to learn about some of our native trees, plants and shrubs growing along the river when hiking? This free educational session may be a perfect way to spend your morning!
Wild Women Walks - Hunter's Moon (free)
Join Licia from Firecraft Northwest for monthly walks (and sometimes treats and crafts!) under the full moon. October's will be both a supermoon and the Hunter's Moon! These casual outings create space to build relationship with other women and feel comfortable outside as the sun sets and the moon rises.
Tree & Fungi ID Basics (FULL)
Join us for a free outing at Olympia's Watershed Park to learn the basics of tree and fungus identification. We'll do a slow meandering walk through the woods and discuss what we find!
This class is now FULL.
We will be offering another class with similar themes before fungi season is over, so follow us online (newsletter, website, instagram) for another class announcement soon!
Olympia Green Drinks (free)
Come find us at the October gathering of Olympia Green Drinks, an informal gathering for anyone interested in local environmental issues and working towards a more sustainable Olympia.
Nisqually Watershed Festival (free)
Come visit our Firecraft Northwest table at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge for the 35th Annual Nisqually Watershed Festival. Organized by the Nisqually River Council, this event will feature live music, wildlife exhibits and presentations, and more!
(Private) Wildlife Tracking Session
This is a private event. Firecraft Northwest will be leading a full-day custom wildlife tracking session to deepen participants' understanding of local wildlife on and near their property with friends and family.
Interested in booking your own private class? Visit our private events page or contact us today!
PNW Spoon Bash
Hosted this year at Rainbow Falls State Park, the Pacific Northwest Spoon Bash is an opportunity for wood carvers to connect, learn, and carve! A variety of demonstrations will be offered including knife sheath making, ebonizing with ink, iron oxide, and torch, making boxes, and more!
Wild Food and Bushcraft Weekend
A Northwest Natura & Firecraft Northwest Collaboration
Wild Food + Bushcraft Weekend
Learn to find your own food in an overnight wilderness weekend training scenario with naturalists and bushcraft instructors, Ryan Johnson (Firecraft Northwest) & Jazmen Yoder (Northwest Natura)!
Build survival shelters
Practice essential knots + tarp set-up
Forage wild foods
Track small game animals.
Build and set snares and small traps.
Make fire with foraged materials.
Cook your food on an open flame
Learn how to properly purify your water
Camp overnight
Have you ever wondered how you would fare if you got stranded on one of your weekend hiking excursions? Are you an outdoorsperson and interested in putting some of your camping skills to the test? This weekend workshop and training is just the place!
Learn to find your own food in an overnight wilderness weekend training scenario! In this program, build survival shelters like debris huts and lean-tos. Practice essential knots and tarp deployment. Walk through a classic PNW riparian corridor with your instructors to forage your own food to try to meet your calorie needs. Learn to track small game animals. Build and set snares and small traps. Make fire with foraged materials, cook your food on an open flame and learn how to properly purify your water.
This workshop will give you the chance to feel what it’s like to be on “Alone” for 2 days and 1 night, with the support of experienced instructors and your fellow participants!
Course lesson plans and areas of focus:
Survival Rules and Priorities with a PNW focus
Shelter building with natural materials and safe shelter placement
Emergency tarp shelter and ridgeline knot tying
Foraging wild edibles and plant ID
Track and sign for rabbits and other small game
Carving simple primitive traps and snares
Checking trap lines
Fireside cooking and water purification
Camp skills and overnight survival scenario experiences
Skill level Considerations:
This weekend course welcomes beginners, intermediate and advanced participants. The course will move at a fast pace and introduce numerous subjects spanning many areas of focus. Any skill level will feel challenged and excited to find a supportive space to test their skills and enjoy a beautiful outdoor space.
Sign up / Register on the Northwest Natura website at the link below:
https://www.northwestnatura.com/fieldtrips/p/wildfood-bushcraft-weekend
Interested in this program but looking for financial support? Full tuition scholarships are available! Reach out to Ryan by email:
ryan@firecraftnw.com
PNW Fungi Basics Crash Course! 1/30/24
Course Description
Tuition: $50.00
Please join Naturalists Jazmen Yoder (Northwest Natura) & Ryan Johnson (Firecraft NW) at the Chuckanut Center for this interactive and beginner friendly Fungi and Mushrooms crash course.
Learn the different structures of fungi and mushrooms, life cycle, and how to categorize them.
Participants will review examples of edible mushrooms of the Pacific Northwest, what conditions they grow in, and how to use keys to identify them, followed by a demonstration on creating a spore print.
The class will conclude with a brief discussion and demonstration on using fungi to create fire, as well as books and resources to further pursue the study of mycology and fungi!
Spoon Carving Workshop
Tuition: $65.00
Course Description
In this introductory carving class, led by Ryan Johnson, learn to make handmade wooden spoons using a knife, axe, saw, gouge, and hook.
Each step of the process, follow along with the instructor to make your own spoon to take home.
Class fee of $65 includes a brand new carving knife for the participant to keep. Wood material, templates, and tools for the class will be available for use.
Please bring water, lunch, and any snacks you may want during class breaks.
If you have any questions about the class please reach out to ryan AT firecraftnw.com. We’ll see you there!
Kids aged 12 + with a guardian welcome.
Parking is available at Chuckanut Center. If the lot is full, please find additional parking next door at Fairhaven Park.
PNW Fungi Basics Crash Course! 1/7/24
Course Description
Tuition: $50.00
Please join Naturalists Jazmen Yoder (Northwest Natura) & Ryan Johnson (Firecraft NW) at the Chuckanut Center for this interactive and beginner friendly Fungi and Mushrooms crash course.
Learn the different structures of fungi and mushrooms, fungi propagation, life cycle, and how to categorize them.
Participants will review examples of edible mushrooms of the Pacific Northwest, what conditions they grow in, and how to use keys to identify them, followed by a demonstration on creating a spore print.
The class will conclude with a brief discussion and demonstration on using fungi to create fire, as well as books and resources to further pursue the study of mycology and fungi!
Spoon Carving Workshop
Tuition: $60.00 - CLASS IS FULL
Course Description
In this introductory carving class, led by Ryan Johnson and Gary Cassera, learn to make handmade wooden spoons using a knife, axe, saw, and gouge.
Each step of the process, follow along with the instructors to make your own spoon to take home.
Please bring water, lunch, and any snacks you may want during class breaks.
Class fee of $60 includes wood, templates, and tools for the class. Participants do not take the tools home, but keep all projects they create.
Extra wood will be available for participants to take home at the end of the session.
If you have any questions about the materials or tools, or what the flow of the class will be like, please reach out to ryan AT firecraftnw.com. We'll see you there!
Kids aged 12 + with a guardian welcome.
Parking is available at Chuckanut Center. If the lot is full, please find additional parking next door at Fairhaven Park.
Fire and Arrows 10/29/23
Tuition: $90.00
Program Description:
Use essential survival skills to build a fire and hand craft your own primitive arrow for archery to take home! We’ll use western red cedar, deer bones and sinew, pine pitch glue, feathers, and other natural materials for our construction! Follow along with the instructors each step of the way. This program is a collaboration between Ryan Johnson of Firecraft Northwest and Jazmen Yoder of Northwest Natura! Learn more and register below:
Class Outline
Fire making in rainy conditions
Learn to identify key PNW plants so you can find fire materials like douglas fir fatwood
Practice setting up your fire with the guidance of instructors
Build fire skills for use in wildcrafts
Hand make your own Arrow from all natural materials
Knife Work - learn techniques to carve and notch your arrow shaft
Deer Bone Arrowheads - shape and design your own arrowhead
Pitch Glue - make your own natural adhesive from the landscape to bind all of your arrow components
Feathers - use wild turkey feathers to create your own stylish arrow fletchings
Sinew - work with deer backstrap sinew to lash your arrowhead and fletchings
Burnish & straighten your arrow shaft with heat from your fire
Firecraft Carving Series Fall 2023
The Firecraft Carving series is an entry point into the incredible world of green woodworking and sloyd crafting!
Learn to make what you need, like common household items, from the woods in your own area and simple tools!
This series of classes introduces participants to core woodworking techniques, projects, and concepts, while simultaneously familiarizing the group with the tools and materials to get started.
The course is designed with beginners in mind, but intermediate and advanced woodworkers will also enjoy the step by step process of these classic projects and social atmosphere.
Each session, participants will craft multiple projects (up to 9 over the course of the series!) to take home. You’ll also have the option to create essentials like a hand-carved mallet and chopping block for continuing this crafting journey outside of class!
Tuition: $215 (includes a knife to keep on day 1, as well as all materials and projects participants take home)
Program Outline and Dates (Please note the specific dates for each session!)
Session 1 - Saturday October 28th, 2023
Time: 1PM to 4:30PM (ish)
Lessons and Content for this session
Introductions and safety
Tools of the trade
Core carving techniques - practice and training
Projects for this session
Branch Carved Spreaders
Chopsticks
Bark-Side Simple Salt Bowls (optional)
Mallets (optional)
Session 2 - Sunday, November 5th, 2023
Time: 1PM to 4:30 PM (ish)
Lessons and Content for this session
Intermediate and alternative carving techniques
More complex projects
Working with billets
Projects for this session
Billet spreaders
Simple spoons
Session 3 - Sunday November 12th, 2023
Time: 1PM to 4:30 PM (ish)
Lessons and Content for this session
Building carving setups and stations (chopping blocks)
Advanced carving techniques
Working with a chopping block (safety and techniques)
Mortise and tenon simple joinery
Pull cuts and details with a sloyd knife
Projects for this session
Spatulas and / or Cooking Spoons
Coffee Bag Clip / Chip Clip (optional)
3-legged chopping blocks (to take home) (optional)
via hand carved mortise and tenon
PNW Fungi Basics Crash Course! 10/24/23
Course Description
Tuition: $50.00
Please join Naturalists Jazmen Yoder (Northwest Natura) & Ryan Johnson (Firecraft NW) at the Chuckanut Center for this interactive and beginner friendly Fungi and Mushrooms crash course.
Learn the different structures of fungi and mushrooms, fungi propagation, life cycle, and how to categorize them.
Participants will review examples of edible mushrooms of the Pacific Northwest, what conditions they grow in, and how to use keys to identify them, followed by a demonstration on creating a spore print.
The class will conclude with a brief discussion and demonstration on using fungi to create fire, as well as books and resources to further pursue the study of mycology and fungi!
Handmade Spoon Carving
Cost: $50
Location: Raven’s Roots campus in Ferndale, WA
It’s a wonderful feeling to cook and eat with utensils you’ve made yourself! In this introductory carving class, learn to make beautiful handmade wooden spoons from wood using a knife, axe, saw, and gouge. We’ll discuss which tree species to use and why, where to find them, and how to harvest them sustainably. Then, we will section the logs into billets so we can begin carving. Each step of the process, you’ll follow along with the instructor to make your own spoon to take home. You’ll also get to meet other carvers in the community and socialize while we carve. Tools and materials will be provided. If you have tools or woods of your own you would like to use, you are welcome to bring those along too! Students can bring additional wood billets home for future projects.
Course Outline
Overview of Sloyd woodworking and using hand tools to make everyday items
Learn how to use various woodworking tools including knife, axe, saw, gouge, and hook
Discuss tree identification and sustainable harvesting
Follow step-by-step instructions to create your own spoon to take home.
Please Bring: Lunch, water bottle, snacks, any carving tools you wish to use or share.
Bellingham Carver's Guild
The Bellingham Carver’s Guild is a group of Green Woodworkers looking to socialize, craft, and learn!
Come join us to work on a project, like a spoon, spatula, spreader, wood spirit, and more!
New Carvers – Please arrive at 12:00 PM for a tool and safety introduction so we can get you set up on your first project!
Participants will be asked to bring their own tools and wood to share (if they have any). Some spare tools will be available.
This event is free and open to the public.
Suggested donation to the Chuckanut Center: $5.00
Parking is available at the center. If the lot is full, please find additional parking next door at Fairhaven Park.
If the weather is nice, we will bring out a fire pit and carve outside. If the weather is challenging, we will carve inside.
![Fall '23 Nature and Survival Series [4 SESSIONs]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/603be874dde1340721bd1533/1639591188183-TXW9OKN81VEZS12OUIG6/bear-1102599_1920.jpg)
Fall '23 Nature and Survival Series [4 SESSIONs]
Course Description
Tuition: $240.00
Make new friends! Go hiking! Learn new skills! Spend time outside at beautiful locations.
In this apprenticeship style series, join Survival Instructor & Naturalist Ryan Johnson for a deep dive into nature awareness and survival skills. Our cohort will meet once a month for four sessions on Saturdays September 2nd, October 7th, November 4th, and December 2nd.
We’ll cover a wide variety of subjects, including survival basics, fire making, plant id, bird id, wildlife tracking, tool use, sensory/nature awareness, fireside cooking, and more. Sessions utilize a blend of hands on training, interactive activities, and detailed educational content. We will visit a new location each date for this course.
Registration for new participants to the program includes a belt knife (Morakniv) to use for the duration of the course, as well as relevant materials for each craft and project to take home.
Session Dates:
9:00 AM PST to 3:30 PM [ish] PST
Saturday September 2nd, 2023 @ South Fork Park (Acme / Deming area)
Saturday October 7th, 2023 @ Edfro Creek (Thousand Puddles Trail)
Saturday, November 4th, 2023 @ Bell Creek Nature School / TBD
Saturday, December 2nd, 2023 @ Larrabee State Park / TBD (pending permit)
Tuition & Scholarship
Please contact Ryan directly if you have challenges in paying this tuition or would like to request financial assistance.
Refund POLicy
Single Day Classes and Workshops
Refunds can be provided if cancellations are made 10 days before the date of the event minus administrative / processing fees (stripe, paypal, etc).
Overnight & Multi-Day Events
Each overnight or multi-day event will list specific refund policies on the registration page and on the Firecraft Northwest Classes Page. Overnight and multi-day events have stricter refund policies due to their timelines and scale (for example, more time is needed to fill a spot than a single day workshop, plus losses are heavier due to venue fees, credit card processing fees, and more administrative requirements).
Private & Custom Events
Clients booking Private and Custom Events will often pay deposits when arranging the session to protect both parties. For situations requiring refunds or other financial adjustments to Private and Custom Events, please contact us directly.
Special Circumstances
Of course, emergencies and extenuating circumstances happen. Please contact us for refunds based on individual needs/special circumstances.