2024 Traditional and Green Skills

Mark your calendar for Saturday, March 9,2024. Prairie Farm High School in Prairie Farm Wisconsin 54672
Registration starts at 8 a.m., classes start at 9:30 a.m. and run until 3:30 p.m.
Attendees will have plenty of classes to choose from, as over 28 speakers spread over four sessions are scheduled. See the full class schedule below. Come learn from your neighbors and grow your skills as you build on friendships that keep our community strong.

Our nutritious lunch is back this year, along with daycare. A variety of vendors will offer their products and services. There is no advance registration; attendees can just show up on the day of the event.
$12/person which includes 4 class sessions, daycare if needed and lunch.
$7 for children under 12
$30 for families up to 5
If you have any questions, please contact Douglas Owens-Pike, 612-220-1911 or George Adams at 715-205-7555.

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Click here for a TGSE Sponsorship form
Interested in volunteering? Email Nancy at oppty@me.com
Interested in being a vendor? Click here for TGSE Vendor Form

Community involvement truly makes this event a possibility!

Class Listing

Water issues and PFOAs

Classroom: English Session:1 (9:30 AM-10:30 AM)

Instructor: Kay Curtin

Learn about PFOAs (Perflourooctanoic acid) and other health-threatening water contaminants in our water, sources of those chemicals, products that contain them, how they affect our health and steps being taken to eliminate them.

Fingerweaving and Navajo Spindle-spinning Demos

Classroom: History Session:1 (9:30 AM-10:30 AM)

Instructor: Jill Smith

You do not need a spinning wheel to create lovely yarn from wool, silk, cotton or dog hair. Attend a demonstration of spinning with a Navajo spindle and drop spindle, both easily made at home. Attendees will have the opportunity to try their hand at hand spinning. There will also be a demonstration of finger weaving, used by many culture groups to make belts, bags and straps, among other useful items.

Three Rivers Fibershed - local fiber, local natural dyes, local labor = sustainable textiles

Classroom: Math Session:1 (9:30 AM-10:30 AM)

Instructor: Andrea Seifert

https://www.threeriversfibershed.com/

FIbershed's soil-to-soil concept encircles raising fiber crops and animals using earth nurturing practices, processing the fiber with low impact methods, creating long lived textiles, and returning the nutrients back to the soil. Hear about Three River Fibershed's stewards raising fiber animals, natural dyers, and creators.

Amish Traditions/Living

Classroom: Art Session:1 (9:30 AM-10:30 AM)

Instructor: John Miller

Local Amish community member will talk about Amish philosophy, skills and traditions. Questions from participants will direct the discussion.

Making buns for lunch

Classroom: FCE Session:1 (9:30 AM-10:30 AM)

Instructor: Mark Adams

We will be making Caraway rye bread and another bread for this event's noon meal.

This will incorporate a wide breadth of knowledge. Going all the way from the technical scientific aspects of bread making to the artistic element.

We will also break down the economics of what bread costs to make at home along with some history of bread through the ages.

Note that the first session of this class is starting at 8:00 a.m. well before the other sessions.

Electric Vehicle showroom and rides?

Classroom: Shop Session:1 (9:30 AM-10:30 AM)

Instructor:

Come take a look at these vehicles, Nisson Leaf, Chevy Bolt, Ford Lightning pickup, Tesla Model X, Model S, and Model Y. The vehicles will be both inside and outside the shop.

Crafting Timeless Frames: Timber Framing Basics Unveiled

Classroom: Tech Ed Classroom Session:1 (9:30 AM-10:30 AM)

Instructor: Jon Anderson

https://www.starhilltimberworks.com/

Step into the world of timber framing with our demonstration, showcasing the art of shaping and joining wooden beams. Experience the seamless blend of hand tools like chisels and modern power tools, highlighting the precision behind constructing enduring timber-framed structures. Whether you're a woodworker or a curious observer, this session promises to ignite your appreciation for the harmonious use of both traditional and modern techniques in this timeless craft.

Raising & Keeping a Family Cow

Classroom: Agronomy Session:1 (9:30 AM-10:30 AM)

Instructor: Isaiah Grinder

Raising from a heifer to milk cow. The hows and whys, as well as the ins and outs of small equipment.

Electric Bikes 101

Classroom: Multi-purpose room Session:1 (9:30 AM-10:30 AM)

Instructor: Larry Theberge

https://www.facebook.com/recyclebikeshopllc/

What is an e-bike? How to choose one and think about cost. Styles and options that are available and where to purchase. Thoughts about range and battery care. Life expectancy of the bikes. E-bike safety- riding and hazards. State and city regulations. What benefits are there? Q&A session. An e-bike on a stand will be available to “ride” without being on the road. Short road tests will also be possible (weather permitting). It’s not what you expect, but 1000x more…and a whole lot of fun!

Seedsaving for the First Time!

Classroom: English Session:2 (10:45 AM-11:45 AM)

Instructor: Clint Freund

https://ctcseeds.com/

Come to this workshop to learn the basics of seedsaving in your home garden or farm. Clint will cover all aspects from seed selection and growing plants to seed collection and storage. Come prepared with a variety or plant you'd like to seed save and questions!

Birth to Death - Natural and Sacred Transitions

Classroom: History Session:2 (10:45 AM-11:45 AM)

Instructor: Cindy Lu

Home births and home funerals are traditional ways of caring for our own. This presentation will explore "alternative" ways of caring for our own through these transitions. Returning to the practices of "old" and reconciling the process to find peace, Cindy will offer her perspectives on birth, life, health and death in a rational, reasonable, and natural way. She will share her knowledge and experiences on both sides of life, provide resources to help you with your choice in birth all the way to death, and answer provocative questions with the candor few would.

Urban Farming on a City Lot

Classroom: Math Session:2 (10:45 AM-11:45 AM)

Instructor: Jan Erdman, Mary Marin

https://www.facebook.com/groups/206121763329022/

Jan is a seasoned farm gardener who has moved into town on a small city lot. Mary is an enthusiastic city lot gardener who now produces a good portion of what they eat year around. We will cover gardening in a small space for maximum production, choosing crops that suit your diet and family tastes, problem solving critter management, poor soil, managing sunlight and shade, extending the season, double cropping, etc.

Living off the grid

Classroom: Art Session:2 (10:45 AM-11:45 AM)

Instructor: Curt McNamara

Host a round table, photos

Making buns for lunch (part 2)

Classroom: FCE Session:2 (10:45 AM-11:45 AM)

Instructor: Mark Adams

We will be making Caraway rye bread and another bread for this event's noon meal.

This will incorporate a wide breadth of knowledge. Going all the way from the technical scientific aspects of bread making to the artistic element.

We will also break down the economics of what bread costs to make at home along with some history of bread through the ages.

Electric Vehicle showroom and rides?

Classroom: Shop Session:2 (10:45 AM-11:45 AM)

Instructor:

Come take a look at these vehicles, Nisson Leaf, Chevy Bolt, Ford Lightning pickup, Tesla Model X, Model S, and Model Y. The vehicles will be both inside and outside the shop.

Electric Vehicles, owners' experiences

Classroom: Tech Ed Classroom Session:2 (10:45 AM-11:45 AM)

Instructor: Jim Potter, Emily Cahal, Ryland Erdman, Jim Hare, Douglas Owens-Pike, Kurt Buetow, Kristopher Schmid, Jim Erdman, Bill Zieminski

Get the owners' perspective, get a look at 6 different models and maybe get to have a ride.

Building With Cordwood

Classroom: Agronomy Session:2 (10:45 AM-11:45 AM)

Instructor: Jerry Doriott

Jerry has built a cabin using the cordwood building method. He will be presenting on his method and experience.

Herbal Extracts - A Conversation About Plants

Classroom: Business Ed. Session:2 (10:45 AM-11:45 AM)

Instructor: Chris Koszalka

Through conversation, we will explore the making of extracts from herbs, how we relate to the plants themselves, and how they can help us in our day to day lives. There will be herbs and extracts to taste and smell, some pleasant and some bitter. Bring your personal experience and stories to share, if you like.

Lunch 11:45 am-1:00 pm

Multi-purpose room

Advanced Techniques for Seedsaving

Classroom: English Session:3 (1:00 PM-2:00 PM)

Instructor: Clint Freund

https://ctcseeds.com/

Come to this workshop to EXTEND your seedsaving skills in your garden or farm. Clint will quickly cover basics on seedsaving and then jump right into more detailed and difficult aspects of seedsaving. This will include overwintering biennials, different techniques for isolation and advanced seed cleaning methods. Come prepared with your experiences and questions! Bring dirty seed you'd like to work on too!!

Farmland Access

Classroom: History Session:3 (1:00 PM-2:00 PM)

Instructor: Bonnie Warndahl

https://www.farmlandaccesshub.org/

Keeping land in the hands of small farms; pairing up sellers with buyers and stewards; preserving farm legacy.

Green and $green$ from the Affordable Clean Energy Plan

Classroom: Math Session:3 (1:00 PM-2:00 PM)

Instructor: Seth Hoffmeister

https://conservationvoters.org/

The Inflation Reduction Act in 2021 was the largest investment in clean energy in world history. Billions of dollars are available for the next decade to support the transition to a clean energy future. This session will explore tax credits and rebates for individuals and families for clean energy, energy efficiency, and electric vehicles. Learn more about how you can save money and protect the environment today.

Basics of Solar Electricity

Classroom: Art Session:3 (1:00 PM-2:00 PM)

Instructor: Kristopher Schmid

https://www.legacysolar.com/

This presentation covers the basics of solar electricity including system types, applications, components, design considerations, and costs.

Introduction to Pine Needle Baskets Max 15

Classroom: FCE Session:3 (1:00 PM-2:00 PM)

Instructor: Jill Smith

An introduction to pine needle basket making will use several varieties of pine needles to create various basket types. Demonstration of techniques to start and work baskets will be covered. Several finished baskets will be on display.

Electric Vehicle showroom and rides?

Classroom: Shop Session:3 (1:00 PM-2:00 PM)

Instructor:

Come take a look at these vehicles, Nisson Leaf, Chevy Bolt, Ford Lightning pickup, Tesla Model X, Model S, and Model Y. The vehicles will be both inside and outside the shop.

Recycling: Local Choices and Results

Classroom: Business Ed. Session:3 (1:00 PM-2:00 PM)

Instructor: Brent Bohn, Kris Korpola

https://www.barroncountywi.gov/waste

When you recycle, what happens to your stuff? How about if you don't recycle? What do you do when your government ends a recycling program?

Hemp and Wellness: How we grow and why we grow!

Classroom: English Session:4 (2:15 PM-3:45 PM)

Instructor: Maranda Peltier, Maureen Hoffman

This class will cover an introduction to growing and harvesting hemp, along with the many wellness benefits of this medicine.

Intro to Peg Loom Weaving Canceled

Classroom: History Session:4 (2:15 PM-3:45 PM)

Instructor: Trista Boe

Learn how to weave wool rugs, using a primitive technique from early rug makers, by making a small sample you can take home.

Just Say NOPE to Plastic

Classroom: Math Session:4 (2:15 PM-3:45 PM)

Instructor: Brianna Capra

http://www.bcaprastudioarts.com/

How to manage your plastic footprint and quit all single use plastics Plastic pollution may seem overwhelming, but there is much that we can do. Working together, individuals can have a profound impact. In this class we will look at several key issues and discuss real strategies for adopting a more plastic conscious lifestyle.

Foraging: mushrooms and beyond

Classroom: FCE Session:4 (2:15 PM-3:45 PM)

Instructor: Dianna Mayer, Diego Marin

Dianna will present details on how to ID edible mushrooms, when/where to forage for them, how to harvest ethically and responsibly, tools recommended, and some methods for preparation and storage.

Electric Vehicle showroom and rides?

Classroom: Shop Session:4 (2:15 PM-3:45 PM)

Instructor:

Come take a look at these vehicles, Nisson Leaf, Chevy Bolt, Ford Lightning pickup, Tesla Model X, Model S, and Model Y. The vehicles will be both inside and outside the shop.

Intro to Keeping Goats

Classroom: Agronomy Session:4 (2:15 PM-3:45 PM)

Instructor: Mary Byrne

Thinking about getting a goat, or two, or more? This workshop will cover buying, housing, feeding, and breeding these interesting animals. Even if you have experience with other livestock, there is more you need to know to keep goats (and keep them alive)! You will leave with reliable information, as well as resources to help as you go.

Qigong, Movement for Health

Classroom: Multi-purpose room Session:4 (2:15 PM-3:45 PM)

Instructor: Mark Stuber

Slow coordinated movement exercises for better energy, circulation, balance and relaxation.

Well-Being & Resilience

Classroom: Business Ed. Session:4 (2:15 PM-3:45 PM)

Instructor: John Samuelson

Today’s world is full of uncertainty and chaos. It can seem that chaos and uncertainty follows us around like our shadow. This class will look at resiliency which is how we recover from adversity and stressful experiences. We can develop it and even benefit from adversity. It is a significant component of well-being. Well-being is more about BEING, than doing. It is being comfortable and happy.