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Successful 15th TGSE
By DKO Pike
For the 15th year, Prairie Farm High School’s halls and classrooms were filled with the joy and laughter of neighbors coming together to celebrate learning from one another at the Traditional and Green Skills event (TGSE), held on March 8th. It is organized by volunteers as part of the Hay River Transition Initiative (HRTI).
One of the most popular sessions was a roundtable discussion, focused on fermentation. Students were encouraged to bring their own ferments to share. Next year, organizers plan to expand this shared wisdom format to more of the 20-plus classes hosted during the event.
More than 200 people attended, enjoying a delicious “root cellar” soup served with conversations, new friendships, and the renewal of old ones. Childcare was available for young children, while a separate track was provided for older kids.
Looking ahead to next year, organizers are already planning for 2026 and encourage anyone excited about the event to join the team. Together, they hope to make the 2026 event even more enjoyable.
The event received a long list of suggestions for new classes. If you have knowledge to share, consider getting involved.
Some feedback from attendees included:
“Really good presentation functionality and pros/cons for each system.”
“Good tips and tricks for success.”
“Learned a lot from the presenters and groups. It was great fun.”
“Fun activity for kids and adults.”
“Good guidance on where to go for programs for more help.”
“Excellent resource ideas.”
Those interested in getting involved are invited to join the 2026 planning team or help with preparations for another successful year. For more information, contact co-chairs Doug Owens-Pike at (612) 220-1911 or Jess Fischer at (612) 810-6855.
Thanks to those who have worked tirelessly since last fall to make this event the success we have come to expect since 2010. In addition to our co-chairs, please extend appreciation to the following:
George Adams
Anna Brown
Joan Feldman Plumb
Nancy Frank
Suzanne Gaines
Suzanne Gerlach
Amber Harms
Lynlea Hurst
Alicia Krusey
Emily Pieper
You can read more about the workshops that were offered bellow.
Navajo drop spindle techniques
Classroom: Art 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. See how to use Navajo and drop spindles, and try hand spinning. See finger weaving, used by many culture groups to make belts, bags and straps, among other useful items.
Caraway Rye Bread Buns
Classroom: FCE Session:1 (8:00 AM-10:30 AM)
Instructor: Mark Adams
We will be making buns and another bread for our noon meal – so come at 8:00 am! You’ll gain a wide breadth of knowledge, all the way from bread making’s technical aspects to its artistic aspects, as well as the economics of what bread costs to make at home, and a history of bread through the ages.
The Honey Bees' World
The Honey Bees' World
Classroom: Tech Ed Classroom Session:1 (9:30 AM-10:30 AM)
Instructor:
Honey Bee Hive, equipment and accessories. Honey Bee Knowledge and Terminology. The life of the Honeybee. Basics of Beekeeping. Q and A.
Solar Power - Generating Electricity from Sunlight
Solar Power - Generating Electricity from Sunlight
Classroom: Agronomy Session:1 (9:30 AM-10:30 AM)
Instructor: Kristopher Schmid
Have you considered installing solar panels that convert sunlight into electric energy? This class will cover the basics: system types, system sizes, mounting locations, typical installed costs, and financial incentives available to get you started making your own clean energy.
Backyard Chickens from Eggs to the Freezer
Backyard Chickens from Eggs to the Freezer
Classroom: Business Ed. Session:1 (9:30 AM-10:30 AM)
Instructor: Michael Dennee
Raising chickens for eggs or for meat can be daunting. Let me share with you the best tips that I have learned, for having a healthy flock, getting healthy eggs and delicious meat (if you so choose), controlling pests, reducing kitchen waste, and using chickens for your soil’s health.
Young People Tract: Embroidery for Clothing Repair
Young People Tract: Embroidery for Clothing Repair
Classroom: English Session:2 (10:45 AM-12:00 PM)
Instructor: Emily Pieper
Come learn a fun and creative skill to learn the art of embroidery to repair and personalize their clothing! This hands-on workshop is designed for children aged 6+ and focuses on basic embroidery techniques that can be used to mend and decorate clothes.
Unlocking the Magic of Fermentation: A Community Roundtable
Unlocking the Magic of Fermentation: A Community Roundtable
Classroom: History Session:2 (10:45 AM-12:15 AM)
Instructor: Joan Feldman Plumb and Jess Fischer facilitators
Join our bubbly bunch for a roundtable discussion on all things fermented! Whether you're a seasoned kraut master or just starting your kombucha journey, come share your knowledge, ask burning questions, and swap tips and tricks. Feel free to bring samples of your ferments to share.
Pie Crusts
Pie Crusts
Classroom: FCE Session:2 (10:45 AM-11:45 AM)
Instructor: Mark Adams
Continuation of flour magic focused on pie crusts
Managed Forest Planning Begins with Invasive Species Removal
Managed Forest Planning Begins with Invasive Species Removal
Classroom: Agronomy Session:2 (10:45 AM-11:45 AM)
Instructor: Amanda Peters - NRCS
Every forest can benefit from having a forest management plan (FMP). Learn about getting an FMP written for your forest, financial incentives, and common management activities like invasive species removal that will help improve the health of your forest.
An Acre or Less is Enough to Make a Difference
An Acre or Less is Enough to Make a Difference
Classroom: Tech Ed Session:2 (10:45 AM-12:15 PM)
Instructor: Jan Edrman & Mary Marin
Be inspired to get maximum production from gardening in small spaces, with less work. We will talk about choosing crops that suit your families’ diet and tastes, problem-solving critters, poor soil, sun/shade, and extending the season of fresh food from your garden.
Supporting and Encouraging Wild and Cultivated Fruit
Supporting and Encouraging Wild and Cultivated Fruit
Classroom: Business Ed. Session:2 (10:45 AM-12:15 PM)
Instructor: Rachel Henderson
Learn how to encourage wild plants to grow and produce in your home garden or wild spaces. She will include basics on propagation, disease identification and prevention, and plant culture.
SKIP: Skills to Inherit Property
SKIP: Skills to Inherit Property
Classroom: Music Session:2 (10:45 AM-12:00 PM)
Instructor: Mike Haasl
A free program that connects aspiring homesteaders with older folks looking for someone to take over their property. It allows you to build your homesteading and permaculture resume and prove your worth to potential benefactors.
Young People Tract: Handmade Books
Classroom: English Session:3 (1:15 PM-2:15 PM)
Instructor: Brianna Capra
Children are natural storytellers and artists. In this class, kids of all ages are invited to create their own small book using a variety of art media. We will focus on picture books and comics. Kids can bring an idea for a story they want to tell, or be spontaneous!
Birth / Death
Birth / Death
Classroom: History Session:3 (1:15 PM-2:15 PM)
Instructor: Cindy-Lou
Explore traditional ways of caring for your own: home births and home funerals. Cindy 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 candor.
Green on the Inside with a Satisfied Mind
Green on the Inside with a Satisfied Mind
Classroom: Math Session:3 (1:15 PM-2:15 PM)
Instructor: Lama Yeshe
In these turbulent times we can be more satisfied with ourselves. Satisfaction rests on a base of appreciation and gratitude. That leads to being happier and more accepting of others. This helps bring communities together. Imagine offering appreciation, gratitude, and contentment to others.
Natural Remedies
Natural Remedies
Classroom: FCE Session:3 (1:15 PM-2:15 PM)
Instructor: Bobbi Severson
Curious about plants and herbs to create natural remedies? This class will empower you to harness their power. Learn to create tincture, balms, salves for a boost to feel healthier.
Electric Bikes
Electric Bikes
Classroom: Shop Session:3 (1:15 PM-2:15 PM)
Instructor: Larry Theberg
Larry will help you choose style and options that fit you. He will cover range, battery care, E-bike safety, and benefits. A bike stand will allow you to experience an E-bike without leaving the classroom. Come learn about this fun new way to travel.
Restoring Prairies and Creating Pollinator Habitat in Rural Landscapes
Restoring Prairies and Creating Pollinator Habitat in Rural Landscapes
Classroom: Agronomy Session:3 (1:15 PM-2:15 PM)
Instructor: Maddy Kobs - Dunn NRCS
Too many native pollinators and birds are threatened with potential extinction. Learn the essential steps of prairie restoration and pollinator habitat - from site preparation, to prescribed fire as a management tool, to pollinator-friendly plantings, to available funding opportunities for ecological restoration.
Young People Tract: Natural Tie-Dye
Young People Tract: Natural Tie-Dye
Classroom: English Session:4 (2:30 PM-4:00 PM)
Instructor: Laura Clark
Learn how to use common substances to make dyes for cloth and other projects. Participants will be able to make a tie dye tea towel to take home.
Canning 101
Canning 101
Classroom: History Session:4 (2:30 PM-4:00 PM)
Instructor: Nathan Pieper
To can, or not to can – What are the numerous pros and cons of canning compared to other preservation methods? What are considerations for integrating canning into your life and diet? What equipment and procedures are best for water bath, steam, and pressure canning?
Someone is Missing: Search and Rescue- Both Civilian & K-9 Response
Classroom: Math Session:4 (2:30 PM-4:00 PM)
Instructor: Jan Thompson
Someone is missing - Search & Rescue; K9 & civilian responses to Law Enforcement call-outs. How to prepare before responding to a Law Enforcement call-out. What does it take to be a volunteer K9 SAR Handler, Field Support, Search Manager and related skills.
Introduction to Pine Needle Basket Making
Introduction to Pine Needle Basket Making
Classroom: FCE Session:4 (2:30 PM-4:00 PM)
Instructor: Jill Smith
Learn the basics of forming several varieties of pine needles into serviceable products including several basket types. Instructor will have materials for students to begin their own projects. Several finished baskets will be on display.
Chainsaw Safety For Beginners
Chainsaw Safety For Beginners
Classroom: Shop Session:4 (2:30 PM-4:00 PM)
Instructor: Chris Koszalka
Never used a chainsaw? Learn the safety basics and the concepts of cutting down a tree. You’ll become able to run a saw safely and confidently - But this is a demonstration class only and attendees cannot run saws due to insurance reasons. Advanced tree workers are very welcome to share their knowledge.
Foraging Wild Mushrooms
Foraging Wild Mushrooms
Classroom: Agronomy Session:4 (2:30 PM-4:00 PM)
Instructor: Dianna Mayer
Foraging for wild mushrooms, how to identify edible and non-edible mushrooms, where to find them, medicinal value of mushrooms, and how to preserve your mushrooms.
Introduction to Tai Chi: Moving with Strength and Ease
Introduction to Tai Chi: Moving with Strength and Ease
Classroom: Multi-purpose room Session:4 (2:30 PM-4:00 PM)
Instructor: Rob Grunewald
Tai Chi movement aligns, strengthens, and relaxes every system in the body with an emphasis on connective tissues. Tai Chi movement also opens the inner flow of chi - vital energy. Integrating Tai Chi into daily life promotes body awareness, health and emotional well-being.
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