SPRING 2026 WORKSHOPS
How to Speak Bird: The Language of the Woods
With Guest Instructor Ryan Crouse
April 27th
8:00am-10:00am
Most people hear birds.
Few people understand what they’re saying.
In this immersive and eye-opening workshop, students will be introduced to the art of bird language — a powerful awareness skill used by trackers, hunters, and wilderness observers to understand what’s happening beyond what the eye can see.
This workshop is led by guest instructor Ryan Crouse, a dedicated student of wilderness awareness and field observation who has spent years developing the ability to read subtle patterns in nature. Ryan’s approach is grounded in real-world experience — slowing down, paying attention, and learning to interpret the signals that most people overlook.
Birds are constantly communicating. Their calls, movements, and behavior can reveal the presence of predators, human activity, and changes in the environment — if you know how to listen.
Students will learn:
• The fundamentals of bird language and communication patterns
• How to distinguish baseline behavior from alarm calls
• How birds act as an early warning system for movement in the woods
• How to use bird awareness to enhance overall situational awareness
• How this skill connects directly to tracking, hunting, and wilderness observation
Through guided observation and practical exercises, students will begin to tune into a layer of the natural world that most people never notice.
By the end of the workshop, students won’t just hear birds —
they’ll begin to understand what they’re saying.of years.
Age: 10–Adult
Fee: $15
Location: Watson Woods - Peavine Trailhead $5 Parking Fee
Class Size: Limited to 12 total
Bring: Snacks, Binoculars (if you have them), and water
PRIMITIVE TRAPS
MAY 2ND 10:00-2:00
For most of human history, people didn’t rely on grocery stores or modern tools for food. Survival often depended on understanding animal behavior and using simple materials from the land to create effective traps.
In this class, students will explore the fascinating world of primitive trapping technology and learn how ancient cultures designed clever mechanical systems to catch small game.
Students will learn:
• The principles behind primitive trap design
• How understanding animal behavior and movement patterns is essential to trapping success
• How simple materials like sticks, cordage, and natural triggers can be used to create functional trapping systems
• The mechanics behind classic trap types such as figure-four traps, Paiute deadfalls, and spring triggers
Students will build and practice setting demonstration traps while learning the engineering principles behind these ingenious survival tools.
This class focuses on historical skills, wilderness awareness, and mechanical problem-solving, giving students insight into how humans have lived off the land for thousands of years.
Age: 10–High School
Fee: $40
Location: Project Rewilding HQ
Class Size: Limited to 10 students
Bring: A Proper Bushcraft Knife, Lunch, and water
KNOTTED NET BAGS
MAY 7TH 10:00 - until your done
For thousands of years, humans used knotted netting to create everything from fishing nets and carrying bags to traps and storage containers. With just cordage and a simple needle, incredibly strong and useful gear can be made almost anywhere.
In this hands-on class, students will learn the traditional technique of knotting a net bag designed to carry a water bottle.
Students will learn:
• The basic netting knot used for making traditional nets
• How to use a netting needle and gauge
• How simple cordage can be turned into a strong and flexible carrying bag
• How this same technology can be used to make bags, fishing nets, gear sacks, and other useful items
Each student will create their own knotted net bag sized for their water bottle and will leave with the skills to make many more projects in the future.
All supplies are provided, and each student will take home their own netting needle so they can continue practicing this versatile skill.
Age: 10 through Adult
Fee: $40
Location: Project Rewilding HQ
Class Size: Limited to 10 students
Bring: A Proper Bushcraft Knife, drinking water, snacks, and the water bottle you want to make the net bag for