Booking

Attendance to any scheduled foraging walk is cost-free to anyone enrolled in a federally recognized American Indian tribe. Just email me and I’ll add you to the list.

PRIVATE FORAGING WALKS

I also offer a service leading foraging walks at a location and date of your choosing. Fees will vary depending on the location, number of people, and length of walk. For 1-2 people at a public Austin location, I usually charge $100 for a 2-hour walk.

Email me at paleoforaging@gmail.com to request more info.

ETHNOBOTANY CONSULTATION

I may do virtual or in-person consultations.

Email me at paleoforaging@gmail.com to request more info.

PALEOTECH CLUB

The Paleotech Club meets every month at a public park in Austin. We will practice flintknapping, woodworking, basketry, traditional archery manufacturing, weaving, pottery, cordage, fire-making, or whatever you enjoy working on that is Paleolithic technology / primitive skills. It is also an opportunity to learn from others, even for complete beginners. It is totally free and open to the public.

This is how I learned flintknapping and other primitive skills: from some greats (Dino Labiste, Ken Peek, & Dick Baugh) hosting free public meetings. It is now my turn to host these events.

There are many skilled Paleotech practitioners in Austin. I am probably only an expert in flintknapping but dabble in many others. In the Paleolithic period, people learned skills by watching and imitating others. They also valued community. Let’s bring that back.

I will bring one large canvas cloth to catch flintknapping debris. I always have some extra rock, tools, and safety gear if newbies need it, but other than that, bring your own supplies!

A chair, bucket, or something is recommended to avoid sitting on flakes if you plan on knapping. Long pants, closed-toe shoes, gloves (I like gardening gloves), and, most of all, eye protection are the recommended safety gear for flintknapping. I usually have extra gloves and safety glasses. Flintknapping is inherently dangerous, and all participants agree to take part at their own risk of injury, including possible severe injury. After many years of knapping, I still commonly get cuts and bruises. I take no responsibility for injuries or damages occurred as a result of attending these events.

UPCOMING CLUB MEETINGS:

February 22nd, 2 PM

LOCATION: Take your first right upon entrance. The meeting spot is shown by the red arrow on the map below (30.2444, -97.6980) The closest address for navigation is 600 Grove Blvd, Austin, TX 78741 (park entrance). But continue after that, take your first right, and park in the lot or on the street. The spot may change slightly if I show up and that area is already occupied, but it will be in the visible vicinity. Bathrooms and water fountains are available in the adjacent plaza.

For unofficial meetings, I will simply be flintknapping or working on other Paleo tech in my backyard (as usual) on Sunday afternoons. Message me for directions if you want to join, either on IG or email.

PAST CLUB MEETINGS:

Oct 26th – great time! Around 18 attendees.

Nov 2nd – excellent event! 9 attendees.

Nov 9th – illuminating session! 6 attendees.

Nov 16th – cancelled (book sale event)

Nov 23rd – amazing time! 6 attendees.

Nov 30th – good time, if a bit cold! 5 attendees.

Dec 7th – nice weather, fun experience! 3 attendees.

Dec 14th – cold but had fire and fun! 3 attendees.

January 11th, 2 PM – theme: starting fire! Clear the hearth and light a new fire in your life, using strictly Paleolithic methods! We will have bow drills and hand drills to try but bring your own materials if you have them (sotol, yucca, or agave stalk, curved stick, cordage, shell or something)! Bringing some juniper bark for tinder will be helpful. I may also try some percussion (flint and quartz) fire or some other methods. We of course support flintknapping and other skill practice at the meeting, and I will be knapping myself.

PALEO TECH (primitive skills)

UPCOMING PALEO TECH EVENTS

See “Paleo Tech Club” above for regular, casual events.

Classes for specific skills TBA later…

PAST PALEO TECH EVENTS

Flintknapping Circle & Natural Living Market at Xylem Farms || Sunday, March 24th, noon to 3:00 PM

Free Flintknapping Circle

PRIVATE KNAPPING LESSONS

For any flintknapping beginner, I will teach you all the basics, one-on-one, providing all necessary tools and materials, plus some take-home materials and possibly tools. I charge $50 / hour, with a 2-hour session suggested for a first time. Recurring sessions of shorter duration for cheaper rates are also possible. To schedule a lesson, email me at paleoforaging@gmail.com.

PRIVATE PRIMITIVE SKILLS LESSONS

I am versed in making bows and arrows, cordage, the bow-drill (fire-starting), making flutes and didgeridoos, wild clay, pit-fired pottery, and more. For lesson inquiries, email me at paleoforaging@gmail.com.

LAND SURVEY / SPECIALTY TEACHING

I may do a biological survey of your land and generate a report of the useful species. The cost generally depends on lot size and distance from me.

I will give foraging walks, primitive skills lessons, or lectures by request to special audiences such as schools and businesses.

For Land Survey or Specialty Teaching requests, please email me at paleoforaging@gmail.com with specifics.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

REFUNDS POLICY