Wilderness Mentoring Guild

Cow parsnip

Anonymous — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:24:27 GMT

Hey, I thought everyone would enjoy a little story on the effects of a very common roadside field plant when on your skin.

It's called cow parsnip, and I've been watching it for almost two years now. It has a bright window of time during the early summer when it flourishes, then it starts losing color, juice and potency fairly steadily, with the occasional exceptional plant (second growth?).

On Friday the 11th of July, my left wrist came into enthusiastic contact with a large cow parsnip ...

Summer Programs Carpooling

melissajmueller — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 22:24:44 GMT

Greetings Summer Programs Parents!

Congratulations on finding our web forum. If you are interested in carpooling with other summer parents, either to 4-H Acres or Finger Lakes National Forest, please post a reply to this message. Then, check back occasionally to see what's been posted.

For technical assistance with this site, ask your kids for help! Or call Melissa at 272-2292 ext. 195, voicemail box 261.

POTLUCK this Sunday (7/13)

Matt — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 05:07:24 GMT

Yes thats right. This month's potluck (July 13) will be at Jed's house at 6:30pm. His house is on 216 first street. Please bring a friend and some food and come join us.

These community potlucks take place on the second Sunday of every month. Details will always be posted on the forum so make sure to check back every now and then for the latest.

Cheers!

Apprenticeship campout open to community at large

monotropa — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 03:35:47 GMT

Friday June 13th and Saturday the 14th will be the final campout for this year's apprenticeship, and we are inviting everyone to come join the activities. The location is in the National Forest, near Seneca Lake, and you can contact Jed for directions at 272-3970 if you're interested.

News Flash! June Potluck!

melissajmueller — Fri, 30 May 2008 23:37:40 GMT

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to let you know the next potluck is scheduled for Sunday, June 8th at the home of Matt Yaeger and Becky Sussman. They will post details soon. I sure hope to see you there! (If you've never attended one of these potlucks, we especially want to see you at this one!)

Melissa Mueller

Last Child in the Woods - book discussion at home green home

Valorie — Sat, 31 May 2008 16:22:21 GMT

Here's a message from Becca at home green home.

Valorie

Greetings all!

home green home is onto their next book! The first book group was a blast

and we hope to have new folks join as the book topics appeal to different

interests.

The next book is:

Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder

by Richard Louv

Below are the meeting dates. We'll have paperback copies for sale at home

green home. I believe the Library has copies as ...

"Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream" Sat.

melissajmueller — Fri, 30 May 2008 23:34:25 GMT

Hello Dear Reader,

You may have seen ads for this workshop I am helping to host this weekend. It sounds like it will be fantastic! Here is some more info:

"Created in response to a request from the Achuar - an indigenous tribe of

Ecuador - to "help change the dream of our brothers and sisters of the

north," this program's goal is to bring forth an environmentally

sustainable, spiritually fulfilling, socially just human presence on Earth.

We will look at the state ...

new web site

Bex 2.0 — Wed, 28 May 2008 07:32:39 GMT

I have just launched a new blog called www.FirstWays.com ! I hope you'll stop by to visit soon!

zoo visit

heidiann(e) — Wed, 14 May 2008 20:15:33 GMT

Jason also introduced us to the creepy-crawlies in his zoo at Ithaca College.

(At this point, my camera battery was dying, so I apologize that there are not more pictures.)

I also apologize that I don't have the names of these creatures - they're in my notebook, which I don't have with me today.

skulls & bones

heidiann(e) — Wed, 14 May 2008 20:05:36 GMT

A while back I went with the apprentices to Ithaca College to see a glorious skull collection and learn about mammal dentition. Here's a sample of what we saw:

back to the books....

below: raccoon skulls comparing differences in the saggital crests.

below: raccoon skulls comparing differences in tooth wear & tear.

an array of bones!

Tim holding the mystery skull:

big eyes, sharp teeth (the better to hunt you, my dear!)-

is ...

Opinions: BOSS v. Teaching Drum?

Bex 2.0 — Wed, 14 May 2008 05:22:46 GMT

I'm sure they both rock, but anybody here gone to one or both and want to share your experiences? I'm lookin at doing a month-long program this summer, with one or the other.

May Potluck!

melissajmueller — Fri, 02 May 2008 03:34:21 GMT

Happy May Day, everyone!

It was such a beautiful day today. I can't get over the spectacle of the blooming trees. Wow.

We have another Second Sunday potluck scheduled, this one at the home of Dale Bryner of Earth Arts. We really hope lots of people will come so we can all meet some new people. She says to come at 5PM or as soon after that as you are able. You are going to 689 Coddington Rd. Coming from town, get on 96B south and take a left on Columbia, then right on Hudson which turns ...

What might WE find...

Benjamin — Fri, 02 May 2008 23:10:27 GMT

Hey everyone,

Here is something interesting to look at when you need a break.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyymYmKPmbE&feature=related

Mystery birds

Bex 2.0 — Fri, 02 May 2008 02:02:56 GMT

Today around 6:45 p.m., I was walking near Agway when I came upon a really beautiful tree full of pink blossoms. I think the tree was probably cherry, because the dark gray bark looked flaky, and its berries very much resembled cherries. The blossoms each had 5 petals. I couldn't tell if it was alternate or opposite branching, since I am no wiz at tree ID, so this is only a guess. (I saved a piece of the bark for the apprentices to check out.) There were birds in the tree. They were gray in color, ...

tracking

heidiann(e) — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 20:08:58 GMT

hi all-

just wanted to share some photos from our trip to Potter County (northern PA) on Groundhogs Day weekend.

border fence could hurt wildlife

Bex 2.0 — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 00:15:26 GMT

Researchers Fear Southern Fence Will Endanger Species Further

By Juliet Eilperin

Washington Post Staff Writer

Sunday, April 20, 2008; A01

The debate over the fence the United States is building along its southern border has focused largely on the project's costs, feasibility and how well it will curb illegal immigration. But one of its most lasting impacts may well be on the animals and vegetation that make this politically fraught landscape their home.

Some wildlife researchers ...

they come from a sheltered past

heidiann(e) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 19:27:23 GMT

(with apologies for the non-sequential nature of this photo assortment)

tracking at Lindsay Parson's Biodiversity Preserve

heidiann(e) — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 19:43:10 GMT

stride on a 3-foot tape

Tim melting the snow (by breathing) to reveal more track detail

another mystery:

consulting the elders

tracking is... (complete this sentence)

April Potluck -- New Location

Bex 2.0 — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 05:06:18 GMT

Hey everybody,

The Second Sunday potluck at 6 p.m. on April 13th has been moved to my apartment in downtown Ithaca, located at 202 South Geneva Street, second floor, Apartment #3. It is the big white house at the corner of Green St. and Geneva. I'm very close to the Commons, 1 block from Cayuga St. and one block from State St. Still, any questions, feel free to call my cell, (607) 221-8796.

All are welcome!

I will have drinks, salad and vegan, wheat-free cookies (Adam -- for real ...

snippets of the apprenticeship, and Hawk Circle

heidiann(e) — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 20:28:08 GMT

a gathering of stones

some bone contents of a bird pellet - shrew and mouse skulls and mandibles.

at Hawk Circle:

detail of a basswood basket

shelters

lashing detail

canoe

and, Phil up a grapevine

April Potluck Finalized

melissajmueller — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 02:50:55 GMT

There will be a Second Sunday potluck at my house on April 13th at 6PM. All are welcome, especially kids! Musical instruments are also very welcome! Come to share nature stories, conversations about sustainability, music, celebrations of spring, celebrations of children, or whatever is on your mind.

For directions, see my post for the February 10th potluck.

Hope to see you there!

Melissa Mueller

April Potluck

melissajmueller — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 19:04:00 GMT

Hello Friends!

Our next "Second Sunday" potluck will be on April 13, place and time to be announced.

The May potluck is scheduled for May 11th at the home of Dale Bryner--directions to follow.

If you would like to host a Second Sunday potluck, post a message here and tell us so!

Hope to see many of you (including kids) on the 13th for food, conversation, and music,

Melissa

The Sacred Hunt addendum

melissajmueller — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 20:03:55 GMT

Sorry, I just wanted to clarify that the previous message was posted by Melissa, not Jed.

The Sacred Hunt with Jon Young and Dr. Randall Eaton

monotropa — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 19:59:59 GMT

Hey Everybody!!

Here are two great opportunities coming up. The first is a free conference call with Jon Young and Dr. Randall Eaton on The Sacred Hunt (a rite of passage all around the world, but also a tool for naturalist study and a metaphor for personal growth). The second is a 5-day event on the same topic being held at Fox Circle Farm in San Gregorio, CA April 18-23rd. I have been to previous events there with Jon Young and can recommend them; I'm also happy to talk to you more about ...

second sunday potluck 3/9 - Adam & Becky's home

Adamcmich — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 19:32:05 GMT

You are invited to a community potluck at Adam & Becky's home in West Danby on Sunday, March 9 at 5:00 pm. We own 30 acres next to the Lindsay-Parson's biodiversity preserve, and just downhill from the Danby State Forest. Our home is a post & beam, using some wood from the property.

I look forward to sharing food, time and music with you all. Bring a dish to pass and musical instruments if you'd like. Friends and family members most welcome, however be warned that our house is not ...

A surprise in your snowflakes

Bex 2.0 — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 07:02:00 GMT

By RANDOLPH E. SCHMID

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON � Those beautiful snowflakes drifting out of the sky may have a surprise inside � bacteria.

Most snow and rain forms in chilly conditions high in the sky and atmospheric scientists have long known that, under most conditions, the moisture needs something to cling to in order to condense.

Now, a new study shows a surprisingly large share of those so-called nucleators turn out to be bacteria that can affect plants.

"Bacteria ...

A mink dwelleth downtown?

Adrian — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 02:12:56 GMT

This afternoon I saw some very interesting tracks in the snow and ice along the downtown portion of Cascadilla Creek--tracks which, in their size, habitat, and spirit, called to my mind a certain Mustela vison. I wasn't able to get close enough for measurements (I'll try to get some tomorrow), nor did I take any photos, but if you find yourself in the area take a look: the tracks can be seen from the east side of the Aurora Street bridge over Cascadilla Creek (under the big sycamore). Looking ...

Wilderness skills schools?

Bex 2.0 — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 08:53:50 GMT

Hey all,

I'm working on a magazine article about survival schools across the country (not sure where it will appear just yet -- could be Backpacker, could be Wired, etc.). I'm looking for at least 5 really good, well-known schools that have a solid reputation, that you would recommend to a friend who wanted to go away for a weekend or a week. BOSS in Utah is on the list, as are Tracker School in Jersey and Teaching Drum in Wisconsin. Any other ideas? Maybe something in the southeast or southwest? ...

Class at the Cayuga Nature Center - PP staff involved?

Adamcmich — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 18:57:44 GMT

Hi,

I recently came across the following class offering at the Cayuga Nature Center and was wondered who was instructing - staff from Primitive Pursuits? Anybody know?

Adam

>Cayuga Nature Center E-News02 [2-7-08]

>

>February 17, 2008 (1 � 3 p.m.) Outdoor Survival Workshop

>Learn about survival skills such as fire-making, shelter

>construction, primitive weapons, stalking, water, and survival

>psychology.

>

>$3 for Adults, $1 for children ages ...

Lunar Cloudy Eclipse on 2/20

Adrian — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 01:41:25 GMT

This Wednesday, February 20, there will be a full lunar eclipse--the penumbral preview begins at 7:35 pm, while the umbral umbrella starts at 8:43. Full eclipse of the Snow Moon is predicted for 10:01. StarDate Online, at http://stardate.org/nightsky/eclipses/20080220.html has information about this amazing event. Anyone considering renting a helicopter? Local weather forecasts are threatening approximately 89% cloud cover. I'll be roaming the countryside looking for that elusive eleven ...

to build a fire

heidiann(e) — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 20:47:27 GMT

Lovely woods in winter:

Organize your tribe:

Two-person bowdrill:

Tag-team hand-drill:

Tinder-bundle-blowing teamwork:

Precarious cookpot warming our tea:

snow-shelter

heidiann(e) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 21:08:06 GMT

Building a snow-shelter. More blessings of snow.

Shindagin Hollow (repost)

heidiann(e) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 20:57:13 GMT

Here are a few snapshots just in case anyone needed to remember what a blessing snow is.

and a non-sequitor of phil in a tree, just to wrap things up.

Calling All YEL-ers

melissajmueller — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 18:26:51 GMT

Hey Everybody!!

Our final campout (for now) is almost here! It's coming up next weekend, February 16th and 17th. As we mentioned, we're joining with the afterschool groups from Danby and Lansing, and you will each play a role in helping facilitate the weekend (generally the same role you played last time). We appreciate your help, and hope the campout is fun for you. In fact, we'll make sure it isn't all work and that there is time for us just to enjoy our last time together, too.

Here's ...

Community Pot-Luck February 10th

melissajmueller — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 03:10:18 GMT

Hi Everyone,

If you're reading this site you're invited to a dinner pot-luck gathering of nature-minded people, Sunday February 10th at 6PM. It will be at my house at 303 Muriel St, Ithaca (near the intersection of Warren and Hanshaw, between Community Corners and Sapsucker Woods). If that explanation doesn't make the location crystal-clear, here are directions:

From Rte. 13, take Warren Rd. south past DeWitt Middle School to the 4-way stop at Hanshaw Rd. Go left. First left is Muriel ...

Sacred Questions

melissajmueller — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 19:01:46 GMT

I just discovered a great quote by Einstein: "It is, in fact, nothing short of a miracle that the modern methods of instruction have not entirely strangled the holy curiosity of inquiry."

Get out there and be curious! Your questions are sacred!

Melissa

bald eagle!

heidiann(e) — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 19:29:01 GMT

Phil and I were in Lancaster PA this past weekend. Driving around the backroads to find a raw milk farm, I spotted a Bald Eagle sitting in a farmer's field, eating a Canada goose! We pulled over to watch, and the huge bird took off. As we watched the huge bird winging away, a Sharp Shinned hawk showed up and started dive-bombing the eagle.

It seems late for both the Baldie and the Goose to be still on their migration south.

Phil with the goose.

The farmer's field.

Close-up ...

Deer!(footage by Lenord Lee Rue 3)

Timredbeard — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 20:15:10 GMT

Hey yall,

I came across this and thought it worthwhile to watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KflJhDhmDM. Its this guy who has a show(TV?) about traditional hunting and this one he goes through the scent glands and habits of bucks in the rut, great video footage. Enjoy!

-Tim

Cool (free) streaming nature video/documentary links

Matt — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 19:18:40 GMT

Howdy y'all. Sometimes we find ourselves too busy, too tired, or too whatever, to actually get out into the woods or to our favorite natural setting. When we do get out there, it is always an honor to witness wildlife of all kinds with our eyes, ears, and nose- and less often with our skin and tongue heh. However, it can be difficult for our senses to detect wildlife before it/they detect us. This is what makes "encounters" with wildlife so special when they do happen. The point ...

This site is a cool tool!

melissajmueller — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:29:13 GMT

Hi There,

If you're someone who thinks, "I wish I got around to checking this site more often, and maybe even posting something", here's a suggestion: I have this site bookmarked not just in my "favorites" menu but in the "bookmarks bar" at the top of my web browser window. So the Wilderness Mentoring Guild is always only a single mouse click away! Also, if you're wondering if you should post something, the answer is yes! It doesn't have to be anything earth-shattering; ...

Thanks and Red-spotted Newts

Cindy Long — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:35:47 GMT

Hello all,

Thank you again for letting me attend your Friday gathering. It was an honor to be with so many inquisitive individuals.

It was very exciting for me to get to see an adult Red-spotted Newt. I have never seen one before but after reading a bit, find they are supposed to be common in my area. It amazes me also,that they are active all year round! I am wondering though, since there were so many congregated in one small area, were they breeding? I have a picture of one of the ...

Story posted on behalf of Melody Johnson

melissajmueller — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:01:43 GMT

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS WITH ANIMALS

For many people there are animals that they feel a special connection with, a deep link that transcends the everyday. For me it is snakes. Since childhood, I have always had an affinity for reptiles: catching garter snakes, turtles, and lizards, fascinated by their movements and primitive beauty. When I taught kindergarten we would visit Cayuga Nature Center and I was the only person not on their staff allowed to handle the reptiles. It started one day when ...

YEL Leaves No Trace

melissajmueller — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:15:23 GMT

Hey all,

I got an email from Michael Liu of the Forest Service congratulating us after our camp-out. He said, "I was told your group did a stellar job of no trace camping and the site you used was in great shape after you left."

Good job!

He also wanted to know what we thought of Rebecca's visit. Does anyone have any comments? I apologize for forgetting to give you the papers she gave us--maps of the National Forest and a sheet about Forest Service careers. I'll bring ...

Master Composter training

Adamcmich — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 18:12:23 GMT

What is more primitive that composting? The Compost Program at Cooperative Extension is training Master Composters for this year. Master Composters are volunteer community educators that promote the practice of composting. They're a great group! Below is a short blurb. Applications are due Fri, Feb 1.

Adam Michaelides

Program Manager, Compost &

Wilderness Apprenticeship Program member

-------------------------------------------

Become a MASTER COMPOSTER! Get involved and have ...

YEL Camp Out

melissajmueller — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 19:21:51 GMT

Happy New Year from Melissa, Tim, and Jed!

As you (hopefully) know, we have a camping trip coming up next weekend,

January 12 & 13! Hooray! The weather forecast is that it will warm up and

possibly even rain. So, hopefully we won't have to deal with icy roads.

The plan is the same as last time--meet at Cooperative Extension at 9:30

on Saturday, and we'll drive to the National Forest. Get picked up at CCE

at noon on Sunday. Remember that we asked you to bring a game or activity

that ...

Fisher Story Follow Up...

Matt — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 18:12:52 GMT

So some of you may have read or heard about the infamous Fisher sighting that took place last spring in the 6-mile preserve on south hill. In case you haven't heard, there is a story about the sighting in this forum.

Anyways, there is a local tracker in the area-Linda Spielman who seems to be quite knowledgeable about creatures and tracking. She caught wind of the story and approached Becky and I on Primitive Pursuits day to ask more about it. I told her I had found a hair that could ...

skull

heidiann(e) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 19:21:04 GMT

found this in an owl pellet that jed found. thought i'd share it in case anyone else out there loves treasures like these as much as i do.

tribe of puffy people

heidiann(e) — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 19:52:23 GMT

The apprentices found a small tribe of marshmallow people in the national forest. We are studying them and trying to understand their behavior. We think it may have something to do with cold-weather survival.

They routinely wear only 2 layers or fabric in sub-freezing temperatures. They then periodically stuff their clothing with leaves, both wet and dry, although they seem to prefer dry.

Look how happy they are!

Their behavior is very unpredictable.

I ...

Yay, Stickball!

melissajmueller — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 20:13:48 GMT

I'm very excited to report that everyone is going to make it to our

camp-out this weekend! That'll be a first.

A few reminders:

The weather is forecast to cool off, probably going below freezing on

Saturday night and possibly some snow. Be prepared.

Bring a backpack if you can as we have a little bit of a hike. We do have

a few packs to lend if you need one.

Bring 2 liters of water instead of a gallon.

MOST IMPORTANT: Bring your best Stickball stick! (a smooth, ...

eastern screech

heidiann(e) — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 19:43:41 GMT