WINTER COUNT
This premier event focuses on primitive technology. The Winter Count gathering has a varitety of workshops that will be familiar and will also introduce you to many new and different formats, skills and personalities. Experienced instructors, with diverse primitive skills, will teach you how to brain tan deer hide, create pottery, learn fire-by-friction methods, ply cordage and many other utilitarian skills.
Date: February 12 - 18, 2012
Fee: Early registration - $275 (prior to February 1), Late registration - $350
Location: Maricopa, Arizona
For info & registration: Contact Backtracks for information at http://www.backtracks.net/ContactBacktracks.asp or access http://www.backtracks.net/Registration.html for registration.
OHLONE VILLAGE SITE
Learn about Ohlone culture as we tour a diorama of village life at the Visitor Center. Walk to a 2,200-year-old Ohlone village site in the park, see replicated structures and examine reproductions of artifacts. Along the trail, we’ll identify plants that provided food, medicine and tools for the first people of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Date: March 4, 2012
Time: 10:00 am -12:00 pm & 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Naturalist: Dino Labiste
Fee: No fee for the program (only $5.00 parking fee/vehicle)
Location: Coyote Hills Regional Park, 8000 Patterson Ranch Road, Fremont, CA 94555
Meet at the front entrance of the Coyote Hills Visitor Center at 10:00 am or 1:30 pm.
No registration, drop-in, for information call (510) 544-3215 or (510) 544-3220.
ATLATL: STONE AGE DART THROWER
Join us for a day of Stone Age activity. The atlatl, with it’s stone-tipped dart, pre-dated the bow and arrow. Dart throwers were utilized by hunter/gatherer societies. Watch a flintknapping demonstration and try your skill at hitting a target with an atlatl.
Date: March 11, 2012
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm & 1:30 am - 3:30 pm
Instructor: Dino Labiste
Min/max Age: 9-yrs-old (parent participation required) / Adult
Fee: No fee for the program (only $5.00 parking fee/vehicle)
Location: Coyote Hills Regional Park, 8000 Patterson Ranch Road,
Fremont, CA 94555
Meet at the Dairy Glen campsite (8 minutes walk towards the bay from the Old Quarry parking lot).
Registration Required: Call 1-888-327-2757, option 2, 3
Contact Naturalist Dino Labiste for information: (510) 544-3215
CALIFORNIA KNAPPERS
Join us for a day of flintknapping. The knapping get-together is open to beginners, intermediate and advanced knappers. Anyone who is interested in the skill of making stone tools is more than welcome. Come and work on your lithic project or practice the art of flintknapping and learn tips from fellow knappers.
Date: March 17, 2012
Time: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location: Karl Nordvik Park, 5850 Commerce Drive, Fremont, CA 94555
The park is on the corner of Commerce Dr. and Ardenwood Blvd. We will be located across the restrooms, on the far end of the park, near a small pine tree. Look towards the children's playground. Parking is free.
Access the California Knappers webpage for more information: http://www.primitiveways.com/California%20Knappers%2026.html
SKILLS OF THE PAST: FIRE MAKING
Ever wondered how fire was created before matches or a lighter? Unravel the secrets of fire-by-friction, fire-by-percussion and fire-by-compression. Discover the techniques to produce a glowing ember as we practice our fire making skills through hands-on activities and demonstrations.
Date: March 18, 2012
Time: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Instructor: Dino Labiste
Min/max Age: 16-yrs-old (parent participation required) / Adult
Fee: No fee for the program (only $5.00 parking fee/vehicle)
Location: Coyote Hills Regional Park, 8000 Patterson Ranch Road,
Fremont, CA 94555
Meet at the front entrance of the Visitor Center.
Registration Required: Call 1-888-327-2757, option 2, 3
Contact Naturalist Dino Labiste for information: (510) 544-3215
SKILLS OF THE PAST: CORDAGE MAKING
The ability to twist, twine or braid fibers into cordage allowed indigenous cultures to tie their world together. Learn the various techniques of gathering, preparation, extracting and plying of plant materials to create cordage. Practice the efficient method of leg rolling dogbane fibers.
Date: March 18, 2012
Time: 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Instructor: Dino Labiste
Min/max Age: 9-yrs-old (parent participation required) / Adult
Fee: No fee for the program (only $5.00 parking fee/vehicle)
Location: Coyote Hills Regional Park, 8000 Patterson Ranch Road,
Fremont, CA 94555
Meet at the front entrance of the Visitor Center.
Registration Required: Call 1-888-327-2757, option 2, 3
Contact Naturalist Dino Labiste for information: (510) 544-3215
SKILLS WORKSHOP: PRIMITIVE ARROWS
Learn to make functional arrows from local wild materials. This is a hands-on, learn-as-you-go workshop for people of all skill levels.
Date: March 22, 2012
Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Instructor: Patrick Farneman
Fee: $50.00 (call or email for registration details)
Location: Camo’D Arrow Archery Center, 1965 C Hwy 395 S., Chewelah, Washington
Contact Patrick Farneman for information: (509) 936-1599 or email patrickf@bridgestothepast.org
10 spaces available – Call or email to reserve your space!
EDIBLE AND USEFUL PLANTS HIKE
The Ohlone Peoples and European settlers gathered wild plants for food, medicine and tools. Identify edible plants on a sprintime hike. Gather Miner’s lettuce for a tasty salad, process Manzanita cider, munch on acorn cookies, snack on dried Huckleberries and sample other savory wild foods.
Date: March 25, 2012
Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Instructor: Dino Labiste
Fee: No fee for the program (only $5.00 parking fee/vehicle)
Min/max Age: 12-yrs-old (parent participation required) / Adult
Location: Garin/Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Park, 1320 Garin Avenue, Hayward, CA 94544
Meet at the Garin Barn Visitor Center (red barn).
Registration Required: Call 1-888-327-2757, option 2, 3
Contact Naturalist Dino Labiste for information: (510) 544-3215
SKILLS OF THE PAST: FLINTKNAPPING
Discover the skill of turning a pre-cut volcanic rock into a Stone Age arrowhead. Learn and practice the Paleolithic technique of pressure flaking and lithic reduction. Fee includes your own obsidian slabs, copper pressure flaker, stone abrader, leather pad and flintknapping information.
Date: April 7, 2012
Time: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Instructor: Dino Labiste
Fee: $25.00 ($29.00 for non-residents of Contra Costa and Alameda counties) + $5.00 parking fee/vehicle
Location: Coyote Hills Regional Park, 8000 Patterson Ranch Road,
Fremont, CA 94555
Meet at the front entrance of the Visitor Center.
Registration Required: Call 1-888-327-2757, option 2, 3
Contact Naturalist Dino Labiste for information: (510) 544-3215
CALIFORNIA KNAPPERS
Join us for a day of flintknapping. The knapping get-together is open to novice, intermediate and advanced knappers. Anyone who is interested in the skill of making stone tools is more than welcome. Come and work on your lithic project or practice the art of flintknapping and learn tips from fellow knappers.
"Without flintknappers, life would be dull and pointless."
Date: April 15, 2012
Time: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location: Karl Nordvik Park, 5850 Commerce Drive, Fremont, CA 94555
The park is on the corner of Commerce Dr. and Ardenwood Blvd. We will be located across the restrooms, on the far end of the park, near a small pine tree. Look towards the children's playground. Parking is free.
Access the California Knappers webpage for more information: California Knappers
USEFUL PLANTS OF LIME RIDGE
Dozens of plants will be on display to feel, sniff, taste, and experience. What can relieve an itch? What can make your feet smell better? What’s edible or not? Make and take a natural craft. Discover the sustainable world our local plants can provide. Easy hike on flat trails.
Date: April 21, 2012
Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Instructor: Bruce Weidman
Fee: None
Location: Lime Ridge Open Space.
Meet behind Boundary Oak Golf Course, at the end of Valley Vista Rd, Walnut Creek. Follow signs to the meeting spot.
For more information: Contact Ranger Bruce Weidman at (925) 943-5899 x2665
MAKING PREHISTORIC SHELL BEADS
Utilize past technology to break, drill and grind shell pieces by hand to create shell beads. Learn about stone tools and prehistoric techniques. Shell beads provided archaeologists with knowledge of trade and exchange networks, the distribution of wealth and status in central California Native societies.
Date: April 28, 2012
Time: 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Instructor: Dino Labiste
Fee: No fee for the program (only $5.00 parking fee/vehicle)
Min/max Age: 12-yrs-old (parent participation required) / Adult
Location: Coyote Hills Regional Park, 8000 Patterson Ranch Road,
Fremont, CA 94555
Meet at the front entrance of the Visitor Center.
Registration Required: Call 1-888-327-2757, option 2, 3
Contact Naturalist Dino Labiste for information: (510) 544-3215
SHELL PENDANT & SEED BEAD NECKLACES
Shells and seeds were made into indigenous necklaces for adornment. Create pine nut beads and make an abalone shell pendant. Use a pump drill to produce the pendant hole. Watch a demonstration on making dogbane cordage. Using past technology, we'll make a very unique necklace.
Date: April 28, 2012
Time: 1:00m - 4:00 pm
Instructor: Dino Labiste
Fee: $12.00 ($14.00 for non-residents of Contra Costa and Alameda counties) + $5.00 parking fee/vehicle
Min/max Age: 12-yrs-old (parent participation required) / Adult
Location: Coyote Hills Regional Park, 8000 Patterson Ranch Road,
Fremont, CA 94555
Meet at the front entrance of the Visitor Center.
Registration Required: Call 1-888-327-2757, option 2, 3
Contact Naturalist Dino Labiste for information: (510) 544-3215
3rd ANNUAL NORTHERN CALIFORNIA BUCKEYE GATHERING
Ancestral Arts & Primitive Living Skills
The gathering is an educational event that will consist of teachers hosting classes ongoing for five days, on a variety of topics including: hand-drill fire making, plant fiber cordage, stone tools, buckskin, basket weaving, nature awareness, pottery, local flora and fauna identification, food preparation (acorns!), primitive weapons including bows and arrows, fiber arts, herbalism, shelter building, and storytelling. We are excited to have local Native American involvement in both the planning process and the event itself. We will encourage a family-oriented, all-ages event and will emphasize skills and materials indigenous to California, while welcoming students and instructors from all over the map. There will be activities interspersed throughout the week such as a marketplace, panel discussion, and dance night. We will provide breakfast and dinner. Participant camping will consist of cars, tents, tipis, and trailers.
Date: April 29 – May 5, 2011
Location: Held at Ya-Ka-Ama, a non-profit of confederated Tribal land. Ya-Ka-Ama is located at 7465 Steve Olson Lane, Forestville, CA.
Fee: Access the Register webpage for fee information.
Contact califorigin@gmail.com or visit http://buckeyegathering.net for more information.
CALIFORNIA KNAPPERS
Join us for a day of flintknapping. The knapping get-together is open to novice, intermediate and advanced knappers. Anyone who is interested in the skill of making stone tools is more than welcome. Come and work on your lithic project or practice the art of flintknapping and learn tips from fellow knappers.
"Without flintknappers, life would be dull and pointless."
Date: May 6, 2012
Time: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location: Karl Nordvik Park, 5850 Commerce Drive, Fremont, CA 94555
The park is on the corner of Commerce Dr. and Ardenwood Blvd. We will be located across the restrooms, on the far end of the park, near a small pine tree. Look towards the children's playground. Parking is free.
Access the California Knappers webpage for more information: California Knappers
RUSH BURDEN BASKET
In northern California and Oregon, whole stem Juncus or rush (Juncus effusus) has been used for small storage baskets and conical burden baskets. Each partici-pant will make a small burden basket, using diagonal twining, and experiment with braided twining, overlay and false embroidery. Willow or hazel sticks will be used for reinforcing the sides and rim.
Date: May 19 & 20, 2012
Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (both days)
Instructor: Charles Kennard
Fee: $200.00 (for both days)
Min/max Age: 13-yrs-old to 17-yrs-old (parent participation required) / Adult
Location: Point Reyes National Seashore, California
Expect to walk 10 minutes on a hiking trail from the Bear Valley Visitor Center to Kule Loklo (course location).
Registration Required: Visit http://www.ptreyes.org/fieldinstitute/classlisttraditionalskills.shtml
ANCIENT WAYS SATURDAY: ATLATL TOSS & ISAC CONTEST
Try your skill at tossing the Atlatl, “The Atom Bomb of the Stone Age". The atlatl has been in use for over 20,000 years. You can also enter an internationally accredited contest (ISAC). Contest winners will receive a specially engraved bone pendant and maybe get their name in the World Atlatl magazine! Open target at 10 a.m. ISAC starts at 11 a.m.
Date: June 2, 2012
Time: 10:00 am - noon (and maybe beyond)
Instructor: Bruce Weidmanz
Fee: None
Minimum age: Ability to throw
Location: Sugarloaf Open Space
End of Youngs Valley Rd., Walnut Creek. Follow signs.
For more information: Contact Ranger Bruce Weidman at (925) 943-5899 ext 2665
BAY AREA BOWYERS
The Bay Area Bowyers is an informal group of amateur bow makers from around the San Francisco bay area. We are dedicated to the making of all styles of bows and welcome every one from novices interested in learning the skills of bow making, to experts willing to share their knowledge. We currently meet once a month.
For details regarding meeting times, contact Nicholas George at georgnicholas@gmail.com or join the Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/244620362295659/.
The Bay Area Bowyers has a Google group forum where people can post bow-making questions and other related news. Folks can join it here: https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/bayareabowyers.
BERRY PICKING BASKET
Create a berry picking basket from a marsh plant called Tule. Discover the unique characteristics of Tule and learn how this versatile material is also utilized for constructing boats, thatching houses and making mats. Tule cordage will be made for the basket's carrying loop.
Date: June 24, 2012
Time: 10:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Instructor: Dino Labiste
Fee: $15.00 ($17.00 for non-residents of Contra Costa and Alameda counties) + $5.00 parking fee/vehicle
Location: Coyote Hills Regional Park, 8000 Patterson Ranch Road,
Fremont, CA 94555
Meet at the front entrance of the Visitor Center.
Registration Required: Call 1-888-327-2757, option 2, 3
Contact Naturalist Dino Labiste for information: (510) 544-3215
CALIFORNIA KNAPPERS
If you are interested in flaking obsidian, flint, chert or any glass-like stone, come and join other flintknappers in a knapping get-together in Fremont. Work on your lithic project while meeting fellow flintknappers. Join us at the monthly California Knappers get-together. Everyone is welcome . . . . from novice, to advanced knappers, to the curious. There is no fee to attend. It's open to the public.
Date: June 30, 2012
Time: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location: Karl Nordvik Park, 5850 Commerce Drive, Fremont, CA 94555
The park is on the corner of Commerce Dr. and Ardenwood Blvd. We will be located across the restrooms, on the far end of the park, near a small pine tree. Look towards the children's playground. Parking is free.
Access the California Knappers webpage for more information: California Knappers
SKILLS OF THE PAST: TULE MAT
Acquire the skill to twine a marsh plant called Tule with cordage. Create a comfortable bulrush mat to sit on.
Learn about the cultural significance of this multipurpose plant material. It is and was used by many Native American
groups both as a food resource and for manufacturing items of
material culture. Baskets, boats, duck decoys,
hats, clothing, shoes and thatching for homes are among the Tule items made by Native Peoples.
July 14 (10 - 12 pm): Gather Tule for your mat (participation is required).
July 21 (10 - 3:30 pm): Construct your Tule mat.
Dates: July 14 & 21, 2012
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm & 10:00 am - 3:30 pm
Instructor: Dino Labiste
Fee: $10.00 ($12.00 for non-residents of Contra Costa and Alameda counties) + $5.00 parking fee/vehicle
The $10.00 fee is for both days.
Location: Coyote Hills Regional Park, 8000 Patterson Ranch Road,
Fremont, CA 94555
Meet at the front entrance of the Visitor Center.
Registration Required: Call 1-888-327-2757, option 2, 3
Contact Naturalist Dino Labiste for information: (510) 544-3215
BOW DRILL & HAND DRILL FIRE MAKING
Learn the secrets of making fire. Indigenous cultures throughout the Americas utilized the hand drill method. The bow drill is used more by contemporary practitioners of fire making. Explore the difference between the two techniques of fire-by-friction. Learn how fire was created through hands-on activities.
Date: July 14, 2012
Time: 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Instructor: Dino Labiste
Min/max Age: 16-yrs-old (parent participation required) / Adult
Fee: No fee for the program (only $5.00 parking fee/vehicle)
Location: Coyote Hills Regional Park, 8000 Patterson Ranch Road,
Fremont, CA 94555
Meet at the front entrance of the Visitor Center.
Registration Required: Call 1-888-327-2757, option 2, 3
Contact Naturalist Dino Labiste for information: (510) 544-3215
THE TAO OF ATLATL
Join Ranger Bruce Weidman for an inward experience with an outward twist! Using modern tools, we’ll spend two short days learning to make the Atlatl: Atom Bomb of the Stone Age. On the 21st, we’ll fabricate our throwing stick (atlatl). On the 28th, we’ll make the spear (dart). Time will be scheduled for target practice to prepare for the ISAC on August 11. As time permits, we’ll check out other primitive tools.
Dates: July 21 & 28, 2012
Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Instructor: Bruce Weidman
Fee: $20 per person
Minimum Age: 14-yrs-old with crafting skills (parent participation required)
Location: Sugarloaf Open Space
End of Youngs Valley Rd., Walnut Creek. Follow signs.
Registration Required: Contact Ranger Bruce Weidman at (925) 943-5899 ext 2665
VOLUNTEER DAY: OHLONE VILLAGE SITE
Learn about the Tuibun Ohlone culture, as we help care for an important 2,200-year-old village site. Volunteer to clean, weed and renew the structures and village site. We’ll provide snacks, water, gloves, tools and a presentation about the archaeological village site’s historical and cultural significance.
Dates: July 28, 2012
Time: 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Docent/Volunteer Coordinator: Dino Labiste
Min/max Age: 12-yrs-old (parent participation required) / Adult
Location: Coyote Hills Regional Park, 8000 Patterson Ranch Road,
Fremont, CA 94555
Meet at the front entrance of the Visitor Center.
Registration Required: Call 1-888-327-2757, option 2, 3
Contact Naturalist Dino Labiste for information: (510) 544-3215
TULE TWINED BASKET
Each student will make a lightweight basket using several different weaves, suitable for gathering berries or holding small fruits.
Date: July 28, 2012
Time: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Instructor: Charles Kennard
Min/max Age: Teen / Adult
Location: Laguna Evironmental Center of Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation, Sebastopol, CA
Registration Required: Visit www.lagunafoundation.org
SURVIVAL ESSENTIALS
This introductory workshop will prepare you for outdoor adventure; teaching you basic principles and methods of wilderness survival. Topics covered will include assembling survival kits, shelter building, fire starting techniques, emergency signaling, water purification, and more! Although many of the topics covered include modern materials, participants will have an opportunity to practice primitive friction fire techniques. You will go home with a free survival kit, which includes (among other things) a ferrocerium rod for fire lighting, a mylar blanket, and 50 feet of 550 paracord.
Dates: August 4, 2012
Time: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Instructor: Susan Labiste
Min/max Age: 14-yrs-old (parent participation required) / Adult
Fee: $23.00 ($27.00 for non-residents of Contra Costa and Alameda counties) + $5.00 parking fee/vehicle
Location: Garin Regional Park, 1320 Garin Avenue, Hayward, CA 94544
Registration Required: Call 1-888-327-2757, option 2 (deadline for registration is on July 31, 2012)
For information, if you hope to register after the date registration closes, contact Recreation staff at (510) 544-2553 or e-mail slabiste@ebparks.org
CALIFORNIA KNAPPERS
Join us for a day of flintknapping. The knapping get-together is open to beginners, intermediate and advanced knappers. Anyone who is interested in the skill of making stone tools is more than welcome. Come and work on your lithic project or practice the art of flintknapping and learn tips from fellow knappers.
Date: August 5, 2012
Time: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location: Karl Nordvik Park, 5850 Commerce Drive, Fremont, CA 94555
The park is on the corner of Commerce Dr. and Ardenwood Blvd. We will be located across the restrooms, on the far end of the park, near a small pine tree. Look towards the children's playground. Parking is free.
Access the California Knappers webpage for more information: http://www.primitiveways.com/California_Knappers28.html
2012 COYOTE HILLS KNAP IN
Join us for our 19th annual gathering of flintknappers and observe how stone tools and arrowheads were made, or if you’re 13 or older, give it a try yourself! If you have tools and safety gear (eye protection, leather pads, etc.) bring them along. Otherwise, we usually have plenty to share.
Date: August 25 & 26, 2012
Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm (both days)
Instructor: Ken Peek & Friends
Fee: No fee for the program (only $5.00 parking fee/vehicle)
Location: Coyote Hills Regional Park, 8000 Patterson Ranch Road, Fremont, CA 94555
Camping will be available for knappers wanting to attend both days
Contact Ken Peek for more information at (510) 537-1215
OHLONE VILLAGE SITE
Learn about Ohlone culture as we tour a diorama of village life at the Visitor Center. Walk to a 2,200-year-old Ohlone village site in the park, see replicated structures and examine reproductions of artifacts. Along the trail, we’ll identify plants that provided food, medicine and tools for the first people of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Date: September 2, 2012
Time: 10:00 am -12:00 pm & 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Naturalist: Dino Labiste
Fee: No fee for the program (only $5.00 parking fee/vehicle)
Location: Coyote Hills Regional Park, 8000 Patterson Ranch Road, Fremont, CA 94555
Meet at the front entrance of the Coyote Hills Visitor Center at 10:00 am or 1:30 pm.
No registration, drop-in, for information call (510) 544-3215 or (510) 544-3220.
PINE-NEEDLE BASKET
We will use locally-gathered pine needles and palm or yucca to begin coiled baskets in shapes of your choosing. Decorative elements can be in-troduced by splitting and doubling stitches. Students can also choose rush (Juncus) for the foundation. Similar baskets have long traditions in southern California and rural South Carolina.
Date: September 8, 2012
Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Instructor: Charles Kennard
Min/max Age: Teen / Adult
Location: Pt. Reyes National Seashore, Kule Loklo
Registration Required (when the schedule is published): Visit www.ptreyes.org/fieldinstitute
RABBITSTICK RENDEZVOUS
The Rabbitstick Rendezvous is a totally unique learning experience of various primitive technology and wilderness skills. This premier event focuses on hands-on classes that will introduce you to many new and varied formats, skills and personalities. Rabbitstick will provide you with an unparalleled chance to learn from both journeyman and master teachers. This gathering of experienced instructors and eager participants is made available to you from Backtracks. The Rabbitstick Rendezvous is one of the largest and oldest of the comtemporary primitive skills gatherings.
Date: September 9 - 15, 2012
Fee: Early registration - $275 (prior to September 1), Late registration - $350
Location: Rexburg, Idaho
For info & registration: Contact Backtracks for information at http://www.backtracks.net/ContactBacktracks.asp or access http://www.backtracks.net/Registration.html for registration.
COILED WILLOW BASKET
We will learn how to split and trim willow to prepare weavers, and then begin a Paiute-style trinket basket, with a foundation of whole willow. Participants can choose whether to use a gap stitch or close weaving.
Date: September 15, 2012
Time: 9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Instructor: Charles Kennard
Fee: $70.00
Min/max Age: Teen / Adult
Location: San Anselmo, CA
To register, contact charleskennard@comcast.net
CALIFORNIA KNAPPERS
Join us for a day of flintknapping. The knapping get-together is open to beginners, intermediate and advanced knappers. Anyone who is interested in the skill of making stone tools is more than welcome. Come and work on your lithic project or practice the art of flintknapping and learn tips from fellow knappers.
Date: September 22 , 2012
Time: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location: Karl Nordvik Park, 5850 Commerce Drive, Fremont, CA 94555
The park is on the corner of Commerce Dr. and Ardenwood Blvd. We will be located across the restrooms, on the far end of the park, near a small pine tree. Look towards the children's playground. Parking is free.
Access the California Knappers webpage for more information: http://www.primitiveways.com/California%20Knappers%2026.html
3rd ANNUAL STONE AGE OLYMPICS & KNAP-IN
Join us for a day of primitive technology contests and stone tool making demonstrations. Cast a prehistoric dart thrower called an atlatl, create fire by rubbing two sticks together, throw a rabbit stick, fling a bolas and participate in other age appropriate primeval activities. Watch skilled knappers transform rocks into functional tools. There will be an atlatl International Standard Accuracy Competition (ISAC) scheduled in the morning. The ISAC Competition will end at noon. Stop by, if you want to compete for ISAC scores. Plaques will be awarded for 1st place winners in the Men's Divison, the Women's Division and the Youth's Division.
Date: September 23, 2012
Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Organizer: Dino Labiste
Fee: No fee for the event (only $5.00 parking fee/vehicle)
Location: Coyote Hills Regional Park, 8000 Patterson Ranch Road, Fremont, CA 94555
Meet at the Dairy Glen campground (8 minutes walk on the Bayview Trail towards the bay from the Old Quarry parking lot).
No registration, drop-in, for information call (510) 544-3215 or (510) 544-3220.
Open to the general public. The event is family-friendly.
SURVIVAL ESSENTIALS
This introductory workshop will prepare you for outdoor adventure; teaching you basic principles and methods of wilderness survival. Topics covered will include assembling survival kits, shelter building, fire starting techniques, emergency signaling, water purification, and more! Although many of the topics covered include modern materials, participants will have an opportunity to practice primitive friction fire techniques. You will go home with a free survival kit, which includes (among other things) a ferrocerium rod for fire lighting, a mylar blanket, and 50 feet of 550 paracord.
Dates: September 29, 2012
Time: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Instructor: Susan Labiste
Min/max Age: 14-yrs-old (parent participation required) / Adult
Fee: $23.00 ($27.00 for non-residents of Contra Costa and Alameda counties) + $5.00 parking fee/vehicle
Location: Garin Regional Park, 1320 Garin Avenue, Hayward, CA 94544
Registration Required: Call 1-888-327-2757, option 2 (deadline for registration is September 25, 2012)
For information, if you hope to register after the date registration closes, contact Recreation staff at (510) 544-2553 or e-mail slabiste@ebparks.org
SKILLS OF THE PAST: FIRE MAKING
Ever wondered how fire was created before matches or a lighter? Unravel the secrets of fire-by-friction, fire-by-percussion and fire-by-compression. Discover the techniques to produce a glowing ember as we practice our fire making skills through hands-on activities and demonstrations.
Date: October 6, 2012
Time: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Instructor: Dino Labiste
Min/max Age: 16-yrs-old (parent participation required) / Adult
Fee: No fee for the program (only $5.00 parking fee/vehicle)
Location: Coyote Hills Regional Park, 8000 Patterson Ranch Road,
Fremont, CA 94555
Meet at the front entrance of the Visitor Center.
Registration Required: Call 1-888-327-2757, option 2, 3
Contact Naturalist Dino Labiste for information: (510) 544-3215
SKILLS OF THE PAST: CORDAGE MAKING
The ability to twist, twine or braid fibers into cordage allowed indigenous cultures to tie their world together. Learn the various techniques of gathering, preparation, extracting and plying of plant materials to create cordage. Practice the efficient method of leg rolling dogbane fibers.
Date: October 6, 2012
Time: 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Instructor: Dino Labiste
Min/max Age: 9-yrs-old (parent participation required) / Adult
Fee: No fee for the program (only $5.00 parking fee/vehicle)
Location: Coyote Hills Regional Park, 8000 Patterson Ranch Road,
Fremont, CA 94555
Meet at the front entrance of the Visitor Center.
Registration Required: Call 1-888-327-2757, option 2, 3
Contact Naturalist Dino Labiste for information: (510) 544-3215
SKILLS OF THE PAST: FLINTKNAPPING
Unearth the art of turning an obsidian flake into a functional paleolithic cutting tool. Learn about prehistoric equipment, such as hammer stones, and use modern materials, like copper pressure flakers. Practice beginning skills to create a Stone Age microblade or shape an arrowhead.
Date: October 13, 2012
Time: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Instructor: Dino Labiste
Min/max Age: 18-yrs-old / Adult
Fee: No fee for the program (only $5.00 parking fee/vehicle)
Location: Coyote Hills Regional Park, 8000 Patterson Ranch Road,
Fremont, CA 94555
Meet at the front entrance of the Visitor Center.
Registration Required: Call 1-888-327-2757, option 2, 3
Contact Naturalist Dino Labiste for information: (510) 544-3215
TWINING WITH RUSH (JUNCUS) AND TULE
Each participant will make a container with rush warps and tule wefts, using California Indian techniques. We will practice various twining stitches to make a patterned exterior, finish with a decorative rim, and perhaps a cordage handle. Tule baskets were very commonly made in many parts of California, Oregon and Nevada, with varying “starts”, weaves and rim finishes.
Date: October 13, 2012
Time: 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
Instructor: Charles Kennard
Min/max Age: Teen / Adult
Location: Regional Parks Botanic Garden, Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley, CA
Registration Required: Visit www.nativeplants.org
VOLUNTEER DAY: OHLONE VILLAGE SITE
Learn about the Tuibun Ohlone culture, as we help care for an important 2,200-year-old village site. Volunteer to clean, weed and renew the structures and village site. We’ll provide snacks, water, gloves, tools and a presentation about the archaeological village site’s historical and cultural significance.
Dates: October 20, 2012
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm & 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Docent/Volunteer Coordinator: Dino Labiste
Min/max Age: 12-yrs-old (parent participation required) / Adult
Location: Coyote Hills Regional Park, 8000 Patterson Ranch Road,
Fremont, CA 94555
Meet at the front entrance of the Visitor Center.
Registration Required: Call 1-888-327-2757, option 2, 3
Contact Naturalist Dino Labiste for information: (510) 544-3215
CALIFORNIA KNAPPERS
Join us for a day of lithic reduction technology. The flintknapping get-together is open to beginners, intermediate and advanced knappers. Anyone who is interested in the skill of making stone tools is more than welcome. Come and work on your lithic project or practice the art of flintknapping and learn tips from fellow knappers.
"Life would be dull and pointless without flintknappers."
Date: October 21, 2012
Time: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location: Karl Nordvik Park, 5850 Commerce Drive, Fremont, CA 94555
The park is on the corner of Commerce Dr. and Ardenwood Blvd. We will be located across the restrooms, on the far end of the park, near a small pine tree. Look towards the children's playground. Parking is free.
Access the California Knappers webpage for more information: http://www.primitiveways.com/California_Knappers.html
SURVIVAL ESSENTIALS
This introductory workshop will prepare you for outdoor adventure; teaching you basic principles and methods of wilderness survival. Topics covered will include assembling survival kits, shelter building, fire starting techniques, emergency signaling, water purification, and more! Although many of the topics covered include modern materials, participants will have an opportunity to practice primitive friction fire techniques. You will go home with a free survival kit, which includes (among other things) a ferrocerium rod for fire lighting, a mylar blanket, and 50 feet of 550 paracord.
Dates: October 21, 2012
Time: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Instructor: Susan Labiste
Min/max Age: 14-yrs-old (parent participation required) / Adult
Fee: $23.00 ($27.00 for non-residents of Contra Costa and Alameda counties) + $5.00 parking fee/vehicle
Location: Garin Regional Park, 1320 Garin Avenue, Hayward, CA 94544
Registration Required: Call 1-888-327-2757, option 2 (deadline for registration is October 16, 2012)
For information, if you hope to register after the date registration closes, contact Recreation staff at (510) 544-2553 or e-mail slabiste@ebparks.org
GOURD/KNAPPING DAY AT THE PEEK'S
Ever wondered what’s involved in making those beautiful crafted gourds that you’ve seen in the gift shops? Or how arrowheads and stone tools were made? Well, here’s your chance to find out by trying your hand at either or both of these activities! Join us for an informal day of gourd-crafting and flint-knapping. Bring along an item to share at the potluck lunch table. Hope you can join us!
Date: November 3, 2012
Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Instructors: Ken & Elizabeth Peek & Friends
Fee: No fee for these workshops
Location: 27361 Palomares Road, Castro Valley, CA 94552
Contact Ken Peek for more information at (510) 537-1215
