Author: lowtechinstitute

We bring nonindustrial subsistence technology to (over)developed societies. We exist at the nexus of ancient, ethnographic, and modern subsistence. We aim to 1) identify ancient and contemporary nonindustrial technologies appropriate for use in modern, small-scale, self-sustaining infrastructure; 2) create do-it-yourself, resource-light solutions to sustainability problems; 3) provide our findings to the public for free use; and 4) create platforms to share information related to sustainability, especially solutions derived from ancient or ethnographic sources. We prize simple solutions over complex ones and eschew needless complication.

Learn to Spin: Fleece to Yarn — Upcoming Workshop, Oct. 4–5 | $175/class

September 4, 2025

In this workshop, participants will learn to card and spin wool from a cleaned fleece, into yarn suitable for crochet, knitting, or weaving. We will use fleeces sourced from the Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival Fleece Show for this class, which will be processed from washed wool into roving by carding in the morning. After … More Learn to Spin: Fleece to Yarn — Upcoming Workshop, Oct. 4–5 | $175/class

Upcoming Workshop — Gathering Prairie Seeds, Sep. 27, 1–3(ish) p.m., Free (Space is Limited)

August 25, 2025

It is time for our 5th annual prairie-seed-gathering workshop. We’ll start by visiting a “baby” prairie, established just this last year, across the commons from the institute. Then we’ll head just down the road to the Danky-Schelshorn Prairie. Until 2003, this land was under agricultural cultivation, but Jim and Christine decided to turn it back … More Upcoming Workshop — Gathering Prairie Seeds, Sep. 27, 1–3(ish) p.m., Free (Space is Limited)

Flax to Linen — Upcoming Workshop, August 30-31 – $250

August 5, 2025

NOTE: This workshop has been cancelled. Please sign up to our listserve (see the footer of the page) to be notified when we offer this again. In this three-part workshop, participants will learn to harvest, process, and spin flax plants into linen thread suitable for weaving. We have a small flax plot that we’ll be harvesting … More Flax to Linen — Upcoming Workshop, August 30-31 – $250

Upcoming Workshop — Hand-Harvesting Wheat and Rye, Jul. 19, 9 a.m.–12 p.m., $35 ($25 for members)

April 29, 2025

We’ve been growing and processing wheat and rye by hand for a years. This weekend, we will harvest it using scythes and sickles.  Then it has to get tied into sheaves and stood up in shocks to dry. Once dry, it has to be threshed to remove the grains from the heads, and then winnowed … More Upcoming Workshop — Hand-Harvesting Wheat and Rye, Jul. 19, 9 a.m.–12 p.m., $35 ($25 for members)

Volunteer with Us and Visit the WI Garden Expo for Free

January 27, 2025

We’re back at the rebranded Wisconsin Garden & Green Living Expo, February 7–9. It’d be great for you to stop by our booth, or even volunteer and get free entry! Every year this event draws thousands from the southern Wisconsin area to see presentations, demonstrations, and vendors all focused on gardening and sustainability. You can … More Volunteer with Us and Visit the WI Garden Expo for Free

Upcoming Workshop — Gathering Prairie Seeds, Sep. 21, 1–3(ish) p.m., Free (Space is Limited)

September 6, 2024

We’ll start by visiting a “baby” prairie, established just this last year, across the commons from the institute. Then we’ll head just down the road to the Danky-Schelshorn Prairie. Until 2003, this land was under agricultural cultivation, but Jim and Christine decided to turn it back into a prairie habitat. The Danky-Schelshorn Prairie was established … More Upcoming Workshop — Gathering Prairie Seeds, Sep. 21, 1–3(ish) p.m., Free (Space is Limited)

Help us spiff up before the Convergence: Saturday LTI Workday

August 12, 2024

In two short weeks we’ll be hosting the Wisconsin Permaculture Convergence (see info at end of post). We are excited but also hustling to get our space ready for 50-100 people to descend on our space and village. We have a to-do list of things to “spiff up” the institute grounds and environs — and … More Help us spiff up before the Convergence: Saturday LTI Workday

WPC Spotlight: Flax to Linen, Unlocking Fiber from Straw — Register today!

August 6, 2024

At the end of August, the Wisconsin Permaculture Convergence will be held at LTI. The heart of this event is sessions led by a group of facilitators on topics ranging from saving seeds to raising rabbits. Today, we’re highlighting “Flax to Linen: Unlocking Fiber from Straw,” facilitated by Leslie Schroeder. Flax to Linen, Unlocking Fiber … More WPC Spotlight: Flax to Linen, Unlocking Fiber from Straw — Register today!