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.
Low Tech Podcast, No. 56 – 30 Sep 2022
Snake River Seed Co-Op
In this episode we chat with three members of the Snake River Seed Co-op leadership team (https://snakeriverseeds.com/). … More Low Tech Podcast, No. 56 — Snake River Seed Co-Op
We occasionally hold free member events. This Sunday, September 25, we’ll be picking and pressing apples! The 100-tree orchard we manage is heavily burdened this year! Attendees should bring themelves, some brown paper sacks or reusable shopping bags (or whatever!), and jugs, and at the end of the day, you can take home your fill … More Apple Picking and Cider Pressing, Sep. 25– Fall Member Event
Low Tech Podcast, No. 55 — Institute Bee Research
Institute Bee Research
In this episode we share a field recording out at the institute’s bee research apiary. … More Low Tech Podcast, No. 55 — Institute Bee Research
Just down the road from the institute is 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 after Christine took a workshop at the UW Arboretum. Through their friendship with Steve Glass, they accelerated the … More Upcoming Workshop — Gathering Prairie Seeds, Oct. 8, 1–3(ish) p.m., Free (Space is Limited)
UPDATE: This has been rescheduled to Sept. 18 and Scott will not be available. This Next Sunday, Scott will [not] be at the Schumacher Farm Park to help with the Heritage Fest. From 12:00–5:00 p.m. Sunday, dozens of demonstrators and volunteers will showcase life in rural America from a century ago. This includes threshing, spinning, … More Coopering Buckets and Pails Next Weekend at Schumacher Farm’s Heritage Fest
Low Tech Podcast, No. 54 – 02 Sep 2022
Gardens: The Original Social Safety Net
In this episode we delve into the history of subsistence gardening and why our time is such an aberration. … More Low Tech Podcast, No. 55 — Gardening: The Original Social Safety Net
We manage an abandoned apple orchard of about a hundred trees. This year appears to have a bumper crop. We need your help clearing out brush, wild grapes, and other growth. In exchange, we’ll be hosting a apple-picking and cider-making event in September and volunteers will be invited! Our first meet up will be this … More Apple Orchard Work Days — Volunteer Sign Up
Low Tech Podcast, No. 53 – 19 Aug 2022
When Should You Transition from Fossil Fuels?
In this episode, I discuss food self-provisioning with Bill Robichaud, who has been growing and gathering his food for two years. … More Low Tech Podcast, No. 53 — When Should you Transition from Fossil Fuels?
Low Tech Podcast, No. 52 – 5 Aug 2022
Could You Be Food Self-Sufficient?
In this episode, I discuss food self-provisioning with Bill Robichaud, who has been growing and gathering his food for two years. … More Low Tech Podcast, No. 52 — Could You Be Food Self-Sufficient?
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 by mid-summer. Join us and learn to process this easy-to-grow plant and then walk through the steps to turn it from a dried stalk into loose … More Flax to Linen — Upcoming Workshop, August 20, 27, 28 – $85/class or $225/all three