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.
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
Today Scott will be joining the Larry Meiller Show for “Garden Talk” on WPR from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. You can listen on 88.7 FM in the Madison area. You can also listen online at: https://wpr-ice.streamguys1.com/wpr-ideas-mp3-64 Listeners can ask garden questions by calling 800-642-1234 during the show or emailing talk@wpr.org.
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)
Join us this May for a masonry heater build here at LTI. … More Masonry Heater Workshop, May 1-4, $400-800
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
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)
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
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!
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 basket-making to agroforestry. Today, we’re highlighting “Permaculture Merit Badges,” facilitated by Mike Haasl. Permaculture Merit Badges This session will introduce a merit badge program … More WPC Spotlight: Permaculture Merit Badges — Register today!
It is hot here and probably where you are. We’re all looking for ways to keep our indoors comfortable. Although the AC is tempting, it is also expensive and tough on the environment and our infrastructure. So can’t we just open our windows when the outside temperature is lower than indoors? Not so fast! We’ve … More When to Open Your Windows to Cool Down