Natural Building Workshop
July 12 and 13th, 2008
In Cochrane, Alberta
with Paul Belanger, Eco Designer and Builder
This two day workshop will feature one day "hands on" and one classroom day. We will be building a straw bale wall for a studio near Cochrane. The classroom session will cover many topics including;
- Straw Bale Building details for the Alberta climate
- Simple passive solar heating for your design
- Solar panels and wind power for all your design
- Passive geothermal heating and cooling
- Use of natural materials to reduce construction costs
- Drastically reduce water consumption by using composting toilets and other steps
- An intro to the Ecovillage vision (the green subdivision)
Workshop fee: $225 per person or $420 for a couple or two friend. Low income price is 15% less. Space is limited. To register call (780) 723-3533 or email tayber_voyer@hotmail.com
Other Workshops we offer throughout the year include:
Straw Bale Construction
Photo Gallery Of Previous Workshops
These are weekend workshops with Paul J Belanger of Living Design Systems. Spend one day learning theory and one day working hands on with a straw bale structure as you learn about the many facets of this renewable, economical and efficient building medium.
Topics covered include:
- Designing and Heating with the sun
- Creating a healthy house
- Straw building costs
- Cold climate design elements
- Prefabricated houses
- Natural air conditioning
- And more
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Boreal Forage with Mors Kochanski
Photo Gallery Of Previous Workshops
A weekend workshop at Borealis, near Edson AB. This workshop focuses on the technology of collecting and preparing edible wild plants from our own local forest areas. You will learn to identify and sample a variety of plants from mushrooms to bear-root, including wild medicinal herbs. Kochanski will also take you through the basics of modern wilderness survival.
Known as the "Wizard of the Woods," Mors Kochanski is an author and outdoor survival expert. He has taught bushcraft and survival skills for over 30 years.
- Stay at the Borealis campsite and enjoy outdoor cooking.
- Try our sweat lodge sauna.
- See campfire demonstration of native arrowhead making.
- Make your own camp utensils.
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A Walk on the Wild Side with Mors Kochanski
Photo Gallery Of Previous Workshops
Experience a three day wilderness adventure at Borealis under the instruction of modern survival expert Mors Kochanski. While hiking along the Edson River:
- Make your own pack frame
- Use a bow drill to make a fire
- Build a comfortable bush shelter
- Make a rope from raw plant material
- Make your own saw frame
- Use forest plants for food and tea
- Learn methods of cooking on fire
- Learn how to dress and sleep warm and comfortably
- Fish with a "tin can" fishing kit
- Learn some new campfire jokes
Past participants have found that it developed their confidence and gave them a greater feeling of security when in the wilderness.
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Forest Medicine with Robert Dale Rogers
Photo Gallery Of Previous Workshops
A workshop held at Borealis covering healing plants of our local forests and their uses.
Workshop topics include:
- Identification of forest hers and plants
- Plant preparation for internal and external use
- Discussion of the preparation of salves, oils, tinctures, flower essence and infusion.
- Identification of plant parts for medical purposes
- Ethno Botany: What plants did natives use and how were they prepared? What is their efficacy and scientific nature?
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