Winter reveals a wealth of information about our local landscapes and their natural communities to the knowledgeable observer. When the conditions are right, we can clearly observe the topography of the land, springs and watercourses, trees, shrubs, the composition and history of our forests, activity and presence of wildlife, and even herb communities. In this day-long exploration we will become more knowledgeable and observant by learning to survey these aspects of the Kickapoo Valley Reserve. We'll discuss how other beings adapt, survive, and even thrive in the wintertime in the Driftless Region.
Some physical fitness is required to cover uneven and potentially (hopefully!) snowy terrain. If you have questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out!
Date: Sunday, December 13, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Lunch will be provided.
Ages: 12+ (under 18 with a participating adult)
Location: Kickapoo Valley Reserve, La Farge, WI
Instructions: It will be important to dress for the cold as we will be moving slowly and observantly. Lined boots, layers, warm coat, hats, mitts, etc. are recommended. Notebook or camera welcome for recording important info. Be sure to bring a sense of wonder and inquisitiveness!
Sliding Scale Course Fee Guidelines
Supporter Level Ticket: $130
If you move through the world with financial ease and the means to fulfill many of your wants as well as your needs – you are able to eat out when you want, abundantly meet your needs through employment or can comfortably not work, have access to family wealth, own property, etc. – consider paying at this level, which will help us ensure the long term sustainability of our programs while keeping our offerings accessible to those with access to fewer resources.
Sustainer Level Ticket: $105
If you are able to meet your needs with relative ease while budgeting your educational and entertainment spending – for instance, you are able to take classes and eat out occasionally as long as you are mindful – consider paying at this level, which will help sustain the work of the Folk School at a modest level.
Supported Level Ticket: $80
If you struggle to fund your basic needs and have limited access to resources in your family and community, or if you would not be able to access this offering without a discounted payment option, consider paying at this level. We value your presence and contributions to our community and do not want any economic circumstances to be a barrier to attendance!
Instructor Bio — Nicholas WazeeGale
Nicholas is a lifelong student of the Natural World, traditional cultures, and sustainability. His life and livelihood are deeply tied to the Driftless landscape through foraging plant and fungi foods, hunting and fishing, tanning skins, making handcraft, tracking wildlife, and closely observing all manner of natural phenomena. He makes his living as an educator with the Driftless Folk School, Thoreau College, the Kickapoo Valley Forest School, and through his own offerings and feels that Natural World education offers our wayward species essential guidance, grounding, and reality during these complex modern times. His qualifications for teaching and guiding in the wilds include a year long immersive wilderness living course, decades of living closely with the Driftless landscape, and professional and specialist certifications in reading wildlife track and sign through Tracker Certification, Cybertracker North America. (Instagram: @naturalnuances // Substack: rogueecology.substack.com)