One of our first class series of the summer was entitled, "Lost and Forgotten Skills," and the inspiration behind hosting such a series rested in honoring some ancient traditions, and in a passion for back-to-roots, deliberate living! Thankfully, we had just the expert to lead such a series (thanks Rowena!!!). Students who attended were not disappointed, and in both workshops offered as part of the series, students walked away with much more than simply the knowledge.

On July 18th, the first workshop of the series featured one of our most delightful yet invasive species here in Michigan--the cattail (or bulrush if you hail from the old country;)! Believe it or not, our trusty "Lost and Forgotten Skills" instructor discovered a fantastic use for this impostor, and one she was excited to share with the community--cattail baskets! By following the proper procedure for soaking and preparing the reeds, one can create a beautiful (and functional!) handwoven basket. And that's exactly what happened during this three hour workshop. Nestled in the middle of the Robin Hills Farm garden, students participated in making their own cattail basket. Though it required delicate hands and patience, the workshop was a success, and Robin Hills was ever grateful for Rowena's expertise, and for the students who attended one of the first Robin Hills Farm workshops!

On August 22nd, the second workshop of the series focused on something much different but equally exciting and primitive: making fire with a bow drill! This was a workshop indeed. From carving one's own bow and drill to engaging with that miraculous primitive skill of fire-making with just pieces of wood was both humbling and exhilarating.

Rowena began the workshop demonstrating how the bow drill works (and lighting a fire in the process, making it look easy as pie!). What followed was a tutorial in crafting a bow drill set, which involved choosing the right materials to carve. The bow drill set consisted of numerous parts: the bow, the drill (2-pieces: spindle and fireboard), the handhold, and the tinder bundle. The spindle and fireboard were to be made out of the same material, preferably, out of the same block of wood. Cedar and basswood both make excellent choices!

After the splitting and carving, students were encouraged to try their hand at the skill, using proper technique and their brand new tool set. After Robin Hills Farm's education director attempted to start his own fire and failed miserably, Rowena once again took the lead and showed the students the process of making fire with a bow drill, from ember to flame in the brand new fire pit at Robin Hills. What an experience!