Earth Native Wilderness School

Specialties

At Earth Native we understand that while wonderful, nature can also be daunting and intimidating at times. We therefore strive to be a bridge helping people and communities not only learn new life-​enhancing skills that lead to greater confidence and fun in the outdoors, but also to provide a space for people who are interested in learning more about the wonder of nature to come and develop their skill and connection in a community setting.

Earth Native School offers courses for those age 3 – 99 (we actually wouldn’t turn away a 100+ year old…) in Bastrop and Austin on all kinds of exciting topics that include:

Wilderness Survival Skills and Bushcraft Skills

Wildlife Tracking and Animal Behavior Studies

Ethnobotany — The study of Edible, Medicinal, and Useful Plants

Hand crafting wooden Bow and Arrows the old way

Ancestral skills like Flint Knapping (creating stone tools), Basket Making, and Natural Clay Pottery

Navigation

Awareness

Natural Building

Sustainable Living

And much more!

We have classes and courses that range from one day to 8 months and everything in-​between.

For more information on our upcoming course schedule please visit our home page.

History

Established in 2011.

Founded in 2011 in Austin, TX, Earth Native Wilderness School tirelessly works to help our students build lifelong connections to the outdoors. We do this through offering unique, fun, and informative courses that not only enliven and but also lead our students down an incredible path of discovery and greater self-​reliance.

So much of our lives these days are co-​opted by electronics, cramped indoor spaces, and stress. But there is a whole other world waiting for us outside, one full of mystery, wonder, healing, and connection. So many studies have revealed how much people need nature and that regular time spent outdoors leads us to healthier, happier, less stressful, and more fulfilled lives.

We have classes and courses that range from one day to 8 months and everything in-​between.

For more information on our upcoming course schedule please visit our home page.

Thanks!

–Dave

Meet the Business Owner

Dave S.

Business Owner

Dave developed a lifelong love for the nature as a young child exploring Texas’ wild places with his brother, Michel. As a teenager, a passion for wilderness survival skills and self-​reliance was kindled while he was involved with his county’s local search and rescue team. After spending 5 years in the US Army, Dave began pursuing his true passions full time, studying wilderness survival, wildlife tracking, youth and adult mentoring, naturalist studies, and sustainable living skills at wilderness schools across the country. Dave is the co-​author of Bird Feathers: A Guide to North American Species. As an educator, Dave’s passion is helping his students establish strong bonds with the outdoors through wildlife tracking, increased sensory awareness, wilderness survival skills, and the knowledge of place. However, Dave’s greatest love is spending time outdoors with his kids.