Wild Ways with Mo: Fall & Winter Workshop Series

Primitive Skills Workshop Series with Mo
Hosted by the Middlebury Area Land Trust (MALT)

Sign up for both workshops and receive a discount or use the drop in option. Please sign up each child 10 and older individually, one adult must accompany a child 10 and under-

Local favorite and seasoned primitive skills teacher Mo (Maurice Bissonnette) is bringing us two hands-on workshops at the Otter Creek Gorge Preserve this fall and winter season, with more to come throughout the year.

Maurice Bissonnette has been a Wilderness Survival educator for 20+ years. Teaching adults and children how to find edible plants, make survival shelters, track wild animals through forests and generally help people learn to be comfortable in the Wilds of Vermont. He has taught at Wisdom of the Herbs School, Earthwalk Vermont, Wild Earth and Crows Path.

Workshop 1: Fire by Friction
Sunday, December 14 | 2:00–4:30 PM | Otter Creek Gorge
In this session, Mo will guide participants through the art and science of making fire the traditional way — by friction. Gain confidence in this timeless skill while deepening your understanding of patience, focus, and the natural materials that make it possible.

Workshop 2: Shelter Building
Sunday, March 15 | 2:00–4:30 PM | Otter Creek Gorge
Learn how to build quick, efficient shelters using only the natural materials around you. Mo will demonstrate practical techniques for staying warm, dry, and resourceful in the woods. (You may know Mo as the creator of the whimsical “castle” tucked along MALT’s summer camp area on the TAM!)

Stay tuned! Mo will return in June for a Foraging Workshop and again in September for a Whittling Workshop — rounding out a full year of learning ancient skills in modern times.

~Park in the Northern Otter Creek Gorge Parking lot

~Bring a Headlamp, snack, water

~Dress in appropriate gear

~You will be sent an email before each program with specific updates

CANCELATION POLICY:MALT operates programs outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. If weather conditions are hazardous (lightning, sustained winds >30m.p.h. etc.), MALT may cancel the program. If that is the case, you will receive notification via email.