Free Community Resilience Workshop Series

Together, we face a multitude of social, economic, and environmental challenges that call us to rethink how we relate to one another and the land, and develop skills for mutual aid. The Community Resilience Workshops will facilitate inclusive learning opportunities while fostering local partnerships for climate change adaptation. In collaboration with other community-based organizations, these workshops will offer hands-on practice in topics such as regenerative agriculture, wildfire mitigation, disaster preparedness, first aid training, ecological conservation, community governance, and off-grid systems. We recognize that the communities most impacted by climate change are also those who do not have equitable access to these resources, so most of these offerings will be free and donation-based.

These workshops are made possible by funding we received through Oregon Health Authority’s Public Health Equity Grant, which is also funding scholarships to Lost Valley courses in 2025. Please see workshop details below to register, and contact admissions@lostvalley.org to inquire about other scholarship opportunities. Please note that registration is required in order to attend all workshops. 

2025 Schedule

More workshops coming soon!

Water in Permaculture
Apr
5

Water in Permaculture

This workshop focuses on water management in permaculture, teaching techniques for capturing, storing, and efficiently using water in sustainable systems. Participants will learn about rainwater harvesting, swales, ponds, and other methods to enhance water retention, reduce runoff, and support healthy ecosystems.

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INTRO TO ANIMAL FIBER ALCHEMY & HANDSPINNING
Apr
11

INTRO TO ANIMAL FIBER ALCHEMY & HANDSPINNING

Join us for a hands-on fiber arts workshop! Bring your own projects and learn about fiber processing, dyeing, storage, and safety in a one-hour lecture. After a break, explore demo stations with tools like hand cards, a drum carder, drop spindles, and spinning wheels. Practice spinning, plying, and handpicking fibers, with guidance on safety and body awareness. Andra will provide all materials, including raw fibers, spinning wheels, books, and examples. Perfect for all skill levels!

Andra Vltavín (they/them) is the co-founder and co-director of Ethical Yarn Community, a member-owned cooperative that focuses on sustainability, tending to animals in partnership, and education. They have been handspinning for more than five years and delight in opportunities to connect somatic practices with land-based projects. 

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Renewable Trees: Resprout Forestry
Apr
12

Renewable Trees: Resprout Forestry

Kara Huntermoon will lead an exploration of coppicing and pollarding, two ancient forestry techniques that take advantage of trees' ability to regrow from their stumps.  Cultures all over the world have managed their timber production sustainably through post-harvest sprouting from the same roots, with proven ecological benefits.  Tools, methods, timing, and appropriate species will be discussed, along with benefits for humans, livestock, and the wider ecology.  Resprout Forestry requires us to reinhabit a place with commitment, and regain long-term relationships with other species; as such, it is a method of Social Forestry.

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Wet/Dry Orchards: Swales and Mounds for managing seasonal water in the Willamette Valley
Apr
19

Wet/Dry Orchards: Swales and Mounds for managing seasonal water in the Willamette Valley

 Kara Huntermoon, local expert in wetlands Permaculture, will teach a 4-hour class on managing seasonally wet soil in the Willamette Valley.  Tour her 3-acre wet-meadow orchard, and hear "tricks of the trade" for growing "impossible" fruit trees in flooded soil.  Learn to use an A-frame level to find contour on slopes, and see how swale-building practices in low flatlands differ from swales on slopes.  Discover how to protect roots during the wet season, while storing water in the soil to reduce drought in the long dry summers.  This class includes hands-on swale digging with shovels; participants may self-select to their body's capacity.

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No-Till Farming Workshop
Apr
20

No-Till Farming Workshop

This workshop will introduce no-till farming practices, focusing on techniques that reduce soil disturbance and improve long-term soil health. Participants will learn how no-till methods enhance water retention, reduce erosion, and boost crop yields sustainably.

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Decolonizing Permaculture
Apr
26

Decolonizing Permaculture

This workshop explores decolonizing permaculture, focusing on integrating Indigenous knowledge and practices with sustainable land stewardship. Participants will learn how to challenge colonial mindsets, honor traditional wisdom, and create more inclusive, regenerative systems.

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Working With Solar and Batteries
Apr
27

Working With Solar and Batteries

This class is for anyone and everyone. We welcome people with any experience whether it’s a new beginner trying to get concepts or advanced people interested in getting a better well rounded understanding of what it takes to achieve certain solutions. 

Solar can be daunting at times and with my real world experience of what is and isn’t possible, our instructor John Loomis would like to offer his expertise to anyone willing to listen. 

John has been doing electrical work off and on over the past 14 years and started diving into the world of solar and batteries 10 years ago when he lived off grid for a few years. He brings that expertise to work, and helps people get more energy independence every week. 

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Natural Building
May
4

Natural Building

This workshop teaches natural building techniques using sustainable materials like clay, straw, and stone. Participants will learn hands-on skills for creating eco-friendly structures that are energy-efficient and in harmony with the environment.

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Working with Solar and Batteries
May
18

Working with Solar and Batteries

This class is for anyone and everyone. We welcome people with any experience whether it’s a new beginner trying to get concepts or advanced people interested in getting a better well rounded understanding of what it takes to achieve certain solutions. 

Solar can be daunting at times and with my real world experience of what is and isn’t possible, our instructor John Loomis would like to offer his expertise to anyone willing to listen. 

John has been doing electrical work off and on over the past 14 years and started diving into the world of solar and batteries 10 years ago when he lived off grid for a few years. He brings that expertise to work, and helps people get more energy independence every week. 

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Fire ecology and Biochar Production Workshop
Mar
30

Fire ecology and Biochar Production Workshop

This workshop will explore the dynamic relationship between fire ecology and biochar, focusing on how fire influences forest ecosystems and soil health. Participants will learn about the role of fire in shaping landscapes, the science behind biochar production, and its potential benefits for carbon sequestration, soil fertility, and wildfire resilience.

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Intro to Sociocracy
Mar
9

Intro to Sociocracy

Join our interactive online workshop to learn how Sociocracy empowers organizations through collaborative decision-making, shared leadership, and transparency. Explore the key principles of consent-based governance, how to structure teams into circles, and how to make decisions that ensure everyone’s voice is heard.

In this hands-on session, you’ll:

  • Understand the core values of sociocracy

  • Practice real-world decision-making scenarios

  • Learn tools for effective, inclusive governance

Ideal for leaders, teams, and anyone interested in more democratic and efficient ways to work together.

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Intro to Sociocracy Workshop
Feb
9

Intro to Sociocracy Workshop

Join our interactive online workshop to learn how Sociocracy empowers organizations through collaborative decision-making, shared leadership, and transparency. Explore the key principles of consent-based governance, how to structure teams into circles, and how to make decisions that ensure everyone’s voice is heard.

In this hands-on session, you’ll:

  • Understand the core values of sociocracy

  • Practice real-world decision-making scenarios

  • Learn tools for effective, inclusive governance

Ideal for leaders, teams, and anyone interested in more democratic and efficient ways to work together.

View Event →