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1. Find a space to build your shelter! Try to choose a location that is protected from the wind.

2. Insulate the ground! Make a frame out of logs and fill the frame with debris like leaves or pine branches.

3. Frame the shelter! Adjust sticks from each side of the shelter so they touch at the top. Continue to build the frame, placing the sticks from front to back.

4. Pile it on! Once the frame is built, it’s time to add a thick covering of debris over the entire outside of the shelter.

sourced from: https://www.filson.com/blog/how-to/build-wilderness-survival-shelter/

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Start by building a rectangular frame from logs. Fill the frame with debris, such as dried leaves or pine branches. The debris will provide insulation that will prevent the ground from drawing heat away from the body. This is extremely important, as most body heat is lost through ground transfer.
Step 3: Frame the Shelter
It's important to remember that this type of shelter is for emergency use. Therefore, the shelter cavity should only be large enough to fit your body. The most efficient design for this type of shelter is an A frame. Adjust sticks from each side of the shelter so they meet at the top. Continue to construct the frame, placing the sticks from front to back. During this phase, it is important to think outside the box and be creative in how the sticks lock together.
Step 4: Pile It On
Once the frame is constructed, it's time to add a thick covering of debris over the entire outside of the shelter. This is the most time-consuming part of building a natural shelter. Pile leaves, sticks, and branches over the entire frame. This insulation should be 4 to 8 inches thick, enough to hold back rain and keep the inside of the shelter dry.

The most important thing to recognize when creating a survival shelter is that it is a temporary shelter designed to keep you alive rather than comfortable. Natural debris shelters are typically damp and cool inside, and they may even leak a bit. Being uncomfortable and alive is better than the alternative.

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How to Build a Survival Shelter | The Filson Journal

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Dan Wowak is the owner and instructor at Coalcracker Bushcraft and the Appalachian Bushman School. He's been an avid outdoorsman since childhood. His passion for the outdoors began while fishing and hiking with his grandfather in the hills of Appalachia. Here he shares his expertise on building a survival shelter out in the wilderness, from natural materials.

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steps to tie a plastic bag- 1. Find your local tree 2.take your container or plastic bag and put it over some leaves on the tree 3.use a rubber band or string to tighten the bag around the tree branch with leaves, so that the leaves are enclosed in the bag 4. wait for a few hours or a day 5. Go check your container/plastic bag has water!

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Whether you're trying to conserve water or just concerned about running out in an emergency, knowing how to collect drinkable water from plants is a skill that can come in handy. You can gather water from your plant without damaging it via plant-respirated water vapor, or you can cut into it and extract the water that's naturally inside. Both methods work well, though the water vapor strategy is best if you don't know whether the plant is toxic or not.

1. Choose the right plant. You should use a healthy, intact plant that is actively growing because a dead or dormant plant will not provide water vapor that you can collect. Plants that are water-loving, such as willows or cottonwoods, are the best option, but you can use any variety with leaves.

The larger the leaves on your plant are the better. That's because a large leaf surface will usually produce more water vapor than plants with small leaves.

2. Place a plastic bag over a leafy branch. Make sure to cover as much of the live plant as the bag can accommodate. For the best results, use a clear bag that allows light to pass through it. The added heat will help extract moisture from the plant.

Check your bag to make sure that there aren't any holes or tears that might allow air inside. If you find one, cover the tear with a piece of strong tape, such as vinyl duct tape.

3. Secure the bag around the branch, stem, or trunk. Ensure that the seal is as airtight as possible. It helps to tie several layers of the bag off with string, making sure that there aren't any gaps around the base of the plant.

4. Position the bag properly. You want at least a portion of it to be lower than the seal around the base of the plant. That's because the water will gather in the lowest portion of the bag, so you want to give it room to collect.

You want to be sure that the plant and bag can bear the weight of any water that's collected, so check that they're not starting to list to the side before the water vapor begins to gather.

5. Let the plant sit for several hours. It usually takes four to five hours for water to start to collect in the bag. To help the process along, set the plant near a window or under a lamp, so it can receive light to help heat up the inside of the bag.

6. Unwrap the bag. You'll be able to tell when there's water in the bag for you to collect, but you have to undo the seal carefully to ensure that you don't spill any. Pour the water into a glass, bowl, or other container for you to use.

You may not get as much water as you want even after several hours. If that's the case, reseal the bag over the plant and repeat the process.

1. Cut a section of the plant. The moist, pulpy center of stems, leaves, and stalks contain water, so you can either slice off part of the plant to work with or make a notch in a stalk at the base of the joint.

A small pocket knife works best for cutting into a plant because you can be more precise, and avoid cutting any more than is necessary.

2. Squeeze or smash until water comes out. With some plants, moisture may flow from it as soon as you cut it. However, some species require that you squeeze or press the leaves or stems to get the water to flow. You'll need to press on the moist pulp inside to access the liquid.

Sucking water directly from plant isn't a good idea because the exterior of the leaves, stems, or stalks may contain bacteria, dirt, and other debris.

Be careful if you're trying to extract moisture from a cactus.They are a great source of water, but their prickly exterior can be hard on your hands if you need to squeeze out the liquid.

3. Catch water in a container. It's best to examine the liquid that comes out of the plant to ensure that it's water and not potentially poisonous. Let the liquid fall into a bowl or cup so you can check its color and texture.

If the liquid that comes out of your plant has a milky color and a sap-like consistency, don't drink it. It's usually poisonous.

Keep in mind that a single leaf, stem, or stalk may not contain much water, so you may need to extract liquid from several pieces of the plant to get as much water as you'd like.

A live plant with leaves

A plastic bag

A piece of string, or other means to secure the seal

A pocket knife

A bowl, cup, or other container

This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been viewed 97,304 times.

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 97,304 times.

"It's good to know how to purify water, because it's important to the world."

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How to Collect Water From Plants: 9 Steps (with Pictures)

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Whether you're trying to conserve water or just concerned about running out in an emergency, knowing how to collect drinkable water from plants is a skill that can come in handy. You can gather water from your plant without damaging it via...

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This article provides a preculiar and efficient way to gather leaves, this is about rope climbing.

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plant sticks in the ground and then put sticks on top top protect from rain

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If you are in the wild look on the trees for a yellow self type mushrooms. If you find one you found a sulpher self mushroom! They are commonly found on oak trees during the summer and fall months. They have to be eaten cooked not raw. Sulpher self mushrooms have a meaty texture and flavor, so be sure to cook it over a fire!

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We're committed to being your source for expert health guidance. Come to us in your pursuit of wellness.

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Moss is great for protection against the rain. It can make your shelter waterproof and can help keep your shelter dry.

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Even though you probably don't realize it, the moss you see growing on the side of buildings and on the stumps of trees is an amazing survival tool.

Now you might be thinking you know a thing or two about how to use moss for survival.

Well I hate to burst your bubble but you probably don't. That whole adage advising you to look for moss on the north side of trees to figure out your direction doesn't work all that well. Moss just likes to grow where it's cool and damp, and depending on where you are that might be everywhere.

The good news is everything you're going to learn about moss is easy to remember, simple to follow, and really could help save your life.

Check out moss's survival uses below.

7 of Moss's Survival Uses Explained

1 - Moss can help fight dehydration:
That's right, certain moss is actually a reliable source of water if you're ever stranded in the wilderness and need something to drink.

One of the most common types of moss call Sphagnum moss is what you'll want to look for.

To make this work all you've got to do is take the moss (Sphagnum or any other spongy kind) and wring it out like it's a piece of wet clothing. You'll want to do this directly over your mouth if you don't have a receptacle to catch it in.

While this might seem like a great way to get sick it's not all that dangerous. The biggest risk you run is if the moss has halophiles in it. Basically moss is acidic by nature and presents a highly acidic environment which bacteria won't thrive in...which means you're not likely to get sick from drinking moss water.

You can even use Sphagnum moss to filter water.

In a similar manner to wringing out sphagnum moss you can also pour water through it for water filtration purposes. The acidic and antiseptic properties help clean it.

2 - Moss can help treat wounds: Remember how I said moss is acidic and this keeps bacteria at bay?

Well that's also a reason you might want to consider using it as an emergency wound dressing application. The antiseptic qualities allow you to dress the wound with moss without a fear of infection.

While this isn't medical advice and shouldn't be construed as such, you would need to first clean the wound out and then take dried moss and put it in the wound to help stop the loss of blood.

One of the best wound dressings mosses is Sphagnum moss.

Botanical.com writes about its wound care properties:

"And though it is only in quite recent years that Sphagnum Moss has come to the fore in the dressing of wounds, bygone generations recognized its value for this purpose. A Gaelic Chronicle of 1014 relates that the wounded in the battle of Clontarf 'stuffed their wounds with moss,' and the Highlanders after Flodden stanched their bleeding wounds by filling them with bog moss and soft grass. Stricken deer are known to drag their wounded limbs to beds of Sphagnum Moss. The Kashmiri have used it from time immemorial and so have the Esquimaux. An old writer says: 'the Lapland matrons are well acquainted with this moss. They dry it and lay it in their children's cradles to supply the place of mattress, bolster and every covering, and being changed night and morning, it keeps the infant remarkable clean, dry and warm."

3 - It can help you start a fire: This might not be news to you, but you need to understand moss is superior to many other forms of tinder because of how well it keeps a flame.

Because moss is so dense and so compact, when dried it will take a flame and burn quite a bit longer than other kinds of kindling.

To make this work for you all you've got to do is set some moss out to dry and then take it with you in your fire starter pack. Since it's lightweight and doesn't take up much room it's perfect for emergency use.

4 - It can help you find direction: I realize I told you the whole thing about moss growing on the north side of trees isn't accurate.

But on the flip side there is some vein of truth to the wisdom.

Remember, moss likes to grow in dark, moist environments. This means there is a way to use moss to tell direction. And that's by seeing where moss grows on large, vertical surfaces. Things like a tall, tall tree, or even better a rock. If you live in North America you'll want to look at those surfaces and then determine which side has more moss on it.

The reason you're looking at tall, vertical surfaces is because in most of North America those surfaces will be out of the sun by early afternoon. This means moss will grow in abundance on that side helping you find your bearings with ease.

5 - It can keep you warm: This time moss keeping you warm has nothing to do with lighting a fire.

Instead moss can be used as a very reliable form of insulation.

Consider if you were to have to build an impromptu shelter out in the wilderness. One of the best ways to ensure that shelter is properly warmed throughout is by taking moss and shoving it in cracks and holes found in your temporary shelter.

The reason moss excels for insulation has everything to do with how dense it is. Enough moss wedged into the gaps in your structure will keep biting winds out while also trapping heat inside. You can also put it on the roof of your structure to help prevent heat from radiating out into the air.

6 - It can keep you dry: In the same way moss is great at insulation it's also great for protection against the rain. Moss happens to be waterproof and this lends itself well to many survival situations.

As one of my survivalist friends puts it "since moss has an interconnected, shallow root system, you can cut it in large chunks that make it easy to transport and cover your shelter quickly."

Once you cut the moss and place it somewhere new it will begin to attach itself to other moss roots around it. This helps those chunks form a full on waterproof blanket. If you're using a temporary shelter to stay protected this is really quite helpful.

7 - You can eat it: You can't eat every kind of moss out there. With 12,000 different species of moss around you need to know which variety is edible and which isn't.

Theresa Crosue writes about some of the different kinds of edible moss.

Reindeer moss is a light-colored lichen that only grows to be a few centimeters tall. There are no flowers but it does have bright red reproductive parts that look a bit like flowers from a distance. It's found in most of the US in open, dry areas.

Oak moss is found in the mountainous regions of the US and grows, as the name suggests, on oak trees. It looks almost like a piece of coral growing from the side of the tree, at least to me, and has a pale, greenish-gray "leaves" that are pointy. They grow to be about 3-8 centimeters long. They grow together to form large clumps.

Spanish moss is that beautiful, draping moss that hangs from trees, mostly oak trees, throughout the US and especially in the eastern southern states. It's light colored, nearly white in many cases and grows in what appears to be strings.

Technically, Spanish moss isn't moss at all but a member of the bromeliad family.

Still, we're including it because you can eat it and it's also believed to have some medicinal properties, including helping lactating mothers produce milk and helping relieve the symptoms of rheumatism, diabetes and infantile epilepsy. It's also been used as an estrogen substitute and Spanish moss has antibacterial properties.

Surprised To Learn All of Moss's Survival Uses?

Most people are. Most people are surprised to learn commonplant s have these kinds of uses.

It's a plant people don't really think about much, even when it comes to doing what you've got to do to survive in the wild.

But moss is a renaissance plant in how many uses it has.

If you want to ensure that you don't have to immediately turn to moss for survival then one of the best ways to prepare for an eventual SHTF situation is to have a survival kit at the ready.

These will have all the things you need to make it 72+ hours without worrying about if you're using the right moss or not.

Cl ick here or on the image below to see our most popular survival kits.

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Moss's Survival Uses Are Pretty Crazy You Really Shouldn't Underestima

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Even though you probably don't realize it, the moss you see growing on the side of buildings and on the stumps of trees is an amazing survival tool. Now you might be thinking you know a thing or two about how to use moss for survival.

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🐍SNEK🐍

Materials for building a shelter:

1. sticks

2. mud (insulation)

3. debris

4. soil

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When building a shelter, build it in a good location where it protects you from things like weather and wildlife. The shelter should offer you some insulation to keep you warm. When you choose a location to build a shelter choose a place that is leveled.

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How to build a shelter with natural resources: a simple lean-to that will protect you from the elements outdoors

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Learn how to build a shelter with natural resources you’ll find in the wild – a vital survival skill and also a fun project for a weekend in the woods

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Why cooking food in the wild is helpful.

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Why cooking food in the wild is helpful.

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Finding food in the wild.

To find food in the wild, you can search under rocks for insects.

You also have to harvest your food sources responsibly so you dont run out in the winter.

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Health Benefits of Wild Foods and How to Find Them

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Learn about the health benefits of wild foods, how to forage responsibly, and how to use some of our favourite wild foods.

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Conflict is not good, it can lead to bad decisions, bad morale, working stops, people are fighting,etc. But they're ways to stop conflict. For example, you can show your emotions by telling your group how you feel about the conflict. You can also listen to them and if you don't agree with them you can tell your statment.

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Different interests. People may focus on personal or departmental goals over organizational ones. Or be held up and frustrated by others who they rely on to do their jobs effectively.

Five Conflict Resolution Strategies

When you find yourself in a conflict situation, these five strategies will help you to resolve disagreements quickly and effectively:

1. Raise the Issue Early

Keeping quiet only lets resentment fester. Equally, speaking with other people first can fuel rumor and misunderstanding.

So, whether you're battling over the thermostat or feel that you're being micromanaged, be direct and talk with the other party. However, if you're afraid of making that approach, or worry that it may make the problem worse, speak with your manager first, or your HR department if the other party is your manager.

Either way, be assertive (not aggressive) and speak openly. This will encourage others to do the same - and you can get to the root cause of a problem before it escalates.

2. Manage Your Emotions

Choose your timing when you talk to someone about the conflict. If you're angry, you may say something you'll regret and inflame the situation. Be careful to avoid playing the blame game.

So stay calm, collect yourself, and ask, "What is it I want to achieve here?", "What are the issues I'm having?" and "What is it that I would like to see?"

3. Show Empathy

When you talk to someone about a conflict, it's natural to want to state your own case, rather than hear out the other side. But when two people do this, the conversation goes in circles.

Instead, invite the other party to describe their position, ask how they think they might resolve the issue, and listen with empathy.

Putting yourself in the other person's shoes is an essential part of negotiation. This helps you to build mutual respect and understanding - and to achieve an outcome that satisfies both parties.

4. Practice Active Listening

To identify the source of the conflict you have to really listen. To listen actively:

Paraphrase the other party's points to show you're listening and really understand them.

Look out for non-verbal signals that contradict what they are saying, such as a hesitant tone behind positive words. Bring these out into the open sensitively to address them together.

Use appropriate body language, such as nodding your head, to show interest and to make it clear that you're following them.

5. Acknowledge Criticism

Some of the things the other person tells you may be difficult to hear. But remember that criticism or constructive feedback is about job behaviors and not you as a person.

So, keep an open mind and use criticism to help you to identify areas to improve, perform better next time, and grow.

Glasers' Three-Step Strategy for Conflict Resolution

Conflict management consultants Peter and Susan Glaser recommend a three-step strategy for resolving conflict, and it draws on many of the skills we've looked at above. You can hear the Glasers talking about their model in our exclusive interview with them. [1]

The steps for these conflict resolution skills are:

Prove that you understand their side.

Acknowledge that you are part of the problem.

Try again if the conversation didn't go well.

Let's try a training exercise and apply each step to a fictional conflict resolution scenario.

Conflict Resolution Training Example

Imagine that the heads of two departments are in conflict. Product Manager Sayid changed the price of a product without letting Marketing Manager Gayanne know. As a result, the marketing team sent out an email to customers with incorrect prices. They had to send out a follow-up email apologizing for the error, and make good on the price some customers paid for the product.

1. Prove That You Understand Their Side

Instead of blaming Sayid, Gayanne asks him how he came to make the decision. She uses her questioning and listening skills to get the information she needs and to show that she's truly hearing Sayid's response.

She discovers that Sayid was pressured by a major client to drop the price or risk losing a contract. She empathizes, saying, "Yes, I've had difficulties with that client before, too."

As Susan Glaser says, "Only when you believe that I understand you, will you be willing to try to understand my perspective." [2]

2. Acknowledge That You Are Part of the Problem

If you're in conflict with someone, it's unlikely you're free of all blame. So admit your part in it. This leads to mutual trust, a better understanding of one another, and makes it easier to find a solution.

In our scenario, Gayanne could say to Sayid, "I should have shared our marketing strategy and email send dates with you. I'll do that right away."

3. Try Again if the Conversation Doesn't Go Well

Despite the progress they've made, relations between the two managers remain frosty, so Sayid calls Gayanne the following week. He says, "I was thinking about our conversation, and I'd like to try again because I'm not happy with how it went. I've had time to take your points on board, and I'd like to talk about how we can work together better going forward."

Remember that you get more than one shot at resolving a conflict. Susan Glaser says, "There's a myth that if we have a bad conversation with someone it's over. In fact, 'do overs' are powerful." [3]

Frequently Asked Questions
Why is conflict resolution important in the workplace?
Unresolved conflicts can hinder productivity and damage team dynamics. Effective conflict resolution helps maintain a positive work environment, promotes collaboration, and ensures issues are addressed before they escalate.
What are some common sources of workplace conflicts?
Workplace conflicts can arise from differences in communication styles, conflicting goals, personality clashes, misunderstandings, resource allocation, or competing priorities. Recognizing these sources is crucial for timely intervention.
How can a team manager effectively address conflicts among team members?
A team manager should act as a mediator and facilitator. Begin by listening to both sides, understanding perspectives, and acknowledging emotions. Encourage open dialogue, find common ground, and work together to find a solution that is fair and beneficial for all parties.
What strategies can managers employ to prevent conflicts from escalating?
Managers can implement proactive measures such as fostering a transparent communication culture, setting clear expectations, defining roles and responsibilities, and promoting team-building activities. By addressing potential sources of conflict early on, managers can prevent minor issues from turning into major disputes.
How does effective conflict resolution contribute to team productivity?
Resolving conflicts promptly maintains a harmonious working environment where team members feel valued and understood. This leads to improved morale, increased focus on tasks, and a more efficient workflow, ultimately enhancing overall team productivity.
When is it appropriate to involve higher management in conflict resolution?
Involving higher management should be considered when conflicts cannot be resolved at the team level or when the conflicts involve larger organizational issues. Higher management can provide a neutral perspective and additional resources to facilitate resolution.

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Conflict Resolution - 8 Ways to Resolve Conflict in the Workplace

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Discover skills and strategies for resolving conflict with your colleagues and reach positive outcomes even when you don't see eye to eye.

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find an area that is safe from the wild and an area away from floods.

make a square made of logs and put dry leaves or grass to insulate the ground.

make sticks meet at the top so it makes an A shape and put them all around the frame.

Add thick debris all over the outside of the shelter \.

Put piles off dry leaves , sticks, and dry grass and make it 4-5in long.

How to Build a Survival Shelter in the Wilderness

Filson
https://www.filson.com › blog › build-wilderness-surv...
Apr

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Prickly pears, rosemary, and sage are some of many edible plants.

Dandelions and clovers are examples of edible flowers and weeds.

In the forest there are lots of cacti and we may be able to find prickly pears. There are also dandelions and other plants that we can eat to survive.

I feel this is important because we may find some of these plants. And, if we do we can label it on the map for the gatherers.

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In my neighborhood, dogs and possums have cornered the market on urban foraging. From the orange tree next door, peeled, mutilated rinds littered my backyard, left behind by the family of possums living under my house. In the evenings, three scrappy dogs across the street work their muzzles along the curb as if it were a trough, pulling questionable eats back to their yard. They'll chase any kid with a grocery sack half a block down the sidewalk.

But far and wide, foodies and naturalists are bringing back the adventurous, at times arduous practice of rooting out edible plants for sustainable menu options, and San Antonio is far from a barren concrete desert.

A lot of native Texas landscaping is edible: sage, rosemary, chile pequin, pomegranate and prickly pear cactus to start. Plus, there's an incredible range of flowers and "weeds" we can eat: clover, dandelion, mustard, sorrel and chickweed. You can brew tea from the blossoms and leaves of a bottlebrush tree. The tubers from canna lilies are edible like potatoes, and the young shoots are like asparagus. (Don't uproot your flower bed; just store this tip for apocalypse survival skills.) Now, they say that mesquite pods are also edible, which sounds amusing, but I've heard mixed reviews on their flavor and use.

With a keen eye, survey the greenery in the cracks of sidewalks and find purslane for salad; in vacant lots, find dewberries for jam or bull nettle for seed roasting. Along the riverbank and in some backyards, you can find dollarweed to ferment for a spin on kimchi. And of course, there are the fruit and pecan trees throughout the parks and your friendly neighbors' yards. (But before you go traipsing around, know this: It is illegal to trespass on private property to forage, so be sure to ask first. If a fruit, like an orange from a tree, is hanging over a public sidewalk, then pick with discretion.)

Mark Vorderbruggen, Ph.D., teaches classes on wild edibles at the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, and runs Foraging Texas, a meticulously catalogued field guide to edible plants. Here you'll find a comprehensive list of edible plants throughout Texas, including Bexar County. Entries are categorized by type, color, season and use, and a series of YouTube videos further aids in plant identification.

For Vorderbruggen-who goes by Merriwether online-and avid foragers like him, the key point of foraging is the exertion of walking and searching the landscape for food-"bending, stretching and digging."

I, on the other hand, am a leisurely forager. During my walks in the park or along the river, I like to pick blackberries and loquats, nuts and stuff to taste, as it goes hand-in-hand with smelling the flowers and listening to the birds. It's an added dimension to learning the rhythm of the seasons, observing what fruit is blooming and which is going to seed, to know the names of plants, their smells, their tastes and their uses. Plus, it's just silly fun to nosh on flowers like elderberry, cow parsnip and nasturtiums, and finding a patch of dewberries is like stumbling upon a storybook scene.

For the tech-savvy set, NPR previously reported on Falling Fruit, an urban harvesting map in which community users can explore, edit and add locations of urban edibles. The developers are raising funds to launch a mobile app, but until then you can access the map through your mobile browser. While the map may be clunky, it led me to pomegranate and loquat trees near Mahncke Park and a pecan tree at the zoo. I added the fruit-bearing pomegranate tree near Harlandale Creek. It would be cool to see San Antonio's map fill out with all the prickly pear cactuses off Roosevelt Street.

If you want to learn more about foraging, Wendy Snyder runs Star Fire Adventure Camp for Grown-ups. Snyder, a forager of wild edibles since she was a child and inspired by Euell Gibbons' classic Stalking the Wild Asparagus, is presenting a talk on "Foraging for Native (and Other Wild) Edible Plants" at the next meeting for Native Plant Society of Texas-San Antonio (NPSOT). Contact [email protected] for details.

While urban foraging won't fill you up, let's face it, buying five sprigs of rosemary at H-E-B is the equivalent of buying bottled water in both silliness and environmental wantonness (all that plastic packaging!). Now get to digging.

Foraging for Native (and Other Wild) Edible Plants

Tue 6:30pm, May 27
Lion's Field Park Clubhouse
2809 Broadway

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In my neighborhood, dogs and possums have cornered the market on urban foraging. From the orange tree next door, peeled, mutilated rinds littered my backyard,...

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Boiling water would help tremendously with gathering fresh water. This would help Leah and I purify the water from the leaves.

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THERE ARE FEW places in North America where you can safely drink water from a lake or stream. So unless you camp where safe drinking water is readily available, you'd best bring your own. But at about 8 pounds per gallon, water can be a real drag if you have to carry it far. The alternative is to go light and purify what you need.

Examine the methods described here and determine the best option for the type of trip, the geographic area you will be visiting and the number of people in your group.

Boiling
The good news is that gastrointestinal pathogens are very sensitive to hot water. Boiling water from an in-the-wild water source will kill almost everything, even parasites like giardia and cryptosporidium that can survive long exposure to iodine and chlorine. (Technically, a water temperature of 150 F will kill all GI pathogens, but it's easier and simpler to just bring it to a boil.)

Chemical Treatment
Chlorine bleach or iodine will kill most waterborne pathogens, but if you get the dosage wrong, they can be dangerous. Water-treatment tablets are safer and easier to use. Chlorine dioxide and sodium dichloroisocyanurate tablets are more effective against giardia than chlorine or iodine tabs. However, water-treatment tablets will not reliably kill cryptosporidium, which, fortunately, is uncommon in surface waters.

Some negatives about using water-treatment tablets: They require at least 30 minutes to work if the water temperature is above 68 degrees. Much more time is needed for cold or cloudy water. Heat speeds chemical reactions, so you'll shorten the purification time if you set your water in the sun while the tablets work. Tablets lose potency over time; fresh ones work faster. And to reduce the bitter taste after treatment, aerate your water by pouring it back and forth between two canteens.

A Filter or Purifier?
Filters strain out microorganisms, but they don't kill them. If hiking in the U.S., filtration is typically considered to be sufficient.

A filter should remove the smallest infectious agents. For instance, a filter with a 1-micron absolute pore size will trap giardia and cryptosporidium. Viruses fly through the smallest pores, but they can be killed with water-treatment tablets after filtering. Fortunately, harmful viruses are extremely rare in surface waters.

Because the "bugs" become trapped inside the filter, this can eventually become clogged and must be cleaned or replaced.

Filters may have pumps or be gravity-fed. Gravity-fed units are bulky, but they're as effective as pumps and are easier to use - particularly with groups of Scouts. They're great if you need to filter a lot of water fast and don't want to labor with a pump.

Purifiers, on the other hand, typically use microfiltration and either chemical treatment or ultraviolet light to kill microorganisms, including viruses. This higher level of water purification is necessary when traveling outside of the U.S. in regions where viral contaminants are a risk.

Ultraviolet Purifiers
People who live near bodies of freshwater have long relied on ultraviolet light to kill microorganisms. The popular SteriPen was among the first to harness this technology for use in the wilderness. Just insert the UV bulb into a water bottle and activate the light. When the light turns off (after about a minute) the water is safe to drink. UV purifiers will destroy giardia, cryptosporidium and viruses. But they won't remove sediment or work in cloudy water. And they can purify only small amounts (usually one liter or less) of water at a time.

Before You Go
Don't buy more protection than you need. Talk to park rangers or other hikers or campers who are experienced in the area where you're traveling. Once you find out more about the types of water sources available, you'll be able to choose the best system for your needs.

What's best for you depends on the microbes you expect to encounter, how light you want to travel and the volume of water you will treat.
Tips for Treating H2O

Use a cotton cloth or coffee filter to strain out sediment before you filter/purify.

Greenish water contains algae that harbor microorganisms. Algae can clog water filters and reduce the effectiveness of chemicals.

Brownish water contains organic tree tannins that are typically safe to drink.

Beavers are the favored host of giardia. Don't take water from beaver streams or near beaver lodges.

Don't draw water from shallows or near campsites.

Avoid clear water that's tumbling over sunny rocks. While UV light does kill microbes, moving water mixes them and increases the chance they'll get into your water sample.

Take water from near the surface of a calm, sunlit pool. Harmful organisms tend to lurk just out of reach of sunlight.

TAKE A QUIZ TO TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF HOW TO PURIFY WATER.
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Before you pack for your next trek, read this to determine the right water purification method in the wild.

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You can eat grasshoppers and crickets if you are in the wild. They have a lot of protein and you can find them anywhere! To catch them you just use your hands. May take a while but it works. To eat remove the head, entrails, wings, and legs. To cook dry it and roast it over a flame. Enjoy!

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This is the year to dream big. With the world's last destinations finally reopening to visitors, now's the time to plan a life-list hike that you'll never forget. Even better: Backpacker's done the work for you.

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Backpacker is the expert source for all things backpacking. Trail guides, gear reviews, backcountry skills, and much more.

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Cannibalism

Rabbits can be killed by many methods, here are two. The main way to kill a rabbit is dislocation of their neck. The bunny is held by the back legs and head, it is stretched out. Then with a hard, sharp pull, the head is broken. The rabbit can also be hit with a hard, swift blow to the skull behind their ears. A stick or side your hand is used to immobilize the rabbit. Both methods make the rabbit Dead.

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If rabbits are slaughtered for sale in commercial establishments (food stores, restaurants, etc), they must be processed in a manner that meets local or state health codes. These codes are usually established and enforced by state agencies, although community agencies may also have regulatory control. In most instances, meeting state requirements and slaughtering with a "state license" is sufficient for sale of rabbit carcasses. Check with your local County Agent or state meat inspection agency for the policies that govern the processing and sale of rabbits in your community.
Dressing Procedure
Rabbits are killed by one of two methods. The preferred method is dislocation of the neck. The rabbit is held firmly by the rear legs and head; it is stretched full length. Then with a hard, sharp pull, the head is bent backward to dislocate the neck. The rabbit can also be struck a hard, quick blow to the skull behind the ears. A blunt stick or side of the hand is commonly used to incapacitate the rabbit. Both methods quickly render the rabbit unconscious.

After dislocation or stunning, the rabbit is hung by one of the hind legs above the hock joint. The head is immediately removed to allow complete bleeding. The forefeet are then removed. The next step is to cut the skin around the hock joints of the legs and then to cut between these points across the lower part of the body. Remove the tail and pull the skin down and forward over the body. The skins of young or fryer age rabbits are easily removed in this way; it is more difficult to remove the skins of older rabbits. If skins are saved for marketing, they should be handled as indicated in the Rabbit Skins and Pelts section.

After the head, forefeet, and skin are removed, the carcass, while still hanging, is opened to remove the viscera. Make a cut from the lower part of the abdomen near the anus to the mid-point of the lowest rib. The intestinal tract and lungs are normally removed. Liver, kidneys, and heart remain with the carcass. Remove the carcass from the hanger and cut off the rear feet at the hock joint.

Wash the carcass with clean, cold water to remove hair and any other soil or debris, and store it at a cold temperature, preferably at 35 oF and not over 40 o F. Do not hold dressed carcasses for any length of time in water as they absorb excess moisture which becomes considered as a contaminant. When large numbers of rabbits are to be slaughtered, the operation on an assembly line basis is much more rapid and efficient.

Dressed rabbits may be sold whole or can be cut into parts. Various types of marketing devices (plastic cartons and trays) are available for packaging one or more carcasses.
Dressing Percentage
Dressing percentage is the relationship of the weight of a dressed carcass to the weight of the live animal, expressed as a percentage. The dressing percentage varies depending upon the quality of the animal at slaughter, breed, age, amount of fat, and the number of internal organs left with the carcass. Animals with good meat characteristics have a higher dressing percentages than thin animals. Normally the liver, heart and kidneys remain with the carcass and are included in the carcass weight.

Animals that are in average condition or slightly better than average have dressing percentages of about 55 percent while good quality animals reach a dressing percentage of 60 percent or higher. The data shown above were obtained with New Zealand and Dutch rabbits of different ages that were fed a commercial rabbit feed.

The dressing percentages of the Dutch were greater than those of the New Zealand, indicating breed variations. The percentage also increased between 8 and 13 weeks of age, but declined slightly in the mature rabbits. Mature rabbits in this study were limit-fed which may account in part for the lower dressing percentages. Normally, dressing percentage increases with age until rabbits approach maturity.
Rabbit Skins and Pelts
Rabbit skins and pelts have been used for many years as fur, in the manufacture of felt, and for a variety of miscellaneous toys and other items. With the development of many synthetic fibers and imitation furs, the demand for pelts by furriers has decreased. Today there are few markets for furs in the United States.

Whether the pelts from meat slaughtering should be saved and prepared for marketing will depend upon the market demand and value, the type and number of rabbits being slaughtered and the time and facilities available for preparing the skins. It is unlikely that the small producer slaughtering his own animals will find it economically worthwhile to process the skins.

Rabbit skins and pelts vary widely in quality and value. The different types of fur characteristics vary depending on the breed type. Skins from young of any breed are normally of poor quality and of less value than those from adult animals. Those with dense fur, that is not easily removed from the skin, are most desirable.

Preparation of skins or pelts for market begins with the removal at slaughter. Exercised care to avoid cuts or tears, and remove body fat that often remains attached to the skin. As the pelts are removed, turn them inside out while still warm and moist. Place them on wire stretchers or shapers with the front leg casings on one side. Shapers can be made from No. 9 gauge galvanized wire. The shapers extend or expand the pelts to their full length, but do not stretch them out of shape. Fasten the rear legs to the ends of the wire shapers with a clothes pins or some other fastener.

Hang the pelts in a well-ventilated drying area, but not in direct sunlight. After the skins are dry the wire shaper is removed. Do not use salt or other chemicals on skins, but as they are being packed for storage or shipment, naphthalene (moth crystals) or paradichloro-benzene may be placed in the packaging container as an insect repellent.
Tanning Skins
Regardless of the method used for tanning, proper preparation of the skin is an important step. This involves softening, removal of the adhering fat and flesh, and removal of oil in the skin. Open the skin with a midline cut along the ventral or belly side so that it can be stretched on a flat surface. Scrape adhering flesh and fat from the skin using a blunt knife or similar object. Removing all oil is essential for proper tanning. Working the skin in gasoline or other fat solvent is desirable to remove the last traces of fat.

Dried skins are softened by soaking in several changes of water for about 1-3 hours. Time required for softening will vary; soaking time is kept to a minimum since excessive soaking tends to loosen the hair. Addition of borax or bicarbonate of soda (about 1 ounce per gallon) aids in softening, and a little soap or detergent aids in removal of the fat.
Salt-Alum Tanning
Prepare the solutions as follows:

Dissolve 1 pound of ammonium aluminum sulfate or potassium aluminum sulfate (alum) in 1 gallon of water.

Dissolve 4 ounces of sodium carbonate and 8 ounces of sodium chloride (salt) in 1/2 gallon of water.

Slowly add the soda-salt solution to the alum solution with vigorous stirring.

Mix flour with the combined solutions to make a thin paste, first mixing the flour with a little water to aid in preventing lumps.

Prepare the skins as previously described and stretched or tack to a flat surface. Coat the skin with a layer of the paste about ¹/ ₈" thick and cover lightly with paper or cloth. Allow skins to stand for about 24 hours, remove the paste, and apply a second coating. A third treatment may be required for thick skins. The last coating should remain for 3-4 days.

Remove the paste and wash skins in a solution of borax or soda (1 ounce per gallon of water). Squeeze out (do not wring) excess solution; rinse in plain water and squeeze out excess. Stretch, and when nearly dry, work the skin by rubbing and pulling over the edge of a table, as in polishing shoes with a cloth. Stretching and working the skin is necessary for softening the finished skin. If the skin is rough, it can be sanded with a coarse sandpaper block. A thin coating of neat's foot oil, glycerin, or other leather conditioner improves pliability.

This process is considered slightly better than the salt-acid method that follows, but the finished product is usually harder and more working may be required to make it pliable. It may be necessary to resoak the skin, partially dry it, and repeat the rubbing in order to make it more pliable.

Tanning is also accomplished by soaking skins for 2-4 days in the solution before addition of flour. This amount of solution is adequate for 3 or 4 rabbit skins.
Salt-Acid Tanning
Prepare the solution as follows:

Dissolve 1 pound of sodium chloride (salt) in 1 gallon of water.

Carefully add 1/2 ounce of concentrated sulfuric acid to the salt solution (Caution: Sulfuric acid is very corrosive and must be handled with care. Avoid contact with skin or clothing. Store acid and the finished solution in glass or earthen containers--never metal.) When adding acid to the salt solution, pour in slowly with constant stirring. If the acid or mixture contacts the skin, rinse immediately with a solution of bicarbonate of soda.

Addition of the acid generates heat; the solution is ready for use after it has cooled.

Skins tanned by this method are prepared in the manner as previously described. Place the skin in the salt-acid solution so that it is fully covered and allow it to remain for 1-3 days with periodic stirring. When tanned, remove from tanning bath, rinse in plain water, rinse a second time in a solution of borax or soda (1 ounce per gallon of water), and finish with another water rinse. Squeeze out excess water, stretch, allow to partially dry, then finish the skin as described in the salt-alum method.
Other Tanning Methods
Skins can be tanned with vegetable tannins, certain chromium salts and other synthetic materials. The procedure using vegetable tannin normally requires a long period for satisfactory results. Tanning with chromium salts (chrome tan) is widely used in the commercial manufacture of leather.

Materials for tanning may be obtained from certain biological supply companies or handcraft shops. Procedures for different tanning methods will vary and instructions should accompany materials marketed for tanning.

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keep your water in your tarp and add another tarp to protect from any larva and minerals coming in the water. you should also replace your water every 6 months

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We Aim to bring you a wide variety of tips tricks and How To’s and News awareness! If you like learning, Subscribe, hit bell to stay up to date. Homestead Tips, Prepping, SHTF tips, Garden tips, Recipes, Long term food storage, emergency preparedness, survival tips
survival skills, how to videos…

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planting sticks in the ground with sticks on top

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To insulate a shelter you need to pile leaves, branches, and sticks over the frame. The insulation needs to be 4 to 8 inches thick so its enough to keep the inside of the shelter dry and hold back rain

Brooklyn and Charlotte

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Start by building a rectangular frame from logs. Fill the frame with debris, such as dried leaves or pine branches. The debris will provide insulation that will prevent the ground from drawing heat away from the body. This is extremely important, as most body heat is lost through ground transfer.
Step 3: Frame the Shelter
It's important to remember that this type of shelter is for emergency use. Therefore, the shelter cavity should only be large enough to fit your body. The most efficient design for this type of shelter is an A frame. Adjust sticks from each side of the shelter so they meet at the top. Continue to construct the frame, placing the sticks from front to back. During this phase, it is important to think outside the box and be creative in how the sticks lock together.
Step 4: Pile It On
Once the frame is constructed, it's time to add a thick covering of debris over the entire outside of the shelter. This is the most time-consuming part of building a natural shelter. Pile leaves, sticks, and branches over the entire frame. This insulation should be 4 to 8 inches thick, enough to hold back rain and keep the inside of the shelter dry.

The most important thing to recognize when creating a survival shelter is that it is a temporary shelter designed to keep you alive rather than comfortable. Natural debris shelters are typically damp and cool inside, and they may even leak a bit. Being uncomfortable and alive is better than the alternative.

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How to Build a Survival Shelter | The Filson Journal

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Dan Wowak is the owner and instructor at Coalcracker Bushcraft and the Appalachian Bushman School. He's been an avid outdoorsman since childhood. His passion for the outdoors began while fishing and hiking with his grandfather in the hills of Appalachia. Here he shares his expertise on building a survival shelter out in the wilderness, from natural materials.

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1. Get collected water from other team members

2. Boil water (purify it)

3. Have water to drink

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Some ways to cook your meals in the wild can include skewering something and roast it over a fire, or cook food on a hot stone over Your fire.

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How to stabilize a shelter (Hudson and Kellen) 

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How to stabilize a shelter (Hudson and Kellen) 

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on either side of the shelter out sticks and stones to hold the shelter down. After, check if the shelter is stabilized to just make sure.

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Part two of two

Let's face it: sooner or later, the adventurous hiker might have to spend a night in the woods because they're lost, stranded or in a dire situation. This two-part article on winter survival explains, step by step, how to construct an emergency shelter.

My friend Mark Kasper (pictured), a wilderness survival expert, and I spent a few hours in a conifer forest at Skytop Lodge and built a demonstration shelter for the resort's guests and visitors to explore. The winter survival shelter was erected largely and soundly enough to accommodate two people. It would keep them warm and comfortable during below-freezing temperatures.

Select a suitable location on dry, level ground, safe from dangerous trees.

Clear the base of the shelter of any loose rocks, limbs and debris. The cleared area should be at least 4 feet wide by 10 feet long.

Find a sturdy ridge pole - preferably a straight tree limb, the thickness of your arm, and twice as tall as your height. Collect two limbs, 3 or 4 feet in length, to be used as the tripod base. The limbs should have a forked end wide enough to support the ridge pole. If you can't find forked limbs, tie the frame with cordage made from vines or thin branches.

Size up your shelter by lying underneath the ridge pole with your head positioned toward the wide opening. The height should be no more than 3 feet, but make sure you have enough elbow and foot room when lying on your back and side.

Stabilize both sides of the shelter with ribbing material using straight sticks and limbs.

Inspect the shelter and make sure it's sturdy and supported with sticks spaced closely along both sides.

Cover the ribs of the shelter with thin branches and twigs in order to catch and contain the next layer of loose materials.

Generously cover the sides of the shelter with dry, light, fluffy materials such as leaves, pine needles, twigs and other debris. This will create insulating air pockets.

Repeat step 8, covering both sides and the roof with the most readily available items, such as pine boughs and leaves. Make sure this layer is several inches thick.

Gather loose slabs of bark from dead or dying trees and cover the roof and sides. Bark not only insulates but repels water, just like roofing shingles.

Add the final insulating layer of pine boughs, pine needles, leaves and any other debris; even snow. Snow is an effective insulating material.

Gather your bedding material by collecting bundles of dry leaves, pine needles, pine boughs, grasses, ferns or other dry items. Mat down the inside and place as much bedding as possible.

Place large limbs and branches along the sides of the shelter to protect the outer layers from wind.

Go inside the shelter and check the roof and sides for gaps and light penetration. Stuff any holes with bedding material. Try to make the shelter air-tight and free from outside light.

Gather large amounts of pine boughs and/or leaves for a plug to seal the entrance. Enter the shelter feet first, then pull the plugging material inside and seal yourself in.

Once you are inside and well-sealed, the shelter should be completely dark and nearly soundproof. Position yourself to contain heat and warmth. Plug any drafts you may feel with bedding material. Your body heat will be contained.

A properly built winter survival shelter will keep you warm and dry during freezing weather, snowstorms and rainy events.

Let's hope you never have to spend a cold winter's night outdoors, but if you do, remember these simple yet life-saving steps on how to construct the hut.

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How to build an emergency shelter if you get lost in the woods

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Let's face it: sooner or later, the adventurous hiker might have to spend a night in the woods because they're lost, stranded or in a dire situation. This two-part article on winter survival explains...

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When making a shelter use an A-frame structure with sticks along it to form a triangle. Make sure that it's spacious enough for you and/or others to use it.

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How to collect Rainwater (Josh's version)

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How to collect Rainwater (Josh's version)

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1. Get a tarp / clothes / bandanas 2. Get a rock and place it in the middle 3. Wait for fresh water The rocks form a tight cup so minerals/ bacteria will collect on the rock.

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We Aim to bring you a wide variety of tips tricks and How To’s and News awareness! If you like learning, Subscribe, hit bell to stay up to date. Homestead Tips, Prepping, SHTF tips, Garden tips, Recipes, Long term food storage, emergency preparedness, survival tips
survival skills, how to videos…

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There is a way to follow rules effectively without resorting to breaking them.

1. Be guided by values.

2. Tweak the rules to suit you.

3. Simplify.

4. Conclusion.

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One evening, when I was a teenager, my dad hit a eureka moment and declared,

"From now on, everyone in this family will wake up at 4 am."

We gave him a side look - half shocked, half amused.

"That is the time successful people wake up," he explained.

I don't know if he had just read that somewhere, talked to someone, or it was one of his midlife revelations.

We laughed. We were used to him joking or saying serious things and passing them on as jokes. Neither I nor my siblings dared to ask questions. We didn't want to confirm whether or not he was serious. But nobody woke up at four the following morning. And we didn't get into trouble for it. I guess it was a joke.

Our neighbours were considered successful. They had an established dairy farm with eighty cows and other livestock. They woke up at 3 am to feed them, milk the cows and deliver the milk to the dairy truck on time. We didn't have cows. That rule made no sense for our family at the time.

Some people are ambivalent when it comes to following rules. They are neither rule-breakers nor adherents.

Have you ever wondered, "Why can't I just be agreeable, follow the rules and be okay with it?"

You may be one of those people that needs to make sure a rule makes sense to you before following it. You are willing to question and take responsibility for what you do. You are also aware of the unique personalities, situations and contexts that come into play when interacting with people and rules.

You know rules are not meant to be followed blindly. You can tell when you or someone else are breaking one unnecessarily or following one too strictly.

There is a way to follow rules effectively without resorting to breaking them.

Values are the principles that guide our behaviour, attitudes and actions. They are the life's compass that notifies us when we go off course.

They push us to do what needs doing even when we don't feel like it.

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I don't know if he had just read that somewhere, talked to someone, or it was one of his midlife revelations. We laughed. We were used to him joking or saying serious things and passing them on as...

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If your trying to collect water for storage vessles first, have a plastic water bottle with you then find a body of water or anything with water to rinse the water bottle out if it's dirty. After that run the water bottle through a body of water to make a water cleaning system. Now you have a clean water bottle to use fir a storage vessel

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Best plastic bags to use for gathering water from trees.

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Best plastic bags to use for gathering water from trees.

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The best bags to use for gathering water from trees would be Treegator Slow Release Watering Bags. This has been proven to be the best plastic bags to use since 1989.

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Cannibalism

In spring wild garlic and ramps can be found, which belong to the mint family and can even be eaten raw. In the summer prickly pear, Texas prairie parsley, yaupon holly berries, and more! There is an abundance to choose from! Going foraging in Texas uncovers a lot of mushrooms, including chanterelles, morels, porcinis, and oyster mushrooms. These mushrooms can all be found in wooded areas or near streams.

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A Guide to Foraging in Texas | Learn Where and What to Pick in the Lone Star State

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Unearth a world of culinary possibilities with this guide from The Lone Star State! Explore the amazing range of edible plants native to Texas, learn which parts of plants you can eat, and discover tips for springtime or winter foraging.

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different ways to cook 2#

you can cook on a leaf.

fast cooking cuts of meat do well when wrapped in leaves and allowed to cook. You can use any leaf you want as long as it is from a tree or plant that is not toxic.

Use a big leaf

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If you find a stream, have something like a water bottle, and rinse it out. Then run it through the stream, and make a water cleaning system. then you have a clean bottle of water to store whenever!

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Inside the Home

Water from your home's tap water heater tank. This refers to the tank that connects to the water that comes out of your faucets and showerheads. (This is different than the tank used to supply hot water to radiators in older homes. In these homes, be sure to use the tap water heater tank, not the home heating system tank.)

Melted ice cubes made with water that was not contaminated

Water from your home's toilet tank (not from the bowl), if it is clear and has not been chemically treated with toilet cleaners such as those that change the color of the water

Liquid from canned fruit and vegetables

Water from swimming pools and spas can be used for personal hygiene, cleaning, and related uses, but not for drinking.

Listen to reports from local officials for advice on water precautions in your home. It may be necessary to shut off the main water valve to your home to prevent contaminants from entering pipes in your home.

Outside the Home

Rivers, streams, and lakes might be contaminated with livestock waste, human sewage, chemicals, and other contaminants which can lead to illness when used for drinking, bathing, and other hygiene activities. During flood events, well water might be contaminated as well.

Water from sources outside the home must be treated as described in Make Water Safe, to kill harmful germs. If you suspect or know the water is contaminated with toxic chemicals or fuels, it cannot be made safe and you should not drink or bathe in this water.

Possible sources of water that could be made safe by treatment include:

Rainwater

Streams, rivers, and other moving bodies of water

Ponds and lakes

Natural springs

Note: DO NOT USE water that has been contaminated by fuel or toxic chemicals.

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centers for disease control and prevention

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Finding Other Water Sources in an Emergency

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Other sources of clean and safe water can be found inside and outside the home.

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The first step to store water in the wild is to find a moist area that gets sunlight for most of the day, then you dig a bowl shaped hole that is about three feet across and two feet deep with an additional sump dug into the center if the hole. The sump should be flat and big enough to hold your container for the water. After that you place the container into the sump and place the water container and run it up and out of the main hole.

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Water Basics

The first thing you should do if you're stranded in the wild is find a source of drinkable water. The most obvious sources are streams, rivers and lakes. Animals always know where the water is, so be on the lookout for wildlife or animal tracks. Lush green vegetation is also a sign that water is nearby. Swarming insects may be a hassle, but they also signal that a water source isn't far away. Bird flight paths in the morning or evening can point you in the right direction. Stay on the move until you find a water source. When you pause to rest, use your ears -- rivers can be heard in the quiet woods from great distances. Remember that water always flows downhill, so low-lying areas and valleys are a good bet.

If you find a muddy area, there may be groundwater available. Dig a hole about a foot deep and one foot in diameter and wait. You may be surprised to find that the hole is soon filled with water. This groundwater will be muddy, but straining it through some cloth will clean it up, and it will get you by in the short term. It's crucial to remember that any time you drink found water without purifying it, you're taking a risk.

Rainwater in most rural areas can usually be consumed without risk of disease or illness. If it rains, use any and all containers you can get your hands on to collect it. If you have a poncho or can find some plastic sheeting, spread it out and tie the corners to trees a few feet off the ground. Find a container and tie the poncho on a slant with a slight sag to allow the rain to collect and drain. If you can't find a container, tie it level on all four corners and give it even more of a sag -- it will serve as a makeshift water bag. If the rainwater tastes a little different, it's because it lacks certain minerals that are found in groundwater or streams.

If you're near snow and ice, melt it and drink the water. Don't ever eat it frozen -- it'll reduce your body temperature and lead to dehydration. The melted snow and ice should also be purified if you have the means.

Heavy dew can also provide potable water. Before the sun rises, tie some absorbent cloth around your shins and take a walk through some high grass. You may be able to soak up enough water for an early morning drink. Vegetation helps supply you with water as well. Fruits, coconuts, cacti, vines, palm trees and bamboo can be good sources of liquid sustenance. Bend the top of a green bamboo tree down about a foot off the ground and tie it off. Cut a few inches off the tip, put a container underneath and leave it overnight. The next day, you should have a nice amount of clear, drinkable water.

No matter how dire your circumstances, you should never drink the following:

Fresh sea ice is milky or grey, has sharp edges, does not break easily and is extremely salty. Older sea ice is usually salt-free, and you can spot it by its blue or black tint, rounded edges and breakability. As with snow, you should melt old sea ice and ideally purify it before you drink it. In the next section, we'll look at some water collection methods.

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WATER IN THE WILD - The Survival University

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The first thing you should do if you're stranded in the wild is find a source of drinkable water. The most obvious sources are streams, rivers and lakes. Animals always know where the water is, so be on the lookout for wildlife or animal tracks.

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Did you know silkworms cicadas and grasshoppers are poisonous and can cause a serious allergic reaction.

*this helps us not look for these types of bugs.

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The Full Story

"My child just ate a beetle." "I think I swallowed a stinkbug." "My kids were eating ants."

Poison Control answers LOTS of calls about people who swallow insects of all kinds. Callers don't know whether to be worried, disgusted, or (sometimes) amused. If you're squeamish about eating bugs, here's the bottom line: don't worry-unless you have a known shellfish allergy.

It is likely that eating insects - on purpose - began with our hunter-gatherer ancestors. In many regions of the world like Asia, Latin America, and Africa, insects are a usual part of the diet. In fact, over 2 billion people regularly consume them. They contain protein but little fat, they may be an abundant food source, and some are considered delicacies. Grasshopper tacos, roasted stink bugs, boiled dragonflies, and fried ants are just the beginning of an international culinary adventure.

Though most ingestions of edible insects tend to be harmless, people who have shellfish allergies should avoid eating insects due to the potential for cross-reactivity. Several proteins identified in both some shellfish and insects can trigger allergic reactions in people who have a sensitivity to these compounds. Insects that can cause allergic reactions include silkworms, grasshoppers, locusts, cicadas, meal worms, and others.

Reactions from eating them for those who are allergic can range from mild to severe. A serious reaction, known as anaphylaxis, can occur and may be life-threatening. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include trouble breathing, wheezing, feeling faint, throat or facial swelling, clammy skin, and a rapid heartbeat. If you have these symptoms after eating insects, shellfish, or other foods you may be allergic to, call 911 right away! If you have an adverse reaction from swallowing an insect, check the webPOISONCONTROL® online tool for guidance or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

Rose Ann Gould Soloway, RN, BSN, MSEd, DABAT Clinical Toxicologist

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Kids eat bugs all the time. Few if any symptoms are likely to occur. In fact, insects form a regular part of the diet for many human cultures. Though most ingestions of edible insects tend to be harmless, people who have shellfish allergies should avoid eating insects due to the potential for cross-reactivity.

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Something to know is that conflict can change the whole point of the project. But you can change that by stopping the conflict, make a deal if it's that serious, and fix the there relationship. At the end of this project you want have the least amount of enemy's as possible.

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Section 6. Training for Conflict Resolution

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Learn how to resolve conflict or disagreements between groups.

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So a way that you can keep your food away from animals is by hanging them in a tree. You can tie a rope around a tall tree branch to hang a plastic bag filled with food in the tree. If you close it tightly enough the pesky bugs can't get your food!

Also tie the rope around a rock to keep the rope up.

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Heading out the door? Read this article on the Outside app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.

Store your camping food incorrectly-while car camping or deep in the backcountry-and wild animals will eat it. A stolen package of bacon sucks for you, but it's potentially deadly for the animals because they become accustomed to handouts and familiar with humans. Follow these five simple tips to keep your food, and the critters, safe.

1. Bring a Bear Canister

Sure, bear canisters are expensive (from $60 to $80) and heavy (up to four pounds), but they're damn effective. Lock your food in the airtight, durable container to protect it from critters during the day, then move it at least 100 feet away from your tent at night-just in case.

2. Use Established Storage Solutions

Many national park campsites feature permanent bear canisters. Call ahead and reserve one if you don't have your own portable canister.

3. Hang Your Food in a Tree

We recommend you use parachute cord-at least 100 feet. Attach a rock to one end and your food bag to the other. Throw the rock over a branch that's at least 20 feet high, and then raise your stash. Tie off the p-cord around the tree. Pro tip: Practice a few knots beforehand to ensure that your food comes down when it's time to eat.

4. Stash Anything That Smells

All scented products attract animals. This means you need to store your toothpaste, sunscreen, and soap in your food bag or bear canister at night. You might not want to eat your bottle of Dr. Bronner's, but a bear might think otherwise.

5. Always Keep Your Food off the Ground

I shove my pack in a tree when I take a breather on the trail and never leave food lying around on the dirt at my campsite. This protects everything from opportunistic animals. The practiced diligence also helps me remember to hang my food or place it in a bear canister at night.

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Yep, Bears Eat Bacon. Here's How to Keep It (and Everything Else) Safe While Camping.

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Don't feel like making friends with bears and raccoons? Keep your campsite locked down with these simple tips.

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If the sky is mostly sunny with only a few clouds, then 6 hours of sunlight should be enough. But, if the sky is more than 50% cloudy, then it will take 2 whole days to purify the water.  The air temperature is not a factor, it is the strength of the UV sunlight that is important.  If there is a question about the proper length of time because of the weather conditions, it is best to err on the side of caution and allow the full 2 days of exposure.

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Sunshine On My Shoulder Solar Cooking Guide

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Water - fresh clean pure water - is the most precious commodity on earth. Worth more than gold. Worth more than silver. Water is the very essence of life. Without water, we cannot live. Without water, we perish. But in many parts of the world, clean drinking water is becoming more and more difficult to find. And even in developed countries, there are situations where we might find our drinking water contaminated. There are many ways in which to purify water for drinking. Here is a little known method that might come in handy some day.

Water does not need to be boiled to be made safe for drinking. Most microbes and pathogens will be killed at 150 °F (65 ° C) for just five minutes.

Solar radiation can purify water and make it safe to drink. Solar energy from the sun can disinfect water from lakes and rivers. The UV rays from the sun can kill harmful bacteria , parasites, and viruses, given enough exposure.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the following low tech method of disinfecting water. Using only sunlight and PET plastic bottles, the SODIS (solar disinfection) method uses a combination of UV sunlight and increased temperature to kill pathogens in the water.

How To Purify Water Using The Sun

The water should be from a clean, well known water source, such as a lake or stream. Running water is best. Avoid standing water; smelly water; water with an oily look; and water near latrines and sewers.

The water must not be chemically polluted. This method will kill bacteria, it will not remove chemicals.

If the water has visible contaminants, such as dirt, mud, or debris, filter the water by pouring it through several layers of cloth to catch as much sediment and debris as possible. Then any remaining sediment settle to the bottom and filter until the water is as clear as possible. The UV rays will not be able to penetrate through cloudy, dirty water.

Use clean, clear soda or water bottles no larger than 2 liters. The bottles need to be in good condition with no scratches or other visible signs of wear. It is best to use a "PET" (PolyEthylene Terephthalate) bottle. Look for the recycle code #1 on the bottom.

Colored plastic and glass bottles will block too much of the UV rays. Indeed, some glass will block the UV rays completely

Fill the bottles 2/3 full of water and shake for 20 -30 seconds. This will saturate the water with oxygen, which will help to kill the germs. Then finish filling the bottles to the brim with water. Lay them down in the sun. Do not stand them up. Laying them down allows the UV rays to penetrate to maximum depth.

Although not necessary, if possible lay the bottles on a reflective surface to optimize the UV exposure.

If the sky is mostly sunny with only a few clouds, then 6 hours of sunlight will be enough. However, if the sky is more than 50% cloudy, then it will take 2 days to purify the water. The ambient air temperature is not a factor, it is the strength of the UV sunlight that is significant. If there is a question about the proper length of time because of the sky conditions, it is best to err on the side of caution and allow the full 2 days of exposure.

While there is some concern that toxins may leach out of the plastic bottle during the process, the Swiss Federal Laboratories For Materials Testing and Research have examined this process and found that the levels of toxins from the bottles is far below the WHO guidelines.

For more information on how to purify water using the sun, please read Solar Water Disinfection or Water Pasteurization from SCInet or Water Pasteurization in a Pinch.

A simple device known as a WAPI (WAter Pasteurization Indicator) can also be used to determine when the water has been heated long enough to be safe.

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Solar radiation can purify water by killing harmful bacteria, parasites, and viruses and make it safe to drink.

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These incredible shelters protect a fire from wind and provide decent protection from harsh weather.

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If you would like to do a simple way to store water, you could dig and under ground still. you will need something to dig, and a plastic sheeting. Dig the hole, and place the plastic sheeting on, and around the edges. use something to mark where it is and then there you go!!

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Water Basics

The first thing you should do if you're stranded in the wild is find a source of drinkable water. The most obvious sources are streams, rivers and lakes. Animals always know where the water is, so be on the lookout for wildlife or animal tracks. Lush green vegetation is also a sign that water is nearby. Swarming insects may be a hassle, but they also signal that a water source isn't far away. Bird flight paths in the morning or evening can point you in the right direction. Stay on the move until you find a water source. When you pause to rest, use your ears -- rivers can be heard in the quiet woods from great distances. Remember that water always flows downhill, so low-lying areas and valleys are a good bet.

If you find a muddy area, there may be groundwater available. Dig a hole about a foot deep and one foot in diameter and wait. You may be surprised to find that the hole is soon filled with water. This groundwater will be muddy, but straining it through some cloth will clean it up, and it will get you by in the short term. It's crucial to remember that any time you drink found water without purifying it, you're taking a risk.

Rainwater in most rural areas can usually be consumed without risk of disease or illness. If it rains, use any and all containers you can get your hands on to collect it. If you have a poncho or can find some plastic sheeting, spread it out and tie the corners to trees a few feet off the ground. Find a container and tie the poncho on a slant with a slight sag to allow the rain to collect and drain. If you can't find a container, tie it level on all four corners and give it even more of a sag -- it will serve as a makeshift water bag. If the rainwater tastes a little different, it's because it lacks certain minerals that are found in groundwater or streams.

If you're near snow and ice, melt it and drink the water. Don't ever eat it frozen -- it'll reduce your body temperature and lead to dehydration. The melted snow and ice should also be purified if you have the means.

Heavy dew can also provide potable water. Before the sun rises, tie some absorbent cloth around your shins and take a walk through some high grass. You may be able to soak up enough water for an early morning drink. Vegetation helps supply you with water as well. Fruits, coconuts, cacti, vines, palm trees and bamboo can be good sources of liquid sustenance. Bend the top of a green bamboo tree down about a foot off the ground and tie it off. Cut a few inches off the tip, put a container underneath and leave it overnight. The next day, you should have a nice amount of clear, drinkable water.

No matter how dire your circumstances, you should never drink the following:

Fresh sea ice is milky or grey, has sharp edges, does not break easily and is extremely salty. Older sea ice is usually salt-free, and you can spot it by its blue or black tint, rounded edges and breakability. As with snow, you should melt old sea ice and ideally purify it before you drink it. In the next section, we'll look at some water collection methods.

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WATER IN THE WILD - The Survival University

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The first thing you should do if you're stranded in the wild is find a source of drinkable water. The most obvious sources are streams, rivers and lakes. Animals always know where the water is, so be on the lookout for wildlife or animal tracks.

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empathy is when you understand what people feel.when people are not working I think they dont feel included.

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Empathy is the ability to emotionally understand what other people feel, see things from their point of view, and imagine yourself in their place. Essentially, it is putting yourself in someone else's position and feeling what they are feeling.

Empathy means that when you see another person suffering, such as after they've lost a loved one, you are able to instantly envision yourself going through that same experience and feel what they are going through.

While people can be well-attuned to their own feelings and emotions, getting into someone else's head can be a bit more difficult. The ability to feel empathy allows people to "walk a mile in another's shoes," so to speak. It permits people to understand the emotions that others are feeling.

Press Play for Advice on Empathy

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Signs of Empathy

For many, seeing another person in pain and responding with indifference or even outright hostility seems utterly incomprehensible. But the fact that some people do respond in such a way clearly demonstrates that empathy is not necessarily a universal response to the suffering of others.

If you are wondering whether you are an empathetic person, here are some signs that show that you have this tendency:

You are good at really listening to what others have to say.

People often tell you about their problems.

You are good at picking up on how other people are feeling.

You often think about how other people feel.

Other people come to you for advice.

You often feel overwhelmed by tragic events.

You try to help others who are suffering.

You are good at telling when people aren't being honest.

You sometimes feel drained or overwhelmed in social situations.

You care deeply about other people.

You find it difficult to set boundaries in your relationships.

Types of Empathy

There are several types of empathy that a person may experience. The three types of empathy are:

Affective empathy involves the ability to understand another person's emotions and respond appropriately. Such emotional understanding may lead to someone feeling concerned for another person's well-being, or it may lead to feelings of personal distress.

Somatic empathy involves having a physical reaction in response to what someone else is experiencing. People sometimes physically experience what another person is feeling. When you see someone else feeling embarrassed, for example, you might start to blush or have an upset stomach.

Cognitive empathy involves being able to understand another person's mental state and what they might be thinking in response to the situation. This is related to what psychologists refer to as the theory of mind or thinking about what other people are thinking.

Empathy vs. Sympathy vs. Compassion

Uses for Empathy

Being able to experience empathy has many beneficial uses.

Empathy allows you to build social connections with others. By understanding what people are thinking and feeling, you are able to respond appropriately in social situations. Research has shown that having social connections is important for both physical and psychological well-being.

Empathizing with others helps you learn to regulate your own emotions. Emotional regulation is important in that it allows you to manage what you are feeling, even in times of great stress, without becoming overwhelmed.

Empathy promotes helping behaviors. Not only are you more likely to engage in helpful behaviors when you feel empathy for other people, but other people are also more likely to help you when they experience empathy.

Potential Pitfalls of Empathy

Having a great deal of empathy makes you concerned for the well-being and happiness of others. It also means, however, that you can sometimes get overwhelmed, burned out, or even overstimulated from always thinking about other people's emotions. This can lead to empathy fatigue.

Empathy fatigue refers to the exhaustion you might feel both emotionally and physically after repeatedly being exposed to stressful or traumatic events. You might also feel numb or powerless, isolate yourself, and have a lack of energy.

Empathy fatigue is a concern in certain situations, such as when acting as a caregiver. Studies also show that if healthcare workers can't balance their feelings of empathy (affective empathy, in particular), it can result in compassion fatigue as well.

Other research has linked higher levels of empathy with a tendency toward emotional negativity, potentially increasing your risk of empathic distress. It can even affect your judgment, causing you to go against your morals based on the empathy you feel for someone else.

Impact of Empathy

Your ability to experience empathy can impact your relationships. Studies involving siblings have found that when empathy is high, siblings have less conflict and more warmth toward each other. In romantic relationships, having empathy increases your ability to extend forgiveness.

Not everyone experiences empathy in every situation. Some people may be more naturally empathetic in general, but people also tend to feel more empathetic toward some people and less so toward others. Some of the factors that play a role in this tendency include:

How you perceive the other person

How you attribute the other individual's behaviors

What you blame for the other person's predicament

Your past experiences and expectations

At the most basic level, there appear to be two main factors that contribute to the ability to experience empathy: genetics and socialization. Essentially, it boils down to the age-old relative contributions of nature and nurture.

Parents pass down genes that contribute to overall personality, including the propensity toward sympathy, empathy, and compassion. On the other hand, people are also socialized by their parents, peers, communities, and society. How people treat others, as well as how they feel about others, is often a reflection of the beliefs and values that were instilled at a very young age.

Barriers to Empathy

Some people lack empathy and, therefore, aren't able to understand what another person may be experiencing or feeling. This can result in behaviors that seem uncaring or sometimes even hurtful. For instance, people with low affective empathy have higher rates of cyberbullying.

A lack of empathy is also one of the defining characteristics of narcissistic personality disorder. Though, it is unclear whether this is due to a person with this disorder having no empathy at all or having more of a dysfunctional response to others.

A few reasons why people sometimes lack empathy include cognitive biases, dehumanization, and victim-blaming.

Cognitive Biases

Sometimes the way people perceive the world around them is influenced by cognitive biases. For example, people often attribute other people's failures to internal characteristics, while blaming their own shortcomings on external factors.

These biases can make it difficult to see all the factors that contribute to a situation. They also make it less likely that people will be able to see a situation from the perspective of another.

Dehumanization

Many also fall victim to the trap of thinking that people who are different from them don't feel and behave the same as they do. This is particularly common in cases when other people are physically distant.

For example, when they watch reports of a disaster or conflict in a foreign land, people might be less likely to feel empathy if they think that those who are suffering are fundamentally different from themselves.

Victim Blaming

Sometimes, when another person has suffered a terrible experience, people make the mistake of blaming the victim for their circumstances. This is the reason that victims of crimes are often asked what they might have done differently to prevent the crime.

This tendency stems from the need to believe that the world is a fair and just place. It is the desire to believe that people get what they deserve and deserve what they get-and it can fool you into thinking that such terrible things could never happen to you.

Causes of Empathy

Human beings are certainly capable of selfish, even cruel, behavior. A quick scan of the news quickly reveals numerous unkind, selfish, and heinous actions. The question, then, is why don't we all engage in such self-serving behavior all the time? What is it that causes us to feel another's pain and respond with kindness?

The term empathy was first introduced in 1909 by psychologist Edward B. Titchener as a translation of the German term einfühlung (meaning "feeling into"). Several different theories have been proposed to explain empathy.

Neuroscientific Explanations

Studies have shown that specific areas of the brain play a role in how empathy is experienced. More recent approaches focus on the cognitive and neurological processes that lie behind empathy. Researchers have found that different regions of the brain play an important role in empathy, including the anterior cingulate cortex and the anterior insula.

Functional MRI research also indicates that an area of the brain known as the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) plays a critical role in the experience of empathy. Studies have found that people who have damage to this area of the brain often have difficulty recognizing emotions conveyed through facial expressions.

Emotional Explanations

Some of the earliest explorations into the topic of empathy centered on how feeling what others feel allows people to have a variety of emotional experiences. The philosopher Adam Smith suggested that it allows us to experience things that we might never otherwise be able to fully feel.

This can involve feeling empathy for both real people and imaginary characters. Experiencing empathy for fictional characters, for example, allows people to have a range of emotional experiences that might otherwise be impossible.

Prosocial Explanations

Sociologist Herbert Spencer proposed that empathy served an adaptive function and aided in the survival of the species. Empathy leads to helping behavior, which benefits social relationships. Humans are naturally social creatures. Things that aid in our relationships with other people benefit us as well.

When people experience empathy, they are more likely to engage in prosocial behaviors that benefit other people. Things such as altruism and heroism are also connected to feeling empathy for others.

Tips for Practicing Empathy

Fortunately, empathy is a skill that you can learn and strengthen. If you would like to build your empathy skills, there are a few things that you can do:

Work on listening to people without interrupting

Pay attention to body language and other types of nonverbal communication

Try to understand people, even when you don't agree with them

Ask people questions to learn more about them and their lives

Imagine yourself in another person's shoes

Strengthen your connection with others to learn more about how they feel

Seek to identify biases you may have and how they affect your empathy for others

Look for ways in which you are similar to others versus focusing on differences

Be willing to be vulnerable, opening up about how you feel

Engage in new experiences, giving you better insight into how others in that situation may feel

Get involved in organizations that push for social change

A Word From Verywell

While empathy might be lacking in some, most people are able to empathize with others in a variety of situations. This ability to see things from another person's perspective and empathize with another's emotions plays an important role in our social lives. Empathy allows us to understand others and, quite often, compels us to take action to relieve another person's suffering.

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Empathy allows us to understand and share the feelings of others. Learn why we feel empathy in some situations and not others, different types of empathy, and more.

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When you are building a shelter and you need insulation you should have and tape measurer so that you can have a good meauserment for the wood.

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1. find an area where water cant pull

2. Find a tree with a low branch crux where the branch joins the large tree.

3. support the roof with branches on both sides and with green vines

4. Find smaller branches and weave them in and out of the roof. keep weaving until u have dense lattice

5. Make a huge pile of debris at least 2 feet thick, get wet mud and smear it on the roof.

6. put branches on the last layer, and use dry leaves to have comfort and to insulate.

7. But leave and sticks near door to keep warm from cold.

Survival Skills: How to Build a Waterproof Shelter

SunnySports
https://www.sunnysports.com › blog › how-to-build-a...

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You can also use tablets or drops to purify water too, and here are the steps-

1. Filter required amount

2. add drops/tablets

3. shake/stir water for 10-20 seconds

4. Let water rest for 20 minutes

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cooking in different ways

one way to cook is cooking over a open fire with a stick.

small animals and bug can be skewerd and cooked easily.

fish and snakes are great to cook with this method.

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1) you need to know who you are talking to and there interests

2) don't be super pushy kinda show the idea instead of pushing it into their faces

3) use positive hand motions to get them more engaged

4) get to the point don't just wander around the point

5) keep a sincere tone

6)ask very engaging questions or detailed questions

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Effective communication is all about exchanging ideas. That includes establishing a good rapport with coworkers and colleagues, listening to what they have to say, and addressing any needs or concerns they might have.

But sometimes a conversation's trajectory is pointed, like when you need to convince others of a proposal's value or help them see things from your perspective.

The power of persuasion can help you accomplish goals like these. LinkedIn named persuasion among the top soft skills for employees in 2020 because it increases company performance and furthers one's career, making this soft skill valuable on many levels.

If you're a new manager , having your team understand and support your decisions and policies is essential. And if you're an employee who constantly collaborates with large teams, everyone needs to be on the same page to avoid wasting time or confusing project details.

When considering how to be more persuasive at work, you have many options, including persuasion techniques for to influence people and communication tactics to help get your point across clearly and confidently.

How to be more persuasive: 6 pro tips

While persuasion may seem as simple as relaying information to convince people of a particular belief or concept, there's a lot of nuance involved.

Below are six tips for sharing your message without putting off or confusing people.

1. Know your audience and their interests

Understanding the subtle differences between the people you're speaking with helps you adjust your behavior to their interests. This could mean using a mellow tone of voice with a reserved person to put them at ease or emphasizing how doing things your way will save a certain person time.

2. Don't be pushy

Even if you think your idea is best, a pushy approach only drives people away. Being pushy causes defensiveness and makes people check out before you're able to give a thorough, convincing pitch. Instead, an assured, straightforward approach shows you're not mincing words or using manipulative tactics. Listen well and concede if they make a good point.

3. Use positive and engaging body language

Pay close attention to your nonverbal communication - positive body language draws people in and may make them more receptive to your ideas. Some techniques include uncrossing your arms, making eye contact , leaning toward the person speaking, and using a passionate tone. How you say something is just as important as what you have to say.

4. Get to the point

Nobody enjoys burdensome, complex explanations - they're tiresome and boring, and your ideas seem less appealing. Speaking to your audience in a straightforward, transparent manner makes your point understandable and enjoyable, and shows you've thought deeply about the topic.

5. Maintain a sincere tone

When trying to persuade others, assuring them of your honesty goes a long way toward increasing trust. You want to prove that your idea adds more value than someone else's, not trick people into believing it's a good solution.

Those who come off as phony or over-confident often cause doubts, even if their pitch is strong. When you demonstrate honesty, people let their guard down and become more receptive.

6. Ask detailed questions

For those wondering how to be more persuasive in sales or customer-oriented roles, asking questions shows a genuine interest in someone's needs or concerns. Many people focus on explaining their point in extreme detail in the hopes of winning someone over. But closely listening to people's ideas shows you genuinely care about this person agreeing with you.

When your audience knows you value what they have to say, it creates a better rapport and enhances communication.

Here are some principles of persuasion

Psychologist Robert Cialdini found that persuasion has seven main principles. Once you recognize the importance of being persuasive, following these fundamentals is an excellent place to improve your skill.

Reciprocity: If someone thinks they owe you, they're more likely to return the favor - even if they didn't want your help in the first place.

Scarcity: The less available something is, the more people want it. People feel the same way about information.

Authority: People understand and intuitively react to authority figures, even when they know they shouldn't. You're more likely to believe a senior manager simply because they're a senior manager, no matter their track record.

Consistency: A key element of being reliable is consistency, for you and those around you. Keeping to your values and commitments is a great motivator, and seeing someone keep to their values inspires trust.

Likability: Although it's impossible to make everyone like you, people are often compelled to try. And the more someone likes you, the more likely they'll support your ideas.

Consensus: It's nice to feel like part of the group. If you find out everyone is behaving or thinking a certain way, you'll feel inclined to mirror them.

Unity: More than just being part of the group, people like to belong. People look to those around them when making decisions and model their behavior after others, especially those they trust or admire.

What to remember when learning how to be persuasive

To master your persuasion skills most effectively, remember these things.

Persuasion doesn't mean manipulation. When we persuade , we convince others to support something that's both beneficial to them and us. By using trusted methods and tactics, you can better convey why a concept or belief makes sense for your audience and assure them you have their best interests at heart.

When we manipulate, we force someone to agree with us, even if it's detrimental to their interests. Persuasion requires good intentions - you're not trying to trick someone into doing what benefits only you.

Be mindful that people are persuadable at different times. Considering your audience's most accommodating times ensures you reach people when they're open to listening. Asking someone questions after a tough one-on-one with their boss probably means they'll be less cooperative than if you catch them after a successful project launch.

Be persistent. Those who consistently show their audience a concept's value are the most persuasive. If you're asking people to try your new scheduling method every week, you're communicating that you really believe your way will work - your confidence sways people to believe in you.
This persistence also increases your chances of catching someone when they're most persuadable.

Don't assume. When tackling how to be more persuasive in writing or when sharing a viewpoint, providing value takes center stage. If you assume someone's interests, you may miss addressing their actual needs.

Even if you think you know what a person wants to hear, focus on explaining all you have to offer. This gives your listener the complete picture and prepares them for thoughtful decision-making .

Set expectations. Setting realistic expectations and meeting them is another useful fundamental of persuasion. If you pitch a new initiative for your team to save time on deliverables, people might be initially skeptical. Once they see the idea in practice - and hopefully working well - they'll be more likely to believe you in the future.

The importance of persuasion skills

Apart from the obvious benefit of getting people on your side, good persuasion skills improve your ability to communicate and share ideas in your professional life. Here are some of the top benefits of being persuasive.

It positively impacts your performance. If you're persuasive, there's a good chance you'll experience increased job performance. That's because people implement your ideas and show off your problem-solving, creativity, and leadership skills .

It boosts professional development. With better performance comes more opportunity. When you exhibit the ability to persuade others, your company benefits from your good communication skills, and those in leadership positions are apt to take notice. You might even be able to reason your way into a raise or a promotion to move along your career path faster.

It stimulates organizational change. Many companies are hesitant to change long-standing processes or procedures. If you have strong persuasion skills, you can better convince them your suggestions are valid, which could positively affect the company in the long run.

Mastering the art of persuasion means you can authentically share concepts and effectively convince your team to embrace changes that benefit everyone involved. Being indispensable at work is an admirable goal - knowing how to be more persuasive will help you get there.

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How to Be More Persuasive: 6 Tips for Convincing Others

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If you're wondering how to be more persuasive, stronger communication skills may help. Here's everything you need to know about mastering persuasion.

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it takes a lot of energy that's why we need to work with food and water because the more we work the more tired we are going to get

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Basics of Wilderness Survival Shelter Building - Swift | Silent | Deadly

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Wilderness survival shelter building - like almost anything else - is a skill that must be learned and practiced. Start learning here.

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Storage                                Tate

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Storage                                Tate

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It is smart to hide food storage near a tree so that animals can't smell it and get into it.

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All kinds of animals can get into your food wherever you camp. Mice and other rodents, not to mention bears, will gnaw right through a tent or backpack to get at crumbs or goodies left inside.

It's our responsibility as campers to prevent wild animals from getting any human food. This disrupts their natural diet and makes them dependent on people and makes them a safety threat. Bears who become habituated to humans and a nuisance may end up being killed. For more bear-safety information, read Backpacking in Bear Country.

In addition to avoiding problems with animals, your health and enjoyment of your outdoor adventure relies on following proper food handling techniques. If you want to spend your time on the trail, not the latrine, be sure to heed the guidelines below. For more hygiene tips, see Backcountry Bathroom Basics.

Video: Backpacking Food Storage

General Food Storage Tips

Keeping human food (and other aromatic items such as toiletries) away from animals requires similar practices in both a campground and backcountry campsite. Here are some general tips:

Never leave food, trash or other scented products inside your tent.

Never leave your food unattended. Jays, squirrels and chipmunks can quickly snatch food in broad daylight, and other animals come foraging at night.

Food Storage in a Campground

During the day, keep all your food secured in your cooler or car, even if you're sitting nearby or on a short jaunt to the outhouse, and especially if you're away on a hike.

At night, place any loose food, plus a cooler if you have one, inside a metal bear box if there is one. Storing food inside a car can also be an option in certain areas, but you need to check with local land managers first because some areas (where bears have become adept at breaking into vehicles) prohibit the practice. Raccoons and bears are adept at opening coolers left in the open. Some cooler manufacturers claim certain models are bear-proof, though padlocks might be required. As a last resort, you can also hang a bag of food from a high tree branch or use a bear canister, if bears are a known nuisance in the campground.

Food Storage in the Backcountry

If you'll be in the bear-inhabited backcountry of a national park or national forest, or on a national scenic trail such as the Appalachian Trail or Pacific Crest Trail, follow its regulations and recommendations for food storage carefully.

If you're backpacking in an area where there are no defined regulations, you can choose between three methods:

Using a provided metal food locker

Using a bear canister or bear bag

Hanging your food on a tree or pole

Here are the pros and cons of the various bear-proof food-storage methods in the backcountry:

Metal Food Lockers

Some campgrounds as well as designated backcountry campsites provide large metal bear-proof boxes in which you can stash your food, trash and toiletries. These are sometimes communal, so there's no guarantee there will be room for your stuff. Also, it's important to secure the latch properly so bears can't get in. Otherwise, you can bet they will.

Bear Canisters

These hard-shell plastic cylinders have lids that humans can screw on and off (some require a coin or screwdriver to lock and unlock). They are designed to fit into most backpacks and come in different sizes, so if you're traveling solo, you can choose a smaller one.

If you're backpacking in areas where canisters are required, be sure to use one. If a ranger stops you on the trail and you don't have one, you could be issued a hefty fine. In some national parks, rangers loan or rent bear canisters. However, on high-demand summer weekends they may run out of canisters before you get there, so have a backup plan. Canisters also prevent raccoons from getting into your food and garbage, and may be required for that reason.
Pros:

Bears have rarely been known to open a canister.

You can leave them on the ground instead of hanging them.

With the lid on they make a good camp seat.

Some are clear so you can see whether you remembered to put that chocolate bar in or not.

Many bears have learned that canisters are not worth their effort and may move on from your camp once they see you have one.

Cons:
Heavy and bulky (most weigh 2-3 pounds).
Tip for using a bear canister:
Put reflective tape on your canister. That way, if you hear something disturbing it at night, you can more easily see what's going on.

Bear Bags

If a bear canister is not specifically required but you still need to protect your food from bears, then a bear bag is a good choice. These are made of a high-density polyethylene that a bear cannot tear open. An aluminum liner is available separately that fits inside the smaller model to keep a bear from crushing or puncturing the contents.

Odor-proof plastic bags (that are also waterproof, unlike the bear bag itself) are available separately to put your food and garbage into first to further add bear deterrence.

Some models are designed to deter marmots, mice and other rodents, but if you're in bear country, choose a bag model that is specifically for bears and has passed the test of the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC).
Pros:
They're lightweight and compact.
Cons:

Some national parks don't accept bear bags as a bear-proof food-storage method.

A bear could crush it (without the aluminum liner) or even carry the bag away, even if it can't get into the bag.

Tips for using bear bags:

Be sure to cinch the drawstring tight and tie the knot exactly the way the manufacturer instructs.

While these bags can be left on the ground like a canister, you might want to tie the bag to a tree limb or hang it from a bear pole (see below).

Bear bags are usually solid white. To tell yours apart from others', use a permanent marker to write your name or draw a design on it.

If you're uncertain whether to use a canister or bag, bring a canister for your most important food as well as a bear bag for your trash and least crucial items.

Hanging Your Food

Here are the main methods for hanging food:

You can suspend your food from a high, sturdy tree limb.

At some backcountry campsites you'll find bear poles, a major improvement over tree branches. With this system, you'll find a tall metal pole with large hooks at the top from which you can hang your food bag or entire backpack. A long metal lifter pole is provided for hoisting your food bag up onto one of the hooks.

Or you may find a high horizontal metal cable strung between two poles, which is usually easier to hang your food bag from.

Pros:
You don't need to buy specialized equipment. Some rope and a sturdy bag are all you'll need.
Cons:

If you're backpacking above tree line or in desert areas with low shrubs, hanging from a branch is not even an option.

Hanging food in a tree can be difficult and time-consuming. Trying to maneuver a food bag with an unwieldy pole onto a hook atop a tall pole takes a lot of effort.

Many bears have learned to pull on ropes to get at the bag.

Tips for hanging food from a tree or cable:

Tie a 50- to 100-foot rope to a weight (use a hand-size rock or fill your tent-stake bag with local rocks) and toss it over the tree limb or cable. It may take many tries to get it over.

Once over and back on the ground, untie the rock or tent-stake bag, and attach your food bag.

Hoist your bag 10 to 15 feet high so a standing bear can't reach it, and make sure it's at least four feet out from the trunk or pole.

Tie the other end of the rope to a tree trunk or pole to secure it.

Food Handling Basics

The last thing you want to do while camping is spend time dashing to the latrine. There are three common ways you can become sick from improper hygiene and food handling while camping:

Transmission of pathogens to your hands and mouth after going to the bathroom (fecal-oral transmission)

Eating spoiled food from a cooler

Improper handling of raw meat

How to avoid fecal-oral germ transmission:

After going to the bathroom, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water (away from camp and away from a fresh-water source).

Dry hands with a towel not used for drying dishes.

If you can't wash, use hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes.

Wash or sanitize your hands again before preparing a meal.

If you plan to share a bag of trail mix with others, shake the food from the bag into their hand. Do not let unwashed hands reach into a bag of food.

How to keep cooler food from spoiling: Chances are you'll have a cooler if you're car camping. In it you'll want to keep any perishables, such as meat (especially raw), cheese, eggs and milk, at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or colder so they don't spoil.

Pre-chill the cooler with ice or ice blocks for an hour before you put in any food.

Fill large polycarbonate water bottles with water, juice or milk and freeze (leave room at the top of the bottle for expansion). These keep your cooler colder longer than fast-melting ice cubes, and you can drink the liquid once you don't need the ice.

Double-bag any raw meat so it doesn't leak onto other foods; freeze ahead of time whatever you'll be eating after the first day.

Put the food you'll eat first near the top. Put frozen raw meat on the bottom, where the cooler is coldest.

Use a thermometer inside the cooler to check how cold it's staying.

How to handle raw meat in camp: It's a good idea to cut up your raw meat at home into bite-size pieces and place in a zip-top bag. That way you have less to wash in camp. Here are additional tips:

As you would at home, be especially careful about handling raw meat. After you cut raw meat in camp, place the meat pieces into your cookware and immediately wash the cutting board, knife and your hands with soap and hot (if possible) water before you touch anything else.

Never cut veggies or cheese on a surface that has raw meat residue on it.

Any plastic wrap from raw meat needs to be double-bagged and stored in your cooler or trash bag until you get home; or dispose it in a campground-provided trash bin.

More food handling tips

Keep odors at a distance: Cook food and wash dishes (and hands) well away from your tent so odors don't attract animals near where you sleep. Use only a tiny bit of liquid unscented soap.

Dishwater: Strain out any food scraps and put them in your trash. Disperse rinse water over a rocky area if possible, well away from your campsite.

Related Articles

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Food Storage and Handling for Campers and Backpackers | REI Co-op

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Planning to enjoy tasty meals when car camping or backpacking? Make sure bears and other animals don't help themselves, and learn how to stay healthy by following proper camp hygiene when handling food.

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holding sticks together via rope/other means of knots

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holding sticks together via rope/other means of knots

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A lashing knot is used to make sticks more secured together to make it stronger.

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The number of ways a person can tie things together is more or less limitless, from the thousands and thousands of legitimate knots and roping techniques used by sailors, hunters, and savvy outdoorsmen, to the countless impromptu tangles and knot nests crafted by those of us too impatient to learn anything more than a never-ending square knot.

But in that infinite fray of tying techniques, lashing is one of the most practical and easy to learn. At its basic, lashing is a method used to secure two things (often poles or pole-like items) together. A knowledge of lashing requires an understanding of two terms: wrapping and frapping. A wrap and a frap are two different techniques used when lashing. To wrap is to wind your binding material, usually rope, around your poles. To frap is to wind your binding material around itself, usually in-between your poles. Wrapping brings the poles together, while frapping generally tightens the lashing and helps prevent the poles from rotating in place. Before you start practicing your lashing skills, brush up on how to tie a clove hitch and a timber hitch, as they come in handy when beginning or ending your lashing.

Below you'll find illustrated instructions on how to tie the 3 most useful lashings: square, diagonal, and shear.

Square Lashing

A square lashing is used to bind two things (often logs/poles) together at a right angle. It is important to note that it is used for items that will be used at a right angle to the ground as well. If poles are intended to be used diagonal to the ground, or diagonal to their load, then a diagonal lashing should be used.

1. Start with a clove hitch on the bottom side of the standing pole.

2. Begin your first wrapping.

3. Continue until you have three wrappings completed.

4. Prepare to begin first frapping

5. Complete your first frap, cinching down on your existing wraps, not the poles.

6. Complete three fraps and then finish with another clove hitch

Diagonal Lashing

A diagonal lashing is used to bind two poles together diagonally and prevent racking, which is the term given when poles twist or rotate within their lashing. Like a square lashing, the poles do come together at right angles, but in a diagonal lashing the poles themselves are diagonal to the ground or the load which they are supporting, like the legs of a picnic table.

1. Start with a timber hitch on the top log.

2. Tighten the timber hitch and prepare for your first wrapping.

3. Make your first wrap.

4. Complete three wraps and then prepare for your first frapping.

5. Complete three fraps, going in between the poles to cinch the rope onto itself.

6. Finish your frapping and end your lashing with a clove hitch.

Shear Lashing

A shear lashing is used when you need to bind two poles at their tops so that they can ultimately support weight, like the legs of a sawhorse or the basic supports of an A-frame structure. When starting a shear lashing, begin with your poles parallel and adjacent to each other. After the lashing is completed, you can separate the legs to create the basic A-frame shape.

1. Start with a clove hitch around just one of your poles before beginning your wraps.

2. Complete six wraps before beginning your first frap.

3. Complete two fraps between the poles.

4. Secure your loose end with a clove hitch and separate the legs to complete your lashing.

Like this illustrated guide? Then you're going to love our book The Illustrated Art of Manliness! Pick up a copy on Amazon. Illustrations by Ted Slampyak

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In the world of knotsmanship, lashings are one of the most practical and easy to learn. Lashing is a method used to secure two things together.

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good materials to find shelter (Hudson and Kellen)

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good materials to find shelter (Hudson and Kellen)

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ponchos, wires, nylon hammocks or parachutes are all good materials for building shelter. Any plastic sheeting would be great material for shelter, making several types of different shelters.

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teamwork is when people work together to meet their goal and thats what im trying to make everybody do

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6 people pushing a van

U.S. Navy sailors hauling in a mooring line

A U.S. Navy rowing team

A group of people forming a strategy

A group of people collaborating

Teamwork is the collaborative effort of a group to achieve a common goal or to complete a task in an effective and efficient way. Teamwork is seen within the framework of a team, which is a group of interdependent individuals who work together towards a common goal.

The four key characteristics of a team include a shared goal, interdependence, boundedness, stability, the ability to manage their own work and internal process, and operate in a bigger social system.

Teams need to be able to leverage resources to be productive (i.e. playing fields or meeting spaces, scheduled times for planning, guidance from coaches or supervisors, support from the organization, etc.), and clearly defined roles within the team in order for everyone to have a clear purpose. Teamwork is present in contexts including an industrial organization (formal work teams), athletics (sports teams), a school (classmates working on a project), and the healthcare system (operating room teams). In each of these settings, the level of teamwork and interdependence can vary from low (e.g. golf, track and field), to intermediate (e.g. baseball, football), to high (e.g. basketball, soccer), depending on the amount of communication, interaction, and collaboration present between team members.

Among the requirements for effective teamwork are an adequate team size. The context is important, and team sizes can vary depending upon the objective. A team must include at least two members, and most teams range in size from two to 100. Sports teams generally have fixed sizes based upon set rules, and work teams may change in size depending upon the phase and complexity of the objective.

The Oxford English Dictionary records the use of "team-work" in the context of a team of draught animals as early as 1800.

Even though collaborative work among groups of individuals is very prominent today, that was not the case over half a century ago. The shift from the typical assembly line to organizational models that contained increasing amounts of teamwork first came about during World War I and World War II, in an effort for countries to unite their people. The movement towards teamwork was mostly due to the Hawthorne studies, a set of studies conducted in the 1920s and 1930s that suggested positive aspects of teamwork in an organizational setting. After organizations recognized the value of teamwork and the positive effects it had on companies, entire fields of work shifted from the typical assembly line to the contemporary High Performance Organizational Model.

A team must have certain interrelated characteristics to work effectively.

Among these is strong group cohesion. There is a positive relationship between group cohesion and performance.

Communication is another vital characteristic for effective teamwork. Members must be able to effectively communicate with each other to overcome obstacles, resolve conflict, and avoid confusion. Communication increases cohesion.

Communication helps to clearly define the team's purpose so that there is a common goal. Having a common goal increases cohesion because all members are striving for the same objective and will help each other achieve their goals.

Commitment occurs when members are focused on achieving the team's common goal.

Accountability is necessary to ensure milestones are reached and that all members are participating. Holding members accountable increases commitment within team relations.

Basic team dynamics include:

Open communication to avoid conflicts.

Effective coordination to avoid confusion and the overstepping of boundaries.

Efficient cooperation to perform the tasks in a timely manner and produce the required results, especially in the form of workload sharing.

High levels of interdependence to maintain trust, risk-taking, and performance.

These teamwork conditions lead to the team turning in a finished product. To measure if the teamwork was effective, the organization must examine the quality of the output, the process, and the members' experience. The teamwork can be deemed efficient if the output met or exceeded the organization's standard, the process the team chose to take helped them reach their goals, and the members report high levels of satisfaction with the team members as well as the processes that the team followed.

Teamwork processes fall into three categories:

These processes occur between periods of action. Team members can evaluate their overall performance as a team and on an individual level, give feedback to each other, make clarifications about the upcoming tasks, and make any changes that would improve the process of collaborating.

Task Analysis

Goal Specification

Strategy Formulation

Result oriented group

These processes take place when the team takes steps to accomplish its goals and objectives. Team members keep each other informed about their progress and their responsibilities, while helping one another with tasks. Feedback and collaborative work continues in high levels throughout this process.

Monitoring progress toward goals

Systems Monitoring

Team Monitoring and Backup Behavior

Coordination

These processes are present in both action periods and transition periods, and occur between team members. This is a continuous process, in which team members communicate thoughts and/or feelings concerning either another team member or a manner in which a task is being performed. Furthermore, team members encourage and support each other on their individual tasks.

Conflict management

Motivation and Confidence building

Affect Management

Teamwork performance generally improves when a team passes through these processes, since processes like these enhance coordination and communication between the team members and therefore increase teamwork and collaborative work.

Teamwork and performance can be enhanced through specific training that targets individual team members and the team as a whole. Bruce Tuckman proposed a team developmental model that separated the stages of a team's lifespan and the level of teamwork for each stage:

1. Forming

This stage is described by approach/avoidance issues, as well as internal conflicts about being independent vs. wanting to be a part of the team.

Team members usually tend to 'play it safe' and minimize their risk-taking in case something goes wrong.

Teamwork in this stage is at its lowest levels.

2. Storming

The second stage is characterized by a competition for power and authority, which is the source of most of the conflicts and doubts about the success of the team.

If teamwork is low in this stage, it is very unlikely that the team will get past their conflicts. If there is a high degree of teamwork and willingness to collaborate, then the team might have a brighter future.

3. Norming

The third stage is characterized by increasing levels of solidarity, interdependence, and cohesiveness, while simultaneously making an effort to adjust to the team environment.

This stage shows much higher levels of teamwork that make it easier for the above characteristics to occur.

4. Performing

This final stage of team development includes a comfortable environment in which team members are effectively completing tasks in an interdependent and cohesive manner.

This stage is characterized by the highest levels of comfort, success, interdependence, and maturity, and therefore includes the highest levels of teamwork.

One way organizational psychologists measure teamwork is through the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) Teamwork Test. This test was developed by Michael Stevens and Michael Campion in 1994. It assesses people who want to join a team by measuring 14 KSA requirements for teamwork, especially within formal teams. The test has two main categories: Interpersonal KSAs that contain items such as Conflict Resolution and Communication, and Self-Management KSAs that include items such as Goal Setting and Task Coordination.

Utilizing teamwork is sometimes unnecessary and can lead to teams not reaching their performance peak. Some of those disadvantages include:

Social loafing: This phenomenon appears when a person working in a group puts in less effort than they can towards a task. If other members of the team are exerting comparatively more effort, this can create conflict and lead to lower levels of performance.

Behavioral conflicts or ingrained individualism: Employees at higher organizational levels have adapted to positions that require more individual initiative, and therefore have trouble engaging in collaborative work. This creates a more competitive environment with less communication and more conflict. This disadvantage is mostly seen in organizations that utilize teamwork in an extremely hierarchical environment.

Individual tasks: Certain tasks do not require teamwork, and are more appropriate for individual work. By assigning a team to complete an 'individual task', there can be high levels of conflict between members which can damage the team's dynamic and weaken their overall performance.

Groupthink: This is a psychological phenomenon that occurs within a group of people when, from a desire for conflict-avoidance, the desire for cohesiveness is greater than the desire for the best decisions. When a team experiences groupthink, alternative solutions will not be suggested due to fear of rejection or disagreement within the group. Group members will measure success based on the harmony of their group and not by the outcome of their decisions. One way to counteract groupthink is to have members of a group be from diverse backgrounds and have different characteristics (gender, age, nationality). Another way to avoid groupthink is to require each member to suggest different ideas.

Working in teams has also shown to be very beneficial. Some advantages of teamwork include:

Problem solving: A group of people can bring together various perspectives and combine views and opinions to rapidly and effectively solve an issue. Due to the team's culture, each team member has a responsibility to contribute equally and offer their unique perspective on a problem to arrive at the best possible solution. Teamwork can lead to better decisions, products, or services. The effectiveness of teamwork depends on the following six components of collaboration among team members: communication, coordination, balance of member contributions, mutual support, effort, and cohesion.

Healthy competition: This can motivate people and help the team excel.[citation needed ]

Relationship development: A team that continues to work together will eventually develop an increased level of bonding. This can help members avoid unnecessary conflicts since they have become well acquainted with each other through teamwork. By building strong relationships between members, team members' satisfaction with their team increases, therefore improving both teamwork and performance.

Individual qualities: Every team member can offer their unique knowledge and ability to help improve other team members. Through teamwork the sharing of these qualities allows team members to be more productive in the future.

Motivation: Working collaboratively can lead to increased motivation levels within a team due to increasing accountability for individual performance. When groups are being compared, members tend to become more ambitious to perform better. Providing groups with a comparison standard increases their performance level thus encouraging members to work collaboratively.

Paulus describes additional benefits of teamwork:

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4. ^

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5. (Subscription or ^ . Oxford English Dictionary (Online ed.). Oxford University Press. participating institution membership required.) - "How is the ploughing, the drawing, and all kind of team-work to be performed without horses?"

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Teamwork is the collaborative effort of a group to achieve a common goal or to complete a task in an effective and efficient way. Teamwork is seen within the framework of a team, which is a group of interdependent individuals who work together towards a common goal.

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Create a secure survival shelter, insulate the ground with logs and debris, and frame it to fit your body, adding a thick layer of debris for rain protection.

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Some foods aren't safe to eat. One of those foods is,the ''wild parsnip '' it can cause severe rashes and burns so use common sense and don't touch it. I found this info on a trifold called "Dangerous Animals & Plants".

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Create a secure survival shelter, insulate the ground with logs and debris, and frame it to fit your body, adding a thick layer of debris for rain protection.

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To purify water follow this boiling method, first step is to start a fire. Next step, fill a coffee can or any steel pot with water, then next place it over the fire until it reaches a bubbling boil. Keep on boiling the water for 1-3 minutes

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A acorn is roduced by an oak tree, although there are various different oak trees most of them produce acorns.

With this information i can find an oak tree and look in the leaves to find if it is producing acorns then label it food source on the map.

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Contact: Jessica Wackes, 919.707.9850. Images available upon request

A White Oak sapling and sprouting acorn. Photo: Dr. Bronwyn Williams.
Contributed by Naturalist Center intern Sam Coley
Imagine you're an acorn that just dropped from the branch of a huge White Oak tree ( Quercus alba). Your first question might be, "What am I? What even is an acorn?" If you're having an existential crisis about being an acorn, don't worry! An acorn is simply the fruit or nut of an oak tree; each acorn contains a single seed encased in a tough outer shell. The genus Quercus is divided into two groups: the white oaks and the red oaks. Oak species from both groups are found throughout North Carolina.

If you have pollen allergies, you are familiar with the first step of creating an acorn. Oak trees have separate male and female flowers. Pollen from a male flower (the pollen-producing or male parts are called catkins) is transferred via wind to a female flower. If pollination and fertilization occur, a baby acorn is created. After about five months for white oak trees and six to seven for red oaks, the mature acorns are ready to fall. If you remember, I said you're a White Oak acorn so that means you dropped off the tree in the last few days of August or in September. Once on the ground, acorns lie dormant until the following spring.

Acorns face many challenges once they've dropped and most do not go on to produce huge oak trees. When an oak tree drops its acorns, they usually don't travel very far. Even small acorns are heavy and normally end up lying in piles around the base of the oak tree. This is a problem for acorns for a couple of reasons. First, acorns need sunshine to start growing and they can't get much under the shady canopy of a large oak. Second, there may be a high concentration of acorns in a small area. These acorns need more space to start growing first into seedlings, and if lucky, into a large tree. So, who comes to the rescue? Squirrels!

Eastern gray squirrel burying an acorn in fall.

These little rodents allow for the easy transport of acorns throughout an ecosystem. They can even help new oak trees spread uphill. Why would a squirrel want to help move acorns around in the fall? Well, their reasons are purely selfish; the squirrels are hiding all those acorns from other animals so they can store and consume them later. Acorns are packed with nutrients and, in addition to squirrels, animals such birds, raccoons, opossums, bears and white-tailed deer love to eat them. Over the course of the winter months, squirrels will go back to these hidden caches to snack on all those delicious acorns. But squirrels are forgetful and may lose over 70% of the acorns they hide.

A mature White Oak tree. Photo: Sam Coley.

Oak trees can help keep squirrels in line by controlling the number of acorns they produce each year; this phenomenon is referred to as masting. Masting is a cyclical pattern of seed production where every 2 to 5 years, trees over a large area synchronize an overproduction of nuts, fruits or berries. Scientists still aren't sure why oaks vary their acorn production every few years. One theory suggests that oaks occasionally produce a large crop to ensure that some of the acorns can survive predators, essentially producing too many acorns for all the squirrels to eat. Producing that many acorns forces the trees to cut back or stop acorn production completely the following years while they build up resources for another mast year. During low or zero acorn production years, squirrel (and other rodent) populations may noticeably decline because squirrels live almost exclusively on acorns in the winter and early spring. However, squirrels can resort to other food sources like other types of nuts, insects or plant material.

Now it's springtime and, because you are a White Oak acorn, you will start germinating or growing immediately. Red oak acorns, on the other hand, must wait a whole extra year before they germinate and start to grow! Red and white oak acorns first extend a long taproot down into the soil before the shoot starts growing upwards, so saplings can be difficult to transplant. It will be a very long time before you are an old enough White Oak tree to produce your own acorns-maybe up to 20 years! Mature oak trees are not only beautiful but play an essential role in the health of our environment. Please let a few of those forgotten buried acorns become future oak trees!
More Nature Now! blog posts For more information about our upcoming activities, conservation news and ground-breaking research, follow @NaturalSciences on , and . Join the conversation with #visitNCMNS.

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Nature Now! Acorns: This is just nutty | Programs and Events Calendar

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Contact: Jessica Wackes, 919.707.9850. Images available upon request A White Oak sapling and sprouting acorn. Photo: Dr. Bronwyn Williams. Contributed by Naturalist Center intern Sam Coley Imagine you're an acorn that just dropped from the branch of a huge White Oak tree ( Quercus alba). Your first question might be, "What am I?

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It's important for you to first identify the reasons why you steal. After you've found out why you steal, free writing about your need to steal can help. Train yourself to think differently.

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This website tells us how to prepare and eat the acorns. you can soak them in water to get rid of the bitterness.

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Here's an easy method for processing acorns, and five different ways to eat this humble and ubiquitous tree nut.

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Emma speaking about how you should punish

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Emma speaking about how you should punish

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Something to consider is how bad they broke the rules, or how strict you were about the rules. Then you can decide whether or not you need to punish or give a warning. If you choose punishment you want to give one appropriate to the matter. If it is murder than it would be a harsh punishment or if it's yelling maybe a time-out. So there are certain ways you can punish somebody.

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You can tell if a plant is edible by first looking to see if it is poisonous or not. It is most likely poisonous if it has hairs, milky sap, or plants with spines. next rub it on your forearm to make sure it is not poisonous You won't get a big reaction if you do it on your forearm. If all goes well do a small taste test to make sure.

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It doesn't have to be something luxury just something that protects you from the wild and somewhere that can keep you from rain or other difficult weather.

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Do you have any plans to spend time in a survival shelter? We didn't think so, but that's the problem. You need a bushcraft shelter to survive in the wild. Usually, you need one because you ran into an emergency and need to hunker down out of the elements.

So, maybe you should plan to spend some time in a survival shelter for practice, or at least know the basics of building one. Keep reading for some bushcraft 101 skills about how to build a survival shelter. Let's dive in!

What Is a Survival Shelter?

Survival is all about the basics, a survival shelter is not luxury accommodation. Spending time in a bushcraft shelter in an emergency will probably not be an enjoyable or comfortable experience. However, if you do it correctly, your chances of surviving a crisis are much better than without one.

A survival shelter is a natural shelter that keeps you out of the elements. But shelter can mean several things, like clothes to protect you from the sun's rays in the desert or a lean-to for the wind and snow. If you are ever in a situation where you may have to stay put for longer than you expect, finding a place to keep you safe is your number one priority. Shelter needs to be a priority like food or water.

What's the Difference Between a Survival Shelter and a Bushcraft Shelter?

A survival shelter and a bushcraft shelter are basically the same thing, it's just how they are used.

Bushcrafting is a hobby way of living using primitive skills in nature. When someone goes into the woods to live off the land, they'll need shelter, food, water, and other tools to survive. A shelter they built would be a bushcraft shelter.

When someone goes on a day hike to summit a mountain and loses their way in an unexpected downpour with the temperature plummeting, they might have to build a shelter to keep warm. Their structure would be a survival shelter.

Either way, both shelters protect you from the harsh elements that nature can deliver at a moment's notice.

Pro Tip: Always be able to start a campfire by packing one of these 8 Best Campfire Starters to Bring on Every Outdoor Adventure.

Why Is Shelter Building Important for Wilderness Survival?

Shelter-building is essential for wilderness survival because it provides protection. Whether that is a torrential downpour, blizzard conditions, freezing temps, or even sunshine beating down on your bare head, weather moves quickly and can kill.

How important shelter is will depend heavily on your location and surroundings. If it rains or snows regularly where you are then shelter will be critical to keeping you warm. If you are in the desert shelter during the day may be more important to keep you out of the sun.

What Are the Three Basic Types of Survival Shelters?

While shelter can be various things, like an overhanging rock or a shaded tree, there are three basic survival shelters. The types are a lean-to, an A-frame, and a debris shelter. Each type has varying qualities. Where you are or what you need protection from will dictate what shelter to build.

Lean-To Shelter

A lean-to shelter is a structure you build out of long pieces of wood. You can also cover it in debris. It has one side open, making it excellent for protection from the wind on one side while having warmth from a fire on the other side.

A-Frame Shelter

An A-frame shelter is similar to a lean-to in that the sides lean and support each other. However, you'll have two sides protecting you from nature. This shelter scenario helps get you out of the wind when you don't need the added warmth of a fire.

Debris Shelter

The debris shelter is one of the most useful and insulated shelters and takes the longest to construct. You would make it out of a long pole as the spine, which you'd generally balance against a tree. It consists of other branches that create an A-frame-like structure branching off the spine.

Once you have enough branches and sticks acting like shingles on the roof covering the sides, place debris all over the shelter as a layer of insulation. You can use this type of shelter if you build it using enough debris for protection from rain, snow, and cold temps.

What Do You Need to Build a Survival or Bushcraft Shelter?

If you have packed wisely before your hiking adventure, you will have some survival tools in your pack in case of an emergency. However, you will not have everything because most of what you need to build a survival shelter comes from nature.

Generally, you will need many logs and sticks of various sizes, along with downed debris like fallen branches, dead leaves, and pine needles. If you have time to find a place with many natural items, build it there.

Prevention is the first key to survival. So before you have to build a shelter, pack wisely. This means extra clothing, including hats, gloves, and rain gear, along with a survival kit, including an emergency blanket and fire starters. If you need to build a survival shelter, the equipment you packed for prevention goes a long way.

Pro Tip: You'll be glad you packed one of these 6 Best Survival Knives while buchcraft camping.

How Do You Build a Survival Shelter in the Wilderness

Even if you have planned and packed wisely, things happen unexpectedly in the wilderness. You might have to build a survival shelter. Most of us aren't carpenters; therefore, we think that we don't have the skills to make one. Think again! Anyone can build a shelter if they know how.

Find a Suitable Location

Finding a suitable location isn't always something you'll have time for in an actual survival scenario, but if you have the time and energy, do so. A suitable location includes an area with the resources to build the shelter type you require.

When picking an area for your survival shelter, consider the Five W's. These are wind, widowmakers, wildlife, water, and wood. The wind brings in weather, and since that is what you are sheltering from, choose a spot out of the wind as much as possible. Dead trees in the survival world are widowmakers because they can crash down on you. In other words, don't pick a spot next to a bunch of still-standing dead trees.

Wildlife can also make your time in a survival shelter miserable and dangerous. Be aware of animal paths or anthills; don't camp there. Water is two-fold in that you don't want to be where water can pool up around you, and you need a dry spot. While you don't want water in your shelter, having it nearby for ease of use is a bonus. But don't underestimate the power of water. If you're too close to a stream and it rains overnight, that stream could be your death.

Wood, the last of the 5 W's, is essential because that is usually the material of your bushcraft shelter. Look for a spot with downed timber in various sizes and types. Building a refuge while shuffling back and forth with large loads of wood takes up too much time and energy. Make a plan that makes sense.

Make a Plan

Making a plan will also save energy. Stop, breathe, and think. Before you start building a survival shelter, look around the environment. Based on that and what you need protection from, decide what type of shelter you need to make, how big it needs to be, and where to build it.

Choose Materials That Will Be the Best Insulation

You have a plan. You know where to build, and it's time to begin. The best idea is to start from the bottom up. Once you've chosen your location, cushion the ground with warmth using natural substances.

Those natural substances can be anything from layers of dead leaves and pine needles to old dried-out bark and other nearby plants. If you have a sleeping bag, pad, or emergency blanket with you, use it. Set it up now, so you can build your shelter around it. The thicker the insulation, the better. This doesn't just go for the ground, either. Once you've made your shelter, you'll continue the insulation by adding more debris to the shelter's walls.

Build the Shelter Frame First

Before you add insulation to the walls, you need to build the shelter, and the frame comes first. Most people build shelters against a natural element, like a large tree or boulder.

From there, you'll build the shelter's frame onto a V into a tree or a crevasse of a rock. The structure usually starts with a long, solid thick piece of wood, generally a bit longer than the height of the person building the shelter. This keeps the shelter big enough to fit in but small enough not to waste heat. Once you have a sturdy foundation or spine, it's time to build the walls and the roof.

Walls & Roof

With most common survival shelters being lean-to or A-frame, the roof is generally a part of the walls. Whether you have an entire roof or slanted walls, you lay against the foundation or the spine; these need to be as sturdy as the tree or rock forming the foundation.

To build walls that hold additional insulation, start with long thick sticks you'll lay against the spine at around a 45-degree angle. Place them along the entire length of the spine. The ends of the stakes shouldn't stick up more than one to two inches above the crest. Think of it as creating a tight rib cage. Just like your rib cage protects your organs, this rib cage is the basis for protecting you from the elements.

Once you have a rib cage, find sticks with branches coming off at different angles. Broken pine tree branches work well for this. These will act as the shingles on a roof, providing stability for the insulation to stay in place. Place these branches along the walls.

As you did when you piled insulation on the flooring before building the shelter, you'll want to do the same to the walls and roof. Grab armfuls of leaves, pine needles, and other plants and debris from the forest floor and pile this all over the shelter. Ideally, you'll want the debris to be around a foot thick, but this will depend on what is available and the weather. The more debris, the warmer and more secure the shelter.

Floor & Bedding

Because you planned, you prepared your floor and bedding before you started building the foundation of the shelter. But if you can push more leaves and other natural insulation items into the shelter, do so. Be careful not to raise the flooring of the shelter so high that you can't get into the shelter. You won't be warm if you can't access it.

How Long Can You Survive Without Shelter in the Wild?

Surviving without shelter is possible. However, that survival depends on where you are and the weather. Many people sleep in the wilderness without any shelter and do fine. In inclement conditions, shelter is a top priority, and you might only have a few hours before your body succumbs to impending weather threats.

Hone Your Bushcraft Skills With Shelter Building

Hone your bushcraft skills to prevent possible threats to your life in the wilderness. Prevention and practice are your best insurance regarding survival in the outdoors. The shelter you make will depend on how much weight you want to carry and how much time you put into practicing your skills before using them in an emergency.

Heading out on a multi-day backpacking trip, you may have some bushcraft skills beyond shelter building and the tools that come with a multi-day trek.

On a two-hour hike, you may have a lighter pack and knowledge of shelters and other survival skills. While we get that, you don't want to lug around a 20-pound bag for a two-hour hike. Carrying preventive tools for any length of the walk is always good insurance.

Now that you've added bushcraft and survival shelter knowledge to your skill set, where's your next hike? Tell us in the comments!

About Mortons on the Move
Tom & Caitlin Morton of Mortons on the Move gave up the stationary life for one where they are constantly on the move. They are full-time travelers, television hosts, and digital media producers.
They left their jobs, sold their house and possessions, and hit the road in September 2015 in their full-time "home on wheels". Since then they have traveled the US, Canada, and even internationally by RV.
Now, they are Discovery Channel & PBS TV Co-stars of "Go North" on Amazon Prime Video, co-founders and instructors of RV Masterclass, and contributing authors for Hwy.co and an Arizona travel guide. About Us

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Bushcraft 101: How to Build a Survival Shelter in the Wilderness

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Is there a difference between a survival shelter and a bushcraft shelter? And how exactly do you build one? Find out...

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We are going to use dry, light wood as one of our insulaters because if the wood is wet is will not do anything.

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Rebecca Shrode- How to create a food pantry to survive

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Rebecca Shrode- How to create a food pantry to survive

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This can show a bunch of ways to store food in the wilderness, and away from animals and bugs. This is what I was looking to find for me and Andrew's Food Pantry

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How to store food when camping: tips and tricks to keep your grub fresh and safe from critters

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Learn how to store food when camping so you share your eats with only your (non-furry) friends

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Red maples, River birches,

Weeping willows,

Bald cypresses,

Ash trees,

White cedars,

Oriental arborvitaes,

Black gum trees.

Other trees to mention that work well too are- Freeman's maples, water tupelos, and magnolias.

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The Best Trees For Water Absorption in Your Soggy Backyard Area

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The Best Trees For Water Absorption in Your Soggy Backyard Area In some cases, it may appear that areas in your yard that are soggy or wet are not suitable for planting. The truth is that many plants cannot thrive in excessively wet soil. These conditions are ideal for some plants, though.

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1: Find container

2: go get food from food storage

3: put food in container

4: get some water

5: put water in container

6: cook food safely

7: serve food

8: eat food

9: not starve

😁

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Use a big rock & flat surface to break a lot of acorns, then soak in warm water for a few hours. Taste test after a few hours, and if still bitter soak in warm water for a few more hours or until it doesn't taste bitter.

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Green acorns, ready for processing Tim MacWelch

"I didn't know you could eat acorns!" It pains me to hear this phrase, and I hear it often. It seems that the average person has no idea they are crushing a valuable wild edibles underfoot. Many areas with oak trees are loaded with acorns this year, so it's proving to be a great year to harvest this wholesome native food.

But what are you supposed to do with them? Here's an easy method for processing them, and five different ways to eat this humble and ubiquitous tree nut.

Processing acorns starts out by shelling of the nuts and leaching out the tannins that make them bitter and nauseating. You could crack them one by one with pliers or smash them individually with a rock, but the native folks of this land figured out a much better technique: mass breakage.

Simply set out 20-30 acorns on a hard flat surface and smash them all at once with a wide heavy object. Use a sidewalk and a cinderblock in urban environments. Use two big flat rocks in your back yard or in the wild. Whichever "tools" you have at your disposal, you can smash the nuts open in one or two strokes and save yourself a lot of time.

Next, separate out all the shell fragments and place the nut meat pieces in pot of warm water. Soak them in warm water for a few hours, then pour off the water. Do a taste test. If the acorns are still too bitter, soak them in warm water for a few more hours. This water bath leaches out the tannic acid, which causes nausea and digestive distress when consumed. Repeat this until they are palatable. For ideas on what to do with the leftover tannic acid, click here.

You could also do a leaching process in moving water with a cloth bag. Clean socks or pillow cases are great, if you have them. Tightly woven baskets are the traditional method of straining them. Immerse the nuts in a running stream and secure them so they don't wash away. Let the water flow through them for a few days, and you're ready to move to the next step.

Once the acorns are properly leached, they can be dried a bit to grind into flour, or used while the chunks are still damp.

1. Roasted Acorns

One of the easiest ways to cook acorns is to roast them. Place the damp nut chunks on a baking sheet and sprinkle with fine salt. Toast them for 15-20 minutes at 375 degrees in a pre-heated oven, or roll them around in a dry frying pan over the camp fire. You can tell they're done when the color has changed a little, and the nut pieces smell like roasted nuts. Eat them out of hand just like peanuts.

2. Acorn Brittle

For those with a sweet tooth, follow your favorite peanut brittle recipe, and substitute acorns for the peanuts. Use the same volume of acorns that the recipe asks for in peanuts, or add a few more acorns to make this snack a little more nutritious. Once the brittle is cooled, break it into pieces and enjoy.

3. Acorn Bread

Dry your leached acorns a little bit. When they are halfway between wet and soft, and dry and rock-hard, run them through a blender, food processor, grain mill, or grind between two rocks. Dry the resulting acorn meal in a low temp oven for a few minutes, or air dry for a few hours. Then grind it again. This acorn flour can be used to bake breads or almost any other baked good. If you're expecting soft spongy bread, blend in some wheat flour for its gluten. It you don't mind the acorn's natural crumbly texture, use the acorn flour as-is.

4. Acorn Cookies

Using the flour described above, try your hand at cookies. You could follow any cookie recipe, swapping out the wheat flour for acorn flour. Since acorn flour is more crumbly than wheat flour, cookies are a natural fit for this wild food. My favorite are acorn peanut butter cookies. Here's how to make them:

Ingredients

3 cups of acorn flour
½ teaspoon of baking soda
½ teaspoon of salt
2 eggs
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
1 cup of white sugar
1 cup of butter
1 cup of brown sugar
1 cup of peanut butter

The butter will cooperate better if it softens up to room temperature before mixing, so set the butter out first. Mix the flour, salt and baking soda in a small bowl, and set it aside. Mix the softened butter and peanut butter in a large bowl. Add the vanilla and both sugars to the butter mixture, and mix it well. Add the eggs and mix again. Stir the flour mixture into the butter mixture until smooth. Roll the dough into balls and pat out onto an ungreased baking pan. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes or until lightly brown. Makes 4 to 5 dozen cookies.

5. Acorn Coffee

This may not seem right to diehard java drinkers since there's no caffeine in an acorn, but you can roast a coffee substitute from acorns that is pleasant enough to drink. Place chunks of leached acorn on a cookie sheet and roast them in the oven at 400F for about 30 minutes. This roasting time will depend on the moisture in the nut pieces (more moist acorns need more time). Trust your eyes and nose when making acorn coffee, and stay right next to the oven. When the pieces are dark brown and give off a roasted (but not a burned) smell, they are done. Add one tablespoon of roasted acorn to one eight ounce cup of boiling water. Steep for 5-10 minutes, reheat if necessary. Add your normal coffee additives, or drink it "black."

What do you make from acorns? Let us know you use them by leaving a comment.

A cracked acorn, in its shell Tim MacWelch

How to Prepare Acorns for Food and Medicinal Uses

Acorns represent one of the biggest (and most widespread) calorie jackpots in the annual wild plant food harvest, if you can beat the squirrels to them. These high calorie nuts were a staple crop to many of our ancestors around the Northern Hemisphere and we can still rely on them for food today. Coming in at 2,000 calories per pound, this abundant of a food crop is too valuable to ignore. You can even use them to make medicine. Here's how.

Acorns for Food

To prepare palatable acorns, crack them out of their shell and break any large pieces into "pea-sized" chunks. Then soak these acorn chunks in cold, warm, or even hot water to remove the bitter and irritating tannic acid. Note that some books instruct us to boil acorns, but this locks in some of the bitterness. You'll have the best results with warm water.

Soak the acorns for a few hours. If the water was safe to drink, taste a piece of acorn to see if it is still bitter. If you don't like it, dump off the water (which should be brown, like tea), add fresh warm water, and soak the acorn pieces again for a few hours. Repeat this a time or two, or three depending on the acorn's bitterness. Once they taste okay (in other words, bland), let them dry out for a few hours. Then you can run them through a grain grinder, flour mill, or use the classic mortar and pestle to make acorn flour. Add this flour to existing recipes; or try your hand at making acorn porridge, cookies, crackers, or biscuits.

Acorns for Medicine

Remember the brown tea-like water you poured off the first soaking of acorns? Well, don't throw it out just yet. Even though it seems like we're brewing up some kind of medieval potion, crushed acorns and hot water can provide a great remedy for inflamed and irritated skin, as well as toothaches. You can use the first water you pour off from the process of soaking described above. Or you can make a liquid that's more concentrated by boiling crushed acorns (shells and all) in a pot of water. A handful of crushed acorns in one pint of water will make a small batch of strong medicinal fluid. Soak a clean cloth in this dark brown water, and apply the wet cloth to rashes, ingrown toenails, hemorrhoids, and any other inflamed skin ailment. Leave the cloth in place, and repeat this treatment as needed. For tooth troubles, simply swish the bitter water in your mouth, holding it in there as long as you can. Repeat as need, but do not swallow, as this acidic water will give you an upset stomach.

Ever try to eat acorns without leeching the bitterness? Or perhaps used them as a flour or animal feed? Please tell us about your experience in the comments.

11 Things You Never Knew About the Incredible, Edible Acorn

Deer and hunters alike often find themselves at the mercy of this modest nut. A poor acorn year can spell disaster for a herd headed into a hard winter, just as a bumper crop can ruin even the best hunt plan. Here's everything you never knew about the hard mast that packs a real punch.

450-600
Number of oak species that exist worldwide (depending on how they're classified)

60
Approximate number of oak species in the U.S.

5.5
Pounds of food a deer consumes per day, on average

55%
Portion of a whitetail's fall diet that consists of mast like acorns

74%
Acorns a gray squirrel may hide but never recover

Protein should make up 16% of a buck's diet for its antlers to reach maximum growth

>10,000
Number of acorns a single oak tree can drop in a good year

6 months
Time it takes acorns from the white oak family to mature

18 months
Time it takes acorns from the red oak family to mature

One Pennsylvania study measured how many acorns a stand of red oaks could produce. In a poor seed year researchers tallied just 7,000 acorns per acre. but during a bumper year, they recorded 273,000. That's a lot of nuts.

NUTRITION FACTS
(SERVING SIZE: 1 oz.)
110 calories
7 grams fat
12 grams carbohydrates
1.7 grams protein

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Here's an easy method for processing acorns, and five different ways to eat this humble and ubiquitous tree nut.

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INSULATION

When you are in the woods insulation helps. Insulation helps with keeping the inside of the shelter warm and it also helps keep the shelter dry so that if it rains, most of your stuff will stay dry and you will stay dry. If you don't have good insulator, then your shelter will not be protected from the rain and it will get really cold and hard to live in. Without insulation life in the woods would be really hard.

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Insulation in your home provides resistance to heat flow and lowers your heating and cooling costs. Properly insulating your home not only reduces heating and cooling costs, but also improves comfort.

To understand how insulation works it helps to understand heat flow, which involves three basic mechanisms -- conduction, convection, and radiation. Conduction is the way heat moves through materials, such as when a spoon placed in a hot cup of coffee conducts heat through its handle to your hand. Convection is the way heat circulates through liquids and gases, and is why lighter, warmer air rises, and cooler, denser air sinks in your home. Radiant heat travels in a straight line and heats anything solid in its path that absorbs its energy.

Most common insulation materials work by slowing conductive heat flow and convective heat flow. Radiant barriers and reflective insulation systems work by reducing radiant heat gain. To be effective, the reflective surface must be in contact with an air space.

Regardless of the mechanism, heat flows from warmer to cooler areas until there is no longer a temperature difference. In your home, this means that in winter, heat flows directly from all heated living spaces to adjacent unheated attics, garages, basements, and especially to the outdoors. Heat flow can also move indirectly through interior ceilings, walls, and floors--wherever there is a difference in temperature. During the cooling season, heat flows from the outdoors to the interior of a house.

To maintain comfort, the heat lost in the winter must be replaced by your heating system and the heat gained in the summer must be removed by your cooling system. Properly insulating your home will decrease this heat flow by providing an effective resistance to the flow of heat.

An insulating material's resistance to conductive heat flow is measured or rated in terms of its thermal resistance or R-value -- the higher the R-value, the greater the insulating effectiveness. The R-value depends on the type of insulation, its thickness, and its density. The R-value of most insulations also depends on temperature, aging, and moisture accumulation. When calculating the R-value of a multilayered installation, add the R-values of the individual layers.

Installing more insulation in your home increases the R-value and the resistance to heat flow. In general, increased insulation thickness will proportionally increase the R-value. However, as the installed thickness increases for loose-fill insulation, the settled density of the product increases due to compression of the insulation under its own weight. Because of this compression, loose-fill insulation R-value does not change proportionately with thickness. To determine how much insulation you need for your climate, consult a local insulation contractor.

The effectiveness of an insulation material's resistance to heat flow also depends on how and where the insulation is installed. For example, insulation that is compressed will not provide its full rated R-value. The overall R-value of a wall or ceiling will be somewhat different from the R-value of the insulation itself because heat flows more readily through studs, joists, and other building materials, in a phenomenon known as thermal bridging. In addition, insulation that fills building cavities reduces airflow or leakage and saves energy.

Unlike traditional insulation materials, radiant barriers are highly reflective materials that re-emit radiant heat rather than absorbing it, reducing cooling loads. As such, a radiant barrier has no inherent R-value.

Although it is possible to calculate an R-value for a specific radiant barrier or reflective insulation installation, the effectiveness of these systems lies in their ability to reduce heat gain by reflecting heat away from the living space.

The amount of insulation or R-value you'll need depends on your climate, type of heating and cooling system, and the part of the house you plan to insulate. To learn more, see our information on adding insulation to an existing house or insulating a new house. Also, remember that air sealing and moisture control are important to home energy efficiency, health, and comfort.

Use the following map to determine your climate zone and then the following tables to estimate the required R-values. See the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code for more information on climate zones.

Alaska climate zones:

7 - Aleutians East

7 - Aleutians West

7 - Anchorage

7 - Bethel

7 - Bristol Bay

8 - Denali

7 - Dillingham

8 - Fairbanks North Star

6 - Haines

6 - Juneau

7 - Kenai Peninsula

5 - Ketchikan Gateway

6 - Kodiak Island

7 - Lake and Peninsula

7 - Matanuska-Susitna

8 - Nome

8 - North Slope

8 - Northwest Arctic

5 - Prince of Wales-Outer Ketchikan

5 - Sitka

6 - Skagway-Hoonah-Angoon

8 - Southeast Fairbanks

7 - Valdez-Cordova

8 - Wade Hampton

6 - Wrangell-Petersburg

7 - Yakutat

8 - Yukon-Koyukuk

Zone 1 includes Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

Climate Zone

Uninsulated Attic

3-4 inches of Existing Attic Insulation

Uninsulated Floor

Uninsulated Wood-Frame Wall

Insulated Wood Frame Wall

*Note: In the table above, CI stands for "continuous insulation" that is applied to the exterior of the wall assembly just inside the cladding.

Whenever exterior siding is removed on an uninsulated wood-frame wall:

Drill holes in the sheathing and blow insulation into the empty wall cavity before installing the new siding, and

Add the amounts of continuous insulation recommended in the table above.

Whenever exterior siding is removed on an insulated wood-frame wall:

Add the amounts of continuous insulation recommended in the table above.

To choose the best insulation for your home from the many types of insulation on the market, you'll need to know where you want or need to install the insulation, and what R-value you want the installation to achieve. Other considerations may include indoor air quality impacts, life cycle costs, recycled content, embodied carbon, and ease of installation, especially if you plan to do the installation yourself. Some insulation strategies require professional installation, while homeowners can easily handle others.

Insulation materials run the gamut from bulky fiber materials such as fiberglass, rockwool, cellulose, and natural fibers to rigid foam boards to sleek foils. Bulky materials resist conductive heat flow in a building cavity. Rigid foam boards trap air or another gas in their cells to resist conductive heat flow. Highly reflective foils in radiant barriers and reflective insulation systems reflect radiant heat away from living spaces, making them particularly useful in cooling climates. Other less common materials such as cementitious and phenolic foams and perlite are also available.

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Insulation saves homeowners money and improves comfort.

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the best and most efficient way to keep food cold and safe is to berry under ground on something damp with water to have the best chance of keeping it for a long time.

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By Kevin Estela

I doubt there is a single person reading this who doesn't have a refrigerator in their home. Some of you may even have a fridge with a freezer plus another freezer for long-term storage. The low temperatures a good refrigerator and freezer provide are the universal standard for food storage, and we have a comfortable expectation we will be able to keep food in cold storage until we are ready to eat it.

But there may come a time when you don't have the luxury of a working refrigerator, especially if the power goes out for an extended period of time. What will you do to keep your food from spoiling?
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Keep Food Cold In The Wild

Away from civilization, you don't have low temps on demand to keep food from spoiling. Depending on the season, you may experience extreme difficulty keeping fresh food from going bad. Eventually, despite your efforts, it will.

To keep your food cool, you will have to get creative and utilize your resources. You can seek cool and or avoid heat. The combination of both will give you the best results.

Your main concern will be sunlight when trying to avoid heat. By moving your food to the shade, you can find temperatures 15-20 degrees cooler. Sunlight strength varies from location to location, and the amount of shade you can find will differ, too.

Trees, rocks, vehicles, and makeshift covers made with a tarp are good sources of shade. In the desert, the best shade is created by having multiple layers of fabric layered to allow for hot-air space between the ground and the top layer. Shade blocks some of the sun's radiating heat, but heat can be fought in even more effective ways.

Water Is Life

Food can be cooled by submerging it in running water; the cold water circulating around it pulls heat away. If you've ever dunked a sixer in a stream to get it to sipping temperature, you get it.

This method is the opposite of the popular sous vide cooking style that uses warm water circulation. Unfortunately, as with sous vide, it requires you to keep your food in water-tight bags or containers.

If you cannot cool your food with water, other gifts from nature can help. On big game hunts, it isn't uncommon to use the cool air to cool down cuts of meat. Just like the convection action of your oven, hanging food in cold air can keep meat from spoiling if the conditions are right. In warmer months, nighttime temperature dips can be just what you need, depending on where you are.

Another way to keep food cool in the wild is burying it. The earth you dig into will likely be much cooler than the surface ground. Of course, if you have snow, use it.
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Keep Food Cold When Power Goes Out At Home

How many times have you walked by your refrigerator and didn't think about the power supplied to it that keeps the motor running? A simple power outage is all it will take for you to consider it and what you will do with all the food inside.

On average, you can keep a full freezer of food for about 48 hours if it is opened infrequently. The best freezers for trapping in the cold are freezer chests, which are top feeding instead of side-feeding. All the cold stays in the bottom of the box when you open the lid.

Your refrigerator will only last for a short time, and you should consume that food first if you are considering what to do with it before it spoils. Unexpected power outages can catch you with your pants down, but if you predict one during a storm, you can stage your home for success to keep food cool without a fridge.

Invest In Ice Chests

When your power goes out, you can utilize good coolers to help keep your food cold, much like an unpowered fridge. If those coolers are wrapped in towels (like when trying to trap heat in as meat rests), you can improve how well they keep food cool inside.

On a much smaller scale, the same insulated bottles that you use to keep beverages warm on cold days can keep cold drinks cool on warm ones. These can be used for dairy products. If you have ice, you can fill your bathtub (assuming you have one) with water and ice.

If you have time to freeze plastic bottles, do it. Block ice will last longer than cubed.

If your refrigerator goes out for some reason, but you still have power elsewhere, you can keep your food cool with creativity. Your basement should be cooler than the upper levels of your home. Like burying food in the great outdoors, store it downstairs and against the foundation if you can.

Keep in mind food spoils when there are temperature changes, light exposure, and excess moisture. You may find moisture forming depending on how you have your food packaged. If you predict this as a problem, desiccant packs can be added to trap it.

One more option you have is falling back on your neighbors. They may have room in their ice box, coolers, or freezers, and they can keep your food cool too. Seek out their help sooner rather than later and if you can't keep food cool, consider cooking it and inviting them over. You never know what kind of favors a good meal can get you if your emergency worsens.
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Forgo Refrigeration

The ultimate flex in an emergency is to forgo refrigeration altogether. Canned foods need heating, unless you want to rough it hobo-style. Freeze-dried foods need water. If you have a healthy supply of each, you won't need to worry about food spoiling when the lights go out. In the most recent power outage in Moore County, North Carolina, some families panicked with food spoiling quickly. Some lost hundreds of dollars worth of groceries as they could not save their refrigerated goods.

Others fell back on "indoor camping" and used propane stoves and camp food to keep them going anywhere from 2 to 5 days without power. Of course, if you forgo refrigeration, you must ensure you have plenty of fuel and water.

Like your other preparations, you should have options for primary, alternate, contingency, and emergency (P.A.C.E. planning). You don't have to eliminate your refrigerator, but rest assured, if the power goes out, you can find ways to keep your food cold without one.
This Post Was Originally Posted by Skillset Mag In December 2022 READ NEXT - Jonathon Blank Fishes the Hell Out of Alaska's Kodiak Island

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How To Keep Food Cold Without A Fridge: Power Loss Survival

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There may come a time when you don't have the luxury of a refrigerator, or the power goes out. How do you keep your food cold?

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Root cellars are spots underground that are cold and are insulators. They can store acorns for 4 months.

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Root cellars are "cool" again (pun intended). With modern refrigeration, root cellars seemed obsolete. However, with a renewed interest in gardening, food security, and even sustainable living, root cellars have returned! Here are some advantages of storing root vegetables in a root cellar and a look at a few types of root cellars.

Before refrigeration, an underground root cellarwas an essential way to store carrots, turnips, beets, parsnips, potatoes, and other root vegetables. Today, root cellars have made a comeback to keep food from freezing during the winter and keep food cool during the summer to prevent spoilage.

What Is a Root Cellar?

Technically, a root cellar is any storage location that uses the natural cooling, insulating, and humidifying properties of the earth. Whether you stock a root cellar with your own homegrown produce or the bounty from local farmers' market, it's a time-tested storage method.

Root vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, beets, parsnips, rutabagas, and turnips are typically stored in a root cellar. The environment is ideal for storing jars of canned or pickled vegetables and the bulbs or rhizomes of perennial flowers as well. A secondary use for the root cellar is as a place to store wine, beer, or other homemade alcoholic beverages.

Advantages of Root Cellars

While root vegetables aren't expensive to buy, the quality of a homegrown potato or beet is far superior, plus grocery stores do not always carry vegetables year-round (or you're buying a vegetable that's not in season and not very tasty!). Having a root cellar is like having a six-month supply of quality vegetables on hand.

Also, there's a certain peace of mind of having enough food security without being at the mercy of grocery stores and potential interruptions in the supply chain.

Finally, there's the bonus of not having to pay as high an electric bill to refrigerate or cool the produce, since the ground temperature will naturally do this for you.

Root Cellar Requirements

To work properly, a root cellar must be able to hold a temperature of 32º to 40ºF (0° to 4.5°C) and a humidity level of 85 to 95 percent. This means that root cellars may not work in warm, southern climates.

The cool temperatures slow the release of ethylene gas from the crops and stop the growth of microorganisms, which slows down ripening and decomposition.

The high humidity level prevents loss of moisture through evaporation-and the withering look that goes along with it.

Check with your local building department to see what legal requirements you may need to comply with before doing any construction.

Consider your location. Root cellars can not be built in places with a high water table or a septic system nearby. Also, you'll want a close and easily accessible location. Some people have built them under a garden shed so they don't have to remove snow to access it during the winter.

You're going to need a design that allows you to control humidity, temperature, ventilation, and drainage. These affect how long you can hold your produce in storage.

Types of Root Cellars
Basement Root Cellar
Today, root cellars are often attached to houses for easy access, though it can take some effort to create a cold basement corner.

The best method is to use the foundation walls on the northeast corner as two sides of your root cellar.

Build the other two walls in the basement with stud and board.

Insulate the interior walls, ceiling, and door (and any pipes or ducts) to keep the heat out.

Ensure there is a ventilation system that allows cool, fresh air from the outside to be brought into the root cellar and stale air to be exhausted out. This helps to prevent mold and mildew.

Hole-in-the-Ground Cellar
Another option outside the house is to dig down into the ground or horizontally into a hillside.

This option requires good drainage; sandier soil works better. An elevated slope helps because the water will run away from your pit as it moves downward.

If your winter temperatures drop below 25°F (-4°C), dig your pit deep enough so that all the crops are under the soil's surface.

As you dig your hole in the ground, flare the sides so that it does not cave in.

Line the hole with straw and dried leaves, cover the hole with a thick wooden lid, and cover the lid with soil.

The Garbage Can
During winter, using a metal garbage can or barrel in your hole-in-the ground cellar helps keep water out.

Dig a hole slightly larger than the diameter of the garbage can and deep enough so that the can's lid will sit 4 inches above the soil level.

Heap earth around the circumference, add straw inside the can with the crops, and cover the lid with straw or mulch and a sheet of plastic to keep everything dry.

Root vegetables will store well, even in the coldest weather.

See our article on how to build a small root cellar.

How to Keep Your Root Cellar Cool

To create the best atmosphere in your root cellar, consider these tips:

Complete temperature stability is reached at about 10 feet (3 meters) deep.

Don't dig a root cellar near a large tree; the tree's roots can be difficult to dig through, and they will eventually grow and crack the cellar walls.

Inside, wooden shelving, bins, and platforms are the norm, as wood does not conduct heat and cold as rapidly as metal does.

Air circulation is critical for minimizing airborne mold, so shelves should stand 1 to 3 inches (3 to 8 cm) away from the walls.

For outdoor root cellars, packed earth is the preferred flooring. Concrete works well and is practical for a cellar in a basement.

Every root cellar needs a thermometer and a hygrometer (to measure temperature and humidity, respectively), which should be checked daily, if possible.

Heat is usually regulated using ventilation to the outside or an exhaust pipe-usually to allow cold air in, often on fall nights, to get the temperature down.

10 Tips for Storing Your Harvest

1. Stock your root cellar as late in the season as you can. If possible, chill the produce in the fridge before putting it in the cellar.

2. A few vegetables-such as potatoes, winter squash, pumpkins, and onions-need to be "cured" for a few days in warm temperatures before going into storage. See how to cure squash and pumpkins.

3. Shake off loose dirt rather than washing it off. Many root-cellar vegetables store better this way and leaving them wet can encourage rot. Carrots and beets are especially easy to store: just brush off loose dirt, clip foliage back to about an inch above the root, and store roots in boxes of moist sand or peat moss.

4. Always handle your vegetables with great care; even slightly rough treatment can cause invisible bruising, which starts the produce on the road to decomposition.

5. Store cabbages and turnips in a detached root cellar so their odor, which can be unpleasant, will not permeate the house.

6. Think about where you place produce: The driest, warmest air is near the ceiling, more-humid air is lower as well as farthest from the door. Check out our page on storing crops without a root cellar to see which vegetables prefer which conditions.

7. Most fruit "breathes," and some-particularly apples and pears-should be wrapped in paper to slow the release of ethylene gas, which can cause other produce to spoil.

8. Making a root cellar in a garage or using pressure-treated wood is not recommended.

9. Vegetables piled together generate heat, which can lead to spoilage. Space out vegetables on shelves close to the floor and rotate the shelves every once in a while.

10. Check your vegetables regularly, and immediately remove any with signs of rot. From the lessons of the root cellar comes the saying, "One rotten apple spoils the whole barrel!"

Try these techniques whether you harvest your own produce or buy it at a local farmer's market!

What if it's not possible for you to build a root cellar? See our article on Storing Your Harvest Without a Root Cellar.

Free Online Gardening Guides

We've gathered all of our best beginner gardening guides into a step-by-step series designed to help you learn how to garden! Visit our complete Gardening for Everyone hub, where you'll find a series of guides-all free! From selecting the right gardening spot to choosing the best vegetables to grow, our Almanac gardening experts are excited to teach gardening to everyone-whether it's your 1st or 40th garden.

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With a renewed interest in gardening and sustainable living, root cellars have returned! Here are some advantages of storing food in a root cellar and a few different types.

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How to purify water easily

First, put water in a heat resistant container.

Next, bring water to a full rolling boil.

Then, let it sit like this for one minute.

Finally, drink and enjoy!

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Introduction

Water can contain germs (such as bacteria and viruses) and chemicals which can be harmful and make you unwell. Both tap and bottled water may not be safe if it has not been produced under proper conditions, even if it is clear and colourless.

Water should only be used for drinking and preparing food if is known to be safe.

This also applies to water used for making ice cubes and cleaning teeth.

When you are travelling, you should take safe food and water precautions to avoid becoming unwell. This might include you having to treat (purify) your drinking water.

Illnesses caused by food and water are more common in countries that have lower levels of hygiene.

You should only use water for drinking, making ice cubes or cleaning teeth if it has been:

bottled or canned by a known manufacturer and the seal is intact

boiled and cooled and stored in a clean container

chemically disinfected or passed through a reliable water filter and stored in a clean container

Even where bottled water is readily available, it is a good idea to have a backup system for making water safe in case you run out of bottled water.

Treating water yourself is also generally agreed to be more 'environmentally friendly' than using bottled water since the same plastic bottle can be reused and refilled.

Water Purification

Water treatment removes the germs from water to make it safe for you to drink. There are several different methods of purifying water. Some are more effective than others.

The method you use will depend on:

how contaminated the water is

which method is going to be most practical and easy for you to use

Boiling

Bringing water to a rolling boil for one minute is the simplest way to kill most types of germs, even if the water is cloudy and at high altitudes.

If water is cloudy, allow it to settle and filter through a clean cloth or coffee filter before boiling.

You will need to boil water for around three minutes if you are at an altitude over 2000m (6500 feet).

After water has been boiled, it should be removed from the heat and allowed to cool naturally (without adding ice):

it should be stored in a clean container to prevent it becoming re-contaminated with germs.

Boiling won't improve the taste, smell or appearance of the water.

If you are self-catering or visiting friends and relatives boiling may be the easiest method of water treatment as equipment and electricity or a heat source is readily available.

For other types of travel, it might not be convenient for you to carry a stove, kettle or heating coil whilst travelling.

Water Filtration

Water filtration removes germs by physically blocking them while letting the water pass through the filter. Unfortunately, filtration will not remove all the germs that can make you unwell.

You will also need to use chemicals or boil filtered water to make sure it is safe to drink.

There are a wide variety of filters to buy and these vary in cost and how effective they are at removing different types of germs.

Filters for treating water when travelling should not be confused with versions designed only to remove odour and chlorine from water at home.

You should always read the information provided by the manufacturers and follow their instructions carefully.

Because filters collect germs from water, you should wear gloves whenever possible and wash your hands carefully after using or changing a filter. If you have a weakened immune system, you should avoid changing filters if possible.

Chemical Disinfection

Chemical disinfectants for treating water are available to buy in liquid and tablet form.

You should always follow the manufacturer's instructions. How well the chemical disinfectant works will depend on:

the temperature of the water

how cloudy the water is

how long the chemical needs to be in the water to kill the germs

The most common chemical disinfectant preparations use chlorine such as Chlorine Dioxide (chemical symbol ClO2).

It is simple to use and is available in liquid or tablet form.

It is non-toxic and effective at killing most bacteria and viruses.

It will not kill all germs.

You should combine chemical treatments with another method such as boiling or filtration.

Iodine for the purpose of water treatment is no longer recommended and is not available to buy within the UK.

Ultraviolet (UV) light

UV light kills germs in water and can be used as an alternative to chemical disinfection. A portable, battery operated device can be purchased that delivers a measured, timed dose of UV light.

This method can be effective in treating small quantities of clear water.

The manufacturer's instructions must be followed to confirm the length of time needed for treatment.

This method will not work in cloudy water.

Salt (Sodium Chloride) Electrolysis

Salt electrolysis works by using a hand-held battery powered product which passes an electrical current through a solution of salt and water (brine). This creates a solution that you then add to the untreated water to kill the germs.

Most organisms are killed when using this method, but it is unlikely to work against cyclospora.

Purchasing Equipment

Equipment for treating water and water filters can usually be purchased at outdoor sports, camping and adventure shops, or online. Please note this list is not exhaustive:

The manufacturers information should always be checked before purchase to make sure the product will get rid all of the organisms that you may be at risk from.

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Travel health advice relating to water purification.

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Boiling is the best and most efficient way to purify water in the wild. You can use fire or leave the water bottle out in the sun to kill off any bacteria and be safe to drink. (Just pretend that picture is out in the wild).

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So what you can do with the food is put a plastic bag or fabric over it then, you dig a hole deep enough for the food to fit. After that, cover the hole with food in dirt and moss creating a sort of natural refrigeration. Make sure it is wrapped tight so bacteria doesn't taint it. The food could potentially last months underground.

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Download Article

Download Article

Modern man's primitive ancestors managed to survive in the wild for thousands of years before the advent of refrigerators, coolers, and fancy climate-controlled pantries. The secret of their success lay not in sophisticated gadgets, but in ingenuity. With a few simple tools and an intuitive understanding of the natural environment, it's possible to preserve certain food items long enough to enjoy them at your own leisure, even without the advantages of modern technology.

Add New Question

What is the best dehydrated food for hiking?

Hannah Young is an Outdoor Education Expert with more than three years of experience. She specializes in educating others on backpacking and hiking, land ethics and best practices, and wilderness Restoration. Hannah earned a BS in Earth Systems from Stanford University.

I usually recommend bringing dehydrated beans and veggies with some couscous. Making curry with the veggies is also an option - it sounds intimidating, but all you really need to bring is a little packet of curry powder.

How do I make hiking food?

Hannah Young is an Outdoor Education Expert with more than three years of experience. She specializes in educating others on backpacking and hiking, land ethics and best practices, and wilderness Restoration. Hannah earned a BS in Earth Systems from Stanford University.

Packing some dried ramen noodles is usually a great idea, since it's simple and easy to cook. But honestly, my hiking lunch generally consists of some tortillas with peanut butter, jelly or honey mixed with some nuts and seeds.

Always try to consume uncured perishable goods as soon as possible, no matter what the expiration date stamped on the packaging says.

Eating spoiled or improperly preserved food could result in nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, as well as other, more severe illnesses such as dysentery, salmonella poisoning, or bacterial or parasitic infections.

Knowing the right way to store food in the wild isn't just a matter of health-it's a matter of safety. Coming between a hungry predator and its next meal could put you at risk of serious injury or worse.

Food

Plastic bag

Thin, breathable fabric (optional)

Rubber band, hair tie, bungee cord, rope, etc. (optional)

Hand trowel or camp spade (optional)

Food

Shovel, hand trowel, or camp spade

Hardwood

Lighter or flint and steel

Knife

Small sticks

Scrap metal sheets, drum, barrel, or other found objects (optional-for makeshift smoker)

Food

Clean water source

Sharp knife

Improvised drying rack (stump, board, shaved sticks, rope, wire hanger, etc.)

Food

Cooler

Resealable food storage containers

Insulated food bag (optional)

Food storage locker (optional)

This article was co-authored by Hannah Young. Hannah Young is an Outdoor Education Expert with more than three years of experience. She specializes in educating others on backpacking and hiking, land ethics and best practices, and wilderness Restoration. Hannah earned a BS in Earth Systems from Stanford University. This article has been viewed 21,048 times.

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4 Easy Ways to Store Food in the Wilderness - wikiHow

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Modern man's primitive ancestors managed to survive in the wild for thousands of years before the advent of refrigerators, coolers, and fancy climate-controlled pantries. The secret of their success lay not in sophisticated gadgets, but in...

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This  website tells us  5 types of trees that grow acorns and that is very important to locate acorns.We have red and white oaks which both have acorns!!!!!!!!

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8 Billion Trees: Carbon Offset Projects & Ecological Footprint Calculators

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5 Acorn Tree Types: Identification Guide with Growing Zones (How to Grow)

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Acorn Tree Guide: What Tree Does an Acorn come From? How to Identify Types of Acorn Oak Trees, Leaves, How To Grow an Oak From an Acorn.

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Fire/Starting a Fire/cooking food

1. contain flat rocks-Landon

2. build fire place with structural integrity, it needs to have a round shape that is at least 2 feet tall-Ayden and Landon

3. collect dry kindling and bark-Landon

4. put kindling and bark in the built fireplace-Ayden

How to start a fire

1. gather some flint and some flat rocks-Landon

2. hit (at a angle) them together on and at the fire_ayden

3. when you see a spark,direct on or more to the dry plants in the fireplace-Ayden

4. when you see smoke, drop the rocks and steadily blow on the spark until the fire/smoke/heat grows. -Landon

5. you have successfully made and started a fire-both

6. If you want to keep the fire going, you want to add kindling every 6-8 minuets-Ayden

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how to make a shelter with sticks leafs tree and rocks | Kellen And Hudson

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how to make a shelter with sticks leafs tree and rocks | Kellen And Hudson

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hudson and kellen

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1.find people that are not working

2.ask what their doing

3.if their doing nothing then ask what group their in

4.talk to their group to see what they could do

5.then give them the job.

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How to persuade someone

1 Don't be pushy

2 Get to the point

3 Maintain a sincere tone

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Effective communication is all about exchanging ideas. That includes establishing a good rapport with coworkers and colleagues, listening to what they have to say, and addressing any needs or concerns they might have.

But sometimes a conversation's trajectory is pointed, like when you need to convince others of a proposal's value or help them see things from your perspective.

The power of persuasion can help you accomplish goals like these. LinkedIn named persuasion among the top soft skills for employees in 2020 because it increases company performance and furthers one's career, making this soft skill valuable on many levels.

If you're a new manager , having your team understand and support your decisions and policies is essential. And if you're an employee who constantly collaborates with large teams, everyone needs to be on the same page to avoid wasting time or confusing project details.

When considering how to be more persuasive at work, you have many options, including persuasion techniques for to influence people and communication tactics to help get your point across clearly and confidently.

How to be more persuasive: 6 pro tips

While persuasion may seem as simple as relaying information to convince people of a particular belief or concept, there's a lot of nuance involved.

Below are six tips for sharing your message without putting off or confusing people.

1. Know your audience and their interests

Understanding the subtle differences between the people you're speaking with helps you adjust your behavior to their interests. This could mean using a mellow tone of voice with a reserved person to put them at ease or emphasizing how doing things your way will save a certain person time.

2. Don't be pushy

Even if you think your idea is best, a pushy approach only drives people away. Being pushy causes defensiveness and makes people check out before you're able to give a thorough, convincing pitch. Instead, an assured, straightforward approach shows you're not mincing words or using manipulative tactics. Listen well and concede if they make a good point.

3. Use positive and engaging body language

Pay close attention to your nonverbal communication - positive body language draws people in and may make them more receptive to your ideas. Some techniques include uncrossing your arms, making eye contact , leaning toward the person speaking, and using a passionate tone. How you say something is just as important as what you have to say.

4. Get to the point

Nobody enjoys burdensome, complex explanations - they're tiresome and boring, and your ideas seem less appealing. Speaking to your audience in a straightforward, transparent manner makes your point understandable and enjoyable, and shows you've thought deeply about the topic.

5. Maintain a sincere tone

When trying to persuade others, assuring them of your honesty goes a long way toward increasing trust. You want to prove that your idea adds more value than someone else's, not trick people into believing it's a good solution.

Those who come off as phony or over-confident often cause doubts, even if their pitch is strong. When you demonstrate honesty, people let their guard down and become more receptive.

6. Ask detailed questions

For those wondering how to be more persuasive in sales or customer-oriented roles, asking questions shows a genuine interest in someone's needs or concerns. Many people focus on explaining their point in extreme detail in the hopes of winning someone over. But closely listening to people's ideas shows you genuinely care about this person agreeing with you.

When your audience knows you value what they have to say, it creates a better rapport and enhances communication.

Here are some principles of persuasion

Psychologist Robert Cialdini found that persuasion has seven main principles. Once you recognize the importance of being persuasive, following these fundamentals is an excellent place to improve your skill.

Reciprocity: If someone thinks they owe you, they're more likely to return the favor - even if they didn't want your help in the first place.

Scarcity: The less available something is, the more people want it. People feel the same way about information.

Authority: People understand and intuitively react to authority figures, even when they know they shouldn't. You're more likely to believe a senior manager simply because they're a senior manager, no matter their track record.

Consistency: A key element of being reliable is consistency, for you and those around you. Keeping to your values and commitments is a great motivator, and seeing someone keep to their values inspires trust.

Likability: Although it's impossible to make everyone like you, people are often compelled to try. And the more someone likes you, the more likely they'll support your ideas.

Consensus: It's nice to feel like part of the group. If you find out everyone is behaving or thinking a certain way, you'll feel inclined to mirror them.

Unity: More than just being part of the group, people like to belong. People look to those around them when making decisions and model their behavior after others, especially those they trust or admire.

What to remember when learning how to be persuasive

To master your persuasion skills most effectively, remember these things.

Persuasion doesn't mean manipulation. When we persuade , we convince others to support something that's both beneficial to them and us. By using trusted methods and tactics, you can better convey why a concept or belief makes sense for your audience and assure them you have their best interests at heart.

When we manipulate, we force someone to agree with us, even if it's detrimental to their interests. Persuasion requires good intentions - you're not trying to trick someone into doing what benefits only you.

Be mindful that people are persuadable at different times. Considering your audience's most accommodating times ensures you reach people when they're open to listening. Asking someone questions after a tough one-on-one with their boss probably means they'll be less cooperative than if you catch them after a successful project launch.

Be persistent. Those who consistently show their audience a concept's value are the most persuasive. If you're asking people to try your new scheduling method every week, you're communicating that you really believe your way will work - your confidence sways people to believe in you.
This persistence also increases your chances of catching someone when they're most persuadable.

Don't assume. When tackling how to be more persuasive in writing or when sharing a viewpoint, providing value takes center stage. If you assume someone's interests, you may miss addressing their actual needs.

Even if you think you know what a person wants to hear, focus on explaining all you have to offer. This gives your listener the complete picture and prepares them for thoughtful decision-making .

Set expectations. Setting realistic expectations and meeting them is another useful fundamental of persuasion. If you pitch a new initiative for your team to save time on deliverables, people might be initially skeptical. Once they see the idea in practice - and hopefully working well - they'll be more likely to believe you in the future.

The importance of persuasion skills

Apart from the obvious benefit of getting people on your side, good persuasion skills improve your ability to communicate and share ideas in your professional life. Here are some of the top benefits of being persuasive.

It positively impacts your performance. If you're persuasive, there's a good chance you'll experience increased job performance. That's because people implement your ideas and show off your problem-solving, creativity, and leadership skills .

It boosts professional development. With better performance comes more opportunity. When you exhibit the ability to persuade others, your company benefits from your good communication skills, and those in leadership positions are apt to take notice. You might even be able to reason your way into a raise or a promotion to move along your career path faster.

It stimulates organizational change. Many companies are hesitant to change long-standing processes or procedures. If you have strong persuasion skills, you can better convince them your suggestions are valid, which could positively affect the company in the long run.

Mastering the art of persuasion means you can authentically share concepts and effectively convince your team to embrace changes that benefit everyone involved. Being indispensable at work is an admirable goal - knowing how to be more persuasive will help you get there.

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How to Be More Persuasive: 6 Tips for Convincing Others

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If you're wondering how to be more persuasive, stronger communication skills may help. Here's everything you need to know about mastering persuasion.

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Dandelions are edible, they have really good vitamins and if you boil them that will make their bitter taste go away. I found this in a book called Survival handbook.

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To start you want to dig a small hole so you can loosen up the dirt with a stick or rock. You will want to try to get the hole as deep as you can, and once the soil is loosened you can start clearing it out. :)

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The easiest and most accurate way to dig postholes

How to Dig a Hole Overview: Dig accurately and use the proper tools

So, big shot, you think you know how to dig postholes, eh? Sure you do-anyone can dig a hole. But how hard do you want to work, and how often do the holes end up in the wrong spot and you have to start over? Here are a few tips to get perfectly placed holes-with a little less sweat on your part.

Step 1: String your line and pound the stakes

String a line marking the outside edges of the posts. Mark the post centers on the line by untwisting the string and pushing a nail through the strands. You can fine-tune the nail position just by sliding it to the exact location. Then pound stakes to mark the center of the holes. If you're using 4×4 posts, that will be just under 2 in. from the string.

Step 2: Carve out a soil divot with a spade

Set the string aside so you don't wreck it while digging. And don't just start digging away; drill yourself a pilot hole first. Carve out a round plug to outline the posthole. That'll get you started in exactly the right spot. Throw the dirt onto a tarp to protect your lawn.

Step 3: Loosen earth with a tile shovel

Unless you have very soft soil, you'll work way too hard digging with just a clamshell digger. Loosen the soil and carve away at the sides with the tile spade. It'll easily slice through small roots.

Step 4: Use your clamshell digger

Here's how to use a post hole digger: Plunge the open clamshell digger blades into the loosened soil and grab a load of fill.

Step 5: Use a reciprocating saw on large roots

Don't kill yourself chiseling out roots. Just use a recip saw with a long, coarse blade and poke it right into the soil at the ends of the root and cut it off.

Step 6: Dislodge rocks with a digging bar

Pick out rocks from the hole sides with your digging bar. Let them fall into the hole and pluck them out with your clamshell digger.

Step 7: Tamp the soil with the other end

Use the tamper end of the digging bar to compact the soil before setting posts or pouring concrete. That prevents any settling.

Step 8: Mark the post edge locations

Restring the line, pull the nails and mark the exact post edge locations on the line with a permanent marker.

Step 9: Cover holes with plywood

If you're walking away from the postholes for a while, cover them with plywood. It just might save a broken leg and/or keep the sides from caving in during a storm.

Step 10: Set the posts

Place the posts with one side brushing against the string and the edge even with your mark. Then hold the post plumb while you fill the hole. Pack the soil with the tamper end of the digging bar every foot or so.

Tip 1: Dig by hand unless...

Power augers require a trip to the rental store and a brawny friend. And they're worthless in clay or rocky soil. The truth is, unless you have lots of holes to dig in sand, it's often easier to dig by hand.

Tip 2: Use water and the back of your shovel

If you're digging in sticky clay soil, dip your clamshell digger in a bucket of water so the soil won't stick. Knock off clumps on the back of the shovel. Spread a tarp to keep dirt off your grass.

Tip 3: Small is beautiful

Unless you're a body builder, avoid those giant, heavy-gauge, fiberglass-handled clamshell diggers. You'll just get exhausted; you're better off with a smaller, lightweight digger. Try these 15 tips for digging holes, too.

Required Tools for this How to Dig a Hole Project

Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start-you'll save time and frustration.

You'll also need a digging bar, shovel, stringline, and leather gloves

Required Materials for this How to Dig a Hole Project

Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here's a list.

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Here's how to dig postholes faster and easier and position them accurately using this step-by-step guide. It includes many labor-saving tips.

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Rotten acorns look weathered down or like cracked rocks. Acorns w/ holes mean that bugs have already gotten in.

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The first summer my family and I moved to our homestead, we were not able to get a garden into the rocky, wild ground, but somehow we had a fantastic fall harvest and started accumulating jars of dry goods from the plenty. How was this possible? One surprising word... acorns.

Watch the video:

Pretty much everyone can identify an acorn, even if they don't know that it is the seed of an oak tree. You can see them used in fall decorations, pillow cover motifs, jewelry and crafts. Kids at summer camp use the caps for whistles, and landscapers roll their eyes in frustration every fall as bucket loads of nuts rain down onto their manicured lawns. But for all their ubiquity, the fact that acorns are nutritious and edible is a fact that is almost completely absent from our modern Western culture.

When you consider the literal tons of free food that are falling on city streets, country lots, backyards, and sidewalks every fall, this fact should give anyone interested in sustainable food great pause!

For the forager, the acorn is a symbol of great hope. When every oak tree from the deep forest to the city park starts to light up in your mind as a source of food, the world looks different. It may seem odd to suggest that acorns should become an important part of our diets, but that is only because many of us are ignorant to the fact that our ancestors once subsisted, in part, on this widely-available nut. And we still can. So when you forage for acorns and turn them into food for your table, you're participating in a gastronomic revival of ancient ways, blowing the dust off of something that hundreds of thousands of people once knew.

For this article, I'll be explaining my own method for processing acorns into usable, delicious food. I live on an off-grid homestead, so I've figured out how to do all these steps manually, without the use of electricity, and with multiple opportunities for mid-process, stable storage (because let's be honest, sometimes life is full of interruptions!). I say that so that you know that, though it takes a bit of time, an interested and motivated person can totally do this process without fancy equipment! You have what it takes.

With all that said, let's learn more about how to turn the amazing, free bounty that falls every autumn into a dependable and delicious food for you and your family.

Acorns Have A History

The idea of using acorns as an important part of the diet is nothing new or even really all that adventurous. It's just something that has been largely forgotten, I think.

Acorns as a sustainable starchy staple

When I first began seriously foraging, acorns became a huge focus for me. More than just a "trail-side nibble," the acorn has been used as a staple food by several cultures, providing an easy to store, starchy basis to a diet. You can find acorns as an important part of the gastronomic lexicon of many different countries across the world, from Spain, to Italy, to North Africa, to Korea. There, you can find acorns roasted, pressed into acorn oil, brewed into acorn drinks, and even cooked into a tofu-like acorn "jelly."

On our own side of the ocean, they were a vital foodstuff to several Native American nations. Indigenous people used acorns wherever they grew, from coast to coast, but particularly those of Northern California such as the Hupa, Karok, Miwok, Pomo, and Yurok. They used acorns as an absolutely crucial part of the diet. Here's where it gets interesting to those concerned with self-sufficiency. You are probably aware that the majority of food cultures are centralized around a starchy staple crop, whether it be corn, rice, potatoes, millet, wheat or what have you. In order for a people to depend on those staples, however, they must live an agricultural lifestyle. Those northern Native Californian communities were unique in that they were able to maintain non-agricultural lives because acorns filled that starchy staple need for the price of collecting and processing them, rather than dedicating the year to cultivating them in one specific spot.

Now, I am not hypocritically advocating against agriculture, of course! But, I hope it helps you realize the potential of having a bountiful, nourishing harvest from trees that you neither need to plant nor tend. This food requires no input but what comes to it naturally in sun and rain, so it's certainly a super-sustainable source of sustenance (say that five times fast). If you're a homestead seeking self-sufficiency someday, acorns give you a opportunity to draw a significant source of nutrition from the land, adding stable diversity to your homegrown food portfolio. And even if you don't have acres and acres of land, you can still easily glean acorns that no one else wants to gain more control over your own diet resources.

If more people saw the acorns that rain on the sidewalk every fall as a gift, rather than an ankle-turning annoyance, could you imagine the impact? What if we also opened our diets to long-term perennial food crops that are largely self-maintaining and can happily grow in areas unsuitable to large-scale cultivation, rather than having our food security depend solely on huge, industrialized swathes of annual food crops that are outside of our control? It's food for thought, certainly. Much more than a craft item or decorative motif, acorns may be one of America's most underutilized food resources.

So all that said, I think that the ubiquity of the oak tree in the American landscape makes the acorn one of the most vital wild foods to learn if you're an interested forager. Most other foods we're going to learn about are building blocks of a diet-but acorns are the only one I've found that has the potential to be a viable foundation. So let's get into the basics of turning this nut into dinner!

Part One: Foraging For The Plentiful Harvest

I got started on this journey by reading foraging books by Samuel Thayer.

Related Post: How To Make A Healing Salve From Backyard "Weeds"

The Forager's Harvest, Nature's Garden, and Incredible Wild Edibles are indispensable when it comes to truly learning about the practical aspects of gathering nutrition from the wild.

Thayer doesn't just research the plants he talks about - he eats them every day and writes with the same sort of real understanding. One of his most beloved wild edibles is acorns, and anyone who reads his write-up will surely to want to give them a try as soon as they can!

Identifying Acorns

When I talk to people just beginning foraging, they share, without fail, their fear of misidentifying a plant and poisoning themselves. It's an understandable, yet overinflated fear that has stopped many people from attempting foraging in the first place. Because while there are a handful of plants that are dangerous, the truth is, there's far more harmless or useful plants out there. And in terms of harvesting acorns, the pickings couldn't be more friendly- there's no dangerous look-alikes. They are the only tree nut in North America with that distinctive cap covering the top. Basally, if it looks like an acorn, it's an acorn. The only thing I could imagine a foraging newbie misidentifying is perhaps mistaking a hulled wild hazelnut for a capless acorn, but since hazelnuts are a deliciously edible nut as well, it's obviously no threat!

Each of the dozens of species of oak trees produce acorns. Some are bigger than others, but all are edible and useful once processed. There are two major groups of oaks that you'll likely encounter-the red oaks, who produce oil-rich, bitter nuts that dry quickly, and the white oaks, who produce more moist, slightly less bitter nuts that dry more slowly.

As far as the forager is concerned, identifying specific species of oaks is not quite as important as being able to identify the difference between red and white types of acorns. Here's some general guidelines. Generally (but with exceptions) red oaks have leaves with pointed lobes, and white oaks have leaves with rounded lobes. Acorns of red oaks have shells with a fuzzy interior, and acorns of white oaks have shells with a smooth interior. Red oak acorns have scaly caps, white oak acorns have shaggy caps. Armed with those keys, and a tree ID book as a backup, you'll be sure to figure out what you're dealing with when you find a nice, big oak full of promise.

Collecting Acorns

Acorns begin to drop to the ground in late summer, and they continue to drop until the fall. Autumn windstorms and rainstorms really help beat them down from the oak trees, and if any of the structures on your property have a tin roof, you'll really know that harvest season has arrived as they rain down like hail!

The best time to start collecting acorns is not, however, when they first start to fall. Oaks have two distinct phases where they drop acorns-an early drop, and then the good drop. When you first notice that oak trees are dripping with acorns-this is not the time to collect nuts. If you do, you'll be incredibly disappointed to find that pretty much every single one is bad. In some fantastically designed, inexplicable way, oak trees know what nuts aren't developing well or are infected with insects, and so they rid themselves of the unworthwhile nuts as soon as they can. Many of these acorns will be unripe, underdeveloped, or still have their caps firmly attached (a sure sign of a bad nut).

It's the second drop you want to watch for, usually happening sometime in October. These nuts are the good ones! You can crack open a few acorns with a rock to test them if you're not sure, but I usually find that about 90% of the acorns gathered from the second drop are absolutely perfect.

Of course, not everyone has the luxury of a line of oak trees to monitor all fall. So how can you tell the difference between the good and bad nuts that carpet the ground? Though no one has acorn x-ray vision, there's some signs that you can use in the field to help you gather as many good ones as you can.

Good acorns look good, and feel heavy in your hand. They're usually a bit shiny, like polished wood, and have clean-looking, tan discs on the top.

Bad acorns come in many forms. Here's the ones to avoid. Discolored acorns, or ones with dark spots on their sides, are bad. Undersized nuts with the caps attached were dropped early, and are bad. Discolored spots on the disc are also indicators of bad nuts. Acorns with the caps still firmly attached are no good. Acorns that look weathered and dull are probably last year's acorns, and usually rotten. Finally, acorns with little holes in the side have been already eaten by acorn weevil grubs, and are only full of frass. Get used to those little grubs by the way-we'll be talking about them more later!

Though that seems a lot to remember, once you become familiar with good and bad acorns, you'll be able to distinguish them almost instinctively in the field as you collect them. Taking the time to try to only collect good, clean nuts will save you lots of trouble later on, so it's worth the effort! And it's a really pleasant task in the warm, early fall as you enjoy the dappled sun with acorns pleasantly kerplunking into your bucket.

In terms of gathering nuts, I most heartily recommend doing it by hand. Though there are nut-picker-upper type tools, they are indiscriminate, and can't tell the difference between a good nut, bad nut, rock, or bottle cap. The time you save in picking up nuts will be lost in having to sort through the junk you've also picked up. After several years of foraging acorns, the simplest approach has consistently been the best for me. Hands and a 5-gallon bucket do the job best.

Part Two: Processing The Haul

Bringing them home and getting them dry

When collecting acorns, I advise to keep red and white acorns separated in different buckets. That way, you can jump on cracking and processing the white oak acorns as soon as you can. Since white oak acorns contain a lot more water, they mold very easily if left in a heap. And it's super-disappointing to put off sorting and drying your acorn haul for too long, only to discover that your entire cache of nuts is a stinky pile of blue mold. The red oak acorns certainly shouldn't sit in a bucket unattended either, but they can be spread in a single layer and easily dried in their shells until you're ready to work with them.

So that said, let's talk about getting those nuts dry!

If you can't crack and process them immediately, at least lay them out flat in a single layer somewhere where air can circulate around them. I do this in a refrigerator that has been converted into a solar dehydrator. Lacking that, a bed sheet spread in a dry place or a few old baking pans-easy to find at a thrift store-can also work fine until you can get the nuts shelled. Also, be aware that more acorn weevil larvae will appear soon as they eat their way out of the nuts-even some good-looking nuts are secretly host to the little grubby nut-destroyers.

Catch The Grubs!

I should mention, the grubs are not harmful in the least-they can't re-infect other acorns, and they don't bite. All barnyard poultry will eat them with relish, if you give them as a treat. If you don't have an animal cleanup crew, be aware that the grubs' sole desire is to get back into the ground so that they can pupate and infect next year's crop of acorns. It might be best to dispose of them somewhere far from your choice oak trees

At this point, you have some options for storage. Red oak acorns can be dried in the shell, then held in clean 5-gallon buckets until you're ready to continue. It may take a few weeks to get them bone-dry, so don't rush it. I would advise against storing white oak acorns in the shell, however. They should be cracked, shelled, and then dried before you attempt to store them. Which brings me to our next step-getting those shells off!

Cracking Acorns

There are several options when it comes to cracking loads of acorns. It can be as simple as smashing them open with a hammer on a flat surface, Layering them between two towels and whacking them with a mallet, or as sophisticated as buying a specialized nut cracker for the purpose. But if you are really interested in making acorns a part of your diet, I heartily recommend the Davebilt nutcracker as a huge, huge time saver. Hand-cranked, made in America and built to last, this is a solid tool that you'd be able to pass on to your kids, and is good for most any type of nut. It runs close to $200, but I can personally attest that the time and effort saved made it worth the price within our first season of using one.

I do the bulk of my sorting after cracking acorns. Separating the nutmeats from the shells is a good activity to do with a friend and conversation, some good music, or a group of competitive children. You'll soon see that its inevitable that some bad acorns will ride along with the good ones, but once they're cracked open, the good is super-easy to separate from the bad.

Any that are moldy, had clear evidence of being nibbled by bugs, or were covered with dark spots can go into the chicken/compost bucket, and all the tan, waxy-nice nutmeats can either be dried for later processing, or moved on to the next stage. If you find that a lot of your fresh, red oak acorns look good but aren't coming out of their shells, save yourself some frustration and dry them further. Prying red oak nutmeats out of the shell is incredibly frustrating, but they'll simply drop out of shells once completely dry.

While sorting, you'll find lots testas (the dark brown, papery coating over the nut) also come off. Some resources say that you must remove every trace of the testa to have tasty flour, but I found that it really didn't make a difference.

That pile of nutmeats can now be dried until they're rock-hard and stored for later processing. This is a wonderful feature of the dried nuts-they can be stored for a while. During years with a very heavy acorn crop, you can stock up on nuts to give you a cushion for when there's a poor crop season. So at this point, you can put your harvest into secure storage or move them on to the next step-leaching!

Leaching The Acorns

Leaching is the process of using water to remove the bitter, water-soluble tannins from the nuts and make them palatable. It's possible to eat a single acorn raw with no ill effect, but I don't know if you'd want to repeat the experience.

There are three types of leaching-cold leaching, chemical leaching, and hot leaching. I'll only be detailing hot leaching here, as it is the most beginner-friendly and yields results quickly and satisfyingly. If you really get into working with acorns, however, be sure to investigate the other processing methods in the resources at the end of this article-each results in a distinctively different product.

Hot leaching acorns is simple-put the acorns in a pan of water, heat it to boiling, drain off the dark-brown water, and repeat until a sampled nut no longer tastes bitter. You can do this on a conventional stove top on a rainy weekend, but it's a lot easier and uses a lot less energy if done on a wood stove. The various species of acorns take anywhere from three to ten water changes to have a sufficient amount of tannin removed-you'll have to judge for yourself when they're ready. When they taste sweet, somewhat maple-like, and not at all bitter, consider them done. Some resources say that you need to wait until the water runs clear, but it's not necessary. Taste is more important than looks.

Grinding The Acorns

Now that the acorns are leached, its time to turn them into flour-you're almost there, hungry forager!

My method is to run the damp, leached acorns through an old-fashioned, hand-crank meat grinder. They're really easy to find at antique markets and thrift stores-the one pictured here was only $4!

Spread the damp nut meal back on a cookie sheet and allow it to dry completely. If you have a wood stove, place it at the the base and stirred occasionally until it is bone-dry-this will take two days or so.

You can also do this in a dehydrator or in a conventional oven at 170 degrees Fahrenheit until the meal is bone-dry. Don't rush this part! If you store the flour even slightly wet, it may mold and all your hard work will end up in the compost pile.

The end result will be a very coarse flour. This can be used as-is, or it can be run through a flour mill or coffee grinder to produce finer flour for baking. Either way, you can now store it in an airtight container and use it at your leisure!

It's finally ready! By this point, you are undoubtedly hungry, and rightly so. Let's look into some delicious uses for this food.

Part Three: Cooking with Acorns

As an ingredient, you can think of hot-leached acorn flour in a vaguely similar way to cornmeal. With no gluten to hold it together, it won't form a springy, bread-like dough on its own, but don't let that stop you from experimenting with eggs, mixing it with wheat flour or some other starch, or seeing what can be done to let it shine as an ingredient in its own right, rather than just an inclusion.

Taste-wise, acorn flour is nutty, earthy, sweet, and reminiscent of maple or molasses. The hot-leach method results in a dark brown flour that will give a pumpernickel-like color to whatever you mix it in. So with all those factors in mind, let me share some ideas on how to make it into delicious food!

Acorn Sourdough Boule Recipe

Ingredients

3/4 cup sourdough starter

1 ½ cups warm, filtered water

1 teaspoon salt

2 cups whole-wheat flour

1 cup finely-ground acorn flour

(Note: The amount of flour you need to use varies depending on the day's humidity. I find that I use far less flour in the summer than I do in the winter.)
Directions

1. Add sourdough starter and filtered water to a large bowl. Mix thoroughly with your hand.

2. Add salt, then flour, one cup at a time, and continue to mix with your hand. The dough should be wet. If it is dry or hard to work with, add more water.

3. Let the dough rest 10 minutes.

4. Wet your hands and knead the dough in the bowl. It may seem counter-intuitive, but whole wheat needs to be kneaded with water, not flour. Trust me on this one! Knead the dough in the bowl for 4 minutes, wetting your hands as necessary to keep the dough from sticking. If it is hard to knead at this point, you'll want to introduce more water, about a teaspoon at a time, until it is workable. It's okay if it feels slightly "too wet." It will soak it up, guaranteed.

5. Allow to rest another 5 minutes.

6. You'll probably notice that the dough is now smooth, supple, and not as sticky. Form into a round, cover with a towel, and put someplace warm for the next four hours.

7. The dough should have risen quite a bit during this time. Punch down, then gently shape into a round ball by pulling the edges into the center.

8. Line a large bowl with a linen towel, then dust the dough liberally with flour. Lay the dough in the bowl and put back in the warm place to rise again for at least 2 hours.

9. Preheat your oven to 475 degrees Fahrenheit.

10. If using a baking sheet, both grease and scatter flour over the surface before gently flipping the bread onto it. If using a pizza stone, dust your pizza peel with flour before turning the bread out onto it.

11. With a sharp, serrated knife, score the top of the bread to allow for expansion during baking.

12. Slide the bread into the oven and bake for 15 minutes.

13. Lower the temperature to 425F° and bake another 20 minutes.

14. Your bread is done if the internal temperature has reached 200F°. You can check with a meat thermometer or use the traditional method of tapping the bottom and listening for a hollow sound.

15. If you can resist the urge, allow the bread to cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes before slicing so that it can finish internally steaming.

16. Serve with butter and a fruit preserve.

17. Once cool, wrap in a towel and store in a cool, dark place. It should stay good for about 4 days.

Other Acorn Recipes:

Porridge deserves more time in the limelight as a delicious breakfast option. Simmer a cup of coarse acorn flour in two cups of water, or make a 50/50 mix with coarse-ground wheat or other grains for a nourishing start to the day. Add a pinch of salt, a handful of raisins, and a knob of butter to make it something special.

Acorn Pancakes

Served with a side of wild berries and a drizzle of home-tapped maple syrup, you can prove to both yourself and your breakfast guests that wild food is the best food in the world.

Acorn Coffee

Roasted until fragrant and simmered for 15 minutes, coarse-ground acorn flour can be brewed into a rich, coffee-ish drink that is comforting on its own and delectable with some sweetened, spiced milk.

This is just a tiny sampling of all the possibilities that await the home cook with a jar full of acorn flour. This fall, I hope you take the chance to forage, process, and truly enjoy this amazing, free ingredient! And if you have your own recipes for acorns, please don't hesitate to share them.

One Last Idea

I want to offer one more idea for the homesteader looking to utilize wild food to it's full potential-it's a great feed supplement for many of our animals. My ducks, chickens, and goats have all relished eating acorns and acorn grubs in the fall. The ducks and goats can handle them raw and unshelled as they fall from the tree, but the chickens need them smashed before they can get the nutmeats out. I have no experience with feeding them to other livestock, so my knowledge is limited to the effect on cows, sheep, or horses. All the same, acorns offer another self-sufficient option to the homesteader hoping to provide for their animals needs directly from their own land, rather than being entirely dependent on the feed store.

Resources

If you're interested in the best foraging books in the world, you need to check out the work of Samuel Thayer. His book has the most thorough, useful, and insightful write up on acorn foraging that I've found anywhere, with far more information and recipes than what I've presented here.

Hank Shaw is another name for those interested in foraging to remember. His recipes using acorns are positively amazing-looking.

Another place worth investigating is this excellent post by another homesteader also turning acorns into a diet staple for her own family. Practical Self-Reliance is full of excellent ideas, including acorn pasta and acorn cheese!

For those foragers out there closer to the foodie side of the spectrum, Pascal Baudar is your man. He has been transforming wild foods into super-fancy epicurean delights with a fervor that needs to be seen to be believed. Some of his creations may be more complicated than is practical for everyday fare, but if you're looking for inspiration, he's a great source of it.

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Eating Acorns: From Foraging To Cooking & Recipes * Insteading

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Acorns are an incredibly sustainable food option. Learn how to forage, cook, and eat acorns from one homesteader who did it herself.

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-Stop any war and make peace

-Stop conflict and make a fair trade/give back the thing(s) that they are fighting about.

- Group everybody and show them the rules.

-Make a Treaty.

-If there is still war then those who contribed/start= water lost 1 day, food lost 1 day, shelter is taken for 4 days.

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How to collect water from plants.

First, Take a clear plastic bag, and tie it tightly to the tree.

Next, wait four to six hours.

Then, pour the water from the bag into a cup or other items that hold water.

Finally, drink and enjoy!

(Note: The branch you pick should be green and leafy.)

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Introduction: Extract Clean, Drinkable Water From Plants

Water is the most important thing if you are stuck in the wilderness. Sure, food is important too, but you can live for a while without it; you can't survive more than a few days without water. Unfortunately, in many environments there is either a lack of water, or the water is unsafe to drink. Fortunately, there are often plants. When plants absorb water from the ground they filter out many impurities, and you can extract this clean water from them. Plants transpire water, meaning that water vapor evaporates from the leaves, and this water can be collected. The great thing is, this process doesn't harm the plant and can be repeated over and over again on different branches, and works relatively quickly.

Thanks to everyone who voted for me in the Great Outdoors Contest!

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Step 1: What You Need:

- A plastic bag, preferably clear (check the bag beforehand to make sure it is free of holes. If not, seal them with tape.)
- String
- A plant (I will go over what types of plants work best in the next step)

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Step 2: Choosing the Plant

- The best types of plants are those with large, green leaves. Berry bushes also work well. There is a conspicuous lack of trees in my back yard, so I used a blueberry bush. Avoid toxic plants!
- Select a plant that receives a good amount of sun. The heat from the sun will speed the transpiration process.
- Choose a branch that has a large number of healthy leaves; give it a shake to dislodge any insects or debris that might be on the branch. Place your plastic bag over it. Tie it very tightly; you don't want any water vapor to escape during the process.
- Make sure that part of the bag hangs lower than the point where you tied the bag to the branch. Water will run collect there.
- You will want to have several bags up at once, since one branch doesn't provide enough water to live on.

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Step 3: The Process

- It will take about 3-4 hours in sun to get a decent amount of water from the plant.
- After about 30-60 minutes water will begin to condense on the sides of the bag.
- After another hour or so much larger droplets should form. These will start to run down the sides of the bag and collect in the lowest point.
- You should get at least 1/3 a cup of water after 4 hours.
- Before drinking the water pour it through some fabric like a t-shirt to filter out anything that may have fallen into the water.
- Reattach the bag to another branch and restart the process.

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Extract Clean, Drinkable Water From Plants

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Extract Clean, Drinkable Water From Plants: Water is the most important thing if you are stuck in the wilderness. Sure, food is important too, but you can live for a while without it; you can't survive more than a few days without water. Unfortunately, in many environments there is either a l...

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12 year old's are recomended to drink 56 oz a day.

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Children are sometimes at risk of dehydration, especially in hot weather and when exercising. These tips will help keep them safe and healthy.

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how to make a shelter rocks trees and rocks, leafs

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how to make a shelter rocks trees and rocks, leafs

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hi

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how to make a shelter with sticks leafs tree and rocks

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Some of the best insulators for a shelter are grass, moss, leaves, and tree branches. These are good insulators because they are easy to find in the wild and they insulate the inside of your shelter.

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Survival Shelter | How to Create Insulation

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Collecting water from leaves - Penelope & Leah

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Collecting water from leaves - Penelope & Leah

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1. First, we will see how much trees that available to us. 2. Then Find any plastic bags or ask if we could borrow any. 3. Next place a plastic bag over any leaves that are green. 4. Another essential step is to seal ANY holes in the plastic bags. 5. The following step we will of course gather water after waiting for at least a day. 6. Finally once you gather the water purify it! After following these steps you will have fresh water for you or your teammates.

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Rebecca Shrode- Convincing the Shelter groups to help us create a food pantry

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Rebecca Shrode- Convincing the Shelter groups to help us create a food pantry

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This text can show how to convince people, while still listening to what they have to say without being selfish.

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Download Article

Surefire ways to be more persuasive and influential

Download Article

Persuasion comes up every day, whether you're trying to get someone to close a business deal or convince a friend that you're on the right side of a debate. Some people say that persuasion is an art, but it doesn't have to be that complicated. You just have to show the other person that giving you what you want is in their best interest, and there are a lot of different ways you can do that. Not sure where to start? Don't worry-to help you out, we've compiled a list of ways to easily persuade anyone of anything.

Being kind or doing favors for the person you want to persuade will make them more likely to give you what you want.

Create a sense of solidarity with them by using "we" and "us" instead of "you."

Provide an incentive for them to agree with you: give them some benefits upfront, or talk about what they could lose if they don't side with you.

Add New Question

How do I persuade my friends to let me in on something I am unaware of? They refuse to tell me what it is.

If they don't want to let you on something, let it be that way. If they're excluding you unfairly, then you may want to weigh the value of those relationships. But they may be leaving you out for a good reason, in which case, make peace with the fact that you don't (and can't) always know everything.

How do I ask someone to be partners with me for school?

First try to help him/her as much as you can, then ask him/her.

When I want to do a group project but somebody asks "What do I get out of it?", what should I answer?

It's normal to ask that. After all, the person is investing time and effort. Many people are more than willing to do something for the sole benefit of others, but it's good to know what's what. At the very least, the people in the project get the satisfaction of knowing they contributed to a project that helped others.

See more answers

Be mature about it all - if after trying everything possible, they still say "no," let it go.

This article was co-authored by Guy Reichard and by wikiHow staff writer, Dev Murphy, MA. Guy Reichard is an Executive Life Coach and the Founder of HeartRich Coaching & Training, a professional life coaching and inner leadership training provider based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He works with people to create more meaning, purpose, well-being, and fulfillment in their lives. Guy has over 10 years of personal growth coaching and resilience training experience, helping clients enhance and transform their inner worlds, so they can be a more positive and powerful influence on those they love and lead. He is an Adler Certified Professional Coach (ACPC), and is accredited by the International Coach Federation. He earned a BA in Psychology from York University in 1997 and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from York University in 2000. This article has been viewed 148,918 times.

The best way to persuade someone is to talk about what they'll lose if they don't follow your advice, since people naturally hate losing more than they like winning. If that doesn't work, try to make them laugh, which will make them happier and more willing to help you. Alternatively, when you first ask for something, try asking for something bigger than you want, so they'll feel like they're compromising with what you actually want. For example, if you're trying to get your busy partner to go out for a date, start by asking for a weekend away, and then suggest just a date instead. If there's a deadline for whatever you're trying to persuade someone about, emphasize the urgency of the situation, since this encourage people to act now and gives them less time to change their mind. For more tips, including how to find the right time to persuade someone, read on!

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 148,918 times.

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Surefire ways to be more persuasive and influentialPersuasion comes up every day, whether you're trying to get someone to close a business deal or convince a friend that you're on the right side of a debate. Some people say that persuasion...

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HOW TO BUILD A SHELTER ROOF:

1. Find sticks

2. Add the sticks to the top of the walls to make the base of the roof

3. Find grass

4. Add the grass on top of the sticks

5. Find leaves

6. Add them on top of the grass

7. Make sure it sturdy

8. And make sure it covers the whole space and is the right length

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No Canibalism

1. Tell people not to eat each other

2. Help people find food so they don't want to eat each other

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The Action Plan-

1. Get collected water

2. Find a way to boil water (to purify it)

3. Have fresh water to drink

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Food Storage

1. Find potential spots covered by trees and hidden

2. Search the spots for things that could steal the food

3. Pick the best 2 areas

4. dig holes to put the food in

5. Line the inside of hole with rocks

6. Find big rocks to seal the holes

7. Mark it on the map

8. Put in food

9. Guard the hole

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Brynna and Kennedy (birthdaygirl!!) storage vessles

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Brynna and Kennedy (birthdaygirl!!) storage vessles

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1. find trees to catch rain water with

2. find emptied water bottles

3. patch up water bottles so none is lost

4. after water is collected, find something to close it with

5. put altogether and mark where it is so you don't lose them

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Finding food sources

Explore more parts to find food Ex: acorns, plants, mushrooms, and bugs

Tell others to gather food

Take food to storage

Add to map where the new sources are

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Rebecca Shrode- Convincing shelter to help create the food pantry

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Rebecca Shrode- Convincing shelter to help create the food pantry

# data[].attributes.body
This text told us about how to convince people to help us, while still helping them and not just being selfish.

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Download Article

Surefire ways to be more persuasive and influential

Download Article

Persuasion comes up every day, whether you're trying to get someone to close a business deal or convince a friend that you're on the right side of a debate. Some people say that persuasion is an art, but it doesn't have to be that complicated. You just have to show the other person that giving you what you want is in their best interest, and there are a lot of different ways you can do that. Not sure where to start? Don't worry-to help you out, we've compiled a list of ways to easily persuade anyone of anything.

Being kind or doing favors for the person you want to persuade will make them more likely to give you what you want.

Create a sense of solidarity with them by using "we" and "us" instead of "you."

Provide an incentive for them to agree with you: give them some benefits upfront, or talk about what they could lose if they don't side with you.

Add New Question

How do I persuade my friends to let me in on something I am unaware of? They refuse to tell me what it is.

If they don't want to let you on something, let it be that way. If they're excluding you unfairly, then you may want to weigh the value of those relationships. But they may be leaving you out for a good reason, in which case, make peace with the fact that you don't (and can't) always know everything.

How do I ask someone to be partners with me for school?

First try to help him/her as much as you can, then ask him/her.

When I want to do a group project but somebody asks "What do I get out of it?", what should I answer?

It's normal to ask that. After all, the person is investing time and effort. Many people are more than willing to do something for the sole benefit of others, but it's good to know what's what. At the very least, the people in the project get the satisfaction of knowing they contributed to a project that helped others.

See more answers

Be mature about it all - if after trying everything possible, they still say "no," let it go.

This article was co-authored by Guy Reichard and by wikiHow staff writer, Dev Murphy, MA. Guy Reichard is an Executive Life Coach and the Founder of HeartRich Coaching & Training, a professional life coaching and inner leadership training provider based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He works with people to create more meaning, purpose, well-being, and fulfillment in their lives. Guy has over 10 years of personal growth coaching and resilience training experience, helping clients enhance and transform their inner worlds, so they can be a more positive and powerful influence on those they love and lead. He is an Adler Certified Professional Coach (ACPC), and is accredited by the International Coach Federation. He earned a BA in Psychology from York University in 1997 and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from York University in 2000. This article has been viewed 148,918 times.

The best way to persuade someone is to talk about what they'll lose if they don't follow your advice, since people naturally hate losing more than they like winning. If that doesn't work, try to make them laugh, which will make them happier and more willing to help you. Alternatively, when you first ask for something, try asking for something bigger than you want, so they'll feel like they're compromising with what you actually want. For example, if you're trying to get your busy partner to go out for a date, start by asking for a weekend away, and then suggest just a date instead. If there's a deadline for whatever you're trying to persuade someone about, emphasize the urgency of the situation, since this encourage people to act now and gives them less time to change their mind. For more tips, including how to find the right time to persuade someone, read on!

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 148,918 times.

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Surefire ways to be more persuasive and influentialPersuasion comes up every day, whether you're trying to get someone to close a business deal or convince a friend that you're on the right side of a debate. Some people say that persuasion...

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1.Get some sticks

2.find a good tree to start building a shelter

3.put the sticks on the tree

4.make a roof with the sticks

5.make it insulated and sturdy

6.see if the people will fit inside it

7.make it semi-comfortable

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No Stealing

1) make sure everybody knows what is happening

2) make it an official rule

3) tell everybody the rules of this rule - You start making a more noticeable area of yours so that people know that it's yours. Don't have anything super wanted at the moment out of some sort of area. if something is stolen the thief will be punished

4) put the punishment into action - you lose your rations for a day and no shelter for 2 nights.

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1.get stick

2.find a tree

3.place the sticks

4.make a roof

5.insulate it

6.see if people fit

7.make it comfy

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Trees can help you find food in the wild. If you have some way to cut open a tree it can lead you to grubs and worms that you can eat raw. This can give you lots of protein and keep your energy up.

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One thing you may have noticed while camping is that its either eat, or be eaten. Let's say all you've packed is three cans of beans, a tent, water and safety supplies for your outdoor trip. Unless you ration those three cans you won't be able to survive for very long if you happen to get lost in the woods. There are, however, a few things you can do to ensure you survive....and thrive! Here is my guide to survival: finding food in the woods.

Food Finding Survival Tips

Know How to Start a Fire

Fire building is essential for making a feast of your own.

Trees are Your Friend

Small trees or old fallen logs are a great way to find your daily protein. Simply split open the small tree/log with a knife or pointed stick and search for yummy, juicy grubs and worms which can be cooked or eaten raw. You MUST get out of your comfort zone if you want to survive in the outdoors.

Can You Climb Trees?

If you answered yes, great! If you answered no...then LEARN. Trees may also have a friend living on them. Birds lay their eggs in nests and occasionally fly off to scavenge for food. While they are away, climb the tree and take some eggs for yourself. They may not taste like grocery store eggs but hey, its FOOD. Also, if your quick and skilled enough, catch a squirrel. Not only does a squirrel taste delicious (I know... I've tried) but there's enough meat to last a day (if you catch a rather plump one).

Berry Yummy

If you are lucky enough to be stranded outdoors in the fruitful months and even luckier to have wild berries growing nearby, you may be able to enjoy the fruits of nature. If you notice a blackberry, blueberry or other well known bush with safe looking berries on it, consider yourself one happy camper!

Do NOT eat just any berry! Some berries are poisonous and could seriously harm you. Even if you see birds eating this unknown berry do not risk it! Animals have adapted to their environment and their systems may not be affected by otherwise deadly berries to us!

There are some great books on this topic including this guide to finding edible wild plants.

Never Eat Mushrooms

Not only do they contain so little nutrient its worthless, but they could potentially be deadly. Even if you are skilled in the ways of the mushroom, DO NOT eat them... end of story.

If There's a Lake, You're Having Steak!

Figuratively of course. Chances are you brought a net or knife with you while camping. If you brought a net, then you're all set. Find a stream and wait. Usually fish won't even notice you if you're standing still enough.

If you only have a knife, then make a well. Find large stones and set them in a big semi circle in the shallows, leaving an opening about one foot wide for fish to swim in. The other half of your arc should be connected to the shore. Stand in the circle and wait. Usually curious fish will swim in and not realize they are trapped until you make a move. They wont be able to escape if you block their entrance.

So, there you have it, a basic guide to survival: finding food in the woods. If you truly want to survive and stay healthy, then I suggest you bring plenty of food. This article is not an excuse to bring NOTHING on a camping trip. Trust me, you will be better off bringing food of your own than trying to scavenge for a meal in the woods.

Author: Erin Pearl

Edited By: CampTrip.com

About the Author
Camping Contest Entry has written 175 articles on CampTrip.
This post was an entry in our Camping Writing Contest. If you would like to enter the Camping Writing Contest you could see your entry on the CampTrip site as well. Plus, you're entered to win a Visa Gift Card up to $100! Thank you to all who have participated.

Visit this author's website · View more posts by Camping Contest Entry

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Guide to Survival: Finding Food in the Woods

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Guide to Survival: Finding Food in the Woods: It is important to know how to survive. Here is a guide on some ways you can find food in the woods that will allow you to survive.

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1. Find an open area

2. gather the materials

3. find a sturdy branch and start to build the outside

4. layer the walls with sticks until u barely see the inside

5. put grass around the structure

6. go inside the base and start to build in there

7. make the entrance .

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How to make cord out of a plant.First your going to find a semi-thin plant(make sure its flimsy).The you are going to have to take all of the leaves off so its just the stem.THen your ready to tie yuour knot.

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What prepper gear has endless potential uses but is something folks often leave out?

Rope.

Forget the latest gear and gadgets. A rope is one of the survival tools to keep in your survival kit in case you run into emergencies.

With a few feet of rope, you can do first aid, create a firestarter, build a shelter, or rig traps and snares.

But what happens if you suddenly get lost after a camping trip in the woods and forget to pack a single rope for survival? As long as you know how to make rope from the plants around you, you'll be fine.

In the wild, you'll come across so many species of plants that you can turn into DIY rope. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do just that:

4 Steps on How to Make Rope from Plants

Step 1: Find Plant Fibers

All plants have fiber, but you must find the strongest fibers to make the sturdiest DIY rope. Here are some plants with the toughest fibers:

Stinging Nettle

Stinging nettle is the most abundant plant in the Pacific Northwest. But as its name suggests, this type of plant stings, making it quite hard to handle. However, you can lessen its harsh effects by proper harvesting and drying. Once you have those covered, you'll have one of the most valuable plants around.

Stinging nettle isn't only packed with nutrients and excellent for medicinal purposes-it's also loaded with strong fibers that can be an ideal material for natural cordage. Just remember to use gloves when making cordage using this plant because its pricks can get pretty uncomfortable.

Yucca

Yucca is a perennial shrub that grows throughout most continental United States on roadsides, open fields, and sandy woods. A yucca is easy to spot with its pointy, sword-like leaves stretching out from its base.

Although you may find different types of yucca that show off wide or narrow leaves, its long green spikes still have the same strong fibers that you can turn into sturdy ropes if appropriately processed.

Dogbane

The dogbane plant is found across all of North America. It grows on forest edges and in forest clearings and can also be seen in fields. The thing about dogbane is that it's poisonous when ingested, so wash your hands thoroughly after handling it.

Deadly qualities aside, this plant can be made into the perfect cordage. When harvested after the stems have aged and dried out, the fibers can be detached easily and used for many useful things like making cordage.

Western Red Cedar

The western red cedar is native to the Pacific coast of North America, where it thrives in moist, cool environments like forested swamps and streambanks. This tree can grow as tall as 200 feet. Its outer bark may be relatively thin and scaly, but its inner bark is fibrous, making this tree the perfect source for your DIY rope.

Heart-Leaf Milkweed

The heart-leaf milkweed is a species of milkweed native to California, Nevada, and Oregon. It grows in an open or shaded woodland environment, like on rocky slopes and a mixed coniferous forest.

Its stem, which you can dry out in the summer or collect in the fall, can be used for making cordage and strings. It was popular among Native Americans then and is still useful for survival today.

Step 2: Harvest Fibers from Plants

Now that you know what plants are the best for making cordage, it's time to learn how to extract their fibers. This step is crucial in the rope-making process because the way you separate the fibers will determine your cordage's strength.

Here are two effective ways to harvest fibers from plants in the wild:

Water Retting

Water retting is the process of soaking stems and barks in ponds, bogs, and slow streams and rivers. This process softens the tissues surrounding the fiber strands to make separation easier.

Here's how you do it:

Submerge your bundles of stalks in water and weigh them down with stones or wood.

Soak them for 8 to 14 days, depending on water temperature and mineral content.

Separate the fiber strands from the stalks and dry your threads before wrapping them into rope.

Keep in mind that water retting only takes about 8 to 14 days, so soak your stalks only within the specified timeline. Why? Because under-retting makes separation difficult, while over-retting weakens the fibers.

Cutting Through the Bark of a Tree

If you're looking for the strongest and longest plant fiber for your DIY rope, most inner barks of trees have it. The Western red cedar, for example, has long stringy fibers that you can make into several feet of cordage.

For this method, you're gonna need a sharp knife that can cut into a long section of the outer bark. When you successfully remove the outer bark, you can start peeling off the long fiber strips from the inner bark. If the fibers are a little tricky to peel off, soak them in water first.

Step 3: Buff the Fibers

Once your bundles of fiber are entirely dried out, you can start refining 'em further by buffing them. This removes any residue of woody splinter-like bits in the threads.

Buffing is performed by rubbing the fibers between your hands until the strands are soft and smooth. With continued buffing, the threads will appear fluffier and paler. At this stage, when you're satisfied with the results, you can start wrapping your fibers into cordage.

Step 4: Wrap the Fibers in Rope

Reverse wrap your cordage to ensure your DIY rope is durable and won't easily break under pressure. With this wrapping technique, your cordage won't come undone because it's caught in opposition to friction, meaning you have fibers twisting one way while the other bundle is twisting the other way.

How to Reverse Wrap

As explained in the video, you wanna go two-thirds up your bundle and start twisting both hands away until you form a little loop. This loop is where your cordage starts.

Next, pinch the loop with your left hand, then using your right hand, grip the bundle furthest away from you and use your thumb and pointer finger to twist away. Once you bend away, reach under and grab the bundle closest to you and then turn the whole thing towards you.

Now that you've increased your twist on the cord, you'll want to move your thumb and pointer finger of your left hand to pinch the new end of the rope. From here, you switch hands and repeat the process until you reach the tail of the thread. Lastly, lock it using an overhand knot unless you want to make a longer rope.

How to Splice

You can splice shorter pieces of fiber together to make a longer piece of rope. To weave your cords together, marry the new bundle with the shorter end of the old line. Next, twist the whole thing a couple of times to get it nice and tight, then continue wrapping using the same technique.

Repeat the entire process of the reverse wrap until you pass the short end of the rope. You can keep adding shorter pieces until you get your desired length of cordage. Don't forget to lock your DIY rope with an overhand knot once you're finished.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to make rope is a ton of work, from identifying the right plants and harvesting the fibers to buffing and wrapping the threads into cordage.

However, it only takes a few practices or more to master. When you get the hang of transforming natural fibers into cordage, your DIY rope will come out looking firmer and slender.

What's even better is that this skill will undoubtedly come in handy for emergencies.
Did you like this article? Check out our other articles for more DIY content.

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Wilderness Survival: How to Make Rope Out of Plants

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This is a guide on how to make rope from plants. Learn about natural cordage making in this article.

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INSULATION

Find land for a shelter (ADDIE)

Collect sticks for building (EMERY)

Build shelter (ADDIE)

Collect grass and leaves (EMERY)

Add grass and leaves to the inside of the shelter (ADDIE)

Repeat with other shelters (EMERY)

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How to tie a square knot.First your going to get one end in your right and one end in yuour left the your going to put the right over the left and under.Then your going to go left over the right and then tighten.

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Square Knot. The Square Knot (Reef Knot) is usually learned when we tie our shoelaces. Admittedly it is usually a bow that we tie - but the underlying knot is a Square Knot.

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Water ration system

1. Check how much water we have

2. Count people in your tribe

3. Make rough estimation on how much water we have

4. Split equally

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Rebecca Shrode and Andrew Fay's Action Plan

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Rebecca Shrode and Andrew Fay's Action Plan

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COMBINING RESOURCES

-Talk to the different groups about it

-try to convince them to combine resources

-create rules for sharing resources

-gather it all

-ask/convince shelter to create food pantry

-put all of the resources into the pantry