Workshops At Turtle Island Preserve
Our skills workshops are empowering, hands-on, and meaningful adventures in the simple life.
Had a great time this past weekend! Very informative class. Learned some new chainsaw techniques I had never tried before and got some great maintenance tips to keep my saw running great. The sawmill was an incredible experience. I’ve never seen anything quite like it. I highly recommend this class!
Andrew White, 2024
”My son and I attended a blacksmithing workshop at Turtle Island Preserve and had a great time. It was our first time to visit Turtle Island Preserve and first time blacksmithing. The experience exceeded our expectations. Our instructor was amazing and the entire staff at Turtle Island Preserve made the experience one that we'll never forget. The property is beautiful with rustic cabins that provided an overnight experience that felt like we had gone back in time. We highly recommend visiting Turtle Island Preserve and attending one of their great workshops.”
Thank you,
Michael Greene , 2023
“My husband and I decided to attend the basket weaving workshop at Turtle Island Preserve in October 2023. We had no previous relationship at all with Turtle Island, and did not know what to expect other than we might be "roughing it" for a couple of days - no electricity, no hot water, no cell service, etc.
The weekend that followed surpassed every single positive expectation that we could have. The basket weaving class taught by Delia was informative, relaxing, and productive. The FOOD was incredible - hard to imagine the gourmet spreads were all cooked in the outdoor kitchen. - The best night's sleep that I have had in years. The community was welcoming, kind, engaging. The scenery and the property just drew us in.
In thinking back about the weekend - it is truly hard to put it into words for us. Majestic, transformational, meditative, community.
We have every expectation of returning to this oasis!”
Kind regards,
Amy Morris, 2023
Blacksmithing
Both beginners and intermediate students looking to improve skills are invited to explore our coal-powered forges while enjoying our wooded off-grid campus.
Honoring the Deer
Using parts of the deer that are normally discarded, the hide, bones, sinew and hooves, we will create tools, musical instruments, and knife sheaths…useful tools for daily life.
Hide Tanning
Using a method called combo-tanning which involves aspects of both brain tanning and bark tanning, you will turn raw deer hides into beautiful, soft and versatile buckskin. This class is physically strenuous at certain times, but if your commitment is there you will leave with an amazing product.
Knife Making
This weekend workshop allows students to transform old horse shoes and railroad spikes into useful and beautiful knives and blades.
Cooking over Fire & Flame
We will explore cooking directly over flame in a stone hearth, an antique wood stone and baking in a hand built cob oven. We sill share the meal we create together at our community table.
Basketry
Two days of weaving functional basketry from various products. Split oak, kudzu, or tulip poplar bark. We offer many different types of basketry.
Foraging & Feasting
We’ll spend the morning roaming the woods and meadows for nature’s bounty. Perhaps we will find nettles, ramps, and mushrooms…then head to the outdoor kitchen to prepare an amazing dinner over wood fires using our foraged ingredients.
Whiskbroom Crafts
More than a handcrafts class, Emileigh creates a ritual space for participants to settle in and create with intention. Everyone will have an opportunity to make a variety of whisk brooms, including turkey wings, hawk tails, and stitched whisks. Emileigh will offer instruction on each type of broom and participants will be able to craft up to 4 brooms!
Winter Seminar
Normally closed for winter, this weekend seminar trains participants in winter survival skills. STAY TUNED FOR 2025 DATES…think the beginning of the New Year. More info soon!
Fire By Friction
A one day exploration into the historic passing rite of our ancestors - making fire by rubbing sticks.
Forestry w/ Eustace
Only offered once in a while, Eustace leads this small group intensive in the forest and land management of Turtle Island Preserve. If you want to be taught directly by Eustace…this is your opportunity.
Shaving Horse Clinic
This versatile tool is the primary hallmark of any good wood-wright’s shop.
Attention All Camp Visitors - Please Note:
WARNING: Under North Carolina Law, There Is No Liability For An Injury To Or Death Of A Participant In An Agritourism Activity Conducted At This Agritourism Location If Such Injury Or Death Results From The Inherent Risks Of The Agritourism Activity. Inherent Risks Of Agritourism Activities Include, Among Others, Risks Of Injury Inherent To Land, Equipment, And Animals, As Well As The Potential For You To Act In A Negligent Manner That May Contribute To Your Injury Or Death. You Are Assuming The Risk Of Participating In This Agritourism Activity.
WARNING: Under North Carolina Law, A Farm Animal Activity Sponsor Or Farm Animal Professional Is Not Liable For An Injury To Or The Death Of A Participant In Farm Animal Activities Resulting Exclusively From The Inherent Risks Of Farm Animal Activities. Chapter 99E Of The North Carolina General Statutes.