"Alderleaf's Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants course was an outstanding introduction to better understand the plants I walk among each day. A great way to reconnect with nature. I will definitely be going back for more classes."

I attended the wild edibles and medicinal course there I found Hands on knowledgeable, enthusiastic instructors with practical application of this knowledge. I would recommend this course to everybody

“My experience [at Alderleaf Wilderness College] has been nothing but positive. Alderleaf has opened my eyes to a fascinating world and how important it is to respect it.” –Ryan Foris

My experience [at Alderleaf Wilderness College] has been nothing but positive. Alderleaf has opened my eyes to a fascinating world and how important it is to respect it. Ryan Foris

Although Alderleaf Wilderness College did have some knowledgeable instructors and interns who loved teaching the curriculum and genuinely cared about teaching the students, I was largely disappointed with the school. My expectation was to learn extensive skills for wilderness survival and sustainability, however I ended up leaving the program after a few months. Even after an interview, several phone conversations, and reading the website information in detail, certain information was misrepresented. Alderleaf's history, class format, and instruction were among the most notable. Upper management, the most senior of instructors, were often unavailable and engaged in unethical business practices. Instruction outside of the classroom setting for off campus students was hard to obtain, and a lot of the curriculum was expected to be learned outside of the class without the assistance of an instructor. The program attempted to teach too many subjects within too short a time. The result was a

Ive taken the tracking apprenticeship and several weekend courses with Alderleaf Wilderness College and highly recommend them. The instructors are very knowledgeable and the classes are always organized and efficiently run. Ive gotten my moneys worth each time.

Jason Knight and his staff lead a team of talented and resourceful young people in teaching a course on surviving in the mountains. I took it with my two children (9 and 10 at the time) and had a wonderful time. We learned many things, including: how to make an emergency shelter; start a fire from scratch; make tools from rocks and alder branches; fish and hunt small game with "fishing poles" and hunting sticks we made; prepare clean water (boiling it with hot rocks); burn out a bowl; and foraging for edible plants. The usefulness of the course work is apparent; what was more important was the self-confidence and self-reliance the kids exhibited during and after the course. I would recommend it without hesitation to anyone who has an interest in learning to survive in an emergency situation. The hands-on experience is valuable and reinforces learning, and the staff are knowledgeable and excellent instructors. Above all, it is done in a safe environment in a small group setting.