ISF sponsored a workshop called “Cruising for Poles” on Saturday, Feb. 24 2024, 9:00–4:30, taught by Colin Gillespie from the Forest Reciprocity Group in Laytonville, who is also a trained permaculture instructor. The location was my homestead on Seely Creek Road in Redway, where I am releasing the oaks and meadows from incursions by Douglas-fir and need poles for multiple projects.

Choosing the right trees for pole building is the first step in this type of construction, using poles from the immediate area. Colin talked about timing the harvest (April is ideal) for easiest bark removal and included many details about joinery and load-bearing.

The workshop was attended by 19 people. Weather was superbly cooperative!

After a morning lecture and hike followed by a vegetarian lunch prepared by my partner, Karyn Wagner, we felled a fir and practiced stripping the bark with various implements. We got to see what it’s like to de-bark when the timing is NOT ideal!

If you missed this event, there will be another pole building workshop with Colin in June. Sign up for ISF mailings here to be notified!