Making a Tule Boat with Charlie Kennard

Fibershed is a non-profit educational and research organization that develops regenerative textile systems that are based on carbon farming, regional manufacturing, and public education.We envision the emergence of an international system of regional textile communities that enliven connection and ownership of ‘soil-to-soil’ textile processes. These diverse textile cultures are designed to build soil carbon stocks on the working landscapes on which they depend, while directly enhancing the strength of regional economies. Both fiber and food systems now face a drastically changing climate, and must utilize the best of time-honored knowledge and available science for their long-term ability to thrive.

Fibershed

Fibershed Learning Center

Join us at the beautiful Fibershed Learning Center on Black Mountain Ranch near Point Reyes Station, CA, where will make a five-bundle California-style boat using tule previously gathered at a large pond on the ranch. The workshop will take place from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm both days.The variety of tule we are using is Schoenoplectus californicus, a giant species of bulrush that grows in freshwater and brackish marshes. In addition to boats, tules are used to make rope, baskets, bowls, mats, hats, clothing, duck decoys, and more by Native people.Wild grapevine and tule rope made on site will be used for the bindings. The two- or three-person boat will be launched on the pond on Sunday, and everyone will get a chance to paddle. R﻿epresentatives of the <a href="https://gratonrancheria.com/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria</a> will participate in the workshop.Participants should bring:<ul><li>personal snacks, lunch and beverages</li><li>suitable boating clothes</li><li>bathing suit and towel (optional)</li></ul>M﻿aximum 10 students.Added opportunity: Those who enroll in this workshop are also invited to participate in the tule harvest on July 30th at no extra charge. Details provided on enrollment._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Fibershed Scholarship Program for Tuition Scholarships &amp; Transportation/Childcare StipendsFibershed is offering two scholarships to most workshops; one scholarship if it’s a small class. In addition to scholarships for tuition, we are offering a limited number of stipends for transportation and/or childcare. If you would not otherwise be able to attend, and would like to be considered as a scholarship and/or stipend recipient, please answer a few brief questions on this <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe7l9dTKeZFD0ZIqphxncMla6weXVbpFslvtwDnvROvqBX6eA/viewform" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Google Form</a>. Responses will be reviewed by Learning Center staff and kept strictly confidential._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _BONUS: The Clothing Swap Closet is now open during workshops and events at the Fibershed Learning Center!Visit the Clothing Swap Closet when you attend a workshop or event at the Learning Center and exchange your natural fiber garments and accessories. Your clothing contributions must be clean and in good condition. Each contribution entitles you to choose one item of comparable value.You may depart up to an hour after the workshop ends, to allow time to browse and try on items in the closet, and make your trade!_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Charlie Kennard of San Anselmo is a long-time basket weaver and student of California Indian and other traditional basketry techniques of the world. He has taught for the Point Reyes Field Institute, East Bay Regional Parks Botanic Garden, Fibershed, the Laguna Center and in many schools and at teacher trainings. Tule boats made in his workshops can be seen at the Bay Model in Sausalito, Lake County Museum, and another is in the collection of the Oakland Museum. You can also visit a basketry plant garden Charlie has created at the Marin Art and Garden Center in Ross. Charlie is active in native habitat restoration in Marin, managing several projects for Friends of Corte Madera Creek Watershed.

Photo credits: portrait of Charlie by Paige Green, tule boat photos courtesy of Charlie Kennard, tule growing at Black Mountain Ranch pond by Dustin Kahn.

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Making a Tule Boat with Charlie Kennard

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Making a Tule Boat with Charlie Kennard

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