I had a big birthday on Tuesday, and one of my wishes is to travel to the mountains of Southern Appalachia to take Natalie Bogwalker’s immersive women’s carpentry class (followed by perhaps her tiny house building class). If you haven’t yet heard of Natalie, prepare to be amazed: A trailblazer in all things rewilding, she co-founded Firefly Gathering and is now the founder and director of Wild Abundance, a one-of-a-kind permaculture and homesteading school outside of Asheville, N.C.

There, from her working eco-homestead, she not only builds but forages, gardens, crafts, and raises her young daughter, all while teaching an abounding offering of earth-based living classes with her partner Frank and a community of devoted instructors. I felt honored that Natalie found time last month to step away from it all (including the launch of her groundbreaking online hide tanning course; seriously, check it out) to talk with me about the incredible life she’s created and the Wild Abundance student experience.

Some of what we talk about: 

-Laterlife motherhood and the ultimate childcare co-op
-Growing up in the woods of Washington state and the accident that changed her life
-Living in a squat in Barcelona and Wild Roots
-The rewilding movement, 15 years ago
-Firefly Gathering, Wild Abundance and her women’s carpentry classes
-What the future holds
-Her new online hide tanning course

Learn more about Natalie and the Wild Abundance class offerings on the Wild Abundance website. Natalie is also an inspiring presence on Instagram and Facebook. And watch the trailer, below, to get a glimpse of her new Online Hide Tanning Course (use coupon code BUCKSKIN for 20% off through October 30).