Hitchcock Folk School | Introduction to Fire Making

Hitchcock Folk School is a series of programs and classes for adult and young adult learners. These programs are designed to help participants build deeper relationship with the natural world through the study of ecology and the practice of traditional craft skills.

Have you ever wished you could confidently build a campfire? Or, maybe you'd like to learn how to successfully build a fire in a survival scenario using only naturaly occuring materials? Perhaps you're interested in understanding the role fire has played in shaping Iowa's ecological communities?  If so, then this class is for you! This program is designed for adults and older teens who are new to outdoor skills, and who have a desire to deepen their place-based knowlege. Join naturalist Dustin Clayton and learn how to build a fire using a variety of techniques and materials.  We will have lots of time for practice and experimentation with the different methods discussed.

All program materials and tools will be provided.

In this class you will learn:

• fire ecology and fire’s historical role on the landscape.
• fire safety including precautions around building and extinguishing fire.
• how to properly handle materials and tools used in fire making.
• historical methods of fire production, such as friction fire, flint and steel, and more.

This program will take place on Saturday March 28th, at the Modern Group Tent Campsite.

Hitchcock Folk School is a series of programs and classes for adult and young adult learners. These programs are designed to help participants build deeper relationship with the natural world through the study of ecology and the practice of traditional craft skills. If you've ever wanted to learn skills such as woodcarving, firemaking, herb preservation,  and much more, then these classes are for you!

About Dustin:

Dustin Clayton is a lifelong student of the natural world and an avid woods walker. He has for many years been a practitioner of various Earth-based skills including: flintknapping, folk herbalism, foraging, traditional woodworking, cordage making, and fiber arts. Additionally, he has extensively studied folk traditions and practices from around the world.  He believes very deeply in approaching the land as it presents itself through the lenses of myth, craft, and contemplation. Dustin’s goal in all the programming he presents is to inspire people to get out into the woods and begin to build respectful relationships with the living world all around them.

“It is my very great hope that this program will provide people who are not scientists, but who are nevertheless filled with wonder and curiosity while in natural spaces, with access points for being in the right relationship with the living world.” — Dustin Clayton

 Please meet at the Hitchcock Modern Group Tent Campsite. 

Related Events

• Hitchcock Folk School | Introduction to Wood Carving
  February 4, 2026
• Hitchcock Folk School | Introduction to Ancient Jewelry
  April 9, 2026

Cancellation Policy

Guests may cancel their reservation for a full refund up to 1 week (7 days) prior to the program date by calling 712-545-3283 and speaking with staff directly. Processing fees will not be refunded. Cancellations received less than 1 week (7 days) in advance of the event will not be refunded. Fees for programs canceled by Pottawattamie Conservation due to weather or other circumstances will be fully refunded. 

Registration confirmation and event details, including important updates in the event of weather or other circumstances, will be sent to the email address entered when registering. Make sure to check junk/spam folders. Pottawattamie Conservation is not responsible for missed emails.