Mastering Foraging, Survival and the Wilderness in the Monadnock Region

Known for its flourishing and expansive woodlands, our beautiful Monadnock Region provides an ideal backdrop for countless outdoor niches: hiking, geocaching, disc golf and many others; but have you ever thought about the skills needed if you strayed from the trail? That's where Coyote Bushcraft comes in — offering a unique opportunity for individuals to reconnect with nature, learn essential wilderness survival skills and build the confidence to thrive in the wild! This premier survival and outdoor education school was founded in 2021 by Rob and Lauren Bianchi, who both brandish a passion for the great outdoors and share a wealth of experience in survival techniques. Rob's background as a marksman and land navigator, combined with Lauren's expertise in emergency activation and cannon crew operations forms the backbone of the school's curriculum, and together, they created several programs where students receive comprehensive and practical training. A few years later, the team has grown, adding three more instructors who each bring their own unique set of skills and experiences – Brandon Corey, Theresa Brangarrán and Rick Swain Corey, the navigation instructor, hails from Lowell, MA. With extensive experience as a small arms expert and instructor, as well as training in advanced mountain warfare and land navigation, Brandon is a valuable asset to hiking and survival classes. Brangarrán, the foraging instructor, grew up in Scituate, MA, where she developed a deep love for the outdoors and has become well-versed in foraging and herbalism, learning from various herbalists across the country. Swain, the medical instructor, is a retired Army combat veteran with over 20 years of experience as a special operations combat medic and paramedic/HAZMAT technician. Rick's vast experience in diverse environments — from the deserts of Iraq to the mountains of Afghanistan — provides students with invaluable insights into wilderness medicine. As the team grew, so did the program, developing into a wide-ranging set of essential skills for those new to bushcraft and those looking for more advanced courses. With introductory classes that cover the basics of survival and ones that delve into specialized skills like acorn processing and identifying edible and medicinal plants during a forest walk, each class is designed not only to impart practical knowledge but also to instill a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Are you interested in food acquisition and preparation in the wild? Foraging classes teach students how to identify edible plants and fungi. Likewise, land navigation courses have become particularly popular, as they provide students with the skills needed to find their way in unfamiliar terrain using only a map and compass. And for those looking for a rounded experience, wilderness survival classes cover everything from shelter building to fire starting, ensuring that students are prepared for any situation they may encounter in the wild. In addition to its regular courses, Coyote Bushcraft also hosts special events and workshops throughout the year, allowing students to deepen their knowledge and skills in various outdoor disciplines. The school's website, coyotebushcraftnh.com, provides more detailed information about upcoming classes, recommended gear and other resources to help students prepare for their wilderness education journey. Classes typically begin at 8 a.m. and run until 1 p.m., with workshops sometimes extending until 3 p.m., depending on the project. The school advises students to come prepared, bringing a full water source, lunch and any necessary gear. For those who may not have their own equipment, the school offers loan options for items like knives, ferro rods and paracords. One of the most appealing aspects though, is the sense of community it fosters among its students. With a set of house rules displayed on the website, it's clear that when you set out into the woods, it's a time to learn and leave the rest of the world behind. More often than not, each class brings together like-minded individuals who share a passion for nature and a desire to live more self-sufficiently. For locals and visitors alike, this unique local business represents a chance to reconnect with the natural world and gain a deeper appreciation for the wilderness. Whether you're looking to enhance your outdoor skills, prepare for emergencies or simply enjoy the beauty of New Hampshire's forests, Coyote Bushcraft offers a chance to gain a deeper appreciation for the wilderness, form skills and knowledge to survive and forge confidence to thrive in the wilderness — something that will stay with you for a lifetime.