Tree Folk

Who are we? We are a young couple ambitiously pursuing a simpler way of life. How's that for irony? Perhaps a more apt description is that we are pursuing an 'alternative' way of life from what has come to be accepted as the 'norm' in our current place and time. This pursuit has led us to radically alter the basic structures in our lives and embrace living in the present moment to the best of our ability. Jordan and I started this journey seperately and met along the way in just one of the universes mysterious ways that we have learned to surrender to. Our paths have been largely inspired by permaculture practices and Indigenous philosophies. We currently live in one of the most pristine and dynamic places in the world; we (mostly I) like to call it “the shire” for any of you die hard Lord of the Rings Fans. Nestled into a beautiful mountain valley called Slocan, it is here that we get to express our inner hobbit (i'm done now i promise...). The lifestyle that we are living is rugged, authentic and very dynamic. Creating a sustainable livelihood here takes a lot of hustle and willingness to embrace new challenges. Luckily, there is no shortage of hard working bad asses out here to keep inspiration flowing. Talk about a gift. Since moving to the valley, Jordan and I have spent time working at one of our local butcher shops through their grueling fall season and we have both worked doing on farm humane animal slaughter services with our local 'Killbillies'. We have also participated in the World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOF'ing) under varying circumstances. These experiences have given us so many teachings and opportunities to further develop our homesteading hobbit skills (woopsy). Most recently we started our own business selling firewood. Here in the valley the only alternative to wood heat is electric which can be very expensive and inefficient. Besides which, we live amongst hardy hill people who know and love their firewood. Jordan spearheaded this business and it has grown into a full time venture for both of us over the past year. The business allows us the freedom to be able to enjoy living in this amazing and pristine valley while creating meaningful connections with the people in our community and providing an essential service. Plus we are kind of good at it. Jordan can buck firewood and swing an axe like no one I have ever seen and I am no slouch with an axe either and have taken over the majority of the splitting. Firewood isn't where it ends though. Along with our firewood products, we also have beautiful high graded slab wood available for purchase. Instead of turning big elder trees that show up in our logging trucks into firewood, we set them aside and have them milled into slabs. We then design and build one of a kind pieces from them. This way, these big elders can share their legacy and be passed down from generation to generation. The forest gives everything of itself and asks for so little in return. All of the wood that we purchase is 'standing dead' that is removed from the forests, which is an essential part of forest management. One of the purposes of our website is to share with you all of the different and dynamic things that we are up to out here in this beautiful land. From starting our own business, to purchasing our first piece of raw land, to building our very own modular tiny homes, to growing food and raising livestock, to navigating work trade relations and everything between. We will share with you all of the knowledge that we have at our disposal as well as all of the trials and tribulations related to what it has taken for us to be able to live this life in hopes that we can inspire and be inspired. Tree Folk