About Us
Mission: The mission of the Piedmont Earthskills Gathering is to provide a learning experience which empowers people through the development of Earth skills and inspires a deep appreciation of our common Human heritage, interconnectedness, and ecological respect.
Our Goals
- To increase the appreciation of the lives and skills of our ancestors – all of our ancestors – whether they came from the plains of Africa, the caves of Europe, or the woodlands of Turtle Island.
- To instill a greater appreciation of the natural world upon which we all depend.
- To expand knowledge of Piedmont flora and fauna.
- To inspire an ethic of care-taking towards the natural world.
- To cultivate the qualities that support community-building, which include an attitude of service, a sense of gratitude, embracing human diversity, the ability to listen actively and speak plainly, personal responsibility and a belief in the value of peacemaking.
- To inspire discovery of the interconnectedness of the natural world, one’s individual inner spirit and the growth of personal virtues.
“With the learning of a skill comes self confidence, and with that self confidence we become a more fully alive Human Being.”
– Darry Wood, Co-Founder of Earthskills Rendezvousz
Our History
Piedmont Earthskills Gathering (PEG), like many gatherings active today, owes its roots to Earthskills Rendezvous, now in its 40th year. Fuz Sanderson was the lead organizer of Earthskills Rendezvous for several years from 2004 to 2011. He later went on to found PEG in an attempt to bring the earthskills community closer to the Triangle and Triad of North Carolina.
Fuz has since tirelessly worked to help keep Piedmont Earthskills Gathering in operation, meeting its mission, and enriching the community around it.
In its early years, the gathering took place on the grounds Shakori Hills. However, the event later moved to G.W. Hill for a more natural location with better fascilities for supporting attendees needs.
Going into its twelve year, Piedmont Earthskills Gathering has been around long enough now to see students become teachers and attendees and worktraders become integral parts of the organization and community.