Our Story

From a Back Porch Dream to a Thriving Community

It all began on a back porch, where a small group of friends came together with a simple idea: to create a space for people to connect with the bounty of local nature, tap into our shared human cultural heritage, and learn land-based living skills to carry on down the trail. Each month, we gathered in the wild places around Missoula, sharing in the ancient skills of harvesting wild medicines, knapping stone, making cordage, tanning hides, sharing meals, and gathering around campfires under open skies.

Now, years later, that dream has grown into something bigger. What began as an informal meetup has blossomed into an official organization dedicated to building a vibrant community of students, adults, families and instructors, with a shared passion for learning and nature connection. We invite you to join us on this journey—to gather, connect, and learn together as we deepen our relationship with the land and each other.

Montana Folk School is founded by individuals who love bringing people together in nature through education, traditional skills, and craft.

  • Carrie Harper

    Meet Carrie – Founder, Forest Educator, Fiber Artist

    Carrie grew up exploring Ohio’s hardwood forests and the rugged alpine landscapes of southern Colorado. In 2003, she came to Missoula for graduate school—and quickly made it her forever home. With 25 years of experience as an educator and program manager both in the U.S. and abroad, Carrie brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for community building through a folk school model.

    As a former Camp Director and Outdoor Programs Director in Missoula, Carrie has honed her expertise in teaching, mentoring, program development, nature-based education, and traditional fiber arts passed down from generations of women in her family. Today, she manages Montana Folk School and is a grant writer.

    A lifelong student of wilderness living skills, Carrie finds fulfillment in a life woven with service, creativity, laughter, wild places, family, and cross-cultural adventures. She is thrilled to share her love for nature connection and hands-on learning with others through Montana Folk School.

  • Joshua Lisbon

    Meet Joshua – Teacher, Tanner, and Tracker

    Joshua is a dedicated teacher, skilled tanner, and passionate tracker—a lifelong student of the land and its mysteries. Raised in the rural countryside of Pennsylvania, Joshua spent his early years immersed in the eastern forests, where he developed a profound connection to the natural world. In 2005, he made his way to Montana, seeking new landscapes and experiences.

    With over 20 years of experience, Joshua brings a unique blend of skills to Montana Folk School, drawing from his background in wilderness-based education, conservation, wildlife research, filmmaking, and ancestral skills. He finds meaning in the stories nature tells—in animal tracks, in the textures of a well-worn hide, and in the quiet details that surround us.

    Joshua’s greatest hope is to share his knowledge with others, helping them to build their own connections with the land, animals, and traditional skills. He’s excited to inspire a deep, lasting relationship with nature in everyone who joins Montana Folk School.