Rebel Roots learning pathways
Programs for capable, resilient living.
Rebel Roots Farm is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Placitas, New Mexico. Our developing educational programs connect inner capability, traditional building skills, practical energy knowledge, and safe land-based work.
What we are building
Learning that moves from understanding to practice.
Each program is planned as a three-level pathway: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. The goal is not simply to present information, but to help learners build confidence through clear foundations, guided practice, and increasingly independent application.
Some offerings will be available before others. The descriptions below show the intended direction of each curriculum and clearly identify its current stage of development.
Rebel Roots programs
02 / Rooted Independence – Earthen building
Curriculum nearing completionAdobe Making & Building
Explore the materials, methods, and care behind traditional earthen construction. Lessons are being designed to combine material awareness, small-scale hands-on practice, weather-conscious building, maintenance, and safe tool use.
Beginner
Soil and material basics, test mixes, simple forms, sample blocks, tools, and site safety.
Intermediate
Consistent mixes, forming and curing, small components, weather protection, and repair.
Advanced
Planning larger supervised projects, troubleshooting, finishing, and long-term maintenance.
Hands-on activities will depend on weather, site conditions, available materials, and appropriate supervision. Building codes and structural requirements vary by location.
03 / Rooted Independence – Practical energy
Curriculum in active developmentSolar & Off-Grid Power
Build practical understanding of how electricity is used, stored, monitored, and maintained in small solar and off-grid systems. The curriculum emphasizes energy awareness, careful system thinking, and safety before hands-on work.
Beginner
Energy and load basics, panels, controllers, batteries, inverters, and electrical safety.
Intermediate
Load estimates, component matching, system monitoring, and routine maintenance.
Advanced
System planning, diagnostics, upgrades, and supervised troubleshooting.
Electrical work can cause serious injury, fire, or equipment damage. Hands-on instruction will require suitable equipment, protective procedures, and qualified supervision.
04 / Rooted Independence – Safe land work
Curriculum in active developmentChainsaw Operation & Maintenance
Develop a safety-first understanding of chainsaw controls, inspection, operation, and basic maintenance. Planned instruction begins with protective equipment and risk awareness before progressing to supervised cutting and field practice.
Beginner
PPE, controls, inspection, safe starting and shutdown, chain tension, and cleaning.
Intermediate
Cutting plans, supervised bucking and limbing, sharpening, and routine maintenance.
Advanced
Complex planning, troubleshooting, maintenance, and supervised field practice.
Chainsaws are inherently hazardous. Practical participation will require approved protective equipment, safety screening, suitable conditions, and direct supervision by a qualified instructor.
A clear learning pathway
Three levels, built around readiness.
Levels describe increasing depth, responsibility, and independence. Placement and hands-on participation may depend on prior experience, demonstrated readiness, safety requirements, and program availability.
Beginner
Learn vocabulary, core principles, tools, boundaries, and safe foundational practices.
Intermediate
Strengthen consistency through guided application, observation, and routine problem-solving.
Advanced
Integrate skills in more complex settings with greater independence and appropriate supervision.
Education in service of community
Practical knowledge should create lasting capability.
Our nonprofit mission connects personal empowerment with resilient living and responsible care for land and resources. These programs are being created to turn that mission into useful, understandable learning experiences.
How support helps
Program fees, donations, and mission support help us develop educational materials, maintain equipment and demonstration spaces, and expand access to practical learning.
Some options may begin with free information, an introductory resource, or a conversation so people can find the pathway that fits their needs.
Take the next step
Start with the program that meets you where you are.
Tell us what you want to learn, what experience you already have, and whether you are looking for information, future course updates, or a way to support program development.
Program information reviewed and updated September 2026.