#survival; #prepper; small scale #farming
It's a great request, and I can definitely help you find some relevant sources with real-world applicable knowledge for North America on survival, prepping, and small-scale farming.
Here's a breakdown of resources, including a mix of online articles, manuals, and highly-regarded books:
Survival
Survival in North America often means adapting to diverse climates and wilderness conditions.
* Core Skills:
* First Aid and CPR: The American Red Cross is an excellent starting point for learning essential first aid and CPR. Many local organizations offer courses.
* https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/resources/articles/11-survival-skills-to-know
* Firecraft: Knowing how to build and maintain a fire in various conditions is crucial for warmth, cooking, and signaling.
* Water Procurement and Purification: Identifying safe water sources and methods for purifying water (boiling, filtering) is paramount.
* Shelter Building: Understanding basic shelter construction to protect against the elements.
* Navigation: Using a map and compass, or natural indicators like the sun and stars, for orienteering.
* Food Procurement: Basic knowledge of foraging for edible plants (with extreme caution and proper identification), fishing, and trapping.
* Signaling: How to signal for help if lost or injured.
* Military Manuals (Free PDFs): These are often comprehensive and practical.
* TruePrepper - Free Survival PDFs, Manuals, & Downloads: This site hosts various military and preparedness manuals, including:
* FM 21-76 Survival Manual (US Army/Marines)
* Canadian Military Fieldcraft
* FEMA Citizen Preparedness Guide ("Are You Ready?")
* https://trueprepper.com/survival-pdfs-downloads/
* Recommended Books:
* Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival by Dave Canterbury: Focuses on essential wilderness skills.
* The SAS Survival Handbook: The Definitive Survival Guide by John "Lofty" Wiseman: A very comprehensive and widely respected guide.
* The Ultimate Survival Manual: 333 Skills That Will Get You Out Alive by Rich Johnson: Offers a broad range of practical skills.
* Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why by Laurence Gonzales: Explores the psychological aspects of survival and how to make critical decisions under stress.
Prepper
Prepping involves proactive measures to prepare for potential emergencies and disruptions. This often includes food storage, water preparedness, power solutions, and security.
* General Prepping Guides & Information:
* TruePrepper: Offers articles on prepping statistics, demographics, and getting started.
* https://trueprepper.com/prepping-statistics/
* The Prepared: Provides detailed guides and checklists for beginners, emphasizing practical and realistic approaches over "zombie fantasies." They cover building a solid financial and health foundation, home preparedness, bug-out bags, and learning core skills.
* https://theprepared.com/prepping-basics/guides/emergency-preparedness-checklist-prepping-beginners/
* Valley Food Storage - How To Start Prepping for Beginners Checklist: Focuses on foundational steps like two weeks of self-reliance at home, bug-out bags, and learning core survival skills.
* https://valleyfoodstorage.com/blogs/inside-vfs/prepping-for-beginners-how-to-start-prepping
* Specific Areas of Prepping:
* Water Storage and Purification: Crucial for any long-term preparedness plan.
* Food Storage: Long-term food storage methods (canning, dehydrating, freeze-dried foods).
* Emergency Power Solutions: Generators, solar power (Practical Preppers is a good resource for solar setups).
* https://practicalpreppers.com/
* First Aid and Medical Preparedness: Beyond basic first aid, this includes stocking a comprehensive medical kit and learning advanced first aid skills.
* Recommended Books:
* The Prepper's Pocket Guide by Bernie Carr
* When All Hell Breaks Loose: Stuff You Need To Survive When Disaster Strikes by Cody Lundin
* The Survival Medicine Handbook by Joseph Alton MD: Essential for medical preparedness when professional help might not be available.
* The Urban Prepper's Guide: How To Become Self-Sufficient And Prepared For The Next Crisis by Jim Cobb: Specifically addresses preparedness for those living in urban or suburban environments.
Small-Scale Farming
Small-scale farming in North America focuses on sustainable and often diversified approaches to food production.
* General Resources & Techniques:
* Sustainable Agriculture Organizations: Look for organizations like Nature United or Solidaridad Network (North America focus) that promote sustainable practices. While they may focus on larger agricultural systems, their principles often apply to smaller scales.
* https://www.natureunited.ca/what-we-do/our-priorities/sustainable-agriculture/
* https://www.solidaridadnetwork.org/region/north-america/
* Homesteading Websites and Blogs: Many homesteaders document their experiences and provide practical advice on various aspects of small-scale farming, from gardening to raising livestock.
* Homesteading Family: Offers insights into how much land is needed for food production and various homesteading income ideas.
* https://homesteadingfamily.com/how-much-land-is-needed-to-raise-a-years-worth-of-food/
* https://homesteadersofamerica.com/income-ideas-small-farm/
* Specific Techniques:
* Square Foot Gardening: A highly efficient method for maximizing yields in small spaces.
* Permaculture: Design principles for creating sustainable and self-sufficient agricultural ecosystems.
* No-Till Gardening: Practices that improve soil health and reduce erosion.
* Composting: Essential for enriching soil and managing organic waste.
* Rainwater Harvesting: Collecting and storing rainwater for irrigation.
* Season Extension: Using cold frames, hoop houses, or greenhouses to extend the growing season.
* Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Sustainable pest control methods.
* Recommended Books:
* The Encyclopedia of Country Living by Carla Emery: A classic and comprehensive guide to all aspects of homesteading, including gardening, livestock, food preservation, and more.
* All New Square Foot Gardening by Mel Bartholomew: The definitive guide to square foot gardening.
* Look for books on specific small-scale farming topics that interest you, such as raising chickens, beekeeping, or vegetable gardening for your specific North American climate zone.
Tips for Finding More Relevant Information:
* Local Resources: Check with your local agricultural extension office, community gardens, or farming organizations. They often have resources tailored to your specific region and climate.
* Workshops and Courses: Many organizations offer workshops on survival skills, food preservation, and small-scale farming.
* Online Forums and Communities: Join online communities dedicated to prepping, homesteading, or self-sufficiency. You can learn from experienced individuals and ask specific questions.
* YouTube Channels: Many homesteaders and survivalists share practical knowledge and tutorials on YouTube.
Remember that real-world application often comes from practice. Start small, learn basic skills, and gradually expand your knowledge and capabilities. Good luck with your research!
