Erich (he/him) was born in what is colonially known as Edmonton, Alberta (Nehiyaw, Denesuliné, Salteaux, Nakota Sioux, Niitsitapi, and Métis ancestral lands) to a Scottish/Swedish mother and German/Polish father, and raised partially on Vancouver Island (Halalt ancestral lands) and South Surrey, BC (Semiahmoo ancestral lands). He has a special connection with the Salish Sea and holds it and its creatures in high regard. 

A natural-born naturalist, Erich has spent his entire life with his hands in the soil and his nose in any plant (and book!) he can find. His extensive knowledge of local flora and fauna, curiosity, patience, and gentle heart has led him to be a nature school mentor for over 5 years with Soaring Eagle Nature School and now Thriving Roots Wilderness School.  

With an interest in ancestral skills and survival, Erich ventured to the mountains of Utah with the globally acclaimed Boulder Outdoor Survival School for their 14 day Field Expedition experience. There he learned and sharpened skills such as hunting, navigation, shelter making, tool crafting, foraging, weather prediction, firemaking, and so much more. He used these skills on a 6 month journey across Aotearoa (New Zealand) in 2023/2024. Prior to the B.O.S.S. he trekked through the Atacama Desert in Chile, and throughout Spain, Oregon, California, Washington, British Columbia, and Alberta. Wood carving, astronomy, meditation, and medicine making are also passions of his. 

Guiding children along their connection with the earth through this field of work has been more than fulfilling for Erich. It is more important than ever to empower our futures to be in relationship with the land, the sea, the stars, and each other. With a confident, honest, holistic, collaborative, and passionate approach to mentoring, he is honoured to be a part of many journeys and to enter new ones with Thriving Roots. ”