Shane Holmes is the founder of the Adirondack Primitive Skills Group (APSG), a community-driven initiative dedicated to preserving and practicing ancient wilderness crafts and traditional survival techniques. Shane’s passion for primitive skills was sparked during his youth, spent roaming the foothills of the Adirondacks fishing, hunting, trekking, and foraging—developing a profound respect for nature and self-reliance. After graduating high school, Shane enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Infantry, where he served six years on active duty. Following his military service, he pursued studies in biology and ecology while continuing to serve in the New York Army National Guard, including a combat deployment to Iraq. Now based in Long Lake, in the heart of the Adirondack Park, Shane has spent the last two decades immersed in the region’s vast wilderness—hiking its peaks, paddling its waterways, and exploring its backcountry. He is a Licensed New York State Outdoor Guide, a Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide, and a Cornell University Certified Master Naturalist, credentials that reflect his deep commitment to environmental education, stewardship, and wellness in the wild. Alongside his wife Doree and their loyal dog Colvin, Shane leads APSG with a mission to reconnect people with the natural world. Through hands-on education, immersive experiences, and community engagement, he empowers others to rediscover the time-honored traditions that helped our ancestors thrive in harmony with nature.