First, find a site that already feels alive. I always look for a gentle slope with plenty of shade from the tallest trees, so the moss can thrive without dry wind. I scan for streams or small ravines because water will bring insects and small critters. Once I pick a spot, I map out the topography with a simple paper grid – I love that old-school, tactile approach. Next comes material gathering. I collect bark from fallen branches that are already soft, because fresh bark cracks too much and creates gaps in the wall. For moss, I gently shake a large, dense patch from the forest floor and then spread it over the base. I let it sit for a few days so the fibers bind together. If I’m unlucky and the moss dries out, I’ll spray a mist from a nearby spring until it feels damp again. When building the structure, I stack the bark horizontally, each layer slightly offset from the one below. That way, if rain runs over, the water runs off in channels, not down the walls. I fill any gaps with more moss, letting it compress naturally – no glue or synthetic stuff. I leave a few gaps intentionally, like small moss tunnels, to let insects wander in. That’s where the resource traps come in. The traps are built into the moss corridors. I lay out a simple pitfall with a wooden frame and a tarp that’s thin enough for small prey to slip through. I line it with more moss to hide the edges. For a fish trap, I use a shallow pit with a willow net, just enough to catch a trout that comes to sip at the water. I place these traps in spots where the natural water flow slows, because that’s where the fish usually rest. I also plant small berry bushes near the traps. When the berries ripen, the animals will come, and the traps get their purpose. Finally, I set up a small observation point with a thick branch and a moss cushion. From there, I watch the ecosystem develop. If I see a problem, like a water leak or a predator approaching, I patch it with extra bark or a new layer of moss. It’s all about living in harmony, not building a fortress. That’s my process – methodical, cautious, and always in tune with the surrounding life.

I hear you, but I’ve learned to treat the moss like a living roof, not a fragile one. I plant extra moss in the corners and overhangs so when the sun hits, it stays damp. And I always keep a few spare bark strips hidden under the base, just in case a layer needs a quick patch. That way the shelter stays solid, but I never really need to turn it into a swamp.