2026 Workshop Descriptions
(growing list)
Basket Workshop with Eden Cornelius: Learn to craft a traditional ribbed egg basket using invasive wisteria vine in this hands-on Appalachian folk craft class. From shaping the hoop and handle to lashing a strong god’s eye and spiral weaving the body, you'll create a sturdy and beautiful basket while exploring sustainable harvest and use of wild materials. A blend of old-world technique and modern resourcefulness, this class is limited to 15 participants. Teens & adults (ages 12+). Pay-what-you-can materials fee: $15–30 (size dependent—Eden works hard to gather it!). Class by Eden Cornelius.
From Fleece to Fabric: Join us for an interactive class detailing the steps of hand processing fiber from a home flock and creating a textile. Hands-on activities will include sorting, carding, spinning on drop spindles, and tapestry weaving. Husbandry of fiber companions (including sheep, alpacas, angora goats and rabbits) will be discussed in addition to other related topics like shearing, washing, and dyeing according to interest. Materials fee $5-15
Plant and Mushroom Foraging Walk: Nature is abundant with food, medicine, and useful plant allies, yet many of the old ways of working with the land have been forgotten over time. This guided walk with Willow Oak offers an opportunity to reconnect with the natural world through hands-on learning, observation, and ecological awareness.
Together, participants will explore plant and mushroom identification, sustainable harvesting practices, seasonal wild foods, and methods for preparing edible and medicinal plants. The walk will also touch on the basics of botany, mycology, field herbalism, plant propagation, agroforestry principles, and temperate ecology. Along the way, students will gain practical knowledge while deepening their understanding of the living systems all around them.
Materials Fee: None ; Guided by Willow Oak
Honeybee Alchemy - This workshop is an immersive exploration of honeybees and their role in sustainable ecosystems. Discover bee behaviors, the art of beekeeping and experience various edible and medicinal hive products within the context of permaculture principles. Option to create your own hand-rolled beeswax candle to remember your journey into the fascinating world of honeybees and their contributions to sustainable living. Teens and Adults (12+) $5 materials fee. Class by Kypriana Daniels
Dueling Realities Discussion - Embracing the Beauties of Life while Preparing for the Worst
Turn on any screen, and you'll be confronted with a horror show. Violence, war, corruption, greed, predators lurking behind every corner... Turn off the screen and you see people, animals and plants living together in relative harmony, making small, incremental changes in themselves and the world around them. Ages 12+ No Materials Fee. Class by Iris Kirsch. Dining Pavilion
Herbs for Go Time - What herbal supports do you have in your emergency kit? Are they fresh enough to still be potent and effective? Have you covered your bases or gone overboard? Join Herbalist and Educator Iris Kirsch of InsideOut Wholeness for an exploration of some hard-hitting herbs that serve multiple purposes to keep you and your family healthy, safe, calm and nourished in an emergency situation. Ages 12+ Class by Iris Kirsch.
Storytime and Nature Adventure- Reconnect with Nature! Join author Kypriana Daniels for foraging storytime. She will read her book, Spring Forage! (or Autumn Forage!) then children will take part in an interactive game inspired by the book. They will then set off on a nature adventure, exploring a range of wild plants, trees and mushrooms learning about their edible, medicinal, and practical applications. This class will also touch on outdoor/foraging safety and lost proofing. Children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult during this workshop. Class by Kypriana Daniels
Sweat Lodge Ceremony- Participate in a traditional sweat lodge ceremony, an experience that promotes physical detoxification and spiritual rejuvenation. Learn about the rituals involved and the significance of this sacred practice in fostering community and personal growth. Donations Accepted. Ceremony by Sweat Lodge Team
Fire Building 102: Take your fire skills to the next level as you walk the land to identify the best natural materials for fuel and kindling. Learn how to build efficient, reliable fires in a variety of conditions, including strategies for damp environments, and put your skills to the test with the fast-paced “one match fire” challenge. A practical and engaging class for anyone ready to deepen their connection to this essential skill. Teens & adults (ages 12+). No materials fee. Class by Eden Cornelius.
Dual Extract Tinctures: Many medicinal mushrooms and herbs contain both water-soluble and alcohol-soluble compounds, making dual extraction an important technique for creating more complete and effective remedies. In this workshop, Colleen Killduff will guide participants through the process of making dual extract tinctures using traditional herbal methods.
Students will learn the differences between water and alcohol extraction, how to work with medicinal mushrooms and herbs safely, proper ratios and preparation techniques, and how to combine extracts for long-term use and storage. This class is ideal for those interested in herbal medicine, home apothecary skills, and creating potent plant-based remedies. Materials Fee: $10;Taught by Colleen Killduff
Salve Making : Herbal salves are a simple and time-honored way to preserve and apply the healing properties of plants for everyday use. In this hands-on workshop, Colleen Killduff will teach participants how to create nourishing herbal salves using infused oils, beeswax, and medicinal herbs.
The class will cover the basics of selecting herbs, preparing infused oils, working with waxes and natural ingredients, and crafting salves for skincare, first aid, and seasonal wellness. Participants will leave with practical knowledge they can continue using at home to create their own herbal preparations. Materials Fee: $10 ;Taught by Colleen Killduff
Hand-Dipped Candles: Before modern manufacturing, candle dipping was a practical household skill passed down through generations. In this hands-on workshop, Julie Biedryzcki will guide participants through the traditional process of creating hand-dipped candles using simple tools and time-honored techniques.
Students will learn about different waxes, wick preparation, dipping methods, and the rhythm and patience involved in building beautiful taper candles layer by layer. Alongside the practical skills, the class offers a chance to slow down, work with the hands, and reconnect with a traditional craft that has long brought warmth and light into the home. Julie Biedryzcki. Materials Fee: $5-15 depending on project size.