Join us for a hands-on journey into the world of winter ethnobotany! As the cold months stretch on, the land around us offers abundant resources for boosting immunity and supporting our health. This workshop will guide you through the process of creating nourishing salves, soothing syrups, and revitalizing teas, all using wild-harvested and locally sourced ingredients.
Dates: Saturday and Sunday, June 7 - 8, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM Saturday - 2:00 PM Sunday
Location: Within 1 hour of Winthrop, WA in the Methow Valley
This is an optional outing for our Foraging Apprenticeship students; however, all are welcome to join. If you are a current or former apprentice, you will receive 10% off of this intensive or our 3-Day Backpacking Ethnobotany Intensive course.
Join us for an Overnight Ethnobotany Intensive
Registration is $299 per person.
Schedule
Saturday:
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM - Arrival & Camp Setup
Check-in, set up camp, tents, and communal areas
Brief orientation and safety reminders
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Welcome & Introduction
Group circle: introductions, setting intentions for the weekend
Overview of the schedule and the theme of ethnobotany
Introduction to plants and ecosystems we'll explore
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM - Lunch Break
Bring your own lunch
Casual time for participants to relax and reflect
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM - Plant Walk & Foraging Hike
Guided walk through the Eastern Cascades to identify edible and medicinal plants
Discussion on plant uses, ecology, and harvesting techniques
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM - Craft Time & Plant Uses
Hands-on crafting with wild plants
Explore the cultural and practical uses of the plants found on the hike
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM - Group Dinner & Campfire Discussion
Group dinner (provided)
Campfire discussion about the day's experiences, plant uses, and sustainability
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Optional Evening Activity
Stargazing, quiet walks, or evening foraging (optional)
Sunday:
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM - Optional Dreamwork Session
Begin the day with a reflective dreamwork session, exploring insights and connections to nature
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM - Morning Plant Walk / Foraging Hike
Another walk to explore morning light and the changing properties of plants
Continue identification, foraging, and discussion of plants found
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Individual Plant Studies or Crafts
Continue crafting with plants or take time to explore, study, or journal with guidance
Opportunity to work on plant-based projects and skills
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM - Group Reflection & Sharing
Closing circle to reflect on the weekend's learnings and experiences
Discuss how to incorporate foraging practices into daily life
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM - Camp Breakdown & Packing
Pack up camp, clean the site, and say goodbyes
2:00 PM - Departure
What to Expect
Join us for a weekend immersion in the stunning Eastern Cascades, where you'll explore the fascinating world of ethnobotany and foraging. Expect a hands-on experience as we identify edible, medicinal, and utilitarian plants, and learn about their traditional uses in the wild. Throughout the weekend, you'll enjoy guided plant walks, foraging hikes, and time for crafting with wild plants, while connecting with the cultural and ecological significance of the land.
You'll also have the opportunity to engage in reflective dreamwork, deepen your understanding of sustainable harvesting, and enjoy a communal group dinner around the campfire. This intensive is designed to help you build practical skills, connect with the natural world, and leave with valuable knowledge to apply in your own foraging journey. Whether you're new to foraging or looking to expand your knowledge, this experience will leave you inspired and grounded in nature.
What to Bring:
Camping Gear: Tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping mat
Clothing: Weather-appropriate clothing for outdoor activities (layers are recommended)
Footwear: Comfortable shoes for hiking and outdoor exploration
Personal Items: Water bottle, personal snacks, hygiene needs, and any personal foraging tools (e.g., gloves, harvest bags)
Notebook: A journal for reflection and note-taking (optional)
Meals: Bring your own lunch breakfast and lunches, plus snacks as needed
Optional: Camera or binoculars for wildlife observation, any favorite outdoor gear for comfort, art supplies, musical instruments, ceremonial tools, etc.
DO NOT BRING: Alcohol or illicit drugs as this is an intentional learning environment, not a party
What is Provided:
Meals: Group dinner on Saturday evening
Accommodations: Campsite with shared spaces (bring your own camping gear)
Instruction: Expert-led plant identification walks, foraging hikes, and hands-on crafting activities
Materials: Access to all necessary materials for crafting with wild plants and creating herbal remedies
We’ve designed this intensive to be a fully immersive experience with everything you need to explore the world of ethnobotany in the wild! Just bring your gear, your curiosity, and a readiness for adventure.
Meet Your Guides
Matt Hale is a mycologist and naturalist from the Skykomish Valley of Washington State. His lifelong passion for wilderness, plants, and fungi led him to studying at Alderleaf Wilderness College where he graduated in 2015 with Permaculture Design and CyberTracker Level II certificates. Over the last 10 years, in addition to teaching wilderness skills to youth and guiding wilderness therapy trips, Matt owned and operated a farm and forage business in Sedro-Woolley.
Ansley Roberts is an Appalachian-born, desert-grown kid with more tree sap running through her veins than blood. She apprenticed with Ariella Daly of Honey Bee Wild in beekeeping, dreamwork, and goddess study as well as in wilderness ceremonial leadership with Cascadia Quest. As a trained herbalist, wilderness rites of passage guide, and dreamtender, Ansley has the great honor and joy of leading others to their belonging on this earth and to the stories in their bones.
Join us for an Overnight Ethnobotany Intensive
Registration is $299 per person.
Nature education should be available to all people regardless of financial status. If finances are a deterrent and you feel called to join us, please Contact Us directly about our Sliding Scale Pricing or other opportunities to make our classes more accessible for you.