Discover the Wonders of the Pacific Northwest’s Flora and Ecology
Join us for a series of beginner-friendly, slow-paced plant walks designed to connect you with the vibrant world of plants and fungi in Northwestern Washington state. These walks are led by experienced guides who will share their knowledge of botany, plant identification, foraging, ethnobotany, fungal relationships, and local ecology. Each session is tailored to the unique characteristics of the season, offering a deeper understanding of the natural world around us.
Dates & Times: Dates and times vary (see below)
Location: Locations vary (generally within 30 minutes - 1 hour of Mount Vernon, WA)
Trail Difficulty: Easy to moderate hiking trails, suitable for beginners.
Class size: These class sizes are intentionally small (up to 8 people).
Come Learn about Plants with us!
Registration is $25-40 per person.
Dates & General THemes
January 25 | 12 PM - 2:30 PM
Winter “Stick and Twig” ID
Learn to identify trees and shrubs in their dormant state by studying their twigs, buds, and bark. We’ll also cover important fungal relationships, ethnobotanical foraging during winter, and basic botany for beginners!
February 16 | 12 PM - 2:30 PM
Riverside Ecology & Ethnobotany
Explore riverside habitats, uncovering the unique plants that thrive there and their traditional uses in food, medicine, and craft.
March 23 | 12 PM - 2:30 PM
Edible Spring Greens & Early Spring Plants
Discover the first greens of spring and learn how to forage them responsibly, including tips for identifying and preparing edible plants.
April 20 | 12 PM - 2:30 PM
Spring Foraging and Ethnobotany
Dive deeper into spring foraging as we identify a wider range of plants and discuss their roles in local ecosystems and human traditions.
Field Course Details
No prior experience with botany or hiking is necessary—our instructors will guide the way.
What to Expect
A welcoming and inclusive environment for plant enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Expert instruction on plant identification, ecological insights, and foraging tips.
Opportunities to ask questions and engage with fellow nature lovers.
Hands-on experience and guidance in identifying plants, their ethnobotanical uses, and understanding their roles in the ecosystem.
What to Bring
To make the most of your Winter Ethnobotany Class experience, please bring the following items:
Notebook and pen for taking notes. Using a phone or camera to take photos is also great!
Weather-appropriate clothing (layers, sturdy shoes, rain gear, etc.) for the plant walk.
Packed snacks and water bottle to stay nourished and hydrated along the way.
Trail Conditions
These hikes are short, slow-paced, and suitable for most age groups.
We will venture out rain or shine.
Trails may be uneven, unpaved, and moderately steep.
Most of our hikes are at a snail’s pace with LOTS of stops to talk about what we find.
Some trailheads may be a little way out of town, down a dirt road, and require a Discover Pass or day-use pass.
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 a Guided Plant Walk
Registration is $25-35 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, most of our classes have multiple tiers to choose from at checkout.
Please Contact Us directly if you have questions about our Sliding Scale Pricing or other opportunities to make our classes more accessible for you.