As the earth reawakens in spring, so does our need to refresh and nourish our bodies. This hands-on ethnobotany workshop explores the abundance of wild spring greens and bitter herbs—nature’s perfect allies for digestive health, liver support, and overall vitality. Together, we’ll embark on a guided plant walk to identify and ethically harvest seasonal edibles while deepening our connection to the land.
Through interactive medicine-making, you’ll craft your own custom digestive bitters to support gut health, learn the art of brewing kombucha, and create recipes with spring greens to revitalize your system. Whether you’re new to herbalism or expanding your skills, this class offers an opportunity to align with springtime rhythm and bring the healing power of plants into your daily life. Come ready to taste, craft, and celebrate the season’s renewal!
Dates: Saturday, April 19, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: Tyee Arts & Education Center, Mount Vernon, WA
Join us for an Spring Ethnobotany Workshop
We are offering a sliding scale fee for this workshop.
Registration is $60-99 per person.
Schedule
10:00 – 10:15 AM
Welcome & Introduction
Settle in and meet your fellow participants.
Overview of the day’s schedule and learning objectives.
10:15 – 11:45 AM
Plant Walk: Foraging Early Spring Greens & Bitters
Guided walk to identify and ethically harvest wild spring greens and bitter herbs.
Discussion of their medicinal and culinary uses.
Sustainable foraging practices and seasonal plant energetics.
11:45 AM – 12:15 PM
Lunch Break
Enjoy your packed lunch and connect with others.
Herbal tea provided.
12:15 – 1:15 PM
Kombucha Brewing & Wild Infusions
Learn the basics of kombucha fermentation and making wild sodas.
1:15 – 2:00 PM
Crafting Custom Digestive Bitters
Discuss the role of bitters in digestion and overall wellness and create your own blend to take home.
2:00 – 2:45 PM
Incorporating Spring Greens into Your Life
Explore recipes and infusions for detoxification and nourishment.
2:45 – 3:00 PM
Closing Circle & Q&A
Share reflections and ask final questions.
Receive resources, recipes, and inspiration to continue working with spring herbs at home.
What to Expect
Our Spring Ethnobotany Class is a hands-on, immersive experience designed to reconnect you with the land and the seasonal gifts of spring. Through guided foraging, herbal crafting, and fermentation, you'll gain practical skills and deepen your understanding of the plants that support digestion, detoxification, and vitality. Here’s what you can look forward to:
A Guided Foraging Experience
Step outside and explore the fresh abundance of early spring greens, edible weeds, and bitter herbs.
Learn to identify, harvest, and use seasonal plants that have been valued for generations.
Gain insight into sustainable and ethical foraging practices.
Hands-On Medicine Making
Craft your own custom digestive bitters to support gut health and overall well-being.
Learn to brew kombucha and wild sodas using wild-harvested and locally sourced ingredients.
Discover spring recipes with nutrient-dense greens to nourish and revitalize the body.
A Supportive and Engaging Environment
No prior experience needed—this class is welcoming to all skill levels, whether you’re new to herbalism or expanding your practice.
Work alongside a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about plants, health, and nature connection.
Enjoy a day of learning, tasting, and crafting while soaking in the beauty of the season.
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 Spring Ethnobotany Workshop
Registration is $60-99 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.