Calling all earth skills enthusiasts, lovers of nature, and curious learners! Join us for our free, inclusive, and engaging monthly Wilderness on Tap series, where we'll come together to celebrate our deep connection with nature, learn, and connect with like-minded individuals. Each month will feature a different theme, skill, or topic and some form of group discussion.
January’s topic of discussion: Edible Mushroom Foraging
Mycophiles assemble! January’s theme is all about where, when, and how to identify and forage wild edible mushrooms in the Pacific Northwest. We’ll cover the top mushrooms you’ll find in each season, associated tree species, and how on earth to distinguish this from that. Bring your questions because our group discussion is a Q&A with Matt about anything and everything mushrooms.
Who’s Presenting this month?
This month, we are excited to bring back our co-founder, Matt Hale, who is a mushroom foraging expert originally from the Skykomish Valley of Washington. Matt spent his youth obsessing over mushrooms and turned his favorite passtime into a career teaching mushroom cultivation, foraging, and identification courses in the Pacific Northwest. After graduating from Alderleaf Wilderness College with certifications in permaculture design and wildlife track and sign, Matt owned a farm and forage business in Sedro-Woolley for three years where, in addition to farming small livestock and organic vegetables, he provided wild edible foods to local chefs and farmers markets. You can learn more about Matt on our Guides page and even schedule 1:1 Mentorship in a variety of topics spanning wilderness survival, foraging, and wildlife tracking.
EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Farmstrong Brewing Co + Taproom
Meeting Point: In the larger enclosed room across from the bar
Registration Fee: Free
Intentions for our time together:
Skill share: The skill share portion of our evening is short but rich. We do a presentation of a skill or topic for approximately thirty minutes. If you have suggestions for future skills to share, topics to discuss, or guest speakers who might be interested in presenting, please send us a message.
Group Discussion: Engage in meaningful conversation and share your thoughts, experiences, and insights related to a monthly theme or question. This format may be a facilitated council (talking circle), open Q&A, or general group discussion depending on the evening’s intentions.
Networking and Building Connections: Connect with new people in the community, share stories, witness and be witnessed in a group of people who feel a calling to join a new network of rewilding enthusiasts. This gathering is an opportunity to strengthen the Skagit County earth skills community, meet new people, and deepen relationships with yourself and others.
Agenda for the Evening
6:00pm - Arrival & Settling In
6:15pm - Welcome + Introduction
6:30pm - Skill or Educational Presentation
Theme: Edible Mushroom Foraging in the Pacific Northwest
7:00pm - Bio + Refill Break
7:10pm - Group Discussion
Q&A with Matthew Hale, co-founder of Rainwalk Rewild
7:40pm - Closing + Upcoming Workshops
7:45pm - Cleanup / Goodbyes
8:00pm - Taproom closes
Who Should Attend
Earth skills enthusiasts (or those who are curious)
Nature lovers, outdoor adventurers, bird watchers, and dog walkers
Farmers, foragers, permaculturists, gardeners, and herbalists
Families and kids (all ages welcome)
Curious individuals eager to learn and connect
What to Bring:
Enthusiasm, questions, and a sense of community
Friends, family, or loved ones who might be interested (or not!)
Additional Information:
This gathering is an informal, family-friendly event open to all who are passionate about earth skills, rewilding, and our profound connection to the natural world. Whether you're an expert or just beginning your journey, this event is a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in a supportive community of like-minded individuals. Share, learn, and grow together.
This is a free event, but you can register on Eventbrite.
Registration helps us know what the attendance will be and better prepare our host, venue, and speaker for the event.
If you wish to join our mailing list for future event invites, you can RSVP and sign up by filling out the form below.