Pacific Northwest Foraging APprenticeship

Join us on an exciting journey through the bountiful landscapes of the North Cascades with our five-month Summer and Fall Foraging Apprenticeship Series. Starting in July and concluding in November, this series offers a unique opportunity to delve into the world of wild plants and mushrooms. Participants will learn how to identify, harvest, and prepare various ethnobotanical species while immersing themselves in the beauty of the changing seasons. Explore the rich diversity of flora and fungi that the North Cascades have to offer and deepen your connection to the natural world through hands-on learning and expert guidance.

Become the Forager’s APprentice

Forage throughout the year

The 2025 Foraging Apprenticeship at Rainwalk Rewild is designed to provide participants with in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in foraging practices specific to the Pacific Northwest. Over the course of four months, participants will delve into various foraging skills essential for sustainable living in the region.

The program is structured around seasonal changes in different ecosystems around Washington state. Through a combination of workshops, field trips, and practical sessions, participants will learn to identify, harvest, process, and utilize a diverse range of wild foods and medicinal plants. By the end of the apprenticeship, participants will have developed a deep understanding of the local ecosystem, honed their foraging skills, and gained the confidence to incorporate foraged ingredients into their daily lives.

Our Foraging Apprenticeship Registration opens soon.

Join the waitlist for our 2025 Foraging Apprenticeship!

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Learning Objectives

  • Plant and mushroom identification skills are crucial for foragers as they enable accurate species recognition, ensuring safe and responsible harvesting practices.

  • Ethical harvesting practices not only preserve plant and fungal populations but also honor ancestral knowledge systems and maintain ecological balance.

  • By practicing ancestral skills related to foraging, participants not only reconnect with traditional methods of sustenance but also preserve cultural heritage and foster a sense of continuity with the past.

  • These activities collectively cultivate a sense of resilience by empowering individuals to sustainably utilize natural resources while fostering a deep connection to nature and their bioregion.

  • Promoting stewardship and fostering a harmonious relationship with the environment are essential for cultivating a sustainable future and preserving the natural world for generations to come.

2025

Foraging Apprenticeship

Join a small, intimate group of 12 participants in our 10-month Foraging Apprenticeship, designed to deepen your knowledge of plants, mushrooms, and ecological relationships in the wilds of Washington. Our sessions take place on the 4th Saturday of every month, with each outing exploring a different location across the state. You'll gain hands-on experience in plant and mushroom identification, sustainable harvesting, and traditional uses.

Program Details

  • Dates: February - November, 2025

  • Time: 10 AM – 4 PM

  • Cost:

    • $999 per person (without overnights)

    • $1999 including both overnight options

  • Location: Different ecosystems around Washington (with optional overnight outings in June and July)

  • Limited spots: Only 12 participants to ensure personalized instruction and a supportive group setting.

Optional Outings:

  • June 7-8: Eastern Cascades Ecology & Foraging Overnight Campout – $299

  • July 25-27: High Elevation Ethnobotany 3-Day Backpacking Trip– $799-999 (sliding scale)

  • Note: Save $300 if you register for both of the June and July outings as part of your foraging apprenticeship.

Dates & Focuses

  • Explore the riverside ecosystems of the North Cascades and learn about the survival strategies of winter plants. Focus on cottonwoods and other species that thrive in cold months, and discover the many ways these plants have been used traditionally for food, medicine, and materials.

  • Venture into the forest to discover the first signs of spring, with a special focus on nettles and bitter plants. Learn about their powerful health benefits, ethical harvesting techniques, and the rich ecology of early spring in the forest.

  • Visit old-growth forests in the spring to witness the delicate beauty of maple blossoms and other early-season plants. Learn to identify the unique characteristics of these plants and understand their cultural and ecological significance in the Pacific Northwest.

  • Explore the diverse rose family, including the delicious and medicinal salmonberries, with the possibility for spring mushrooms. This session will focus on the delicate balance between plants and fungi and how they work together in the springtime ecosystem.

  • Head out for an overnight campout in the Eastern Cascades to experience a completely different ecology. This weekend foraging trip offers hands-on learning in identifying plants, mushrooms, and medicinal herbs in this unique environment, all while camping under the stars.

  • Embark on a 3-day backpacking trip to the high elevations of the North Cascades, where you'll forage for high-altitude plants and learn about their ethnobotanical uses. This immersive experience combines hiking, foraging, and overnight camping, with meals provided.

  • Late summer brings a bounty of wild fruits and berries. Spend the day identifying and harvesting delicious and nutritious summer fruits, learning their medicinal properties and how to incorporate them into your diet and wellness practices.

  • Explore plants used for their fibers and dyes, learning about their traditional uses in crafting and art. In addition, you'll discover early-season mushrooms, with a focus on identification, sustainability, and culinary uses.

  • This hands-on mushroom foray will focus on foraging and identifying edible and medicinal mushrooms in the wild. Learn how to properly harvest and prepare mushrooms and gain a deeper understanding of their ecological roles in the forest.

  • On this final outing, explore high-elevation mushrooms and root plants, preparing for the winter months. As the apprenticeship concludes, reflect on your journey, share insights, and celebrate the knowledge gained over the past 10 months.

Become the Forager's Apprentice

Become the Forager's Apprentice

Why Choose Rainwalk Rewild?

At Rainwalk Rewild, we offer a compelling foraging apprenticeship program that stands out for its unique blend of nature connection, sustainability principles, and mindful learning experiences. Participants are immersed in a journey of reconnection with the natural world, focusing on essential foraging skills including plant and mushroom identification, ethical harvesting and preparation techniques, and establishing a sense of resiliency and creativity within our Pacific Northwest bioregion.

Choosing to join our apprenticeship not only equips you with practical knowledge but also nurtures personal growth and a strong sense of community among participants who share a passion for foraging. Whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a curious beginner, Rainwalk Rewild provides an inclusive space for individuals of all experience levels to deepen their understanding of the natural world.

Meet the Guides

Our co-founders, Matt and Ansley, have each been teaching outdoor education for 10 years. Their leadership experience spans wilderness survival, ecotherapy, outdoor adventure, and nature connection. They are thrilled to bring their expertise and passion to Rainwalk Rewild’s foraging apprenticeship.

Join the Waitlist for 2025

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Join the Waitlist for 2025 〰️

Please opt-in for news and updates; otherwise, we cannot reach out to you via email. You can always unsubscribe later.