Eastern Cascades Ethnobotany Intensive

Join us for an immersive weekend in the stunning Eastern Cascades, where we’ll dive deep into the world of ethnobotany and foraging. This intensive will focus on the plants and ecological systems unique to this region, offering hands-on learning experiences in plant identification, sustainable harvesting, and traditional uses. Explore the natural landscape while connecting with the cultural significance of local plants, and gain valuable skills for herbal medicine and practical wilderness survival. This overnight campout will provide both field instruction and camping techniques, creating a truly immersive foraging adventure.

Whether you’re a seasoned forager or just starting out, this weekend will deepen your connection to the land and its resources while providing a foundation for sustainable and respectful foraging practices. Group dinner will be provided—bring your gear and prepare for an educational camping experience!

Dates: Saturday, June 7, - Sunday, June 8, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM, Saturday - 2:00 PM ,Sunday
Location: Methow Valley, WA ( Within 1 hour of Winthrop)

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 recieve 10% off our overnight ethnobotany intensives including our 3-Day Backpacking Ethnonbotany course.

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

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.

• 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

• 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.

Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Winthrop.