Join Us for Northwoods Nature Fest!

Join us for an unforgettable day of herbal knowledge, natural beauty, community and connection in the heart of Northern Michigan.

This immersive event includes expert-led workshops, a plant walk, and a tasting and lesson on ancestral foods of our region.

Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 8am - 5pm

Lost Tamarack Lodge - 11848 Warren Rd., Wolverine, MI (look for the brick house, park near the barn or along the road)

❖ Join us just for the day, or stay and camp on the land for free all weekend!

Matthew Wood ~ Internationally renowned speaker, author, and herbalist
jim mcdonald ~ A beloved figure in the Michigan and Midwest herbal community
Sam Anglin ~ Indigenous chef and storyteller
Nathan Wright ~ Indigenous herbalist and sustainability advocate

Friday, May 30 :

Those camping all weekend are welcome to set up after 3pm at Lost Tamarack Lodge

Saturday, May 31 :

Class 1 : 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Matthew Wood

Learn from an internationally renowned herbalist in this rare opportunity to attend one of his events

Class 2 : 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
jim mcdonald

Discover the heart of Michigan’s herbal community with jim mcdonald, a cherished expert in the field

Class 3 & Lunch Break : 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Indigenous Chef Sam Anglin

Join us for a special lunch with Sam, an Indigenous chef, as he shares the rich history and spirit of ancestral foods. Chef Sam will highlight Manoomin (wild rice), Madaamin (corn), and the Three Sisters, weaving stories of their cultural significance.

Chef Sam’s menu will feature ~

Tamarack Tea infused with maple
Tossed Salad with a choice of Maple Strawberry Vinaigrette or Sumac Vinaigrette
Manoomin Three Sisters Salad with a Maple Sage Dressing
Manoomin Three Sisters Casserole featuring grass-fed bison and stinging nettles
Manoomin Sweet Treat with fresh berries, maple syrup, and sunflower seeds

This is more than a meal—it’s a celebration of tradition, sustainability, and flavors of the land by one of Michigan’s most renowned Indigenous Chefs!

Class 4 : 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Nathan Wright

Dive into herbalism, mushrooms, and permaculture with Nathan Wright, an Indigenous herbalist dedicated to sustainability and caring for Mother Earth.

Plant Walk : 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Join Matthew Wood, Jim McDonald, Sam Anglin, and Nathan Wright for a one-of-a-kind guided plant walk. Experience a blend of knowledge, storytelling, and immersion in nature.

Downtown Indian River : 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

La Casa De Rosas, Northland Brewing Co & Market Mercado
3798 S Straits Hwy, Indian River, MI

Caravan to one of Northern Michigan’s hottest hubs! Enjoy the "Nature Fest" taco made with Lion's Mane mushrooms, and a host of other delicious choices on their, vegetarian, vegan and gluten free friendly menu. Pair it with a craft beer, seltzer, or cider at the Brewery if you desire!

❖ Note : Food and drinks are self-pay and not included in the event cost.

Sunday, June 1

Checkout time for those camping at Lost Tamarack is 3pm.

$65 per person
$120 per couple

Spaces are limited so reserve your spot today!

Interested in becoming a vendor, or volunteer this year? Inspired to teach at next year’s event? We would LOVE to hear from you ❤︎

With the support of our community, we can make this little herb gathering thrive and grow!

To learn more please send an email to : bm9ydGh3b29kc25hdHVyZWZlc3QgfCBnbWFpbCAhIGNvbQ==

We look forward to seeing new faces and returning guests at Northwoods Nature Fest!

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❖ Sam Anglin

Indigenous Chef - Consultant - Recovery Advocate

Sam Anglin, an Indigenous chef from the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe (SCIT) of Michigan, is a consultant, mentor, and recovery advocate with over 20 years of dedicated community service. Deeply rooted in ancestral knowledge, Sam combines traditional food practices and modern techniques to heal the mind, body, and spirit, honoring his heritage while promoting wellness.His culinary and professional path includes graduation from culinary school, participation in Indigenous food summits, and roles such as Banquet Chef at Soaring Eagle Casino, Market Master for the Tribal Farmers Market, and Traditional Food Educator at Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College. He is also the owner of Samuel Anglin Indigenous Chef and Consultant, where he empowers communities to reconnect with traditional foodways, focusing on recovery and cultural restoration.Sam’s work reflects his passion for resilience, food sovereignty, and the revitalization of Indigenous traditions. He continues to uplift communities and celebrate the heritage of his people, one meaningful meal at a time. Miigwetch!

❖ jim mcdonald
Community Herbalist - Educator - Wildcrafter

Jim McDonald’s herbalism journey began in 1994 when a simple sip of wild tea changed his life forever. Rooted in the woods and meadows of Southeast Michigan, Jim has dedicated his life to studying the plants and ecosystems of his home. His herbal practice combines traditional European folk influences with 19th-century eclectic and physiomedical vitalism, which he shares through storytelling, humor, and practical wisdom.A passionate teacher, Jim has offered his knowledge to students across North America. His work focuses on reconnecting people to the land through the virtues and stories of plants. A prolific writer, he is currently working on Foundational Herbcraft and A Great Lakes Herbal, in addition to publishing articles in various journals.Beyond teaching, Jim is a skilled wildcrafter and medicine maker, drawing his deepest insights from his greatest teachers of herbcraft: the plants themselves. He inspires others to learn from nature and reconnect with its healing potential.Learn more about Jim’s teachings, workshops, and writings at his website, Herbcraft: https://www.herbcraft.org/about.html

❖ Matthew Wood, MS
Herbalist - Author - Educator

With over 40 years of experience, Matthew Wood is a practicing herbalist, internationally renowned teacher, and prolific author. His impressive body of work includes more than ten books, such as The Book of Herbal Wisdom, The Earthwise Herbals, and Holistic Medicine and the Extracellular Matrix. Matthew earned his MSc in herbal medicine from the Scottish School of Herbal Medicine, accredited by the University of Wales, and has since committed his life to spreading the wisdom of traditional medicine.Based in the Midwest, Matthew’s practice blends science with the time-honored traditions of herbalism. He has inspired countless students and practitioners with his ability to communicate the connection between plants, people, and health. His writings and teachings continue to shape the field of herbalism on a global scale, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come.Discover Matthew Wood’s extensive collection of books on herbal wisdom available on Amazon. For courses and more in-depth learning, visit the Matthew Wood Institute of Herbalism, where his teachings continue to educate and inspire new generations of herbalists.

❖ Nathan Wright
Indigenous Herbalist - Sustainability Advocate - Mushroom Expert

Nathan Wright, Giizus Su Win en eh, is an Indigenous herbalist and descendant of medicine people, carrying forward ancestral plant medicine traditions. He is the founder of Herbal Lodge, a Native American and veteran-owned business specializing in natural pain relief products and medicinal teas made from wild-harvested herbs and mushrooms.A certified mushroom expert and advocate for sustainability, Nathan is a sought-after speaker on Indigenous herbalism, mycology, permaculture, and food sovereignty. He serves on the board of United Plant Savers and has worked with the Intertribal Agriculture Council for over a decade. His business was the first Indigenous enterprise registered with IAC east of the Mississippi, paving the way for other Indigenous agricultural businesses.Nathan’s advocacy extends beyond herbalism. He organized one of the largest water protector events in Mackinaw City, promoting environmental conservation. Based in Petoskey, Michigan, he continues to expand his permaculture food forest while sharing his expertise through online classes and videos. His teachings and sustainable practices demonstrate a deep respect for nature and ancestral knowledge. Learn more at www.herballodge.com.

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Mission Statement for MackinawOde (Event Cordinator) :

At MackinawOde, we are an Indigenous-led collective committed to promoting environmental stewardship and preserving cultural heritage. Our mission involves fostering a deep connection with the land through education and sustainable practices. We aim to educate and empower communities in several key areas: herbalism, permaculture, Land Back initiatives, sustainability, mycology, decolonization, food forest development, and Indigenous teachings.We prioritize Indigenous knowledge systems and seek to revive traditional ecological practices such as herbalism and permaculture. By studying mycology, we highlight the crucial role fungi play in maintaining healthy ecosystems, thereby enhancing environmental resilience. Our Land Back initiatives focus on restoring autonomy over ancestral lands, promoting stewardship and sustainability.MackinawOde is dedicated to cultivating a harmonious relationship with nature and acting as allies to existing communities, ensuring ecological balance and respect for future generations. We are guided by the principles of the 8th generation, rooted in Anishinabek Teachings.

Step into the heart of Northern Michigan for a day of learning, exploration, and connection at Northwoods Nature Fest. This immersive event blends expert-led workshops, breathtaking nature walks, and the chance to reflect on the resilience of our environment following the recent Michigan ice storm.

Also check out other Festivals in Wolverine, Workshops in Wolverine, Food & Drink events in Wolverine.