Family Programs

Food and medicine are growing all around us, and yet very few people know how to recognize the abundance of the land we walk upon. In this walk and talk we will explore:

• the simplest strategy for getting to know plants
• how to correctly identify plants and mushrooms and how to rule out poisonous look a likes
• the top wild staple foods in the area
• how to gather enough calories in a day to last a month
• how to harvest sustainably and promote wild edibles with guerrilla planting tactics

Bring a friend or three, snacks to share, and note taking materials if they help you to learn. Audio and video recording is allowed and encouraged (check in with the group to make sure everyone consents to be recorded and or photographed) especially if the content will be shared online.

Age: 10 - 71+ (under 16 must be accompanied by a parent)
When: 1-4pm March 29th, 2025
Location: Greenbelt MD
Registration Fee: $20-$75 Sliding Scale - (Pay what you are comfortable paying)

Join us for a hands-on family workshop where we'll explore the art of traditional candle-making through beeswax candle dipping! In this fun, interactive session, participants of all ages will learn how to make beautiful, hand-dipped beeswax candles.

Each participant will create their own candles to take home, perfect for cozy evenings or gifting. This is a wonderful way to connect with nature, get creative, and bring home a handmade piece of earth-friendly art!

When:  April 5th 2025, 10:30am-3pm
Ages: 7 - 70+ (15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult)
Location: Lanham, MD
Fee: $25-$75 Sliding Scale (*Sliding scale, pay what your are comfortable with per participant) General admission is our suggested fee per person)

Join us for a hands-on family workshop where we’ll connect with the colors and textures of the earth by making unique, handmade earth crayons! This workshop is designed for families with children ages 7 and up, inviting you to explore nature’s own palette by sourcing earth pigments directly from the land.

First, we’ll learn how to identify and responsibly gather natural earth pigments from soil and stones, uncovering shades of reds, yellows, and browns. Then, we’ll grind and mix these pigments with warm beeswax, creating a rich, natural crayon base. Using molds crafted from the invasive Japanese knotweed plant, we’ll transform these ingredients into beautiful earth crayons, while also learning about sustainability and ecological balance.

By the end of the session, each participant will leave with their own set of earth crayons and a deeper appreciation for the colors around us, as well as new insights into how we can repurpose and honor our natural environment. All materials are provided, and families are encouraged to wear clothes that can get a bit earthy!

Key Takeaways:

• Discover the art of sourcing and preparing natural earth pigments.
• Learn about beeswax as a natural binding agent.
• Understand ecological concepts like invasive species and sustainable crafting.
• Create a set of one-of-a-kind earth crayons as a family.

Bring your curiosity, creativity, and a love for nature!

When: April 26th, 2025
Where: Riverdale/Lanham MD
Ages: All Ages (under age 16 must be accompanied by a parent)
Registration Fee: $40-$100 sliding scale (pay what you are comfortable, general admission is suggested registration fee)

Food and medicine are growing all around us, and yet very few people know how to recognize the abundance of the land we walk upon. In this walk and talk we will explore:

• the simplest strategy for getting to know plants
• how to correctly identify plants and mushrooms and how to rule out poisonous look a likes
• the top wild staple foods in the area
• how to gather enough calories in a day to last a month
• how to harvest sustainably and promote wild edibles with guerrilla planting tactics

Bring a friend or three, snacks to share, and note taking materials if they help you to learn. Audio and video recording is allowed and encouraged (check in with the group to make sure everyone consents to be recorded and or photographed) especially if the content will be shared online.

Age: 10 - 71+ (under 16 must be accompanied by a parent)
When: 1pm-4 pm May 31, 2025
Location: Greenbelt MD
Registration Fee: $20-$75 Sliding Scale - (Pay what you are comfortable paying)

Food and medicine are growing all around us, and yet very few people know how to recognize the abundance of the land we walk upon. In this walk and talk we will explore:

• the simplest strategy for getting to know plants
• how to correctly identify plants and mushrooms and how to rule out poisonous look a likes
• the top wild staple foods in the area
• how to gather enough calories in a day to last a month
• how to harvest sustainably and promote wild edibles with guerrilla planting tactics

Bring a friend or three, snacks to share, and note taking materials if they help you to learn. Audio and video recording is allowed and encouraged (check in with the group to make sure everyone consents to be recorded and or photographed) especially if the content will be shared online.

Age: 10 - 71+ (under 16 must be accompanied by a parent)
When: 10am-1 pm August 30th, 2025
Location:  Great Falls VA Area
Registration Fee: $20-$75 Sliding Scale - (Pay what you are comfortable paying)

In our upcoming workshop, we'll delve into the art of creating unique masterpieces from pieces of wood found in nature, a technique rooted in ancient traditions. You'll learn to use your personal breath, a glowing coal from our communal fire, and your knife to shape your creation. Imagine the satisfaction of crafting your own handmade wooden spoon!

These wooden spoons aren't just practical, they're also a charming addition to your assortment of kitchen utensils or camping mess kit. Plus, they make heartwarming gifts for friends or family members, offering a personal touch to show you care.

Whether you decide to share this experience with a partner or your kids, or choose to embrace the tranquility of solitude, you're welcome to join us. Discover the joy of hands-on creativity in our inviting workshop environment.

When:  October 11th 2025, 11:00am-4:00pm
Ages: 10 - 71+ (Under 16 must be accompanied by an adult)
Location: Lanham/Bowie (location is sent when you register)
Fee: $30-$75 Sliding Scale (*Sliding scale you choose per person what you're comfortable paying. General admission is our suggested fee per person)