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Join our 10-month Foraging Apprenticeship in Washington! Learn plant & mushroom ID, herbal medicine, and foraging across diverse ecosystems.Join a small, intimate group of 12 participants in our 8-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: 4th Saturdays, February - May, August-November, 2025 (additional outings in June and July)
- Time: 10 AM – 4 PM
- Location: Different ecosystems around Washington
- Limited spots: Only 12 participants to ensure personalized instruction and a supportive group setting.
REGISTER ON OUR WEBSITE TO SAVE ON EVENTBRITE FEES
Optional Outings:
These overnight programs are not included but are recommended for in-depth learning about ethnobotany and wilderness living in remote ecosystems. We do offer a 10% discount on overnight intensives for current or former apprentices*.
- June 7-8: Eastern Cascades Ethnobotany Intensive - $299
- July 25-27: High Elevation Ethnobotany 3-Day Backpacking Trip - $999
*The discount code will be sent to your email after signing up for the Foraging Apprenticeship. If you are a former apprentice and want to join us, please Contact Us so we can send you a discount code.
Key Dates and Themes
- February 22 : Winter Plants & Riverside Ecology
- March 22 : Bitter Herbs & Early Spring Plants
- April 26 : Old Growth Plants & Maple Blossoms
- May 23 : Rose Family & Spring Harvest
- RECOMMENDED: June 7-8 : Eastern Cascades Ethnobotany Intensive
- RECOMMENDED: July 25-27 : 3-Day Backpacking Ethnobotany Intensive
- August 30 : Summer Fruits & Berries
- September 27 : Fiber Plants & Early Mushrooms
- October 25 : Mushroom Foray
- November 22 : High Elevation Mushrooms & Roots
What to Expect in the Foraging Apprenticeship
Throughout the Foraging Apprenticeship , you will embark on a journey of discovery, learning to identify and ethically harvest plants, fungi, and other natural resources from the wild. Expect a hands-on, immersive experience where you’ll explore diverse ecosystems, gain practical foraging skills, and deepen your connection to the land. Each outing is carefully designed to build your knowledge and confidence in sustainable foraging, herbal medicine, and wilderness skills, all while fostering a deeper respect for the environment.
Learning Objectives
Identify and Classify Plants & Mushrooms
-Learn to identify key edible, medicinal, and utilitarian plants and mushrooms in the wild.
-Gain proficiency in botanical and fungal classification, understanding key plant and mushroom families.
Ethical Harvesting Practices
-Master sustainable harvesting techniques that prioritize plant and ecosystem health.
-Understand the cultural significance and traditional uses of wild plants and mushrooms.
Herbal Medicine & Remedies
-Learn to create simple herbal preparations such as tinctures, salves, and infusions using plants harvested in the field.
-Study the medicinal properties of local plants and their uses in natural healing.
Fiber Arts & Crafts
-Explore the use of native plants for making fiber cordage, baskets, and other crafts.
-Learn to prepare and process fibers from plants like nettles, cedar, and other wild materials.
Practical Wilderness Skills
-Gain skills in wilderness survival, including foraging, camp cooking, and using wild plants as a source of nutrition and medicine.
-Learn how to safely prepare and cook with wild mushrooms and other edible plants.
Ecological Awareness & Stewardship
-Deepen your understanding of local ecosystems and the vital role of plants and fungi in forest health.
-Develop a stewardship mindset that fosters respect and responsibility for the natural world.
Connection to Nature & Bioregion
-Build a deeper connection to your local bioregion by immersing yourself in its landscapes, learning about the ecology, and experiencing seasonal shifts in plant and fungi life.
-Cultivate an ongoing relationship with nature through foraging practices that support sustainability and environmental health.
Sample Foraging Apprenticeship Schedule
10:00 AM - Arrival & Welcome
-Check-in, introductions, and overview of the day
-Brief group discussion about the theme for the day (e.g., plant and mushroom identification, sustainable harvesting)
10:30 AM - Morning Field Exploration
-Begin the foraging outing, exploring the local ecosystem
-Identify plants, fungi, and natural resources relevant to the day's focus (e.g., berries, mushrooms, or medicinal plants)
-Hands-on practice with identification, ethics, and sustainable harvesting
12:00 PM - Break & Lunch (30 Minutes)
-Enjoy a quick break and a shared, nature-based lunch
-Optional group discussion about plant uses, medicinal properties, or sustainability practices
12:30 PM - Group Workshop / Skill Practice
-Continue fieldwork with a focus on a specific skill (e.g., preparing herbal remedies, making fiber cordage, or mushroom foraging techniques)
-Demonstrations of relevant skills or crafts based on what’s been foraged that day
2:00 PM - Practical Application & Small Group Activity
-Break into small groups to practice what’s been learned (e.g., preparing an herbal salve, creating a fiber cord, or cooking with wild mushrooms)
-Time for one-on-one guidance from the instructor, Q&A, and troubleshooting
3:00 PM - Group Reflection & Wrap-Up
-Share experiences, reflections, and discoveries from the day
-Discuss how to integrate these skills into daily life
-Review what to expect for the next session
4:00 PM - Departure
-End of the day’s program, with a reminder of any follow-up resources or assignments (e.g., journal entries, reading materials, or upcoming field trips)
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Skagit County,Skagit County,US, 1800 Continental Pl, Mt Vernon, WA 98273-5625, United States,Mount Vernon, Washington
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