Woodslore, Weeds, and Wildwoods Wisdom Walk w/ Doug Elliott

Much more than a plant walk, this is an opportunity to peek into the life of beloved elder and naturalist Doug Elliott. For the first time in Firefly herstory, we will walk with Doug at his home, on the land he and his lovely wife Yanna have tended for more than 30 years.

Doug and Yanna chose their little slice of heaven because it had everything they wanted:

• Diversity: located 40 miles from cotton fields in the Piedmont and 40 miles from the tallest peaks of Appalachia, their homestead sits at an intersection of these ecotones, offering a wide range of habitat for plant and animal life.
• Features: When Doug and Yanna found it, this little slice of heaven had a house, flats for gardening, a creek and pond for swimming – even a waterfall! Everything they needed to build their dreams upon.

Now, more than 30 years later, we can see the fruits of their labor and witness what living your dreams looks like. We will wander their beautiful landscape, learning about plants and animals as we go. Doug says, “Nature will surprise us and we can’t plan who will show up, but it will be exciting! You never know what we’ll find out there!”

This workshop is a special opportunity to be inspired by an Appalachian folk hero who has followed his heart’s path all of his life. On this ramble, participants will:

• Learn to recognize and identify fascinating wild plants and their practical uses.
• Encounter birds, insects, and critters, hearing their stories through local cultural and scientific lore.
• Laugh out loud with lively harmonica tunes, regional dialects and tales stranger than fiction. You might even get to hear about Doug's favorite animal (o’ possum) and maybe even about the time he got swallowed by a SNAKE!
• Gain unique insights from Doug’s decades of experience as a naturalist.
• Be inspired by a ever evolving farmstead; it is truly a unique experience to witness the fruits of decades of love and labor.

So join us for this wonderful wander and come and honor and celebrate our beloved Doug Elliott, a man who has truly dedicated his life to opening the eyes and hearts of the people to the wonders of the natural world.

This class will be held outdoors on Saturday, June 13th, 2026, from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm in Union Mills, NC.

All Firefly Gathering workshops are hosted in the greater Asheville area, sometimes at private venues. For that reason, the actual venue address will be included in your Welcome email, approximately one week before the workshop.

This walk is for everyone! The minimum age is 10 with an accompanying adult.

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Woodslore, Weeds, and Wildwoods Wisdom Walk w/ Doug Elliott

Doug Elliott (he/him) is a naturalist, herbalist, storyteller, basket maker, backcountry guide, philosopher, and harmonica virtuoso. For years, he made his living as a traveling herbalist, gathering and selling herbs, teas, and remedies while immersing himself in the wisdom of traditional country folk and Indigenous communities. Through these experiences, he learned their stories, folklore, and time-honored ways of connecting with the natural world.

Doug’s work has taken him around the globe, performing and presenting at festivals, museums, botanical gardens, nature centers, and schools. He has led ranger training sessions for the National Park Service, guided wilderness adventures across the U.S., and earned the title of harmonica champion at the prestigious Fiddler's Grove Festival. An accomplished author, Doug has written five books, contributed numerous articles to regional and national publications, and created award-winning albums of stories and songs. His talents have also been featured on PBS-TV, the History Channel, and the National Geographic Channel.

Doug’s dedication to his craft has earned him widespread recognition. The National Storytelling Network inducted him into their Circle of Excellence for his “exceptional commitment and exemplary contribution to the art of storytelling.” The International Herb Association honored him with the Otto Richter Award for his pioneering work with herbs and wild plants, while the National Association for Interpretation bestowed on him the Master Front Line Interpreter Award for his “mastery of interpretive techniques, program development, and creative projects” that celebrate the natural world and humanity's connection to it.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Union Mills NC, Painters Gap Road, Union Mills, United States

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