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Help Weave the Willow Tunnel!
with Tracy Weber
Have you admired the enchanting willow tunnel at Viles Arboretum and thought, I’d love to create something like that? Now’s your chance! Join us for one—or both—of our willow weaving sessions, where you’ll help weave last year’s growth back into the tunnel. It’s a hands-on way to learn the art of creating and maintaining a willow tunnel while supporting the Arboretum in preserving this unique feature.
What to Expect
This activity involves a variety of physical tasks, including:
- Being outside, in the cold, for extended periods
- Standing for extended periods
- Climbing on a ladder to reach higher sections of the tunnel
- Using pruners to cut branches, on a ladder and at ground level
- Weaving long branches into the structure, holding them, and tying them with rubber ties
- Reaching above the head
If you have any questions about accessibility, feel free to reach out! We're happy to provide more details and work with you to make this event as accessible as possible.
How to be prepared:
- Experience: No prior experience with willow weaving is required - all skill levels are welcome! This project is suitable for ages 12 and up, when accompanied by an adult.
- Tools: Bring pruners and stepladders if you have them (a limited number will be available to borrow).
- Clothing: Dress for outdoor work, wear sturdy footwear, and gloves.
- Location: We'll meet at the Willow Tunnel, located just behind the barn.
- Weather: This project takes place outdoors, so dress accordingly. In the event of rain or snow, we will reschedule to the next day.
Soil & Seeds
with Augusta Adult & Community Education
Let's Dig In!
Soil is most important when introducing gardening - this workshop will introduce soil concepts for gardeners of any age!
About the Instructor
Collaborative Outdoor Education is led by Kelli M Gilzow Stowell, Outdoor Educator from Augusta Adult & Community Education. Family Literacy is appropriate for all ages, abilities, and can usually be modified for inclusivity!
Spring Hike & Nature Journaling
with Augusta Adult & Community Education
Experience spring through nature journaling!
Using a combination of approaches to reflect what we've seen; we will draw, use prompts to evoke and scavenge for delight! Journal will be provided!
About the Instructor
Collaborative Outdoor Education is led by Kelli M Gilzow Stowell, Outdoor Educator from Augusta Adult & Community Education. Family Literacy is appropriate for all ages, abilities, and can usually be modified for inclusivity!
Medicinal Plant Walks
with Debra Bluth
Join herbalist, homeopath, and flower essence practitioner Debra Bluth for a guided walk through Viles Arboretum, where you'll meet a variety of medicinal plants and trees along the way. Discover key identifying features, folklore, and traditional uses of these plants from herbal, homeopathic, and flower essence perspectives. Ages 16+
Each walk will feature different plants, so you're welcome to join one or all three for a unique experience every time. Wear sturdy shoes that can handle a bit of dirt!
Potential Plants for Each Walk (subject to change):
Walk #1: Plantain, burdock, dandelion, sumac, yarrow, elder, lungwort, white oak, bloodroot, violet,Solomon seal
Walk #2: Red clover, ginkgo, iris, Japanese knotweed, hawthorn, rose, comfrey, horse chestnut, catalpa,poison ivy, lesser cinquefoil
Walk #3: elecampane, mugwort, lesser periwinkle, goldenrod, Queen Anne’s lace, boneset, gravel root,jewelweed, blue vervain, white cedar, white pine
Register for all 3 walks and use promo code THREE to save 10%
Flowers as Healers: Introduction to Flower Essences
with Debra Bluth
Join herbalist, homeopath, and flower essences practitioner Debra Bluth for an introduction to flower essence workshop.
Flower essences are energetic remedies made from the blossoms of living plants, potentized by the sun or moon, and created with intention and ceremony. Taken orally, these essences work on a vibrational level to support emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. Each essence carries a unique energetic imprint, guiding the body and mind toward greater balance and healing.
In this immersive workshop, you'll explore the foundations of flower essences, including their history, uses, and the subtle yet profound shifts they can facilitate. A significant portion of the day will be spent outdoors, where each participant will have the opportunity to create their own flower essence.
Prerequisite: Participants must have attended at least one of Debra’s Medicinal Plant Walks or have prior approval from the instructor.
Ages: 18+