A gathering in the context of COVID-19 is impractical - we are sadly skipping our 2020 event. 😞 We may organize a smaller workshop day(s) this coming Spring ('21), and we hope to hold the gathering as usual around the Fall Equinox this year.
The Groundnut Earth Living Skills Gathering
Leverett, MA, Sep. 21 - 22, '19
Join us for an amazing two day regional Earth living skills gathering this fall in the beautiful woods and meadows of Leverett at this year's Groundnut Gathering! Our 6th gathering, we're grateful for the chance to bring together inspired teachers and enthusiasts from around the area to connect with each other and the land as we learn and share new skills!
The gathering will run Saturday morning, 9/21, through Sunday afternoon, 9/22. Camping is available and encouraged. There will be 4-5 workshop blocks, time to work on and share personal projects, trade items, and share meals and community.
Proceeds support public food forests, planting 5 fruit trees per participant with Help Yourself!
Food not included or provided. BYO ingredients for outdoor kitchen and potluck meals. Sorry, no pets.
The gathering will run Saturday morning, 9/21, through Sunday afternoon, 9/22. Camping is available and encouraged. There will be 4-5 workshop blocks, time to work on and share personal projects, trade items, and share meals and community.
Proceeds support public food forests, planting 5 fruit trees per participant with Help Yourself!
Food not included or provided. BYO ingredients for outdoor kitchen and potluck meals. Sorry, no pets.
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Workshops include:
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Full weekend: $60-$160 sliding scale
Day attendance: $35-$75 sliding scale Kids under 8: Free Please inquire for special financial arrangements, no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Proceeds support public fruit tree planting initiatives. |
Space is limited -- Register by completing the form below!
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Saturday:
Opening Circle: 9:00 Block 1: 9:30-12:30 Complete Sheep Butchering Tools in Action Potluck Lunch 12:30-1:30 Block 2: 1:30-3:30 Fiber crafts circle Introduction to Fly Fishing Block 3: 3:45-5:45 A Wild Connection Potluck Dinner: Fire, Singing and Stories! 6:00 Fall Equinox Discussion and Ceremony: 7:00 Check out the planets! Open Telescope: 8:00 |
Sunday:
Potluck Breakfast 8:30-9:00 Opening Circle: 9:00 Block 1: 9:30-12:30 Gathering the Shadow: Lessons from the Green World! Storytelling and Mythcarrying Potluck Lunch 12:30-1:30 Block 2: 1:30-3:30 Fire by Friction Mushroom ID and walk Block 3: 3:45-5:45 Wild edible plants walk All things Tinder Polypore! Closing Circle: 6:00 |
Class Descriptions:
Gathering the Shadow: Lessons from the Green World-Carly Leusner
In an edible show and tell, Carly will share feral flavors from the land, focusing on naturalized or invasive wild foods as messengers of the shadow. We’ll embrace and celebrate the Earth’s beauty and bounty. By looking under the surface at these species' history and presence on the land, we can explore the often invisible, shadowy sides of our wider
culture and how it intersects with ecology - such as whiteness and colonialism. Each species offers a different perspective onto these ongoing challenging realities, as well as opportunities for growth and healing. We’ll explore and dance with paradox as gatherers and truth seekers in 2019. Our guests of honor will be Rosa Rugosa, Autumn Olive, Wild Carrot, Dandelion, Japanese Knotweed, and Burdock.
Wild Mushroom ID and Walk-Dean Colpack
Fall is mushroom season! We'll explore the fungal connections all around us, learning about mushroom relationships with trees, edible and medicinal uses, as well as some of the identifying features human animals use to categorize these forest friends.
A Wild Connection-Dean Colpack
This will be an experiential class wherein participants--who may be educators or group leaders in their own lives--will learn fun, deepening activities to use with kids and adults in nature. We will be doing ice-breakers, group-building activities, and exercises meant to deepen individual and group connection with each other and with wild nature. Bring your playful self!
Tools in Action - Deborah Chamberlain
In this class we will learn simple and safe care and use of knives, hatchets and axes. Learn how to effectively use and control edges, and keep them sharp. We will also make simple tools that can be used in camp: wedges, mallets and benches. We will spend time using tools to make camp life more comfortable!
Fiber crafts circle - Devin Roark
Explore the fascinating world of fiber arts! Learn how to transform sheep’s wool and other fibers into yarn using a drop spindle - a simple, portable and accessible version of the spinning wheel, and make cordage and rope from local fiber plants. We will go through the entire process from harvesting and prepping fiber sources, how to prepare them, and how to use your finished product. Bring your fiber projects!
Introduction to Fly Fishing - Ned Phillips-Jones
Do you enjoy spending time on the water... at gorgeous streams, in connection with nature? Periods of focus interspersed by excitement? Come join us to gain well-rounded insight into the practice of fly fishing. We'll learn about handmade insect imitations to feed ourselves. We will begin to learn skills you can use to catch your own food, process these aquatic animals, and tie the "flies" used to catch them. In this session we will be learning about connecting with one species in particular- the wily troutlet, learning how to stalk it, where it hides in moving waters, how to tempt it to bite...even tickle it with your hands if you dare! We'll use a holistic lens to these crafts, including exploring the equipment of fly fishing from Japan to England. This tradition dates back to at least 1,800 years ago on the Astreus River in Macedonia, described by Roman Claudius Aelian, and likely much, much earlier into the mists of time.
Complete Sheep Butchering - Devin Roark and Felix Lufkin
Learn how to skin, dress, quarter and butcher a sheep! In this workshop, we'll learn about butchering, charcuterie and anatomy as we transform a whole, freshly slaughtered (off-site), noble cousin into food for us humans. All parts of the animal will be used including organ meats, bones and blood. Lastly, we will learn to use the sinew for string, hooves for glue how to begin hide work. Folks will be expected to roll their sleeves and participate. All this will be done, of course, in the respectful context of interdependence. If you are interested in attending the off-site slaughter, please let us know.
Hide Tanning Station-Maggie Ranen
At the hide tanning station we will tan a number of hides, showcasing all the steps of the process. Brings hides that you have sitting around and find out how to tan them! Materials provided! Skinning included!
Storytelling and Mythcarrying- Jacquelyn Ward
There exists a deep connection between land, humans, and myth. In this session we will explore that connection through our imaginations and senses. We will listen to some ancient myths and folktales, practice a few tricks for telling stories, discuss what it means to carry these stories within us, and take that theory out into the land. You can come for just the stories or stay for the whole workshop. Children may be more interested in the first half (the stories), but are welcome for the whole time if they wish.
All things Tinder Polypore!-Kevin Aderer
There will be soda making, fire, and an exploration of how the heck to seperate the inner felt later form the rest of the mushroom! Come explore the world of Tinder Polypore (Amadou)!
Gathering the Shadow: Lessons from the Green World-Carly Leusner
In an edible show and tell, Carly will share feral flavors from the land, focusing on naturalized or invasive wild foods as messengers of the shadow. We’ll embrace and celebrate the Earth’s beauty and bounty. By looking under the surface at these species' history and presence on the land, we can explore the often invisible, shadowy sides of our wider
culture and how it intersects with ecology - such as whiteness and colonialism. Each species offers a different perspective onto these ongoing challenging realities, as well as opportunities for growth and healing. We’ll explore and dance with paradox as gatherers and truth seekers in 2019. Our guests of honor will be Rosa Rugosa, Autumn Olive, Wild Carrot, Dandelion, Japanese Knotweed, and Burdock.
Wild Mushroom ID and Walk-Dean Colpack
Fall is mushroom season! We'll explore the fungal connections all around us, learning about mushroom relationships with trees, edible and medicinal uses, as well as some of the identifying features human animals use to categorize these forest friends.
A Wild Connection-Dean Colpack
This will be an experiential class wherein participants--who may be educators or group leaders in their own lives--will learn fun, deepening activities to use with kids and adults in nature. We will be doing ice-breakers, group-building activities, and exercises meant to deepen individual and group connection with each other and with wild nature. Bring your playful self!
Tools in Action - Deborah Chamberlain
In this class we will learn simple and safe care and use of knives, hatchets and axes. Learn how to effectively use and control edges, and keep them sharp. We will also make simple tools that can be used in camp: wedges, mallets and benches. We will spend time using tools to make camp life more comfortable!
Fiber crafts circle - Devin Roark
Explore the fascinating world of fiber arts! Learn how to transform sheep’s wool and other fibers into yarn using a drop spindle - a simple, portable and accessible version of the spinning wheel, and make cordage and rope from local fiber plants. We will go through the entire process from harvesting and prepping fiber sources, how to prepare them, and how to use your finished product. Bring your fiber projects!
Introduction to Fly Fishing - Ned Phillips-Jones
Do you enjoy spending time on the water... at gorgeous streams, in connection with nature? Periods of focus interspersed by excitement? Come join us to gain well-rounded insight into the practice of fly fishing. We'll learn about handmade insect imitations to feed ourselves. We will begin to learn skills you can use to catch your own food, process these aquatic animals, and tie the "flies" used to catch them. In this session we will be learning about connecting with one species in particular- the wily troutlet, learning how to stalk it, where it hides in moving waters, how to tempt it to bite...even tickle it with your hands if you dare! We'll use a holistic lens to these crafts, including exploring the equipment of fly fishing from Japan to England. This tradition dates back to at least 1,800 years ago on the Astreus River in Macedonia, described by Roman Claudius Aelian, and likely much, much earlier into the mists of time.
Complete Sheep Butchering - Devin Roark and Felix Lufkin
Learn how to skin, dress, quarter and butcher a sheep! In this workshop, we'll learn about butchering, charcuterie and anatomy as we transform a whole, freshly slaughtered (off-site), noble cousin into food for us humans. All parts of the animal will be used including organ meats, bones and blood. Lastly, we will learn to use the sinew for string, hooves for glue how to begin hide work. Folks will be expected to roll their sleeves and participate. All this will be done, of course, in the respectful context of interdependence. If you are interested in attending the off-site slaughter, please let us know.
Hide Tanning Station-Maggie Ranen
At the hide tanning station we will tan a number of hides, showcasing all the steps of the process. Brings hides that you have sitting around and find out how to tan them! Materials provided! Skinning included!
Storytelling and Mythcarrying- Jacquelyn Ward
There exists a deep connection between land, humans, and myth. In this session we will explore that connection through our imaginations and senses. We will listen to some ancient myths and folktales, practice a few tricks for telling stories, discuss what it means to carry these stories within us, and take that theory out into the land. You can come for just the stories or stay for the whole workshop. Children may be more interested in the first half (the stories), but are welcome for the whole time if they wish.
All things Tinder Polypore!-Kevin Aderer
There will be soda making, fire, and an exploration of how the heck to seperate the inner felt later form the rest of the mushroom! Come explore the world of Tinder Polypore (Amadou)!
Teacher bios:
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Carly Leusner: Gathering the Shadow: Lessons from the Green World
Carly has been enchanted by the topic of nourishment ever since her childhood days of catching crawfish in the backyard stream and making dandelion mud pies. Medicinal food so captivates her she's taking a hiatus from a stretch of teaching wild food classes to pursue a Masters of Nutrition. She currently works as a caterer and freelance cook in Cummington, MA. www.wearewildfood.com Dean Colpack: Mushroom ID and walk and a Wild Connection Dean moved to Western MA when he was eighteen and has since fallen in love with wild nature. He has worked as a nature educator in public elementary schools, has taught holistic, ethical butchering with gratitude to adults, is a member of the Pioneer Valley Mycological Association, and has been a prison justice activist focusing on reproductive rights and abolishing solitary confinement. He is currently working towards a Master of Social Work at Smith, with which he hopes to integrate group therapy and nature literacy. Felix Lufkin: Wild Edible Plants, Complete Sheep Butchering Felix works with K-12, college and adult students at a number of programs in the Valley teaching nature awareness and homestead skills, in programs at public, private and home schools, public workshops and organizations including Mass Audobon, Wolf Tree Programs, the Vermont Wilderness School, and Earthwork Programs. He has lead programs at NorthStar Teen Center, Four Rivers Charter School, the Paulo Friere Social Justice Charter School, and taught wild edible plants and earth living skills classes at UMass Amherst and Hampshire College. He also directs Help Yourself, inc. Devin Roark: Drop Spindle, Complete Sheep Butchering Devin is from Michigan and Atlanta, Georgia. Though interested in many old and new skills, wool, cordage and fiber arts are of special interest. They have extensive experience in livestock and game butchering, traditional meat preservation, hide work, metal work, bone and stone carving. They find spinning yarn and crafting to be a peaceful compliment to the daily runaround. Ned Phillips Jones: Introduction to Fly FIshing Ned grew up amidst the swamps of Middlesex county, MA. In 2008 he founded Greenwich Forest Garden at Hampshire College. An ecosocial fellow, he works with whole-systems approaches to existence and"sustainability." Ned speaks some Cymraeg (Welsh) and is interested in other indigenous languages and the places they occupy in our current world. He is fascinated by enlightenment ideas, philosophy, and our human tendencies toward socio-political tribalism. Ned is fixated on questions of how to improve relations between our many tribes, and how to pursue common ground. Maggie Ranen: Hide Tanning Maggie Ranen was first introduced to hide tanning when she went on a wilderness immersion trip as a high schooler where they stretched a hide dry, smoked it and made shoes. She fell in love with the process and since then she has been on a hide tanning journey... searching out tanners, learning from mentors, reading books, skinning animals, stretching hides and teaching. She is currently an instructor at Leapfrog Programs in Western MA, where she offers classes on transforming deer skin into buckskin. She is passionate about this skill that connects to land, each other and our ancestors, no matter where they were from. Deborah Chamberlain: Tools in Action Deborah's career in education started with the Hurricane Island Outward Bound School leading 30 day river trips with youth at risk some 30 years ago. She was lucky enough to work and travel from the Florida swamps to the hills of Wales and the streets of NYC. Deborah studied bush craft in the UK with the West Yorkshire Bushcraft group, in the US at the Tracker School and Mountainsong Expeditions. She also studied at the Blazing Star Herbal school with Gail Ulrich. "I am so happy to be bringing my skills in progress to the Ground Nut Gathering!" |
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Jacquelyn Ward: Storytelling and Mythcarrying
Jacquelyn grew up running around the woods, eating herbs straight from the garden, and sleeping outside whenever possible. In 2007 she took part in Amherst High School’s Survival Living class and became interested in learning how to thrive without the trappings of the consumer world. Since then she has worked for Hawk Circle, Vermont Wilderness School, Wolf Tree, Earth Works, and Art of Mentoring programs. In 2011 she began volunteering for Wolf Tree and has since been excited to take part in many programs as both staff and student.She has a BA in Historiography and Alternative Historical Narrative from Marlboro College in Vermont and an MA in Viking and Medieval Norse Studies from the University of Iceland. She has been living in Iceland and Denmark for two years, and recently spent six months working on farms in Devon, England and exploring the landscape and stories of Dartmoor. She is passionate about mythology, history, and food cultures, and the ways in which they connect people to place. |
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Kevin Aderer: All things Tinder Polypore
Kevin began seeking a deeper relationship with nature in 2010 when he left his job as a climbing instructor in Boston and pitched a tent on a homestead-in-progress in northern Vermont. In 2013, he began two years of apprenticeships at Earthwalk Vermont and Maine Primitive Skills School. He is dedicated to supporting all people in exploring the world with vigorous curiosity, feeding our shared innate needs for challenge and growth. He is passionate about ancestral living skills, communal celebration and play, and the critical pedagogy of storytelling and story deconstruction. Kevin is also deeply invested in building sustainable living systems to serve community needs. He cultivates projects and skillsets around collaborative entrepreneurship and carbon-sequestering agriculture. He lives in Montague, where he raises dairy goats and imagines forest gardens and intentional communities with his partner Erica. They host a community potluck-and-song-circle every other Sunday, at which you are most welcome! |
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Special thanks to the many volunteers who make this event happen!
Anya Klepacki, Emily Coble, Maggie Ranen, Craig Surrette, Felix Lufkin, Dean Colpcak, Devin Roark, Samantha Sarvet, Rose Cherneff, Mike Parham, Deborah Chamberlain, Liz Scheffy and the land! |
Testimonials:
"I went last year and I can say for certain it was nothing short of life changing for me -- a beautiful weekend outside, new experiences, real skills taught in a shared and humble way with patience and respect for the seriousness of the tools and resources in use, a central campfire flame kept alive all weekend to cook and share meals and meet around, and best of all being surrounded by people showing up to create community in real time. I was so amazed by the tightness of the community formed in just 2 days! It felt like such a blessing, and I walked away feeling more whole in myself and my abilities and more ready to engage with others and the earth. Ah I can't say enough!" -Anya Klepacki
"I went last year and I can say for certain it was nothing short of life changing for me -- a beautiful weekend outside, new experiences, real skills taught in a shared and humble way with patience and respect for the seriousness of the tools and resources in use, a central campfire flame kept alive all weekend to cook and share meals and meet around, and best of all being surrounded by people showing up to create community in real time. I was so amazed by the tightness of the community formed in just 2 days! It felt like such a blessing, and I walked away feeling more whole in myself and my abilities and more ready to engage with others and the earth. Ah I can't say enough!" -Anya Klepacki
Payment instructions:
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