Akela will guide you through the basics of herbal teas and smokes through the lens of her cultural background. Her roots of the African-American South, where we were guardians of the land, remembering through the plants and herbs. Her German heritage is also a foundation for these daily rituals and practices she has utilized for many years. Herbal self-care does not need to be complicated or for a select few; access is for all.

She will focus on common herbs, including how to grow and care for them, their uses, and their symbolism. We will make our own tea blends and herbal smokes. This is a beginner-friendly class; just bring an open mind. All supplies will be provided.

Suggested donation: $15-30

Ages 21+

Pickles! Love em or leave em! We love em! If you do too, we've got a Garden Club workshop for YOU!

Intro To Putting Things In Jars! This is just the beginning folks… The first in a series of three workshops intended to add to your culinary toolkit, and stretch your garden year round with the art of preservation.

This first class will cover the "quick pickle" method. We’ll discuss brines, tools, spices and flavor profiles, and all the things that can be pickled. Everyone will leave with a jar of their own unique pickle creation! We will also introduce the rest of the series: the basics of fermentation, and intermediate canning (water bath, and pressure). Beginner to advanced canners are welcome, let’s share and build our skills together!

About the presenter - Gabriel has worked in food production in several capacities: from the organic juicing crew at Sun and Soil, to the craft picklery at Preservation and Co., to his own line of natural shrubs and sodas with Burly Beverages. He is a certified Master Canner and is very passionate about food safety and preservation. Meg, Gabriel's wife, who is assisting in this class, is an avid home canner and budding homesteader - on top of being a phenomenal glass artist.

Donations are welcome to help your presenters cover the cost of supplies. We can accommodate 20 people, spots are limited... so reserve yours quick!

Maintaining Native Gardens

In this online class, we'll explore the most effective strategies for tending to native gardens throughout every season. Topics will include establishing new plants, proper watering techniques, providing species-specific care, understanding the timing and methods of pruning, deadheading flowers, and mulching guidelines. Discover valuable insights to create a flourishing ecosystem in your own backyard.

Suggested donation: $20-30

Come and join us for an easy 2 mile hike along the Quarry Trail at Auburn State Recreation Area. This is a wide and mostly flat trail in a scenic valley along the middle fork of the American River. The valley walls are lush with vegetation of all kinds. The hike will focus on discussion and identification of the local flora with the added benefit of getting some fresh air and exercise. Bring plenty of water and a hat as well as something to eat for a mid-hike lunch. Some other supplies you may want to bring are binoculars, a camera, a magnifying glass, wildflower guide, and/or a notebook.

Our hike will be led by California State Park's Employee and all around plant and animal nerd, Nick Fox. Nick's passion for birding led to a love for native plants, and he can often be spotted all over the region photographing both.

We will meet in the Quarry Trail Parking Area at 9:00am and begin the hike at 9:15. There is a $10 parking fee at the trailhead parking lot. So if you have an applicable state parks pass such as the “California Explorer” or “Golden Poppy'' make sure to bring it.

Suggested donation to our tour guide: $10