Our Abundant Ecology a series of classes to embody the biome of the Southern Appalachian Foothills
UPDATE on 9.6.16: Until September 16th at 10pm, register for ALL seven remaining classes that make up the Autumn season for a low sliding scale fee of $100-$200! Also, the low end of the sliding scale for Autumn classes has been lowered to $20, with the high end remaining at $50. Contact us with any questions, and use this ONLINE FORM to register.
Below you should find all pertinent information: Series Details, Time, Location, Fees, Registration, and Series Schedule. If you have any questions, please contact us at ardeasanctuary@gmail.com. Note: Full class descriptions can be viewed by clicking on Spring, Summer, and Autumn.

Series Details: This series of classes will assist human beings in engaging with and tending the abundant ecosystems of the Southern Appalachian Foothills, while also providing for some basic needs. Through a series of eighteen classes and six local teachers, students will learn topics such as plant identification, seasonal foraging and wildcrafting, dyeing with plant materials, cordage making, wild nut harvesting and processing, spoon carving, medicine making, and more.
While the entire series will give you a more comprehensive understanding of the local biome, each class is designed to stand alone. While there is a discount for attending the entire series, or a select season, attending one or more specific classes is an option.
The majority of classes will involve hands-on participation as we explore and create. In most cases handouts and reference/resource material will be provided during class. All classes are taught by Alexander Meander and Stacey Costner unless otherwise noted.
Time and Location: Classes take place here at Ardea on various Sundays from April 17th through October 30th. On class days we will meet from 2:30pm to 5:30pm, with the exception of June 12th with Luke Learningdeer Cannon: an Intro to Birds and Bird Language will be from 9am-12pm and Astounding Ecology and Natural History from 1pm-4pm.
Fees: Each class, as a stand alone class, is a sliding scale exchange of $25-$50. Each season of classes as a bundle of 6 (Spring, Summer, or Autumn) is a sliding scale exchange of $130 - $260. To attend the entire Our Abundant Ecology series is a sliding scale exchange of $350 - 700$.
The sliding scale concept is based on your ability to give financially. Barter is an option in most cases - please contact us directly to discuss barter options.
Registration: You may register for the entire series, a seasonal bundle, or a single class by filling out this ONLINE FORM.
Series Schedule: Class dates are listed below. For complete class descriptions click on Spring, Summer, or Autumn. All class descriptions will be added as soon as possible.
While the entire series will give you a more comprehensive understanding of the local biome, each class is designed to stand alone. While there is a discount for attending the entire series, or a select season, attending one or more specific classes is an option.
The majority of classes will involve hands-on participation as we explore and create. In most cases handouts and reference/resource material will be provided during class. All classes are taught by Alexander Meander and Stacey Costner unless otherwise noted.
Time and Location: Classes take place here at Ardea on various Sundays from April 17th through October 30th. On class days we will meet from 2:30pm to 5:30pm, with the exception of June 12th with Luke Learningdeer Cannon: an Intro to Birds and Bird Language will be from 9am-12pm and Astounding Ecology and Natural History from 1pm-4pm.
Fees: Each class, as a stand alone class, is a sliding scale exchange of $25-$50. Each season of classes as a bundle of 6 (Spring, Summer, or Autumn) is a sliding scale exchange of $130 - $260. To attend the entire Our Abundant Ecology series is a sliding scale exchange of $350 - 700$.
The sliding scale concept is based on your ability to give financially. Barter is an option in most cases - please contact us directly to discuss barter options.
Registration: You may register for the entire series, a seasonal bundle, or a single class by filling out this ONLINE FORM.
Series Schedule: Class dates are listed below. For complete class descriptions click on Spring, Summer, or Autumn. All class descriptions will be added as soon as possible.
Summer Wildcrafting and Medicine Making - July 10 Summer Foraging - July 17 Edible & Medicinal Mushrooms - July 31 Cordage & Fish Net Weaving - August 7 with Becky Beyer of Blood and Spicebush Permaculture With a Sense of Place - August 28 |
Spring
Forest Medicinals & Spring Ephemerals - April 17 Spring Foraging - April 24 Wearing Wild Colors: Intro to Dyeing with Plants - May 15 with Lindsey Warf of Wild Abundance Plant Identification for the Novice - May 22 with Kat Shaw Introduction to Birds & Bird Language - June 12 (am) and Astounding Ecology & Natural History - June 12 (pm) with Luke Learningdeer of Astounding Earth ![]() Autumn The Food & Medicine of Trees - September 18 Spoon & Utensil Carving - September 25 with Becky Beyer of Blood and Spicebush Making Medicinal Meads - October 2 with Marissa Percoco of Wilderlandia Autumn Foraging I: Roots & 'simmons - October 9 Propagating At-Risk Woodland Plants - October 16 Autumn Foraging II: Wild Nuts - October 23 Making Medicinal Syrups - October 30 |