SOLD OUT
The 9th Annual Groundnut Gathering
A Fundraiser for Public Access Food Forests
Western MA Earth Skills Weekend in Montgomery, MA, October 3-4, 2026
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Join us for a regional Earth living skills gathering this fall in the beautiful woods and meadows of Montgomery MA! For our 9th year, we'll gather again to learn, teach and share timeless skills. Practiced by peoples on all continents, skills like animal tracking, hide tanning, fire making, storytelling and others connect us to each other, the land, and our shared origins.
The gathering runs Saturday morning, 10/3, through Sunday afternoon, 10/4. Camping is available and encouraged. There will be 5 workshop blocks, time to work on and share personal projects, trade items, potluck meals and community building. Proceeds support the planting and maintenance of public food forests across Western MA through Help Yourself Edibles as well as local Nipmuc organizations. |
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2026 GATHERING TICKETS
SOLD OUT! 1 Day Attendance (SAT 10/3)
$65.00 - $95.00
SOLD OUT
SATURDAY ONLY - 10/3/20256
We strongly believe in the making our events accessible to all. Please use the sliding scale below to select a price that best works for you and or your family’s financial situation and needs.
Payments on the higher end allow us to offer lower cost tuition to people and families with less resources. After operating costs, proceeds from this event supports the planting and maintenance of public access orchards in communities across Western MA. We thank you for your support.
** Kids under 6 are free! Kids over 6 will need their own ticket and will have full access to the kids programming.**
High
- I am in a comfortable position where I can easily fulfill all my basic needs.
- Debt I may have does not prevent me from meeting my basic needs.
- I either own my home or property, or I rent a higher-end property.
- I own or lease a car.
- I am employed or do not need to work to meet my needs.
- I have regular access to healthcare.
- I have access to financial savings.
- I have disposable income.
- I can always afford to buy new items.
- I can afford to take an annual vacation or take time off without financial strain.
- I may benefit from systemic privilege based on my race, ethnicity, or other cultural factors, and do not routinely experience racism or prejudice.
Middle
- I may experience some stress about meeting my basic needs but generally succeed in fulfilling them.
- I may have some debt, but it doesn't prevent me from meeting my basic needs.
- I own or lease a car.
- I am employed.
- I have access to healthcare.
- I have access to some financial savings.
- I have some disposable income.
- I can afford to purchase some new items and also shop at thrift stores.
- I can go on a vacation annually or every few years without financial burden.
Low
- I experience stress about meeting basic needs, and often fail to meet them have debt, which sometimes prevents me from meeting my basic needs.
- I rent lower-end properties or have unstable housing.
- I do not have a car or have limited access to one, and I struggle to afford gas.
- I am unemployed or underemployed.
- I qualify for government assistance, including food stamps and healthcare.
- I have no access to savings.
- I have little to no disposable income.
- I rarely buy new items due to financial constraints.
- I cannot afford a vacation or take time off without facing financial burden.
- I may lack systemic privilege based on my race, ethnicity, or other cultural factors, and may instead face racial prejudice or hardships.
SOLD OUT Day Attendance (SUN 10/4)
$65.00 - $95.00
ONE DAY ATTENDANCE - SUNDAY, 10/4/2026
We strongly believes in the importance of making our events affordable and accessible for all. Please use the sliding scale below to select a price that best works for you and or your family’s financial situation and needs.
Payments towards the higher end allow us to offer lower cost tuition to people and families with less resources. After operating costs, proceeds from this event supports the planting and maintenance of public access orchards in communities across Western MA. We thank you for your support.
** Kids under 6 are free! Kids over 6 will need their own ticket and will have full access to the kids programming.**
- HighI am in a comfortable position where I can easily fulfill all my basic needs.
- Debt I may have does not prevent me from meeting my basic needs.
- I either own my home or property, or I rent a higher-end property.
- I own or lease a car.
- I am employed or do not need to work to meet my needs.
- I have regular access to healthcare.
- I have access to financial savings.
- I have disposable income.
- I can always afford to buy new items.
- I can afford to take an annual vacation or take time off without financial strain.
- I may benefit from systemic privilege based on my race, ethnicity, or other cultural factors, and do not routinely experience racism or prejudice.
- Middle I may experience some stress about meeting my basic needs but generally succeed in fulfilling them.
- I may have some debt, but it doesn't prevent me from meeting my basic needs.
- I own or lease a car.
- I am employed.
- I have access to healthcare.
- I have access to some financial savings.
- I have some disposable income.
- I can afford to purchase some new items and also shop at thrift stores.
- I can go on a vacation annually or every few years without financial burden.
- LowI experience stress about meeting basic needs, and often fail to meet them have debt, which sometimes prevents me from meeting my basic needs.
- I rent lower-end properties or have unstable housing.
- I do not have a car or have limited access to one, and I struggle to afford gas.
- I am unemployed or underemployed.
- I qualify for government assistance, including food stamps and healthcare.
- I have no access to savings.
- I have little to no disposable income.
- I rarely buy new items due to financial constraints.
- I cannot afford a vacation or take time off without facing financial burden.
- I may lack systemic privilege based on my race, ethnicity, or other cultural factors, and may instead face racial prejudice or hardships.
SOLD OUT - Full Weekend Attendance!
$130.00 - $190.00
SOLD OUT!
(FULL WEEKEND ATTENDANCE: SATURDAY & SUNDAY, 10/3-10/4Â 2026)
Leapfrog Programs strongly believes in the importance of making our events affordable and accessible for all. Please use the sliding scale below to select a price that best works for you and or your family’s financial situation and needs.
Payments towards the higher end allow us to offer lower cost tuition to people and families with less resources. After operating costs, proceeds from this event supports the planting and maintenance of public access orchards in communities across Western MA. We thank you for your support.
** Kids under 6 come free! Kids over 6 will need their own ticket and will have full access to the kids programming.**
- High - I am in a comfortable position where I can easily fulfill all my basic needs.
- Debt I may have does not prevent me from meeting my basic needs.
- I either own my home or property, or I rent a higher-end property.
- I own or lease a car.
- I am employed or do not need to work to meet my needs.
- I have regular access to healthcare.
- I have access to financial savings.
- I have disposable income.
- I can always afford to buy new items.
- I can afford to take an annual vacation or take time off without financial strain.
- I may benefit from systemic privilege based on my race, ethnicity, or other cultural factors, and do not routinely experience racism or prejudice.
- Middle - I may experience some stress about meeting my basic needs but generally succeed in fulfilling them.
- I may have some debt, but it doesn't prevent me from meeting my basic needs.
- I own or lease a car.
- I am employed.
- I have access to healthcare.
- I have access to some financial savings.
- I have some disposable income.
- I can afford to purchase some new items and also shop at thrift stores.
- I can go on a vacation annually or every few years without financial burden.
- Low - I experience stress about meeting basic needs, and often fail to meet them have debt, which sometimes prevents me from meeting my basic needs.
- I rent lower-end properties or have unstable housing.
- I do not have a car or have limited access to one, and I struggle to afford gas.
- I am unemployed or underemployed.
- I qualify for government assistance, including food stamps and healthcare.
- I have no access to savings.
- I have little to no disposable income.
- I rarely buy new items due to financial constraints.
- I cannot afford a vacation or take time off without facing financial burden.
- I may lack systemic privilege based on my race, ethnicity, or other cultural factors, and may instead face racial prejudice or hardships.
WORK TRADE
The Gathering is made possible with the help of its amazing work-traders! Thank you for your interest in contributing your hands and heart to helping make this event happen. Please click here to fill out a work trade application. Space is limited, application deadline is 9/30.
2026 SCHEDULE
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Friday:
⛺ Camping arrival: 5:30 *Arrive by 7:00 pm* NO POTLUCK |
Saturday:
Arrival/parking: 7:45-8:30 Opening Circle: 9:00 Block 1: 9:30-11:30
Lunch & Lamb Roast 11:30-12:45 Block 2: 1:00-3:00
Block 3: 3:15-5:15
Potluck Dinner 5:30 🔥 Fire, Music, Song Circle, and Story time! 6:30 🔭 Open Telescope: 8:00-9:30 Check out the moon and planets! |
Sunday:
Potluck Breakfast 7:45-8:30 Arrival and Parking: 7:45-8:30 Opening Circle: 9:00 Block 1: 9:30-11:30
Lunch & Trade Blanket 11:30-12:45 Block 2: 1:00-3:00
Block 3: 3:15-5:15
Closing Circle: 5:20 |
Class Descriptions
RABBIT PROCESSING and hides - Emma Markowitz
This class is about raising rabbits for meat and hides. You will be taught how to humanly process a rabbit and then will learn how to skin and butcher the rabbit. In the afternoon you will learn how to tan the hide. You will go home with a full rabbit to eat and and a hide.
Carving wooden animals - Tim Swanson
Come learn to carve wooden animals. Ages 8 an up. Bring a knife if you have one.
Complete Sheep Butchering - Felix Lufkin
Learn how to skin, dress, quarter and butcher sheep! In these workshops, we'll learn about skinning, butchering and anatomy as we transform an animal into food, and prepare a yearling ram for the annual Groundnut sheep roast! The slaughter will be an optional, though encouraged part of this experience. All parts of this animal will be used, including organ meats, bones and blood. We'll also learn to use the sinew for string, hooves for glue how to begin tanning the hide. Roll up your sleeves and participate, or stand back at a comfortable distance and watch. All this will be done in the respectful context of interdependence and gratitude.
Bittersweet Basketmaking - Anya Klepacki
Our surroundings are so lush this time of year! But what’s that vine that seems to be everywhere we look? In this workshop, we’ll learn a bit about Asiatic Bittersweet (a non-native aggressive/imbalanced vine), consider some history of how plants make their way around the globe, and learn to weave a simple bittersweet basket! Bring your own clippers and awl if you have them.
Bark tanning demonstration and workshop - Graham Skorupa
In this class I will be showcasing my skills in bark tanning. In the first course I will demonstrate brewing tan liquor; explaining the chemistry on why we do what we do and when; and demonstrate the membraning process on an in-process hide. For the second course I will demonstrate finishing techniques of currying a hide; greasing and slicking; how to make fat liquor, and when to apply it. At the end of each course I would love to help workshop anyone’s in progress tans!
Introduction to the Art and Science of Tracking - Walker Korby
Delve into the deepest recesses of our shared humanity to remember an essential practice that reveals the connections between us and the other beings with whom we share this planet. We'll explore animal gaits and movement, learn some core practices, and begin to learn how to interpret the world through the senses of a tracker. Whether this is the beginning of your tracking journey or you are a life-long tracker, you're sure to come away with inspiration and insight!
Composite Fishhooks- Neill Bovaird
In this class we will take a variety of materials and fashion them into sturdy, beautiful and functional fishhooks. This class will require students to bring a knife. 8 Students max.
Bone needles- Neill Bovaird
In this class we will take pieces of deer bone and abrade them down using stone tools to create sewing needles. 10 students Max.
Pine Needle Pendants & Coil Baskets - Razz Cacho-Nguyen
Come learn how to make a coil basket or pendant out of pine needles! This workshop will be mainly hands on, and we'll spend the bulk of our time crafting, but we'll also talk a little about materials and prep needed to do this on your own.
Wild Edibles Walk- Felix Lufkin
We will set out on a wild food and medicine walk where we will learn to ID, prepare and honor the bounty under our feet! Only recently has our relationship to wild food and medicine been snuffed out creating a devastating loss of connection between land and human. Reclaim the birthright that is yours, your biological need to be connected to the Earth as we meet and great more than a dozen species.
Tracking the Menstrual Cycle - Martha Hoffman
Come learn how to track and support the menstrual cycle, as humans have been doing for generations. We will cover reproductive anatomy, basic hormones, methods of tracking, and holistic cycle support. We will close with an open conversation among all participants. Open to all bodies and ages!
Love the Skin You’re in - Gina Shvartsman
Skin is our biggest organ, our primary interface between the inside + outside world, and a major organ of excretion. The cosmetic + skincare industry is not regulated and full of toxic ingredients. Infused oils + salves are a simple homemade way to nourish our skin and address specific needs–injuries, bites, bruises, etc. We will make an infused oil and salve and discuss the basics of salve making including carrier oil options, fresh vs dry herbs, different applications/uses, and how to make high potency intermediary oils, etc. Students will leave with the know-how to make more oils + salves and a salve made during class.
Wild Meads and Wines - Dan Bensonoff
Sugars are abundant in nature and given the right circumstances they will turn into alcohol. With some basic techniques and tools we can help maneuver this natural process into deliciously fermented boozy beverages that capture the terroir and season. In this class we'll explore how to make wild meads and wines using locally available and foraged ingredients. We'll sample a few drinks and make a few batches to try next year.
Greasing the Wheels: Deep Dive Into Fat - Gina Shvartsman
Fat is like liquid gold. Nutritive, giving us long lasting energy, necessary for proper nervous system and hormone function and thus growth + maintenance of the body, hydrating, and insulating, not to mention its many uses outside the human body-- as fuel, candles, lubrication, for tanning hides, making soap, etc… Unfortunately, the mainstream dialogue about fat and cholesterol is outdated and frankly, inaccurate, despite there being scientific evidence that says otherwise. In this class, we will get into the nitty gritty of why fat is important to the body, including the role of cholesterol and how to support wellness with delicious healthy fats. Discussion will include getting to know different types of fats and how to make use of them. We will begin by processing raw animal fat to render during the duration of the class.
Winter Immune Honey - Jade Alicandro
Join us for a hands-on workshop exploring folk herbalism, medicine-making, and the synergy of honey and herbs. We’ll cover the medicinal properties of honey, learn easy ways to capture the medicine and flavors of herbs into honey, and get hands-on experience making our own herbal preparations. The class will cover the ancient and potent honey-based preparations known as electuaries as well as herbal-infused honeys, made with both fresh and dried herbs. We’ll also discuss many herbs abundant in our bioregional that make amazing herbal-infused honeys and make our own Winter Immune Honey to take home. Handouts and recipes will be provided!
Seed Saving in the Time of Climate Change - Connor Stedman
Come learn the basics of seed saving and seed keeping, including techniques for bringing climate adaptive traits back into the populations of the crops we depend on and love. The workshop will focus on staple starch and protein crops but will be relevant to vegetable growing as well. We will have plenty of seeds and stories to share!
Acorn Processing Workshop - Ellie Fuller
Join us learning to work with Acorns - staple food of our ancestors. We share modern and traditional methods and are passionate about sharing how acorns can become part of life in practical and simple ways.
In this workshop we will learn how to harvest, dry and store acorns. We’ll spend time together cracking, shelling and grinding acorns into flour. Together we will learn different ways to leach out the tannins, and the many uses of acorn in cooking. We will finish our workshop with something delicious we’ve made (acorn truffles or acorn burgers) and a song for the Oaks!
Mock Wildlife Track & Sign Assessment - Kathy Dean
Are you in love with tracking wildlife? Have you considered participating (or already participated) in a CyberTracker Track & Sign evaluation (international standard for tracking field assessments and certifications) and would like some “no stress” time to practice beforehand? Or are you simply curious, willing to challenge yourself, and learn more about track and sign interpretation along the way? In this workshop, folks will have the opportunity to silently come up with their own interpretations of a variety of wildlife sign before facilitated group discussions reveal “the answers”. This workshop is for all skill levels and no experience is necessary!
The Art of Tai Chi - Thomas Matherly
Tai Chi is a great way to set yourself up for success for the day, every day! We will get warm, loosen up and get grounded together with some basic Tai Chi warm ups and principals. We’ll learn a Tai Chi walking form and finish off our time with partner drills . No prior experience with Tai Chi is necessary to participate but we will be continuing to learn the form on Sunday so Saturday is reccomended (but not required) as a prerequisite for Sunday.
Eat More Bugs! - Felix Lufkin
Insects come in all shapes and sizes, live almost anywhere, have been around forever and are the most diverse group of animals on the planet - yet they often go unnoticed and unappreciated. They play important roles in natural systems as well as on farms, and despite being commonly grown or caught for food in many other parts of the world, have flown under the radar here. Together, we'll do a bug hunt and see who we turn up, talk about the history of eating insects, and do a big, organized 'hopper hunt', and make some grasshopper tacos!
Re-indigenization Through Storyweaving - Djeli Celestia
Reconnect to the elements through journey practice and storytelling. Participants will engage in an interactive process of interconnection through story using prompts, patience and the elements. Djeli, an initiated Ritual Arts Facilitator, will lead this workshop of discovery, re-connecting and re-membering.
Nature Mystery Adventure - Dean Colpack
Do you want to have a lot of fun? Do you want to get to know yourself and other people at the gathering better? Do you want to sharpen your skills of understanding and knowing the world and nature in and around you? This is the group for you. We'll be engaging in fun, experiential activities and games that will facilitate our aliveness in relationship with the mysterious plants, animals (human and non-human), and fungi, all around us on the landscape. Come join us on an adventure into the mystery of nature!
Bark Tanning Fish Skins - Ellie Fuller
Explore the process of tanning fish skins with tree bark! Tanning is an ancient skill that was integral to our ancestors’ lives, and today it offers a creative and practical way to work with animals, trees and our hands in crafting both useful and beautiful objects. In this class, we will take fresh fish skins and work with them through various processes, including making a bark tanning solution, to create beautiful, finished pieces of leather ready for crafting with. Through this we will explore the process and science of bark tanning, the fascinating combination of animal skin and tree skin. This workshop aims to integrate traditional crafts into your life and be an accessible entry point to the complex world of tanning. Along with a beautiful piece of leather, you will leave with the skills and knowledge to create more at home with minimal, simple tools.
Wilderness Mental Health First Aid - Nicole Thurrell
In this highly engaging workshop, participants will come to understand the various states of nervous system activation that children and adults alike can experience in and out of the field - especially those states which prevent engagement, learning, and prosocial behavior, and nature connection. Participants will walk away with a toolkit of interventions for prevention, response, and stabilization. All tools can easily be utilized in a nature-based environment and most require little to no supplies other than ourselves and nature! This course will bring you the very best of what is known about nervous system regulation and how we can bring our best, most resilient selves to the world and support others as they face adversity.
Inner Story Work - Alex Leff
You are the latest chapter of an ancient story. In this interactive storytelling workshop, we’ll explore our lives as unfolding journeys that have brought us to this particular moment. Through reflection, storytelling, and listening to one another, we’ll create a map of the experiences, places, ancestors, and fellow travelers who have guided us along the way. What is the story that brought you here? What is the legend you are living? And what might the next chapter ask of you? Together, we’ll share the stories that can help us imagine and create more resilient futures for ourselves and our communities.
Autumn Olives, Foraging and Feasting - Maggie Lufkin
Come discover the delicious and abundant berry, called autumn olive. We will hike up the hill where we will review its history, learn how to identify it, and taste test dishes while feasting on the berries. Then, we will harvest and load up our baskets to make a fun dessert together.
Sensory Shroomery - Kevin Aderer
Get frisky with fungi in this five-sense foray. They don't make scratch-and-sniff guidebooks, so there's only one way to know them through secondary senses. We'll touch, smell, hear, and (occasionally) taste whatever we can find out there. You'll never be caught saying "it just smells like a mushroom" again.
Friction Fire- Crispin Boutler
Behold the ancient art of Friction Fire! The proverbial " rubbing two sticks together" so often mocked in popular culture a generation or two ago is now rediscovered and can be learned by anyone with a bit of patience and will to do so. In this workshop, we’ll explore the Bow Drill friction fire method - how to find materials, make kits and put it all together to reliably (mostly) create fires. Come share in this magical experience that connects us back to one of the most primal of elements. Together we will track the footsteps of our ancestors and their journey to summon the Power of Fire!
Sourdough Made Simple - Gina Lombardi
We will explore the basic techniques for creating a delicious loaf of sourdough bread and how to ft it into your schedule with ease. Since this is a primitive skills gathering, we will bake a loaf over hot coals. You will go home with a starter.
Roots of Mentoring: Deep Nature Connection & 8 Shields - Joshua Glass
What is "nature connection" anyway? This class gives orientation to the layers of "nature connection", depth mentoring, and the 8 Shields model for cultural regeneration. Participants will study the principles of mentoring through practical games and core routines that they can use right away with both youth and adult students or clients.
Making veggie ferments - Maddie Elling
Come and learn about fermenting vegetables in your home kitchen. We’ll cover key concepts, techniques and challenges of fermentation. There will be a demo, with potential for it to be hands on! Bring your enthusiasm and curiosity for the wild world of ferments.
Juggling Awareness - Joseph Goldin
This workshop is about learning how to play with your awareness. It is about playing and how to learn. What happens when you learn something new? It is also about how a physical practice like juggling can strengthen and build community. When we go from incompetence to competence together and celebrate each other it is fun! discover how challenges can be easy when done with community and while playing! You can bring this ability to learn and play to other parts of your life beyond juggling.
Herbs for Healthy Guts - Laura Torraco
The gut invites us to see our bodies not as isolated machines but as diverse ecosystems in full relationship with the world around them, full of microbial life, rhythms and connections that mirror the world around us. In our time together, we will get a grounded introduction to the gut as both a physical system and as an ecological one. Starting with the basics of gut anatomy we will create a foundational understanding for how this system works, and from there explore how nutrition and herbs can support and nourish our digestive health. The class will close with a hands-on herbal tea-making session, where we'll blend a gut-supportive tea together to taste and take home.
Intro to Wet Felting: Felted Soap and Ornaments - Talia Web
Learn how to make felt with wool, water, and soap. Felting is one of the oldest fiber arts since it needs so few tools. While simple to make, it is an extremely durable and versatile material with wide ranging uses from art pieces to clothing to insulation. You will learn how to make a felt encased soap bar that can be used in place of a washcloth or loofah. In the remaining workshop time, you will also be able to use your newly honed felting skills to make some small shaped ornaments using cookie cutters.
This class is about raising rabbits for meat and hides. You will be taught how to humanly process a rabbit and then will learn how to skin and butcher the rabbit. In the afternoon you will learn how to tan the hide. You will go home with a full rabbit to eat and and a hide.
Carving wooden animals - Tim Swanson
Come learn to carve wooden animals. Ages 8 an up. Bring a knife if you have one.
Complete Sheep Butchering - Felix Lufkin
Learn how to skin, dress, quarter and butcher sheep! In these workshops, we'll learn about skinning, butchering and anatomy as we transform an animal into food, and prepare a yearling ram for the annual Groundnut sheep roast! The slaughter will be an optional, though encouraged part of this experience. All parts of this animal will be used, including organ meats, bones and blood. We'll also learn to use the sinew for string, hooves for glue how to begin tanning the hide. Roll up your sleeves and participate, or stand back at a comfortable distance and watch. All this will be done in the respectful context of interdependence and gratitude.
Bittersweet Basketmaking - Anya Klepacki
Our surroundings are so lush this time of year! But what’s that vine that seems to be everywhere we look? In this workshop, we’ll learn a bit about Asiatic Bittersweet (a non-native aggressive/imbalanced vine), consider some history of how plants make their way around the globe, and learn to weave a simple bittersweet basket! Bring your own clippers and awl if you have them.
Bark tanning demonstration and workshop - Graham Skorupa
In this class I will be showcasing my skills in bark tanning. In the first course I will demonstrate brewing tan liquor; explaining the chemistry on why we do what we do and when; and demonstrate the membraning process on an in-process hide. For the second course I will demonstrate finishing techniques of currying a hide; greasing and slicking; how to make fat liquor, and when to apply it. At the end of each course I would love to help workshop anyone’s in progress tans!
Introduction to the Art and Science of Tracking - Walker Korby
Delve into the deepest recesses of our shared humanity to remember an essential practice that reveals the connections between us and the other beings with whom we share this planet. We'll explore animal gaits and movement, learn some core practices, and begin to learn how to interpret the world through the senses of a tracker. Whether this is the beginning of your tracking journey or you are a life-long tracker, you're sure to come away with inspiration and insight!
Composite Fishhooks- Neill Bovaird
In this class we will take a variety of materials and fashion them into sturdy, beautiful and functional fishhooks. This class will require students to bring a knife. 8 Students max.
Bone needles- Neill Bovaird
In this class we will take pieces of deer bone and abrade them down using stone tools to create sewing needles. 10 students Max.
Pine Needle Pendants & Coil Baskets - Razz Cacho-Nguyen
Come learn how to make a coil basket or pendant out of pine needles! This workshop will be mainly hands on, and we'll spend the bulk of our time crafting, but we'll also talk a little about materials and prep needed to do this on your own.
Wild Edibles Walk- Felix Lufkin
We will set out on a wild food and medicine walk where we will learn to ID, prepare and honor the bounty under our feet! Only recently has our relationship to wild food and medicine been snuffed out creating a devastating loss of connection between land and human. Reclaim the birthright that is yours, your biological need to be connected to the Earth as we meet and great more than a dozen species.
Tracking the Menstrual Cycle - Martha Hoffman
Come learn how to track and support the menstrual cycle, as humans have been doing for generations. We will cover reproductive anatomy, basic hormones, methods of tracking, and holistic cycle support. We will close with an open conversation among all participants. Open to all bodies and ages!
Love the Skin You’re in - Gina Shvartsman
Skin is our biggest organ, our primary interface between the inside + outside world, and a major organ of excretion. The cosmetic + skincare industry is not regulated and full of toxic ingredients. Infused oils + salves are a simple homemade way to nourish our skin and address specific needs–injuries, bites, bruises, etc. We will make an infused oil and salve and discuss the basics of salve making including carrier oil options, fresh vs dry herbs, different applications/uses, and how to make high potency intermediary oils, etc. Students will leave with the know-how to make more oils + salves and a salve made during class.
Wild Meads and Wines - Dan Bensonoff
Sugars are abundant in nature and given the right circumstances they will turn into alcohol. With some basic techniques and tools we can help maneuver this natural process into deliciously fermented boozy beverages that capture the terroir and season. In this class we'll explore how to make wild meads and wines using locally available and foraged ingredients. We'll sample a few drinks and make a few batches to try next year.
Greasing the Wheels: Deep Dive Into Fat - Gina Shvartsman
Fat is like liquid gold. Nutritive, giving us long lasting energy, necessary for proper nervous system and hormone function and thus growth + maintenance of the body, hydrating, and insulating, not to mention its many uses outside the human body-- as fuel, candles, lubrication, for tanning hides, making soap, etc… Unfortunately, the mainstream dialogue about fat and cholesterol is outdated and frankly, inaccurate, despite there being scientific evidence that says otherwise. In this class, we will get into the nitty gritty of why fat is important to the body, including the role of cholesterol and how to support wellness with delicious healthy fats. Discussion will include getting to know different types of fats and how to make use of them. We will begin by processing raw animal fat to render during the duration of the class.
Winter Immune Honey - Jade Alicandro
Join us for a hands-on workshop exploring folk herbalism, medicine-making, and the synergy of honey and herbs. We’ll cover the medicinal properties of honey, learn easy ways to capture the medicine and flavors of herbs into honey, and get hands-on experience making our own herbal preparations. The class will cover the ancient and potent honey-based preparations known as electuaries as well as herbal-infused honeys, made with both fresh and dried herbs. We’ll also discuss many herbs abundant in our bioregional that make amazing herbal-infused honeys and make our own Winter Immune Honey to take home. Handouts and recipes will be provided!
Seed Saving in the Time of Climate Change - Connor Stedman
Come learn the basics of seed saving and seed keeping, including techniques for bringing climate adaptive traits back into the populations of the crops we depend on and love. The workshop will focus on staple starch and protein crops but will be relevant to vegetable growing as well. We will have plenty of seeds and stories to share!
Acorn Processing Workshop - Ellie Fuller
Join us learning to work with Acorns - staple food of our ancestors. We share modern and traditional methods and are passionate about sharing how acorns can become part of life in practical and simple ways.
In this workshop we will learn how to harvest, dry and store acorns. We’ll spend time together cracking, shelling and grinding acorns into flour. Together we will learn different ways to leach out the tannins, and the many uses of acorn in cooking. We will finish our workshop with something delicious we’ve made (acorn truffles or acorn burgers) and a song for the Oaks!
Mock Wildlife Track & Sign Assessment - Kathy Dean
Are you in love with tracking wildlife? Have you considered participating (or already participated) in a CyberTracker Track & Sign evaluation (international standard for tracking field assessments and certifications) and would like some “no stress” time to practice beforehand? Or are you simply curious, willing to challenge yourself, and learn more about track and sign interpretation along the way? In this workshop, folks will have the opportunity to silently come up with their own interpretations of a variety of wildlife sign before facilitated group discussions reveal “the answers”. This workshop is for all skill levels and no experience is necessary!
The Art of Tai Chi - Thomas Matherly
Tai Chi is a great way to set yourself up for success for the day, every day! We will get warm, loosen up and get grounded together with some basic Tai Chi warm ups and principals. We’ll learn a Tai Chi walking form and finish off our time with partner drills . No prior experience with Tai Chi is necessary to participate but we will be continuing to learn the form on Sunday so Saturday is reccomended (but not required) as a prerequisite for Sunday.
Eat More Bugs! - Felix Lufkin
Insects come in all shapes and sizes, live almost anywhere, have been around forever and are the most diverse group of animals on the planet - yet they often go unnoticed and unappreciated. They play important roles in natural systems as well as on farms, and despite being commonly grown or caught for food in many other parts of the world, have flown under the radar here. Together, we'll do a bug hunt and see who we turn up, talk about the history of eating insects, and do a big, organized 'hopper hunt', and make some grasshopper tacos!
Re-indigenization Through Storyweaving - Djeli Celestia
Reconnect to the elements through journey practice and storytelling. Participants will engage in an interactive process of interconnection through story using prompts, patience and the elements. Djeli, an initiated Ritual Arts Facilitator, will lead this workshop of discovery, re-connecting and re-membering.
Nature Mystery Adventure - Dean Colpack
Do you want to have a lot of fun? Do you want to get to know yourself and other people at the gathering better? Do you want to sharpen your skills of understanding and knowing the world and nature in and around you? This is the group for you. We'll be engaging in fun, experiential activities and games that will facilitate our aliveness in relationship with the mysterious plants, animals (human and non-human), and fungi, all around us on the landscape. Come join us on an adventure into the mystery of nature!
Bark Tanning Fish Skins - Ellie Fuller
Explore the process of tanning fish skins with tree bark! Tanning is an ancient skill that was integral to our ancestors’ lives, and today it offers a creative and practical way to work with animals, trees and our hands in crafting both useful and beautiful objects. In this class, we will take fresh fish skins and work with them through various processes, including making a bark tanning solution, to create beautiful, finished pieces of leather ready for crafting with. Through this we will explore the process and science of bark tanning, the fascinating combination of animal skin and tree skin. This workshop aims to integrate traditional crafts into your life and be an accessible entry point to the complex world of tanning. Along with a beautiful piece of leather, you will leave with the skills and knowledge to create more at home with minimal, simple tools.
Wilderness Mental Health First Aid - Nicole Thurrell
In this highly engaging workshop, participants will come to understand the various states of nervous system activation that children and adults alike can experience in and out of the field - especially those states which prevent engagement, learning, and prosocial behavior, and nature connection. Participants will walk away with a toolkit of interventions for prevention, response, and stabilization. All tools can easily be utilized in a nature-based environment and most require little to no supplies other than ourselves and nature! This course will bring you the very best of what is known about nervous system regulation and how we can bring our best, most resilient selves to the world and support others as they face adversity.
Inner Story Work - Alex Leff
You are the latest chapter of an ancient story. In this interactive storytelling workshop, we’ll explore our lives as unfolding journeys that have brought us to this particular moment. Through reflection, storytelling, and listening to one another, we’ll create a map of the experiences, places, ancestors, and fellow travelers who have guided us along the way. What is the story that brought you here? What is the legend you are living? And what might the next chapter ask of you? Together, we’ll share the stories that can help us imagine and create more resilient futures for ourselves and our communities.
Autumn Olives, Foraging and Feasting - Maggie Lufkin
Come discover the delicious and abundant berry, called autumn olive. We will hike up the hill where we will review its history, learn how to identify it, and taste test dishes while feasting on the berries. Then, we will harvest and load up our baskets to make a fun dessert together.
Sensory Shroomery - Kevin Aderer
Get frisky with fungi in this five-sense foray. They don't make scratch-and-sniff guidebooks, so there's only one way to know them through secondary senses. We'll touch, smell, hear, and (occasionally) taste whatever we can find out there. You'll never be caught saying "it just smells like a mushroom" again.
Friction Fire- Crispin Boutler
Behold the ancient art of Friction Fire! The proverbial " rubbing two sticks together" so often mocked in popular culture a generation or two ago is now rediscovered and can be learned by anyone with a bit of patience and will to do so. In this workshop, we’ll explore the Bow Drill friction fire method - how to find materials, make kits and put it all together to reliably (mostly) create fires. Come share in this magical experience that connects us back to one of the most primal of elements. Together we will track the footsteps of our ancestors and their journey to summon the Power of Fire!
Sourdough Made Simple - Gina Lombardi
We will explore the basic techniques for creating a delicious loaf of sourdough bread and how to ft it into your schedule with ease. Since this is a primitive skills gathering, we will bake a loaf over hot coals. You will go home with a starter.
Roots of Mentoring: Deep Nature Connection & 8 Shields - Joshua Glass
What is "nature connection" anyway? This class gives orientation to the layers of "nature connection", depth mentoring, and the 8 Shields model for cultural regeneration. Participants will study the principles of mentoring through practical games and core routines that they can use right away with both youth and adult students or clients.
Making veggie ferments - Maddie Elling
Come and learn about fermenting vegetables in your home kitchen. We’ll cover key concepts, techniques and challenges of fermentation. There will be a demo, with potential for it to be hands on! Bring your enthusiasm and curiosity for the wild world of ferments.
Juggling Awareness - Joseph Goldin
This workshop is about learning how to play with your awareness. It is about playing and how to learn. What happens when you learn something new? It is also about how a physical practice like juggling can strengthen and build community. When we go from incompetence to competence together and celebrate each other it is fun! discover how challenges can be easy when done with community and while playing! You can bring this ability to learn and play to other parts of your life beyond juggling.
Herbs for Healthy Guts - Laura Torraco
The gut invites us to see our bodies not as isolated machines but as diverse ecosystems in full relationship with the world around them, full of microbial life, rhythms and connections that mirror the world around us. In our time together, we will get a grounded introduction to the gut as both a physical system and as an ecological one. Starting with the basics of gut anatomy we will create a foundational understanding for how this system works, and from there explore how nutrition and herbs can support and nourish our digestive health. The class will close with a hands-on herbal tea-making session, where we'll blend a gut-supportive tea together to taste and take home.
Intro to Wet Felting: Felted Soap and Ornaments - Talia Web
Learn how to make felt with wool, water, and soap. Felting is one of the oldest fiber arts since it needs so few tools. While simple to make, it is an extremely durable and versatile material with wide ranging uses from art pieces to clothing to insulation. You will learn how to make a felt encased soap bar that can be used in place of a washcloth or loofah. In the remaining workshop time, you will also be able to use your newly honed felting skills to make some small shaped ornaments using cookie cutters.
Teacher Bios
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George LoCascio: Foundations of Blacksmithing
George has been blacksmithing off and on for over 20 years. He has helped start a heathen artist collective that focuses on Celtic and Norse artwork thru, metal, bone, wood, painting and printmaking. |
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Djeli Celestia: Reindigenization through storyweaving
Djeli uses the pronoun ki (pronounced key), meaning divine being of love, light and shadow yet is comfortable being referred to with any pronouns. Djeli is a story weaver who helps transform overwhelm to overjoy. Ki uses a multitude of practices to create an atmosphere of curiosity and dialogue, even around difficult topics. Ki helps others breathe life into their own process as part of a healing practice of creating from the heart. Djeli is a thought leader, life coach, ceremonialist, public speaker, lifelong storyteller, and former Cirque du Soleil acrobat who has traveled the world weaving energies to remind us of our interconnectedness. Djeli is an initiated Dagara diviner and Ritual Arts Facilitator as well as a Reiki Master Practitioner. Djeli is the co - founder of I M Project, mentoring men, young men and boys and co - founder of The Sacred Center supporting healing transformation of mind, body and spirit through the interconnection of all beings. Djeli is also an active member of the National Association of Black Storytellers (NABS) |
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Felix Lufkin: Wild Edible Plants, Complete Sheep Butchering and Eat More Bugs!
Felix works with K-12 and adult students at a number of programs in the Valley. His teachers include knowledgeable staff at nature education organizations, including Wolf Tree Programs (Neill Bovaird), Vermont Wilderness School (Bob Etzweiler), and Earthwork Programs (Frank Grindrod), whose teaching descends in part from Jon Young, and a Eight Shields/Coyote Mentoring approach, as well as Mass Audubon, and the Burgundy Center for Wildlife Studies. He completed a apprenticeship at the Clearpath School of Herbal Medicine with Chris Marano, and has learned from wild plant authors like Arthur Haines and Samuel Thayer. His butchering practice is largely self-taught. He also directs Help Yourself, inc and Leapfrog Programs. |
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Nicole Thurrell: Wilderness Mental Health First Aid
Recipient of the Massachusetts Award for Excellence in Science Education, Nicole is a passionate educator who loves turning people on to strategies for caring more skillfully for their fellow human beings. She has degrees in Psychology and Recreation Therapy from the University of North Carolina and has been a Wilderness EMT since 2001. Nicole has decades of experience working in many aspects of wilderness therapy, including expedition leader, health director, and director of admissions. Whether it was leading adventures on the water, on land, or in the air, Nicole has done it all. She has been an adventure racer, a raft guide, high ropes facilitator, a clinician for kids with Autism, a Waldorf high school teacher, and a mom. |
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Martha Hoffman: Tracking the Menstrual Cycle
Martha is a fertility awareness educator, full-spectrum doula, and massage therapist. They have a decade of experience in outdoor education, leading extended expeditions in Maine and Ohio, teaching wilderness first aid, and working for Leapfrog Programs. They hold a decade-running wilderness first responder certification. Martha's ancestors lived in the Outer Hebrides, Sweden, Appalachia, and Utah, and she now calls the Connecticut River Valley home. Martha prioritizes consent, feedback, and curiosity in everything they do. You can learn more about their work at Marthahoffman.com, or on IG @martha_body. |
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Walker Korby: Introduction to the Art and Science of Tracking
Walker began his tracking journey in the late 80's as a Boy Scout in Central NJ. In high school he discovered the Wilderness Awareness School in his hometown and realized that his life path was going to be centered around reconnecting people with the rest of the natural world. He studied and taught with Wilderness Awareness School as well as The Tracker school, and Vermont Wilderness School. He's been an instructor and facilitator for the Art Of Mentoring programs across the country as well as in Europe for over 20 years, and and adjunct instructor in the Human Ecology program at Greenfield Community College. He obtained a Masters in Geography at UMass and currently runs a successful land stewardship company out of Montague MA. |
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Anya Klepacki: Bittersweet Basketmaking
Anya has a background in environmental science, native plant landscaping, invasive plant management, and is a lifelong Western Mass resident. They experiment with primarily invasive plants like bittersweet, glossy buckthorn, autumn olive, and more towards reopening space in pressured ecosystems, relocating ourselves in context, and reviving practices in us. Some of her teachers include Zachary Rouda, co-teacher Kokoro Bensonoff, and inspiration from many friends and baskets themselves. |
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Neill Bovaird: Composite fish hooks, Bone needles and Evening Storyteller
Neill Bovaird has been practicing and teaching wilderness skills since 1998. He has a B.S. in Natural Resource Conservation from UMass Amherst and holds a Track and Sign Professional certification and a Trailing Level III certification through the CyberTracker Conservation. Neill has been a facilitator at Art of Mentoring since 2001 and has studied under Jon Young, Mark Elbroch, Errett Callahan, and Steve Watts. In addition to being the founder and director of Wolf Tree Programs LLC, Neill has taught wilderness skills at countless private and public schools, nature centers, museums, conferences, elder hostels, and camps. Neill’s passions include flintknapping, bow making, hide tanning, tracking, megalithic construction, hunting and wandering in the wilderness. |
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Maddie Elling: Making Veggie Ferments
Maddie Elling is a dabbler, doer and dancer based in the Berkshires, Ma. She cofounded Hosta Hill, a vegetable ferment company in the Berkshires that ran for 14 years with her partner, Abe. She is a mom to 2 kids, a dog, cats and ducks and spends the bulk of her time gardening and playing with flowers. |
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Tim Swanson: Gourd Canteens & Carving Wooden Animals
Tim Swanson is the founder and lead instructor of Owl Eyes Wilderness Survival. He holds a double Bachelor’s Degree in Adventure Education Leadership and Adventure Therapy. He is a Level 2 Certified Animal Tracker, Wilderness First Responder, a Leave No Trace Master Educator, and a published author. Tim teaches wilderness survival and bushcraft from a connective and realistic approach. Classes with Owl Eyes Wilderness Survival are held in Massachusetts and throughout New England for all ages. |
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Emma Markowitz: Tanning Rabbit Hides
Emma Markowitz is an instructor at Owl Eyes Wilderness Survival and the Assistant Director of TimberNook Middlesex County. Emma is a lifelong adventurer and naturalist. Growing up in the prairies of Chicago, her boundless energy often led to climbing trees, splashing through mud, and turning the washing machine into a rock tumbler. With over 15 years of experience in outdoor and progressive education, Emma believes that by empowering people to take healthy risks and explore the natural world, she can help them develop the confidence and skills they need to thrive. Her teaching is infused with curiosity, patience, and a generous dose of humor. |
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Dan Bensonoff: Wild Meads and Wines
Dan Bensonoff has spent most of his adult life studying and practicing land-based resiliency skills. He is an educator with a focus on sustainable food production, permaculture, food preservation, foraging, and other crafts that are rooted in "the old ways". His life revolves around his collective homestead which he shares with a motley crew of kids, adults, chickens, and plants. He currently works as coordinator of the UMass Permaculture Initiative at UMass Amherst. Dan gives thanks to all his former fermentation teachers including Greg Maslowe, Jereme Zimmerman, and Sandor Katz. |
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Razz Cacho-Nguyen: Simple Cattail Baskets
Razz Cacho-Nguyen (they/them pronouns) is a queer, two-spirit, neurospicy healer and practitioner of ancestral wilderness skills. They enjoy herbalism, plant ID, track & sign, animal processing, weaving baskets and making cordage. |
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Graham Skorupa: Bark tanning demonstration and workshop
Graham has been hide tanning for 5 years. He taught himself how to bark tan in 2020. Herding goats and sheep back then, the necessity came up to use the whole animal and making a product more applicable than brain tan sparked his interest. Now, no more herding, Graham still tans hides in his garage in Great Falls from locally sourced deer or animals he slaughters for friends' small homesteads. |
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Erica Martenson: Morning Song Leader and Song Circle Leader
Erica grew up in a nature focused community, which allowed her to explore her passions of basketry, singing, fire making, foraging, and much more. She lives in a tiny house with her partner on Brook's Bend Farm, where she runs nature programs for girls through Wolftree Programs. She has 3 beautiful cows, a happy flock of chickens, and bees. |
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Jade Alicandro: Winter Immune Honey
Jade Alicandro is an educator, animist, mother, citizen scientist and clinical and community herbalist. Her herbal obsessions include bioregional herbalism, tree medicine, working with maligned weeds and displaced plant relatives, kitchen medicine and accessible herbalism. Connecting people with plants is the heart of her work, mainly through the container of Milk & Honey Herbs. Learn more at www.milkandhoneyherbs.com |
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Joshua Glass: Roots of Mentoring: Deep Nature Connection & 8 Shields
Joshua Glass is a nature connection mentor working with families, youth, and adults. Through ancestral skills and wilderness survival practices like fire, shelter, foraging, and tracking, he helps people learn a place well enough to love and care for it. He mentors youth and guides rites of passage with Twin Eagles Wilderness School and has apprenticed with Maine Primitive (Maine), studying the 8-Shields Cultural Mentoring model. He studied social design and community building at Zuyd University in the Netherlands and in 2024, co-founded Kambium•Earth-Based Learning in Portugal. He returns yearly to Massachusetts. |
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Kathy Dean: Mock Wildlife Track & Sign Assessment
Kathy Dean has worked in the field of outdoor education since 1983 as a wilderness guide, rock climbing instructor and teacher of wildlife tracking, bird language and nature awareness. In addition to working with several nature education centers, she offers in-depth wildlife tracking intensives, a variety of tracking and birding-related courses, custom-tailored nature programs and one-on-one mentoring through Trotting Fox Programs (trottingfoxprograms.com). She is the author of Abbreviated Field Guide to Mammal Behavior: New England Region and is certified by Tracker Certification North America as a Track & Sign Professional and Track & Sign Specialist. Kathy lives in a small hill town in western Massachusetts and is blissfully surrounded by abundant woodlands, wetlands and wildlife. |
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Dean Colpack:
Dean doesn't like speaking in the 3rd person, but he'll do it if he has to. Dean is trying to figure out the earth skill of how to understand himself and the world better--primarily through attention, intention, and observation--and he loves to bring groups of people into that search with him, through mushroom walks, games and activities that plumb the depths for aliveness, deconstructions of assumptions, and in circles of people being vulnerable and making connections. He's glad to be at Groundnut again! |
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Alex Leff- Storytelling
Alex Leff is a documentary filmmaker, immersive theater creator, and podcast producer-host whose work explores memory, meaning, and the relationships between people, place, and the systems that shape our world. His award-winning film Cycle of Memory received “Best of the Festival” at the Sunset Los Angeles Film Festival in 2022, and his earlier feature “In the Path of Resistance”—which follows frontline communities along the proposed Keystone pipeline—was broadcast internationally and translated into multiple languages. He is currently the host of Human Nature Odyssey, a podcast exploring humanity, civilization, and how the stories we tell shape our response to an era of global crisis and transformation. Alex studied documentary film at Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts. |
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Gina Lombardi: Sourdough Made Simple
My name is Gina Lombardi. I am a Mason, a mother to 2 homeschooled children and live in a off grid homestead in western Massachusetts.It has always been my families custum to make things by hand and live simply. |
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Gina Shvartsman: Love the skin you’re in & Greasing the Wheels: Deep dive into Fat
Gina is an Earth lover, often covered in dirt or plant matter. Passionate about living in rhythm with the seasons, she has a strong curiosity for how people lived in pre-industrial times. Her herbal education was at Clearpath Herbals and Vermont Center of Integrative Herbalism and is ongoing with the plants. She is a farmer, community herbalist, shiatsu practitioner, wildcrafter and the herbal-artist of Radical Rose Botanicals, a compilation of herbal remedies with a focus on practical daily plant supports. |
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Crispin Boulter : Knife Skills and Friction Fire
Crispin has been playing with knives and sticks and stuff in the woods since an early age. He grew up in Massachusetts, a child of parents interested in back to the land living, herbalism, wild foods and Native American culture. He discovered the renaissance of primitive skills through reading Tom Brown Jr.’s books as a teenager and was fortunate to attend Tom Brown’s Tracker School in New Jersey during his early 20’s. Crispin also attended wilderness skills programs at Wilderness Awareness School in Washington state and studied Blacksmithing and knife making at the John C. Campbell Folk School in North Carolina. He did a year long apprenticeship in 2006/7 at Vermont Wilderness School, where he first started teaching and mentoring children and teens in outdoor skills. Since then he has led homeschool, adult and teen programs at Earthwork Programs, Hemlock Hollow and Adventure In Adventure Out, in Western Massachusetts. Crispin has a keen interest and love of natural law, peacemaking principles, trees, sacred fire, martial arts, coconuts and viking boats. His primary habitat includes New England’s riparian corridors, wooded hills, rugged coastlines, highways and backroads in the Connecticut, Champlain and North Atlantic watersheds. He is the proud father of a sixteen year old daughter named Sadie. |
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Connor Stedman: Seed Saving in the Time of Climate Change
Connor Stedman is a climate educator, farm planner, and ecological designer with 20 years experience in agriculture and food systems. He speaks, teaches, and consults on climate adaptation and mitigation strategy around the Northeast and the US. |
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Ellie Fuller: Acorn Processing & Bark Tanning Fish Skin
Ellie is an experienced nature mentor and wilderness skills facilitator. Her passion is supporting people to connect with the natural world in reciprocal, fun and adventurous ways. She is dedicated to remembering the old ways and exploring ancestral skills such as acorn processing, bark-tanning, fire making, foraging, and more; learning the old wisdom and stories held within traditional crafts and ways of life. At this time of year she loves nothing more than sharing her love of acorns and Oaks! |
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Thomas Matherly: The Art of Tai Chi
Tom has been learning and practicing martial arts their entire life and has found the most joy and presence in the disciplines of Tai Chi, Chinese Kung Fu, Wing Chun and Qi Kung. They love sharing these practices and firmly believe that even the most basic practice of any of these arts greatly enhances ones experience of life and good health! |
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Laura Torraco: Herbs for a Healthy Gut
Laura Torraco is a clinical herbalist, owner of Sage Green Botanicals, and co-director of the Western Mass Herbal Symposium. Her work centers on helping others explore their relationship to their own bodies, and to their communities of fellow humans and more-than-human beings. Laura is currently a PhD student at UMass Amherst, where her research examines migration, belonging, place based grief and how bodies and landscapes interact and shape one another across time. |
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Talia Web: Intro to Wet Felting: Felted Soap and Ornaments
Talia (she/her) is a fiber artist who creates sculptural pieces through felting, sewing, dyeing, and incorporating natural materials. Inspired by nature and folklore, her work often depicts plants, animals, and stones, playfully combining form, texture, and light. Talia frequently teaches classes and workshops in the Northampton and Hilltowns area. Talialefton.com |
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Joseph Goldin: Juggling Awareness, Trade Blanket Facilitator and Kids Night Game Leader
Joe has taught juggling as well as mindfulness for many years. He is passionate about human potential and how conscious playing and practicing can level up all kinds of skills. He is a researcher of intimacy and connection with oneself as well as in being in connection with others. At Hampshire Collage Joseph studied playing and learning in community. In the past few years he has done a deep dive into conscious feelings work and has been holding space for people to reconnected with their feelings as well as their personal authority. He also has been a body worker and licensed massage therapist since 2017. |
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Kevin Aderer - Sensory Shroomery:
Kevin's friends are remarkably patient with his thorough and immersive approach to learning. Mushrooms claimed him in 2017 and he's been courting them loyally ever since. He collects stories and songs and jokes, and he's (still) doggedly working towards land-based community. He likes Doing Things with People, and he's curious what you might have to share about human prehistory, healing trauma, and treasury yields. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting a ticket:
What are the dates of the 2026 gathering?
Oct 3-4
Can children and teens attend?
Yes! There are programs for kids ages 6-12. Kids under 6 attend for free.
Is the gathering accessible to those with disabilities?
Please contact us at [email protected] to discuss your access needs and we would be happy to see if we can accommodate them. The physical nature of the event grounds do limit our capacity to make this event physically accessible for those who have difficulty traversing gravel, uneven and potentially muddy terrain.
I can’t afford a ticket, what options do I have?
We have a work trade program and a scholarship fund. If you are unable to participate in the work trade program and are interested in a scholarship please get in touch with us by emailing [email protected]
I purchased my pass, when will I receive a ticket and welcome letter?
We are a small non profit that is in the office 2x/week, we will send you your pass and welcome letter as soon as we get into the office! Thanks for your patience!
What is the refund policy?
We do not offer refunds. If you are unable to attend you can transfer your ticket to someone else.
Packing/prep:
Are any local accommodations (besides camping) available?
Yes there are Air b and bs and hotels in the neighboring towns.
Can I bring my dog?
As much as we love pups we have a strict NO DOG (and pet) policy. Thanks for understanding!
Is carpooling available?
Yes, and we highly encourage it! Head to the Groundnut Carpooling to coordinate carpooling!
Will I need cash at the event?
Some classes require a materials fee which must be paid in cash to the teacher before the class starts. Info on which classes require a materials fee will be in the welcome letter. There is will also be perennial plants and Groundnut Merchandise for sale which will need to be paid for in cash.
What else should I bring?:
Water Containers & Sun Protection: Please carry water bottles at all times and protect yourself from the sun. Young children need a tote bag with these items, especially if they are getting involved with the kids programs.
Food: We provide a community primitive kitchen (cooking over fire) for your cooking pleasure. Please remember to pack your own food, cookware and dishware. You can also cook at your campsite on a small propane camp stove, if you’d like. **Meals are not provided for.** There will be a potluck on Saturday evening for dinner and a Sunday morning potluck for breakfast (details below and in welcome letter).
Rain Gear: Come prepared and you will be much more comfortable. Bring a rain jacket, extra tarps for your sleeping area, umbrellas, something to sit on when the ground is wet, a small plastic bag to keep your notebook and headlamp in, and shoes that you’ll be comfortable in when they get wet (like sandals or muck boots).
What if it rains?
The Groundnut Gathering is held rain or shine. There is no provision for a rain date, and no refunds are given on account of inclement weather. Bring your rain gear and plenty of warm, non-cotton socks and under layers to stay warm even when you’re wet.
Crafts for gifting or trading: Bring special items if you would like to join the trade blanket on Sunday afternoon!
Hygiene: There are handwashing stations available and folks are encouraged to wash hands regularly and thoroughly. These are not for washing bodies. There is a river for swimming and freshening up. There are NO showers. Come prepared to keep yourself and your family clean. Soap is not allowed in the river or stream.
Minimize Trash: The Groundnut is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out event. This means we do not have community garbage cans. If you bring a bunch of stuff that will have to get thrown away, you will have to lug it around with you quite a bit. Please plan for a low-waste event, and come prepared with vessels or bags to gather and pack out your trash.
What are the potluck meals all about?
There is a potluck dinner on Saturday and a potluck breakfast on Sunday morning. Please bring a dish for 10-15 people. There will be cards to write ingredients on a a potluck manager organizing the meals.
Arrival:
How do I get to the gathering?
The gathering will take place in Montgomery MA and detailed directions will be sent closer to the Gathering to all ticket holders.
Carpooling:
We highly encourage carpooling! Head HERE !!!to find a carpool crew!
What is the parking situation?
There is limited parking and we encourage carpooling. There will be folks and signs showing you where to park upon your arrival.
Can I arrive evening before my ticket starts?
Yes, you can arrive Friday between 4-7:30.
When can I arrive?
For the Weekend: Between 4-7:30 pm On Friday 10/7 or Saturday morning between 7-9 am. If you are only coming for Sunday you can arrive between 8-9 am on Sunday morning.
At the gathering:
What is the camping set up like?
There is a large mowed field where you can set up your tent.
What amenities are available?
Well water for drinking and there are composting toilets.
When do I sign up for classes?
Saturday's classes will be posted right before opening circle on Saturday morning and Sunday's classes will be posted right before opening circle on Sunday morning.
Worktrade:
Why does the Groundnut require an attendance fee and refundable work trade deposit?
The $5 attendance fee is for all participants and is paid directly to the land owners. The refundable work trade deposit provides the best assurance of accountability. We will keep your deposit only if you don’t show up or don’t complete your hours for a reason we deem unacceptable. You will be refunded by 10/15.
When will I hear about the status of my work trade application?
By 9/15
Can my children hang out with me while I work trade?
If they are 12+
How many hours do work traders have to do for full tuition to the Groundnut?
6.5
Are partial work trade positions available?
No
What are the dates of the 2026 gathering?
Oct 3-4
Can children and teens attend?
Yes! There are programs for kids ages 6-12. Kids under 6 attend for free.
Is the gathering accessible to those with disabilities?
Please contact us at [email protected] to discuss your access needs and we would be happy to see if we can accommodate them. The physical nature of the event grounds do limit our capacity to make this event physically accessible for those who have difficulty traversing gravel, uneven and potentially muddy terrain.
I can’t afford a ticket, what options do I have?
We have a work trade program and a scholarship fund. If you are unable to participate in the work trade program and are interested in a scholarship please get in touch with us by emailing [email protected]
I purchased my pass, when will I receive a ticket and welcome letter?
We are a small non profit that is in the office 2x/week, we will send you your pass and welcome letter as soon as we get into the office! Thanks for your patience!
What is the refund policy?
We do not offer refunds. If you are unable to attend you can transfer your ticket to someone else.
Packing/prep:
Are any local accommodations (besides camping) available?
Yes there are Air b and bs and hotels in the neighboring towns.
Can I bring my dog?
As much as we love pups we have a strict NO DOG (and pet) policy. Thanks for understanding!
Is carpooling available?
Yes, and we highly encourage it! Head to the Groundnut Carpooling to coordinate carpooling!
Will I need cash at the event?
Some classes require a materials fee which must be paid in cash to the teacher before the class starts. Info on which classes require a materials fee will be in the welcome letter. There is will also be perennial plants and Groundnut Merchandise for sale which will need to be paid for in cash.
What else should I bring?:
Water Containers & Sun Protection: Please carry water bottles at all times and protect yourself from the sun. Young children need a tote bag with these items, especially if they are getting involved with the kids programs.
Food: We provide a community primitive kitchen (cooking over fire) for your cooking pleasure. Please remember to pack your own food, cookware and dishware. You can also cook at your campsite on a small propane camp stove, if you’d like. **Meals are not provided for.** There will be a potluck on Saturday evening for dinner and a Sunday morning potluck for breakfast (details below and in welcome letter).
Rain Gear: Come prepared and you will be much more comfortable. Bring a rain jacket, extra tarps for your sleeping area, umbrellas, something to sit on when the ground is wet, a small plastic bag to keep your notebook and headlamp in, and shoes that you’ll be comfortable in when they get wet (like sandals or muck boots).
What if it rains?
The Groundnut Gathering is held rain or shine. There is no provision for a rain date, and no refunds are given on account of inclement weather. Bring your rain gear and plenty of warm, non-cotton socks and under layers to stay warm even when you’re wet.
Crafts for gifting or trading: Bring special items if you would like to join the trade blanket on Sunday afternoon!
Hygiene: There are handwashing stations available and folks are encouraged to wash hands regularly and thoroughly. These are not for washing bodies. There is a river for swimming and freshening up. There are NO showers. Come prepared to keep yourself and your family clean. Soap is not allowed in the river or stream.
Minimize Trash: The Groundnut is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out event. This means we do not have community garbage cans. If you bring a bunch of stuff that will have to get thrown away, you will have to lug it around with you quite a bit. Please plan for a low-waste event, and come prepared with vessels or bags to gather and pack out your trash.
What are the potluck meals all about?
There is a potluck dinner on Saturday and a potluck breakfast on Sunday morning. Please bring a dish for 10-15 people. There will be cards to write ingredients on a a potluck manager organizing the meals.
Arrival:
How do I get to the gathering?
The gathering will take place in Montgomery MA and detailed directions will be sent closer to the Gathering to all ticket holders.
Carpooling:
We highly encourage carpooling! Head HERE !!!to find a carpool crew!
What is the parking situation?
There is limited parking and we encourage carpooling. There will be folks and signs showing you where to park upon your arrival.
Can I arrive evening before my ticket starts?
Yes, you can arrive Friday between 4-7:30.
When can I arrive?
For the Weekend: Between 4-7:30 pm On Friday 10/7 or Saturday morning between 7-9 am. If you are only coming for Sunday you can arrive between 8-9 am on Sunday morning.
At the gathering:
What is the camping set up like?
There is a large mowed field where you can set up your tent.
What amenities are available?
Well water for drinking and there are composting toilets.
When do I sign up for classes?
Saturday's classes will be posted right before opening circle on Saturday morning and Sunday's classes will be posted right before opening circle on Sunday morning.
Worktrade:
Why does the Groundnut require an attendance fee and refundable work trade deposit?
The $5 attendance fee is for all participants and is paid directly to the land owners. The refundable work trade deposit provides the best assurance of accountability. We will keep your deposit only if you don’t show up or don’t complete your hours for a reason we deem unacceptable. You will be refunded by 10/15.
When will I hear about the status of my work trade application?
By 9/15
Can my children hang out with me while I work trade?
If they are 12+
How many hours do work traders have to do for full tuition to the Groundnut?
6.5
Are partial work trade positions available?
No
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
"The Groundnut has been a wonderful yearly tradition for our family to go to! We have learned so much over the years and made wonderful friends!"- The Petersons
"The Groundnut was such a special time! I have so many memories - the fascinating classes, super good food, and just hanging by the fire. But my main take away was all the kindness I experienced, and the wonderful community that emerged. Like mushrooms after a rain." - Leon B.
"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
"The Groundnut has been a wonderful yearly tradition for our family to go to! We have learned so much over the years and made wonderful friends!"- The Petersons
"The Groundnut was such a special time! I have so many memories - the fascinating classes, super good food, and just hanging by the fire. But my main take away was all the kindness I experienced, and the wonderful community that emerged. Like mushrooms after a rain." - Leon B.