Have you ever tasted Oregon maple syrup?! For January’s foraging immersion class our students got to experience tapping maple trees. We learned all about our Native maples; Big Leaf, vine and Rocky Mountain Maple. We learned all about their history, ecology, and relationship to humans. We learned the history and techniques of maple sugaring and gathered together in the sugar shack to boil down some sap into syrup!! yum!
🌿 Maple Tapping & a Year of Foraging 🌿
If you’re curious to learn more about maples too you can! and more plants and trees too.. for a whole year in the FIMP 2026! We are about half full for sign ups with a month to go before registration closes! Don’t miss your chance to learn more about and connect deeper with various PNW ecosystems and like minded community! We’ve even got payment plans available. You can find out more about it and register below.
Join a year-long adventure in Oregon’s wild places—one class per month, March through February. Explore new locations, learn hands-on skills, and deepen your connection to plants, food, and community.
“The teaching is so fun and engaging, the knowledge you gain is BANANAS… You’ll laugh, learn, and be part of a heartwarming community! I feel like I’ve found my place here.”
— Natasha W., Participant ’25-’26
What to Expect
Diverse Ecosystems
Travel across northwestern Oregon—from forests to coastal intertidal zones. Locations include Sauvie Island, Sandy, Oregon City, Lincoln City, Colton, White Salmon, and Skamokowa. Carpooling encouraged!
Hands-On Learning
Learn plant ID, foraging, processing, and preparation for food, medicine, or crafts. Every class mixes lecture with field practice.
Community & Connection
Spend one day a month with the same cohort, sharing stories, meals, and experiences. Build lasting bonds and a supportive network.
Land Tending
Learn reciprocity, restoration, and ethical foraging practices. Take your skills home to care for plants and ecosystems.
Meet Your Guide
Shelby Lynn
Teaching Pacific Northwest ecology since 2005, Shelby brings experience in habitat restoration, permaculture, and community-led education. Their classes shift your perspective from human-centered to ecological interconnectedness.
Highlights
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Month-by-Month Focus: From early-spring weeds to winter roots.
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Communal Meals: Cook and share seasonal foraged foods.
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Practical Skills: Foraging, herbal medicines, basketry, and more.
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Ethical Land-Tending: Practice reciprocity and habitat care.
Sample Classes
March – Intro & Weeds | Learn ethical foraging and prepare seasonal foods.
May – Intertidal Adventure | Explore tidal ecosystems and harvest seaweeds, grasses, and shellfish.
July – Summer Plant Medicine | Learn preparation, safety, and dosage for plant medicines.
January – Maple Tapping | Tap trees, simmer sap into syrup, and enjoy maple treats.
(Full monthly schedule available upon registration.)
Who This Program Is For
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Nature lovers and explorers
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Aspiring foragers
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Community seekers interested in stewardship and ecological harmony
“Shelby’s whimsical, playful style creates an inviting environment… The mix of lectures, discussions, and hands-on activities brings the topics to life.”
— Ryy S.
Program Details
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One weekend per month, 10am–4pm
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Tuition: $2,444 ($2,200 early payment) – work-trade available for photographers
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Instructor: Shelby Lynn, with guest instructors
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Locations: Across northwestern Oregon
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Open to all experience levels
Registration Closes: February 27th
Spaces are limited to maintain a small, personalized learning community. Join us for a transformative year of foraging, connection, and exploration!
Find out more about Wildwood Folk School at https://wildwoodfolkschool.com. And to sign up for their Forest Immersion Program, go Here be fore Feb 27th!