Returning & Reskilling Series at Delano Homestead

See below for dates, specific program themes, and to register.

Intentional or not, we are always forming and evolving our relationship with the land. As our world moves increasingly toward technological advancement and convenience driven invention, historical knowledge connected to living with landscape and place is lost. Communities and individuals no longer carry the skills to explore and navigate the wilderness or work with the natural places where we live to meet our daily needs and creative inspirations. This series aims to return land-based living skills to our community and reskilling a new generation to live with the land.

Fee: $7/Member, $10/Non-member, includes KNC admission. Members receive 30% off programs!
Registration Deadline: Required by 4 p.m. the day before the program
Audience: Adults & youth ages 8+ with an adult

DeLano Homestead kitchen
John Pigeon with basket

Special Returning and Reskilling program!

Black Ash Basket Making with John Pigeon
Saturday, June 29, Noon – 5 pm
John Pigeon is a Potawatomi basket maker who teaches traditional black ash basketry and was highlighted in Robin Wall Kimmerer’s Braiding Sweetgrass. John doesn’t just teach how to weave the baskets, but how to make them from scratch, starting with the living black ash tree. He weaves Potawatomi teachings into his classes as well. Light refreshments will be provided. This class takes place outside.

Fee: $42.50/Member, $50/Member. Registration required. Audience: Adults & families (children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult) Meet: KNC Camp & Fire circle

Register here >

Herbal Tea

SOLD OUT:

Blending Teas and Herbs with Chaz Rawls from Rooted Luv Farm
Saturday, May 25, 4-5:30 pm 

Led by Chaz Rawls, Rooted Luv is an urban farm in Kalamazoo that produces fresh, sustainable produce and exquisite tea blends. It goes beyond being just a business, serving as a place of healing, empowerment, and education. Join Chaz in this workshop to explore the history and benefits of the Cedar tree (Tree of Life). Engage with the healing properties of the Cedar through hands-on experience in crafting Cedar tea and a Cedar salve.

bee

Honey Extraction, Foraging, and Infusing with Kalamazoo Bee Club and Herbal Meadows Botanicals
Sunday, July 21, 10 am – 1 pm

The Kalamazoo Bee Club and Herbal Meadows Botanicals team up to teach honey extraction, foraging and infusing! After the Kalamazoo Bee Club demonstrates honey extraction, Haley Terpstra will lead a walk to forage fresh yarrow. Each participant will receive their own jar to infuse honey and yarrow.

Register here >

Foraging

Wild Wandering with Laurie Laing
Saturdays, July 27 & August 24, 10 am – Noon

Laurie Laing is a forager, caterer, chef, certified master naturalist and MAMI certified mushroom forager. She has catered weddings and hosted special dinner events prepared with all foraged ingredients. Join her for a foraging hike and food prep lesson at KNC and leave inspired to cook with the tastes from your place!

Register here for July 27 >

Register here for August 24 >