Welcome to Foxfire Folkworks. Welcome back to nature.
“I choose joy over despair. Not because I have my head in the sand, but because joy is what the earth gives me daily and I must return the gift.”
― Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants
Experience relaxation and rejuvenation through our Forest Bathing sessions, slow walks in nature featuring simple, mindful invitations to interact. Find the deep rest, interconnection, and meaningful moments available to us all just under the tree canopy.
Inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, these small group experiences are held in local forests, parks, gardens, camps, and even backyards. Participants embark on a tranquil stroll with stops for reflection, fostering deeper connections with self and nature, all facilitated by a professional Forest Therapy Guide. Each session is customizable to fit the dynamics of the group, as well as the unique characteristics of the chosen location, ensuring an accessible experience for all.
Taste the synergy between nature and nutrition through our Nature Foods Workshops. These interactive events emphasize our everyday connections to nature through the plant foods we eat. Talk and taste your way through an experience that showcases Earth’s abundance, all while learning how natural foods impact our bodies, minds, and spirits.
Join naturalist experts for foraging walks to discover edible plants, learn from trained clinical herbalists, or take part in plant-based cooking demonstrations featuring locally-grown ingredients. Participants enjoy snacks and/or meals crafted from fresh produce, and we proudly partner with local farmers and gardeners to support the community's food systems.
Express your innate creativity through our Nature Arts Workshops, where the “More Than Human World” becomes your muse and teacher. Therapeutic visual arts activities, writing workshops, and outdoor parties come together within nature to inspire and support participants.
Led by certified Nature-Informed Therapy Guides and teaching artists, these workshops cover diverse activities and topics, such as making nature mandalas, finding metaphors in the “More Than Human World,” creating seasonal family genograms, and even collaborating with the land to make art. Attendees create art, of course, but also lasting connections to the environment and others, all while expressing themselves in a safe, fun, and inspiring setting.
Grow your knowledge and cultivate your skillset with our Nature Education classes. These interactive presentations feature trained naturalists, certified educators, and homegrown experts covering a range of topics. Explore everything from local plant identification and regional ecology to DIY herbalism, home gardening, wild and domestic animal care, plus much more. These classes are designed for those eager to deepen their understanding of—and connections within—the natural world.
Participants are always encouraged to contribute their own lived and learned expertise to help foster communal networks of knowledge. Everyone leaves with practical insights and skills they can apply in daily life, as well as a greater appreciation for the “More Than Human World.” These programs can be customized for any age, and home school groups are more than welcome!
What is Foxfire?
Foxfire refers to bioluminescent fungi, particularly the species within the genus Mycena. These fascinating organisms emit a soft, glowing light in dark, damp areas, often illuminating forest floors. The phenomenon has captivated humans for centuries, inspiring wonder and curiosity.
Throughout history, foxfire has been surrounded by enchanting folklore. Many cultures viewed this ethereal glow as a magical light, often associating it with fairies or spirits guiding lost travelers through the woods. In Appalachian folklore, it is believed that foxfire signifies the presence of the supernatural, adding to the mystique of the forest. This connection to nature's magic speaks to the beauty and mystery surrounding the natural world, inspiring those who encounter it.
At Foxfire Folkworks, our mission embraces the spirit of foxfire fungi. Just as these bioluminescent mushrooms illuminate dark corners of the forest, we aim to shed light on the wonders of nature through our diverse programs. We encourage exploration, creativity, and learning while fostering a deeper connection to the environment. Our offerings celebrate the magical experiences rooted in nature, empowering individuals and communities to appreciate their surroundings and nurture their well-being.