Avon Hills Folk School presents Folk School on Tap! Join us October 30 for Live. Breathe. Buffalo! – with Molly Olivier.

Ever chased down a "fluffy cow" before sunrise? Or felt the prairie thunder of 1,400 buffalo stampeding past, kicked up by sixty skilled cowboys?

Meet Molly Olivier – a Core Rider for the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup. Molly just marked her 43rd year riding in this iconic event, alongside her husband Steve and son Levi. Her father, Bob Lantis, at 89, just completed his 53rd roundup, still leading the Red Team as a Rider Boss.

Join us at Milk & Honey Ciders in St. Joseph, MN, for Folk School on Tap: Live. Breathe. Buffalo! – an evening with Molly as she shares her incredible life riding alongside generations of cowboys and buffalo.

Date: October 30th

Time: 6pm-8pm

Location: Milk & Honey Ciders

This is your chance to hear tales from the open prairie and get a taste of life lived on horseback!

P.S. Monthly Workshop attendees - this event will be in lieu of our usual morning Monthly Workshop!

Join us on Sunday, October 13th, and Monday, October 14th from 1-4 PM for a beautiful autumn experience! Come enjoy the stunning fall colors, explore the scenic trails, and visit the school store for maple syrup and AHFS merch. Bring your friends, family, and furry companions (dogs are welcome but must be leashed at all times).

Make it a day of fresh air, connection, and fall fun. We can’t wait to see you there!

Join us on Sunday, October 13th, and Monday, October 14th from 1-4 PM for a beautiful autumn experience! Come enjoy the stunning fall colors, explore the scenic trails, and visit the school store for maple syrup and AHFS merch. Bring your friends, family, and furry companions (dogs are welcome but must be leashed at all times).

Make it a day of fresh air, connection, and fall fun. We can’t wait to see you there!

Join us Saturday, October 12 from 1-5pm at the Avon Hills Folk School for our Annual Avon Hills Community Bouja Party. Enjoy an old family recipe, walk the trails, cross the creek all while enjoying the fall colors and meeting new and old friends. Please bring a dessert to share for the epic 32 foot long dessert table. We'll provide the bouja, bread, and refreshments. Bouja will be served at about 2 pm.

Join us for our September Workshop Series! Instead of our usual morning Coffee, Craft, and Conversation, we'll be hosting a special evening event from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. We're excited to welcome April Stone, an Ojibwe Black Ash basket maker from the Bad River reservation in northern Wisconsin. Come learn about her craft, explore the rich history of basket weaving, and watch a live demonstration! This event is free and open to all.

Celebrate the Artistry of April Stone at Art in Motion in Holdingford!

Join us on August 29th from 4 PM to 7 PM as we welcome April Stone, an Ojibwe Black Ash Basket Maker from the Bad River Reservation in northern Wisconsin. Since 1998, April has been crafting baskets from black ash, harvesting and processing all materials by hand from the ceded territory swamps and forests of northern Wisconsin.

The event will feature an artist talk and a live demonstration of April's basket-making techniques. Light refreshments and appetizers will be served.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience April's exceptional artistry and learn about the tradition of Black Ash basketry. Join us for a series of engaging events this fall to celebrate April's artistry!

Join us for Coffee, Craft and Conversation the last Wednesday of each month from 7:30 - 9:30 am. Enjoy speakers, demos, and make-and-take activities starting at 8:30 am. No registration required, drop in anytime between 7:30 - 9:30 am.

This month, Chris Schellinger will present information about Mushroom Foraging in Central Minnesota. The Avon Hills Folk School has a diverse landscape that hosts a variety of mushrooms, including Chanterelles, Hen of the Woods, Chicken of the Woods, and Lobster mushrooms! This will be a fun discussion and a great teaser for our upcoming Mushroom Foraging courses located here.

Join us for Coffee, Craft and Conversation the last Wednesday of each month from 7:30 - 9:30 am. Enjoy speakers, demos, and make-and-take activities starting at 8:30 am. No registration required, drop in anytime between 7:30 - 9:30 am.

This month, come to hear from local wild rice harvester Mike Appel and maybe get inspired to harvest rice for the first time this coming August/September.

Originally from Aitkin county, Mike has been heading north in late August/early September to harvest rice since 1966. Mike will share his knowledge and experiences gained over nearly 60 years of harvesting wild rice on Minnesota waters. 

Celebrating Somali Culture: Join Ifrah Mansour in Building a Healing Aqal at Avon Hills Folk School!

We are thrilled to announce that Somali artist Ifrah Mansour is creating a healing Aqal at the Avon Hills Folk School. Over the next several weeks, Ifrah will lead this unique and inspiring project, and we invite the community to join in the experience!

Community Build Days:

Come lend a hand or simply observe the progress of this cultural project on the following Sundays from 1-5pm:

• June 9

• June 16

• June 23

Celebration of Completion:

Mark your calendars for a special celebration on June 30th from 2-8pm as we unveil the completed Aqal. The day will be filled with exciting activities for all ages:

• Children's Activities: Fun and engaging activities for kids.

• Tours and Hikes: Explore the beautiful school property and learn more about its offerings.

• Potluck Meal: Join us at 5pm for a communal feast. Main dishes of goat soup, goat and rice, and roasted goat will be provided. We encourage you to bring a dessert to share with others.

This is a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in Somali culture and community spirit. Your participation will not only support this incredible project but also foster a sense of unity and shared cultural appreciation.

We look forward to seeing you there and sharing this wonderful journey with you! For more information, please contact Avon Hills Folk School or visit our website.

About the Healing Aqal (Hut)

The "Healing Aqal (Hut)" hand-woven installation is an artistically crafted space designed to symbolize and support our collective healing journey. The installation invites the community to engage actively in its construction, fostering a sense of participation and shared purpose. This communal aspect is intended to strengthen bonds and promote resilience among participants.

The design of the Aqal celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Somali nomads, who traditionally built these huts as they moved across the land following the rains to herd their animals. These structures are made entirely from natural materials such as collected fibers and tree bark, reflecting a deep, harmonious relationship with nature. During the Somali Civil War, these huts provided vital shelter for refugees using available resources, symbolizing resilience and adaptability.

This project marks a significant milestone as it will be the first Somali hut to be permanently located on a school premise, making it the first of its kind in America. The Aqal will reside at the Avon Hills Folk School located in central Minnesota.

The Aqal is a space for meditation and reflection, encouraging individuals to contemplate their personal healing journeys and the broader need to heal both human relationships and our relationship with nature.

The school’s purpose to build and enrich community through the teaching and sharing of traditional practices, craft and art makes it an ideal partner for this pioneering project

Join us for Coffee, Craft and Conversation the last Wednesday of each month from 7:30 - 9:30 am. Enjoy speakers, demos, and make-and-take activities starting at 8:30 am. No registration required, drop in anytime between 7:30 - 9:30 am.

This month Mark from The Rock and Art Shop will share his knowledge of rock hunting and Lake Superior Agates. He will teach you how to identify Lake Superior agates and other local rocks, empowering you to uncover these hidden gems on your own adventures.

Mark, a native of Sartell, has been captivated by the great outdoors since his youth, indulging in pursuits like rock hunting, fishing, and foraging. With over two decades of experience in rock hunting, Mark and his wife Sara recently opened The Rock and Art Shop in St. Cloud, driven by their shared passion to engage the community in this great hobby. 

Celebrating Somali Culture: Join Ifrah Mansour in Building a Healing Aqal at Avon Hills Folk School!

We are thrilled to announce that Somali artist Ifrah Mansour is creating a healing Aqal at the Avon Hills Folk School. Over the next several weeks, Ifrah will lead this unique and inspiring project, and we invite the community to join in the experience!

Community Build Days:

Come lend a hand or simply observe the progress of this cultural project on the following Sundays from 1-5pm:

• June 9

• June 16

• June 23

Celebration of Completion:

Mark your calendars for a special celebration on June 30th from 2-8pm as we unveil the completed Aqal. The day will be filled with exciting activities for all ages:

• Children's Activities: Fun and engaging activities for kids.

• Tours and Hikes: Explore the beautiful school property and learn more about its offerings.

• Potluck Meal: Join us at 5pm for a communal feast. Main dishes of goat soup, goat and rice, and roasted goat will be provided. We encourage you to bring a dish to share with others.

This is a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in Somali culture and community spirit. Your participation will not only support this incredible project but also foster a sense of unity and shared cultural appreciation.

Stay updated and let us know you’re coming by RSVPing for the June 30th celebration.

Sign up to volunteer on the Community Build Days below!

We look forward to seeing you there and sharing this wonderful journey with you! For more information, please contact Avon Hills Folk School or visit our website.

About the Healing Aqal (Hut)

The "Healing Aqal (Hut)" hand-woven installation is an artistically crafted space designed to symbolize and support our collective healing journey. The installation invites the community to engage actively in its construction, fostering a sense of participation and shared purpose. This communal aspect is intended to strengthen bonds and promote resilience among participants.

The design of the Aqal celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Somali nomads, who traditionally built these huts as they moved across the land following the rains to herd their animals. These structures are made entirely from natural materials such as collected fibers and tree bark, reflecting a deep, harmonious relationship with nature. During the Somali Civil War, these huts provided vital shelter for refugees using available resources, symbolizing resilience and adaptability.

This project marks a significant milestone as it will be the first Somali hut to be permanently located on a school premise, making it the first of its kind in America. The Aqal will reside at the Avon Hills Folk School located in central Minnesota.

The Aqal is a space for meditation and reflection, encouraging individuals to contemplate their personal healing journeys and the broader need to heal both human relationships and our relationship with nature.

The school’s purpose to build and enrich community through the teaching and sharing of traditional practices, craft and art makes it an ideal partner for this pioneering project

Okay Joetown! This is the official SAVE THE DATE for the new Joetown Blocks Community Block party! Sunday, June 9th right in downtown St. Joseph on Minnesota Street we will be celebrating community and friends! There will be a music stage (Brenny Transportation, Inc. & Brenny Specialized, Inc.) which will kick off with School of Rock, then Groovy Shoes , followed by Raised on Radio MN!!

There will be a nice beer gardens with our local rockstars: Bad Habit Brewing Company, Milk & Honey Ciders, and Obbink Distilling!

Avon Hills Folk School will have some super cool activities and scavenger hunt stuff going on, kids will love it!

There will be a CAR SHOW with trophy & prize for the best in show!

We are selling RAFFLE TICKETS NOW to help plan for next year so gets yours and you could win cold hard cash that day!

FOOD: Jupiter Moon Ice Cream, St. Joe Lyons - Burgers and Brats, College of Saint Benedict - pulled pork and Mac & Cheese, Church of Saint Joseph of Saint Joseph and Kensington Bank- Popcorn along with The Wandering Cow Hand Dipped Ice Cream and Shaved Ice.

BEST PART?? THE DUNK TANK! You will NOT want to miss the big names we have lined up for you to DUNK. Start practicing now! #visitjoetown

Join us for our 2024 Workshop Series on May 29, from 7:30 - 9:30 am!

Come to the workshop and discover the world of automata! You'll get the chance to create your very own butterfly automaton* (or automata, if you make more than one), a whimsical mechanical toy that moves with just a push or pull. This hands-on experience is perfect for all skill levels, so come join us for a fun and creative morning!

Shane will begin creating about 8:30am- so feel free to come anytime before then.

No registration is necessary!

See you there!

May the 4th be with you at TimberNook’s Star Wars-themed Open House! Join us for an intergalactic adventure like no other as we celebrate this special day with a galaxy of outdoor fun. Young Jedi and rebel scum alike will love our nature-based activities inspired by the Star Wars universe. From building Ewok villages to crafting lightsabers from natural materials, the force will be strong with us! Don’t miss this chance to explore, create, and play in a galaxy far, far away. Register now for our Star Wars Open House and embark on an epic adventure that’s out of this world!

May the 4th be with you at TimberNook’s Star Wars-themed Open House! Join us for an intergalactic adventure like no other as we celebrate this special day with a galaxy of outdoor fun. Young Jedi and rebel scum alike will love our nature-based activities inspired by the Star Wars universe. From building Ewok villages to crafting lightsabers from natural materials, the force will be strong with us! Don’t miss this chance to explore, create, and play in a galaxy far, far away. Register now for our Star Wars Open House and embark on an epic adventure that’s out of this world!

Springtime is the time of migration and the largest variety of full plumage birds are most likely to be encountered.  As we move into late spring / early summer, migrants have moved to their nesting grounds and pair off for the nesting period.  Visual ID becomes much more difficult as the foliage often completely obscures birds, but their habits and audible clues still allow identification and enjoyment.

The Intro to Birding, Spring series will provide students the opportunity to move throughout the folk school property all Saturday mornings during the month of May. We will experience the changes in bird variety and behavior as springtime progresses.

A beginning class covering a good variety of spring edible and medicinal plants  and mushrooms. 

Learn to identify edible plants, experience a directed foray to recognize habitat, and the symbiotic trees where plants and mushrooms thrive.

We will spend the majority of our time looking for specimens. 

Classroom time learning about culinary and medicinal uses. Samples, handouts and a few basic recipes will be included. 

April 27, 2024

1 pm - 5 pm

Course 2 in a four part series: Fundamentals of Beekeeping - Hive Maintenance

This course will take a deeper dive into common challenges throughout the season, going inside your hive and what to expect, the most common pests and diseases beekeepers come into contact with, along with some practices and folklore to help you better understand and connect with the bees you are guardians of. 

Join us for our 2024 Workshop Series on April 24, from 7:30 - 9:30 am!

Minnesota Master Naturalist Jeff Velline will share his newly found birding hobby and the magic he has discovered in his own back yard and beyond.  During the Pandemic, starting with just one persistent chickadee, Jeff discovered his new passion for watching and photographing birds. That one chickadee led to hundreds of birds around the state of Minnesota and ultimately from coast to coast.  Come learn fun and simple birding & amateur photography tips, and how everyday can be an Easter egg hunt for you too!

No registration is necessary!

See you there!

Join us at Milk & Honey Ciders April 21 from 9am-12pm for our First Annual Avon Hills Maple Syrup Tasting, Waffle Feed and Social.

Please ensure that syrup from the Avon Hills is delivered by 10am; a half pint will suffice.

Join us for a special Earth Day celebration at TimberNook’s Open House!

Dive into the wonders of nature with us as we explore the outdoors.  Our nature-based programs encourage creativity, teamwork, and a deep connection to the natural world. From building sustainable structures to creating art with found materials, your child will discover the beauty and importance of our planet. Come experience the magic of TimberNook this Earth Day and help us cultivate a love for nature that lasts a lifetime! Register now for our Open House and let’s celebrate Earth Day together!

Join us for a special Earth Day celebration at TimberNook’s Open House!

Dive into the wonders of nature with us as we explore the outdoors.  Our nature-based programs encourage creativity, teamwork, and a deep connection to the natural world. From building sustainable structures to creating art with found materials, your child will discover the beauty and importance of our planet. Come experience the magic of TimberNook this Earth Day and help us cultivate a love for nature that lasts a lifetime! Register now for our Open House and let’s celebrate Earth Day together!

This engaging class dives into the interesting history of traditional one piece canoe paddles throughout Minnesota and beyond. Learn about the different styles of paddles, their functions before designing and building your own! 

Discover the art of mosaic with artist, Laura Ruprecht. You will create your own Mosaic Mandala wall hanging in this hands-on workshop. We will use hand-cut stained glass and glass tesserae to design a radial pattern on a 10-inch wooden backer. Laura's guidance ensures a unique and captivating result all at a beginner-level pace. Upon completion, you will receive a grout kit to finish your masterpiece at home, blending creativity and personal expression in this concise and immersive mosaic art experience.

April 6, 2024

9a - 12p

Create your own unique bud vases in this fun class. Students will experience the creativity of working with pliable clay slabs which can be stamped or incised with decorative accents. The slabs are then formed into cylinders and finished off with a circular or oval slab for the base.

Gather your family and/or your friends group and join us at the Avon Hills Folk School for the annual rite of going to the woods to make maple syrup and continue the tradition of Sugar Camp begun by the native peoples inhabiting present day Minnesota and Ontario east nearly to the Atlantic Ocean.

You’ll have the opportunity to see our Sugar Bush, experience the woods and water of the Avon Hills as it begins to slowly come alive after a long winter. You can try your hand at tapping some trees, emptying some bags, watching the sap boil and trying some “not quite syrup” out of the pan.

Gather your family and/or your friends group and join us at the Avon Hills Folk School for the annual rite of going to the woods to make maple syrup and continue the tradition of Sugar Camp begun by the native peoples inhabiting present day Minnesota and Ontario east nearly to the Atlantic Ocean.

You’ll have the opportunity to see our Sugar Bush, experience the woods and water of the Avon Hills as it begins to slowly come alive after a long winter. You can try your hand at tapping some trees, emptying some bags, watching the sap boil and trying some “not quite syrup” out of the pan.