Planting the Spring Garden
A traditional view is that the gardening season in the upper Midwest runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day, but there is so much more time where we can be working the garden and harvesting fresh veggies. In this class we will open up and prepare the Avon Hills garden. While we are working in the garden, you can expect to learn from your instructor Sam about improving soil/soil health, managing weeds, choosing varieties, planning your garden, and extending your season. While we’re working you can also chat with Sam about your own garden questions and practices.
The Porchlight Collective Earth Day Retreat
This Earth Day retreat centers around the practice of reconnecting with the land, the rhythms of nature, and one another. Rooted in the spirit of care for the Earth, the day weaves together grounding movement, mindful walking, seasonal reflection, and simple outdoor cooking. Through practices such as breathwork, gentle yoga, storytelling, and gathering around the fire, we explore what it means to live in relationship with the natural world and with our community.
Rather than a traditional class, this is an immersive day of slowing down, listening to the land, and honoring Earth Day through presence, gratitude, and shared experience.
You can expect a spacious, grounding day held in the forest; an invitation to step away from the rush of daily life and reconnect with the earth beneath your feet. The day will move through a gentle rhythm of movement, reflection, creativity, and community.
Together we’ll share herbal teas, wander forest paths, breathe and stretch beneath the trees, and gather around the fire to prepare a simple Earth Day supper. For our evening meal, we’ll make classic campfire dinners: each person will build their own camp supper with potatoes, carrots, onions, your choice of meat or mushroom, and seasonings before placing it over the fire to cook. It’s a nostalgic, hands-on way to cook together and share a warm meal outdoors.
Expect cozy moments, time for quiet reflection, meaningful conversation, and a closing circle around the fire. Everything is offered with warmth, gentleness, and a spirit of belonging: all experience levels are welcome.
Folk School on Tap
Folk School on Tap
April 23 | 6-8pm
Milk and Honey Ciders, 11738 Co Rd 51, St Joseph, MN
Get ready to dive into the interconnected existence of honey bees and the hive! We will talk a little about the components of a typical bee hive and hive dynamics, commercial beekeeping vs bee-centric bee guardianship, and the importance of native pollinators and native habitats. Come with any pollinator or beekeeping related questions!
This gathering is free and all about community connection, no registration is required. We gladly welcome non-perishable food donations, which will be delivered to the St. Joseph Community Food Shelf.
Intro to Birding
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.
Students can expect to be guided through the natural area of the Avon Hills Folk School and get an introduction to bird identification, habitat and activity. Bird identification will be through both visual [shape / color / behavior] and audio [calls / songs / behavior] means.
3rd Annual Avon Hills Maple Syrup Tasting, Pancake Feed and Social
Join us for a morning of good food, great company, and the finest maple syrup the Avon Hills has to offer!
3rd Annual Avon Hills Maple Syrup Tasting, Pancake Feed & Social
Sunday, April 26, 2025 | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Hosted by Milk and Honey Ciders | Presented by Avon Hills Folk School & Wildwood Ranch
Join us for a sweet morning of pancakes, pure local maple syrup, and community! This free-will offering event supports the Avon Hills Initiative and brings together syrup producers from the Avon Hills area, food lovers, and maple enthusiasts for a delicious and fun gathering.
Those of us that call the Avon Hills area home and head into the woods every year to make Maple Syrup think it tastes better here. Our unique deposit of soils, minerals and landscape contribute to something special - in many ways, and the Maple Syrup is just one example.
Gluten-free options available: Krusteaz brand gluten-free pancakes will be made to order on a separate griddle and served at a dedicated table.
Fundamentals of Beekeeping 102
Fundamentals of Beekeeping is a two part series that will guide new and aspiring bee guardians through the basics of beekeeping with a bee-centric focus.
In this second session, Fundamentals of Beekeeping 102, we will focus on what to expect later in the season, honey harvesting techniques and equipment, and overwintering practices. There will be hands-on demonstrations and a hive visit / inspection if weather permits. It is ideal that students have their own bee suit for this class, as that will allow for the most enriching and up close experience with the bees. There may be some extra suits available, but this can not be guaranteed.
This course series will also provide a connection for beekeeping guidance if desired for initial set-up and on-going support throughout the season, as well as a community of new and experienced beekeepers to stay connected to following completion of the class. Students will be exposed to a gateway of information for what will likely be a forever and ongoing journey of growth and deepening connection with the bees, because at the end of the day, the bees will be your greatest mentor in the journey of bee guardianship if you allow yourself to slow down enough to hear the wisdom they have to share.
This is not a beginner level course. Please only register for this course if you have attended Fundamentals of Beekeeping 101 in the past or have a basic understanding of bees and beekeeping.
Spring Hike & Sketch
Join us for a hike through our woods with a focus on observing and drawing signs of spring: woodland wildflowers, unfurling fern fronds, freshly arriving warblers and leaves beginning to bud. Afterward, we’ll get together to draw our discoveries with colored pencils, pens, and watercolors. Leave with a springtime work of art that can also be used for a Mother’s Day or greeting card or the beginnings of a nature journal.
Colored pencils, pens and watercolors will be available, although you are welcome to bring your own.
In this class you will:
Get phone photography tips.
Be able to reference your own photos or some from the instructor to guide sketches.
Find out what basic tools and art supplies to use.
Work with light pencil sketches, ink outlines, and colored pencils and blenders to finish your illustration.
Learn about nature journaling if you want to blend sketches with writing.
Leave with a fresh appreciation for the signs of spring, and tips on identifying what you find or hear in the woods and learn about citizen science programs that can be another motivation to enjoy the outdoors.
Whispers of the Wild: Plants for Energy and Renewal
Step into the vibrant awakening of spring and reconnect with the quiet wisdom of wild plants. In this hands-on, heart-centered workshop, we’ll explore the energetic and medicinal qualities of botanicals known to restore vitality and support both physical and emotional balance. Through guided connection and self-care practices, and the crafting of herbal teas and tonics, you’ll discover how plant allies can help harmonize your body, mind, and spirit.
Come listen to the whispers of the wild and leave with tools—and a deeper relationship—for ongoing renewal this year.
Mending Circle
Restore your worn fabrics, connect with your community, and contribute to a sustainable future. Stop by our mending circle!
Sheep: Shear, Wash, Spin & Weave
Wool is a versatile material that has impacted the human experience beyond measure. From swaddle to shroud we interact with textiles, they are so interwoven in our lives as to be almost overlooked. Historically wool has been used to make the sails that enabled travel, blankets that ensured survival through winter and clothing for exploration to lands far away. Connect with this tradition and discover the enjoyment of crimp, the mesmerizing spin on a wheel, and the warmth of cloth.
In this co-taught class, shepherdess Leslie Chaplin will lead students through the experience of shearing a sheep, skirting (sorting out debris) the fleece, scouring (washing) the wool, combing and carding into a preparation ready to spin into yarn. This group activity will familiarize students with characteristics of wool, including discussion of crimp and softness, desired wool types for a variety of applications (blankets vs rugs), selecting quality fleeces, and the types of wool available from different sheep breeds.
In the second part of the class, fiber artisan Josie Cooke will guide students through spinning the prepared fiber on a drop spindle to make their own yarn. This yarn will be used to weave a set of coasters or “mug rugs” on a hand held weave it loom. Students can choose to gently felt to experience the process of fulling into cloth. As time allows, Josie will demonstrate spinning on a wheel and weaving on a floor loom, which students will be welcome to try.
By the end of class, students will be familiar with types of wool, selecting a fleece, processing wool into yarn, and have an introduction to basic weaving. Students will go home with fiber to continue spinning, and one to two completed mug rugs, with the knowledge to create more.
Intro to Birding
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.
Students can expect to be guided through the natural area of the Avon Hills Folk School and get an introduction to bird identification, habitat and activity. Bird identification will be through both visual [shape / color / behavior] and audio [calls / songs / behavior] means.
Wild Roots & Shoots: Spring Plant Foraging
Spring offers many tasty opportunities for the budding forager! Learn about common wild edible plants emerging on the Avon Hills landscape with Maria Wesserle of Four Season Foraging.
The workshop will start with a slideshow presentation covering basic tools, resources, and identification and preparation of springtime plants. Afterwards, we will hit the trails to apply our newfound knowledge to the surrounding landscape. Plants we may encounter include nettle, basswood, spruce tips, and fiddlehead ferns. Bring your own bags or baskets, as we can sustainably pick any edible plants we come across!
Expect to walk about 1-2 miles across maintained trails as well as off-trail into forests and fields. The terrain may require bushwhacking, walking over uneven ground, logs and other obstacles. This foray portion of the class will take around 2 hours. This event will take place rain or shine, so please arrive prepared for the weather! In case of extreme weather, the class will be canceled and a refund will be issued.
Intro to Birding
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.
Students can expect to be guided through the natural area of the Avon Hills Folk School and get an introduction to bird identification, habitat and activity. Bird identification will be through both visual [shape / color / behavior] and audio [calls / songs / behavior] means.
Traditional Style Frame Drum
Learn to construct a traditional style frame drum. Each participant will start with raw materials. They will cut, glue, sand and assemble a 10 segment frame with basswood responsibly sourced and milled from the grounds of the Avon Hills Folk School.
The second day we will cut, stretch and lace a natural elk rawhide head on the frame while learning how to maintain and care for your new drum.
Intro to Birding
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.
Students can expect to be guided through the natural area of the Avon Hills Folk School and get an introduction to bird identification, habitat and activity. Bird identification will be through both visual [shape / color / behavior] and audio [calls / songs / behavior] means.
Receiving the Wild: Foraging for Food and Medicine with a Zen Monk
May 30, 2026
9am-4pm
This immersive course invites participants into a living relationship with the land through the ancient practices of foraging, medicine-making, and mindful attention. Guided by Rev. Genjo Sam Conway, a Zen monk and seasoned herbalist, students will learn to receive the wild—not as something to conquer or extract from, but as a generous teacher offering nourishment, healing, and insight.
Life Drawing in Ink
The Life Drawing in Ink course is a beginner’s challenge in naturalistic drawing. They will learn how to use ink in its fluid form, utilizing tools such as brushes to draw. This course will optionally challenge students to rely entirely on ink, forcing their eye to become more accurate as each mark laid down cannot be erased. Life Drawing in Ink focuses on the global tradition of ink drawing. As both a technical and historical course, students will receive a well-rounded education on the history and significance of life drawing and the benefits of doing so. Examples will range from historical artists like Van Gogh and landscape master Guo Xi to contemporary artists such as Raymond Pettibon.
Students can expect to leave the course with their drawings and a handout detailing what they have learned so they can continue practicing at home. They will learn how to see shapes and values accurately, how to handle a notoriously difficult art medium, and strengthen their concentration abilities. Through this course, students will gain an appreciation for the heritage of ink drawing and how helpful and meditative life drawing can be.
Planting the Summer Garden & Harvesting the Spring Garden
May 30, 2026
1pm-4pm
A traditional view is that the gardening season in the upper Midwest runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day, but there is so much more time where we can be working the garden and harvesting fresh veggies. In this class we will tend to the spring-planted vegetables - weeding, harvesting, and flipping beds to plant summer crops. We will prepare soil to plant summer crops. While we are working in the garden, you can expect to learn from your instructor Sam about soil health, tillage, managing weeds, choosing varieties and planning your garden. While we’re working you can also chat with Sam about your own garden questions and practices. You will also learn from Sam’s extensive garden tool collection - weeders, seeders, and more.
Timber Framing for FLINTA
The purpose of this class is to provide a supportive learning environment for those identifying as FLINTA to work with their hands, using traditional and modern tools to learn the craft of timber frame building. Don’t know what FLINTA means? Read the FLINTA description below!
Timber framing is the craft of joining wooden timbers together without the use of nails or metal fasteners. Timber frames are simple, strong, and elegant, and have stood for centuries around the world. In this class, students will learn the fundamentals of timber framing, from the use of hand and power tools to the layout and cutting of mortise and tenon joinery. On the final day of the class, students will go home with the knowledge and skills to continue their timber framing practice and build structures of their own.
Wilderness Canoeing 101
Interested in a wilderness canoe adventure this summer, but not sure where to start? Join us for a one-day Wilderness Canoeing Basics 101 course, designed to give you the confidence and knowledge to plan and take your own canoe adventure near or far.
This course covers the essentials of wilderness canoe travel, from choosing the right destination to mastering the fundamental paddling and camping skills. You'll learn how to plan routes, prepare food and gear, and navigate the logistics of traveling in popular waterways such as the Boundary Waters, Quetico, and other Canadian Provincial Parks.
Timber Framing for FLINTA
The purpose of this class is to provide a supportive learning environment for those identifying as FLINTA to work with their hands, using traditional and modern tools to learn the craft of timber frame building. Don’t know what FLINTA means? Read the FLINTA description below!
Timber framing is the craft of joining wooden timbers together without the use of nails or metal fasteners. Timber frames are simple, strong, and elegant, and have stood for centuries around the world. In this class, students will learn the fundamentals of timber framing, from the use of hand and power tools to the layout and cutting of mortise and tenon joinery. On the final day of the class, students will go home with the knowledge and skills to continue their timber framing practice and build structures of their own.
Mending Circle
Restore your worn fabrics, connect with your community, and contribute to a sustainable future. Stop by our mending circle!
Folding Campaign Stool
This class will consist of using hand tools, files, rasps, hand planes, and sandpaper to shape the legs of your stool. The design of the legs will be up to the students. You will be using two types of bolts for the folding action of the stool. It will give an understanding of the use of everyday items that are very simple and found at any hardware store.
Hexagonal Weaving with Black Ash
Hexagonal shapes are some of the strongest shapes found in nature, with honeycombs and snowflakes being some of the most common. Perhaps this is why this basket can be fun and interesting to weave: it connects us to nature, one good triangle at a time. Using scissor, knife and slitting gauges, and working with locally harvested and hand-processed pre-shrunk, choice Black Ash heartwood and sapwood splint, participants will weave a hex basket (with a hex base) most fitting for cheese making, herb-drying, your table centerpiece, or a special place on your wall. The finished basket will measure 4” in height, with a 10"-12” diameter, or thereabouts.
All materials and tools will be provided by the instructor. If you have a favorite scissors or knife to work with, you may bring that and we will determine if it is suitable. Resources dependent, we may incorporate a few dyed weavers into the mix or twist up our own cordage for the rim.
For further enhancement, a table will be set up on site with a variety of baskets, resource material, and basket making tools.
Wilderness Canoeing 102
Take your canoeing and camping skills to the next level with this hands-on, two-day course designed for paddlers ready to explore wilderness waters with confidence.
Day one focuses on planning and preparation, including gear selection and use, waterproof and balanced pack loading, shelf-stable meal planning, food dehydration and storage, navigation with map and compass, and tips for trip planning, permits, and logistics for remote destinations such as the Boundary Waters, Quetico, and other backcountry areas. Stories, photos, and slides from past expeditions will provide real-world insights and inspiration.
On day two, we move to a local waterway for on-the-water practice. Students will learn efficient portaging techniques, proper canoe loading and weight distribution, and essential paddling strokes. Additional skills covered include campsite setup, tarp setup, camp cooking, weather and wildlife considerations, beginner river reading, basic water rescue, and overall wilderness safety. By the end of the course, participants will gain practical skills and confidence for planning and enjoying multi-day canoe trips in remote settings.
Students should make sure to bring weather-appropriate clothing and good footwear for uneven surfaces. Students are also welcome to bring any gear they may have questions about or may want to become more familiar with during the course.
Foraging Camp
Join Ariel and Maria for a weekend of foraging fun at the Avon Hills Folk School! Mushroom expert Ariel will lead hands-on workshops on mushroom foraging, getting creative with mushrooms, and how to participate in citizen science mycology. Plant forager Maria will hold engaging classes on culinary and medicinal herbs and natural dyeing. There will also be joint foraging walks led by both instructors. Campers will go home with a better knowledge of the world around them and handcrafted goods. Rustic camping is provided onsite.
Caring for the Summer Garden
This full day class is open to home gardeners & small scale farmers alike, with any or no experience. Once the garden is planted, how do you best care for it? There is low-maintenance, but never no-maintenance, and with our guidance we’ll help you figure out exactly what your garden needs to thrive. Mid-summer maintenance can keep your plants healthy with bountiful harvests until fall frosts.
This is a very special collaboration with Sam Tilton and Kristi Koziolek, with decades of experience and knowledge, you might learn too much in this class. We’ll work in the garden together and, using the examples in front of us, you can expect to learn about soil health, weed management, good harvesting practices, selecting plant varieties and planning your garden. You can also bring any questions to them about your own garden for insightful answers. Kristi and Sam also each have extensive tool collections that they are excited to teach you about.
The best part is that you’ll get to taste things that are ready in the garden!
Wild Mushroom Classroom & Foraging
In this class you will learn about the wonderful world of wild mushrooms and how to safely forage for them. Your instructor will be going through a presentation that talks about basic mushroom information, how to identify mushrooms, how to safely forage for mushrooms, talk about common edible and toxic mushrooms you should know about, and how to best continue learning about mushrooms. Throughout this presentation, you will also have opportunity to handle some of the mushrooms you are learning about as well.
Millstream Arts Festival
Millstream Arts Festival is an outdoor art show held on the last Sunday in August in downtown St. Joseph, Minnesota. It is a festive environment with a wide variety of visual arts, literature and poetry, music, dance, enticing foods, hands-on art activities for children, and much more!
Weaving the Black Ash Pack Basket
Ash pack baskets, large splint baskets that are typically fixed with a harness system and worn on your back, have a rich history here in the United States. Designed to carry heavy loads, the pliability and resiliency of the material make it some of the best to work with. Made well, these baskets can last for generations.
Due to the time one must dedicate for material processing fresh from the log, we will start this 5 - day course by sorting, cutting and scraping our choice, pre-pounded and pre-dried Black Ash splint. Design and lay-out will follow, prior to free-form weaving and setting to dry our custom baskets. A freshly harvested Black Ash log will be riven with froe, mallet and wedges, giving us the wooden billets needed for handle, outer rim, and skid making. Once all of these parts have been prepared to basket specifications, participants will learn how to tightly lash it all together, creating a most serviceable, working basket. We will end our time together with building a custom-fitted harness using leather, buckles and copper rivets.
Community Bouja Party
Join us Saturday, October 10 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. We'll provide the bouja, bread, and refreshments. Bouja will be served at about 2 pm. Bouja is gluten-free, and a vegetarian option will be available. Please bring a dessert to share for the epic 30 foot long dessert table.
Dogs allowed, must be on 8ft or shorter leash at all times.
This is a free event. Donations are welcome and appreciated.
Needle Felted Landscapes
In this 3 hour class, we’ll walk through step by step how to create an 8”x10” needle felted landscape ready to be framed- no experience necessary! From creating a compelling composition to “mixing” colors to creating different shapes & textures to execute your ideas, I’ll demonstrate general needle felting techniques to get started then we’ll experiment and play together!
Bring an image or two of a landscape that you’d like to create in wool or a sketch to work from.
I recommend having a couple to choose from, in case one ends up working better than the other. It works well to have the photo either printed or on an ipad or something. You can also have it on your phone. Another option is a sketch if you’d like to work from your imagination.
Fundamentals of Beekeeping 101
Fundamentals of Beekeeping is a two part series that will guide new and aspiring bee guardians through the basics of beekeeping with a bee-centric focus.
In this first session, Fundamentals of Beekeeping 101, we will cover topics such as:
Necessary equipment to get started
Different hive style options
Sourcing bees
Components of the internal hive system
Hive management throughout the season
Hive etiquette
Internal and external threats that may present themselves
Conventional / commercial practices vs beecentric beekeeping
Ways to be an ally for all of our pollinator friends.
This course will include a classroom presentation. There will be examples of different equipment options and styles available to view during class.
This course series will also provide a connection for beekeeping guidance if desired for initial set-up and on-going support throughout the season, as well as a community of new and experienced beekeepers to stay connected to following completion of the class. Students will be exposed to a gateway of information for what will likely be a forever and ongoing journey of growth and deepening connection with the bees, because at the end of the day, the bees will be your greatest mentor in the journey of bee guardianship if you allow yourself to slow down enough to hear the wisdom they have to share.
Mending Circle
Restore your worn fabrics, connect with your community, and contribute to a sustainable future. Stop by our mending circle!
Pruning Back Yard Apple Trees
Regular and proper pruning of fruit trees, specifically apples in this case, can contribute to a healthier and much more productive tree over its lifespan.
Students can expect to learn the basics of regular pruning of your apple trees, especially those that may have not received regular pruning for many years. You should be able to return to your apple trees and give them that first good “haircut” in years.
During the course students will hear about the benefits, reasons for pruning. We’ll cover the basics of pruning, the Do’s and Don’ts. We’ll discuss timing, methods, tools and share personal experiences and questions about your own apple trees. Each student will have the opportunity to do some pruning on their own if they choose.
Maple Syrup Experiences
Gather your family and friends 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.
Knick-Knack Birdhouses
Birds of a Feather Flock Together! Do you have a collection of buttons, pad locks, hinges, miscellaneous hardware, watch parts, springs, rusty do dads, trinkets, rocks, bottle caps or any other Knick-Knack you would like to share with our feathered friends by embellishing a sanctuary for them? Use your imagination to create a one of a kind Knick-Knack Birdhouse.
No experience necessary to craft a wooden birdhouse with a bit of humor or nostalgic creativity. Check your junk drawers or cigar boxes in the shed for items that will be fun to decorate your creation! Don’t forget to look in those old Maxwell House coffee cans.
Wood, metal and a pile of junk will be available to use for your unique birdhouse. Come with an open mind for a birdhouse theme or start looking for those special Knick-Knacks that will add just that special touch to your creation.
Maple Syrup Experiences
Gather your family and friends 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.
Create Your Own Charcuterie Board
Create your own charcuterie board or cheese slicer! There will be a few options available to customize your board. Participants will select the wood they wish to use from options like black walnut, ash, and maple. Boards can be made with or without handles.
The boards will be partially prepped and the participants will sand the boards, attach handles and feet, and oil the boards. Sanding can be done by hand or using the orbital sanders available in the workshop.
Maple Syrup Experiences
Gather your family and friends 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.
Maple Syrup Experiences
Gather your family and friends 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.
Inkle Loom Weaving
Learn to weave bands using an Inkle Loom- a remarkably transportable loom able to make bands up to 8 feet long and 3 inches wide. This beginner friendly craft will introduce you to basic project preparation- how to “warp” the loom and use a simple but clever system of string heddles. We will learn how to select yarn colors to create unique patterns. Students can expect to go home with a band approximately 1 inch wide and 3-4 feet long (some after class time may be required) and the knowledge to continue crafting bands of many patterns. Material fee covers rental fee for the looms from my local Guild, and yarn.
Maple Syrup Experiences
Gather your family and friends 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.
Card Weaving
Dating back to the early Iron Age, card woven bands were used to create the starting and selvedge bands for warp-weighted looms. Decorative bands are also added to woven textiles along the hem line, and as belts and straps. In this class we will create bands approx 3⁄8-3⁄4” wide and 36”-48” long. Students will have a variety of patterns to choose from. By the end of class, students will have the understanding, skills, and resources to continue band weaving at home.
Mending Circle
March 11, 2026
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Restore your worn fabrics, connect with your community, and contribute to a sustainable future. Stop by our mending circle!
Do I need experience?
No experience necessary, if you have zero experience and zero idea what to bring other than your holey garment, please show up and we can point you in the right direction.
What will be at the circle?
Tea will be provided. You'll also be able to pilfer supporting supplies from the communal mending kit.
What should I bring?
Bring things to mend, your half finished knits and any hand projects, fiber or otherwise, you want to spend time with. Basic mending tools include needles, thread, and small scissors.
If you want to mend jeans, please bring some extra denim to patch, and some light blue cotton (unless you want to visibly mend, then whatever colour you wish!)
If you want to learn to darn, bring jar lids, rubber bands, wool needles, and wool to match.
This event is for adults 18+, or youth 14+ with accompanying adult.
Maple Syrup Experiences
Gather your family and friends 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.
Build Your Own Northwoods Paddle
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!
Each member of the class will get to design and build their own single piece canoe paddle made out of local lumber. In addition to making your own paddle, each person will get to build their own simple paddle hanger that will allow them to hang their handcrafted paddle at home, office, cabin, or anywhere else they would like.
The class will outline various ways to protect and finish your paddle. A waterproof and smooth oil finish will be available during the course. Various fiberglass, and varnishing techniques will be explained, but not provided in the course.
Folk School on Tap
Folk School on Tap
Learning the Art: Wilderness Canoeing, Camping, and Cooking
March 7 | 6:30-8pm
Bad Habit Brewing, 25 College Ave N, St Joseph, MN 56374
With warmer weather around the corner, get ready for your summer adventure by grabbing a drink and joining us for an evening learning about the Avon Hills Folk School's new Wilderness Canoeing, Camping, and Cooking Series coming in 2026.
Using stories and insights from years of wilderness travel across North America, Zach will give a preview into the skills and mindset that make canoe camping and travel such a rewarding experience. This conversation will touch on moving by water, living comfortably in camp, and cooking over stoves and open fires. Bring questions for Zach and learn how you can get the most out of your next backcountry adventure!
This gathering is free and all about community connection, no registration is required. We gladly welcome non-perishable food donations, which will be delivered to the St. Joseph Community Food Shelf.
Want to dive deeper with Zach? Join him for Build Your Own Northwoods Paddle on March 7 or 8! Learn the craft, shape your own paddle, and take home a piece you’ll use for years. Check it out here.
Maple Syrup Experiences
Gather your family and friends 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.
Build Your Own Northwoods Paddle
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!
Each member of the class will get to design and build their own single piece canoe paddle made out of local lumber. In addition to making your own paddle, each person will get to build their own simple paddle hanger that will allow them to hang their handcrafted paddle at home, office, cabin, or anywhere else they would like.
The class will outline various ways to protect and finish your paddle. A waterproof and smooth oil finish will be available during the course. Various fiberglass, and varnishing techniques will be explained, but not provided in the course.
Making the Upper Peninsula Pasty
LOCATION: Milk and Honey Ciders, 11738 Co Rd 51, St Joseph, MN 56374
The savory, meat and vegetable-filled pasty has served as a hearty meal for more than 150 years in Michigan's Upper Peninsula (U.P) where the simple but hunger-satisfying meal has become a significant part of the region's cultural identity. “Invented” by Cornish settlers who came to work in the region's iron and copper mines, the hand-held meat pie was an easy meal to transport and eat deep in the mines.
Today you can find pasties across the UP, buying them singly or by the “cooler full” which could be up to 99 pasties. Also popular across the Iron Range of northern MN, our instructor will share that the UP Pasty is the best.
In this course you’ll learn a bit more about the history, the “proper” way to make a UP Pasty and you’ll get to prepare your own start to finish. Beginning with the raw materials, making the dough and taking home up to 12 pasties of your own.
This course will be hosted at our partner Milk and Honey Ciders. After the class we’ll enjoy a Milk and Honey Cider, alcoholic or N/A along with one of the fresh, hot pasties right out of the oven that our instructor will bring with her for the class.
Making the Upper Peninsula Pasty
LOCATION: Milk and Honey Ciders, 11738 Co Rd 51, St Joseph, MN 56374
The savory, meat and vegetable-filled pasty has served as a hearty meal for more than 150 years in Michigan's Upper Peninsula (U.P) where the simple but hunger-satisfying meal has become a significant part of the region's cultural identity. “Invented” by Cornish settlers who came to work in the region's iron and copper mines, the hand-held meat pie was an easy meal to transport and eat deep in the mines.
Today you can find pasties across the UP, buying them singly or by the “cooler full” which could be up to 99 pasties. Also popular across the Iron Range of northern MN, our instructor will share that the UP Pasty is the best.
In this course you’ll learn a bit more about the history, the “proper” way to make a UP Pasty and you’ll get to prepare your own start to finish. Beginning with the raw materials, making the dough and taking home up to 12 pasties of your own.
This course will be hosted at our partner Milk and Honey Ciders. After the class we’ll enjoy a Milk and Honey Cider, alcoholic or N/A along with one of the fresh, hot pasties right out of the oven that our instructor will bring with her for the class.
Folk School on Tap
Feb 28th | 9-11am
The House Food and Tap, St. Joseph, MN
Get ready for maple syrup season! Discover all things maple in this collaboration between Avon Hills Folk School, Wildwood Ranch Maple Syrup, and Saint John’s Outdoor University.
Learn about making Maple Syrup
Find out about upcoming opportunities to get hands-on learning about maple syrup
Learn about upcoming maple syrup events in Central MN
Ask questions about getting started, about making maple syrup
Maple syrup tasting
Maple syrup available for purchase
Sign-up for volunteer opportunities at local sugar bushes
This gathering is free and all about community connection, no registration is required. We gladly welcome non-perishable food donations, which will be delivered to the St. Joseph Community Food Shelf.
Winter Together
Winter Together
Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 2:00–9:00 PM
Embrace the beauty of winter—and the warmth of community—at our Winter Together event. This cozy, come-as-you-are gathering is all about spending meaningful time with friends, family, neighbors, and nature during the heart of the season.
Enjoy an afternoon and evening of winter fun, including a scavenger hunt, luminary walk through the woods, snowshoe trail, pond labyrinth, music, sledding, and more.
Event Details
Cost: $5 per person (Kids under 5 are free and do not need to register!)
Food: We’ll provide warm comfort foods like goulash, chili, and mac & cheese. Please bring a dessert to share!
Community Welcome: We encourage you to invite friends and neighbors!
Music: Emmett Doyle is a multi-instrumentalist folk singer-songwriter from the Avon Hills whose music blends Folk Revival, Irish traditional, blues, old-time, and folk punk influences. Inspired by community, land, and labor organizing, he’ll lead a participatory “Circle of Song” jam session where attendees take turns leading and accompanying songs.
Registration Info
Space is limited, so be sure to register early.
Let’s make winter a time to connect, laugh, and enjoy being together. We can’t wait to see you there.
Needle Felted Landscapes
February 14, 2026
9am-12pm
LOCATION: Milk and Honey Ciders, 11738 Co Rd 51, St Joseph, MN 56374
In this 3 hour class, we’ll walk through step by step how to create an 8”x10” needle felted landscape ready to be framed- no experience necessary! From creating a compelling composition to “mixing” colors to creating different shapes & textures to execute your ideas, I’ll demonstrate general needle felting techniques to get started then we’ll experiment and play together!
Bring an image or two of a landscape that you’d like to create in wool or a sketch to work from.
I recommend having a couple to choose from, in case one ends up working better than the other. It works well to have the photo either printed or on an ipad or something. You can also have it on your phone. Another option is a sketch if you’d like to work from your imagination.
When selecting the reference photo, I’ve learned a couple of things:
Keep the shapes simple. If the photo is too detailed, it’s difficult to execute efficiently in wool. I like sunsets, clouds, rolling hills, fields, lakes and photos with distinct horizons and big shapes. Trees are fun, but easy to get lost in, so it’s best to limit their quantity. Reflections on water can be challenging.
Feel free to take elements from multiple photos: a sky from this photo, a lake scene from a different photo.
A landscape painting, an image in your mind, a sketch or working abstractly also work great.
For now, I recommend selecting a nature scene and leaving out an image with buildings, people, animals or similar.
Mending Circle
February 11, 2026
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Restore your worn fabrics, connect with your community, and contribute to a sustainable future. Stop by our mending circle!
Do I need experience?
No experience necessary, if you have zero experience and zero idea what to bring other than your holey garment, please show up and we can point you in the right direction.
What will be at the circle?
Tea will be provided. You'll also be able to pilfer supporting supplies from the communal mending kit.
What should I bring?
Bring things to mend, your half finished knits and any hand projects, fiber or otherwise, you want to spend time with. Basic mending tools include needles, thread, and small scissors.
If you want to mend jeans, please bring some extra denim to patch, and some light blue cotton (unless you want to visibly mend, then whatever colour you wish!)
If you want to learn to darn, bring jar lids, rubber bands, wool needles, and wool to match.
This event is for adults 18+, or youth 14+ with accompanying adult.
Folk School on Tap
Folk School on Tap
Shake off winter’s doldrums and put on your gardening hat for Folk School on Tap!
January 28 | 6-8pm
Milk & Honey Ciders, 11738 Co Rd 51, St Joseph, MN
No need for a green thumb, there will be something for everyone whether an eager beginner or established farmer. Learn about the 2026 Folk School Garden Series and get excited about getting your hands dirty! Sip a cider and bring your gardening questions for real time answers, discussion and growing community! Kristi and Sam are happy to discuss a wide range of topics, like: vegetables, annual flowers, perennial flowers, natives, soil, design, and more.
Mending Circle
February 11, 2026
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Restore your worn fabrics, connect with your community, and contribute to a sustainable future. Stop by our mending circle!
Do I need experience?
No experience necessary, if you have zero experience and zero idea what to bring other than your holey garment, please show up and we can point you in the right direction.
What will be at the circle?
Tea will be provided. You'll also be able to pilfer supporting supplies from the communal mending kit.
What should I bring?
Bring things to mend, your half finished knits and any hand projects, fiber or otherwise, you want to spend time with. Basic mending tools include needles, thread, and small scissors.
If you want to mend jeans, please bring some extra denim to patch, and some light blue cotton (unless you want to visibly mend, then whatever colour you wish!)
If you want to learn to darn, bring jar lids, rubber bands, wool needles, and wool to match.
This event is for adults 18+, or youth 14+ with accompanying adult.
Full-Day Leather Projects: Tote Bags, Handbags, and Games
Make your own timeless, larger leather project in this day-long workshop at Milk & Honey.
Pre-select your project and leather color (a limited number of extras will be available in class) and then spend the session learning the traditional methods of cutting, hand-stitching, and finishing leather goods.
This class goes beyond the basics - focusing on precision, craftsmanship, and problem-solving as you build a leather good that will last for decades. Whether you’re new to hand sewing or refining your technique, you’ll walk away with a finished project that’s one of a kind and handmade entirely by you.
Project Options
Travel Backgammon:
Materials: $70
Colors: Russet, Dark Brown, English Brown, Black
Leah Handbag:
Materials: $70
Colors: Cloud Blue, Crimson, Kelly Green, & Russet
Double Winetote:
Materials: $70
Colors: Russet, Dark Brown, English Brown, Black
Banjo Purse:
Materials: $100
Colors: Russet, Dark Brown, English Brown, Black
Market tote:
Materials: $100
Colors: Natural, Tan, Dark Brown, English Brown, Black
After registering for the course, please email info@avonhillsfolkschool.org with your chosen project. You will then select your leather color via email.
Tuition: $110
Since this is an all day course, lunch is included.
This course is for adults 18+, or students 12+ with accompanying adult
Holiday Market
Holiday Market in St. Joe
25 W Minnesota Street, St. Joseph, MN
November 7th - December 21st
Thursday 12-6pm, Friday 12-6pm, Saturday 12-7pm, Sunday 11am-3pm
We’re excited to share that Avon Hills Folk School will be hosting a Holiday Market in partnership with Heather Hanson of Embrace the Space Between.
The shop will be filled with handcrafted art by local artists, maple syrup, and Folk School merchandise.
The market is all about shopping small, celebrating local makers, and sharing the creativity of our community this holiday season. Hope to see you there!
Holiday Market
Holiday Market in St. Joe
25 W Minnesota Street, St. Joseph, MN
November 7th - December 21st
Thursday 12-6pm, Friday 12-6pm, Saturday 12-7pm, Sunday 11am-3pm
We’re excited to share that Avon Hills Folk School will be hosting a Holiday Market in partnership with Heather Hanson of Embrace the Space Between.
The shop will be filled with handcrafted art by local artists, maple syrup, and Folk School merchandise.
The market is all about shopping small, celebrating local makers, and sharing the creativity of our community this holiday season. Hope to see you there!