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.
Fiber Circle
Bring whatever fiber arts project you’re currently working on, or pick up that project you’ve been meaning to finish. Share ideas, troubleshoot with fellow makers, and enjoy creating in community.
We’re revamping Felting Circle into Fiber Circle to welcome all fiber arts practices. Each month will feature a different community host sharing their fiber art expertise and creative practice in a casual manner.
This month’s community host is: Sue Beyer
Sue Beyer will be hosting the June Fiber Circle at the Avon Hills Folk School! Sue is a potter, folk school volunteer and student, and a fiber arts enthusiast. She is comfortable showing the beginning steps for crochet and knitting and she dabbles in needle felting and wet felting. She will bring resource materials, patterns and past projects she's completed for a bit of inspiration. Sue is most excited about folks showing up with ANY fiber project and sharing space, time and conversations with one another.
This event is for adults ages 18+ or youth ages 12+ accompanied by an adult.
Registration is required.
Intro to Timber Framing
June 24 to 28, 2026
9am-5pm each day
Learn the traditional building technique of timber frame construction, which employs large timbers, mortise and tenon journey, wooden pegs, and few or no metal fasteners. The Sugar Shack, Outdoor Pavilion and other structures at Avon Hills Folks School are all examples of similar student built timber frames during this class.
As a class, we will cut and assemble a timber frame, which we will raise outdoors on the final day. You'll learn how to lay out and cut many types of joinery, using both traditional hand tools and professional power tools. We'll cover frame design, wood species, foundations and enclosures, tool sharpening, and much more. You'll leave the course with enough skills to tackle your own small project.
We will also discuss foundations, enclosing a frame, wiring and plumbing issues, and basic frame and joinery design.
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.
Hand-Sewn Leather Forager Bags
A good bag is one of the oldest tools a person can carry. Before there were pockets or backpacks, there were leather pouches - made by hand, worn close to the body, built to hold whatever the land or the day demanded.
In this half-day class, Dan from Merchant Leather will teach you to hand-sew your own forager-inspired leather bag using the traditional saddle stitch, a two-needle technique that has been used by makers for centuries. You’ll choose your project and leather color in advance, then spend your session bringing it to life - marking, punching, and stitching your way to a finished bag you’ll carry for years.
This class pairs naturally with Avon Hills’ foraging programming. Whether you’re heading out to pick mushrooms, gather herbs, or just want a well-made bag to carry through the woods or around town, you’ll leave with something built for exactly that. All tools are provided, and no prior leatherworking experience is needed.
Leather is forgiving in the best way. It softens with use, develops a patina unique to the person carrying it, and only gets better with age. The bag you make here won’t just look good on day one - it will look even better in ten years.
Not Your Grandma's Felting Circle: Felting for Teens
This workshop is designed for teen artists to develop and deepen their understanding and abilities in felting. Students will make a 3D critter in the satisfying art form of felting. No prior experience needed!
Materials are included in the course fee, and students may take some tools home to continuefelting.
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
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.
Fiber Circle
Bring whatever fiber arts project you’re currently working on, or pick up that project you’ve been meaning to finish. Share ideas, troubleshoot with fellow makers, and enjoy creating in community.
We’re revamping Felting Circle into Fiber Circle to welcome all fiber arts practices. Each month will feature a different community host sharing their fiber art expertise and creative practice in a casual manner.
This month’s community hosts are: Cathy Schellinger and Jenny Furcht
Cathy Schellinger and Jenny Furcht are hosting the July Fiber Circle at the folk school! Cathy and Jenny are part of the folk school family, as well as being valued volunteers and frequent students. They both enjoy knitting, along with many other art forms that they dabble in, and love to be in community with other fiber folks. Cathy learned to knit in grade school but picked it up again about 15 years ago and considers herself a capable beginner. Jenny learned to knit when she was 7 with her Grandma Fran and has tackled many knitting projects since then. They hope you will join them this July with whatever fiber arts projects you are working on!
This event is for adults ages 18+ or youth ages 12+ accompanied by an adult.
Registration is required.
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.
Creative Chaos
Do you love paper, paint, glitter, and getting a little messy? Have you ever wanted to try something new, like painting, pom-pom making, or creating your own one-of-a-kind masterpiece and didn’t know how to get started?
Creative Chaos is a playful, open-ended artistic experience for youth in grades 6 through senior. Experiment, explore, and follow your curiosity wherever it leads. There are no mistakes here, just layers, textures, and happy accidents.
We’ll begin with a “Neature Walk”—an unhurried, sensory wander through the woods surrounding the Folk School. This time outdoors is meant to spark ideas, shift perspective, and invite inspiration from the textures, patterns, and quiet moments found in nature before moving into the creative process.
Dig into a colorful collection of materials like patterned papers, paints, markers, ribbons, washi tape, beads, and more. Try out new techniques, mix and match supplies, and create projects that are completely your own. Need a spark of inspiration? Simple project ideas like mini books and paper creations will be available to get you started.
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.
Fall Plant & Mushroom Foray
Join Ariel and Maria for a day of foraging fun at the Avon Hills Folk School! The workshop will start with two slideshow presentations: one covering introductory information about wild mushroom foraging, and the other about wild edible plants we may find in the area.
Afterwards, we will hit the trails to apply our newfound knowledge to the surrounding landscape. Mushrooms and plants we may encounter include hen of the woods, chanterelles, turkey tails, stinging nettle, black nightshade, and sumac! Bring your own bags or baskets, as we can sustainably pick any edible mushrooms or plants we come across!
Expect to walk about 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 2.5 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.
Watercolor Cards: Woven Paper Edition
Watercolor woven cards will introduce artists to introductory level watercolor skills using liquid watercolors. Artists will learn about liquid watercolors, how to mix colors and various wet and dry techniques. This workshop highlights thinking about ways we can use demos and practice paintings in a new light.
The end goal of the workshop is to use our watercolor practices, cut into strips and woven to create the front of a greeting card.
Artists and Makers Camp
Our Annual Artists and Makers Camp will take place on September 25 - 27, 2026!
This skill sharing event is a great experience for those wanting to learn new crafts and techniques. Every student will leave with their own handmade creations. Learn from our fantastic instructors who are all skilled artisans and craftspeople. You will walk away with an experience you will not soon forget!
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.
Liquid Watercolors: Focus on Fall Color Mixing
This Liquid Watercolors workshop will introduce artists to introductory level watercolor skills with a focus on color mixing in a fall color palette. Artists will learn about watercolor supplies, how to use liquid watercolors and various color theory applications. Designated class time will be set aside for artists to spend time in surrounding nature to draw inspiration for their painting.
The end goal of this day-long workshop is for artists to have a better understanding of how to achieve their desired color palette when painting, painted color reference sheets, and a small nature inspired painting using the Folk School landscape as inspiration.
Mending Circle
Restore your worn fabrics, connect with your community, and contribute to a sustainable future. Stop by our mending circle!
Folk School on Tap: The Emerald Ash Borer & Black Ash Basketry
Join us for this unique Folk School on Tap opportunity at the folk school! Attendees will learn about Ojibwe culture through the art of black ash basketry from April Ogimaakwe Stone. We will also hear from August Kramer from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources about the advance of the emerald ash borer across the midwest, which threatens to wipe out black ash trees.
From Tree to Splint: Black Ash Harvesting & Processing for Basketry
Obtaining the raw splint for basket making is something that takes time, patience and a whole lot of energy. Not everyone who wishes to weave with this beautiful, native material has access to the forest or the trees or the knowledge of the process itself. Sometimes, it’s just nice to have someone show the way and give some pointers.
During the morning sessions and weather permitting, participants will venture into the woods with April to identify and search out suitable Black Ash trees for harvest. Students will learn about what goes into choosing the right tree and together we will harvest and return with several black ash trees from the folk school grounds.
During all sessions, participants will have access to 2 log pounding stations and the tools needed to pound the logs for material acquisition. Techniques for splint splitting (to make thinner) and splint scraping (to remove surface fibers) will also be shared by the instructor. The instructor will have resources to share in the form of books, baskets, stories, language and culture. Materials pounded from the logs will be used for future Avon Hills Folk School basket weaving courses.
Strength and stamina are needed for this course as we take turns pounding as needed. This truly is a “one more ring” course so come prepared for the weather and a great workout.
This is a unique opportunity to see the work that happens before the basket weaving course and to help the Avon Hills Folk School process its ash trees before the emerald ash borer destroys them.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mending Circle
Restore your worn fabrics, connect with your community, and contribute to a sustainable future. Stop by our mending circle!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.