2025 CLASSES:
JUNE 21 AND SEPT 20TH:
Exploring the Ethnobotany of Local Plants
A Class at First Light Farm & Learning Center
June 21st and Sept 20th, 10:30-3 pm
Taught by Renee Fredrickson
"Ethnobotany is not a class. It's a way of looking at the world. It is science in its fundamental form: to look, to wonder, to ask questions, to figure out how knowledge came to be. It's that process of learning and knowing from very first-hand experience. The science isn't separate from the deep respect for the plant world" (Renee Fredrickson).
We humans are indebted to plants for our very existence. Indigenous Peoples from diverse locations all refer to the plants as The First People. This class will explore some of our local plants and how people have used their gifts: for food, medicine, tools, and whatever else time allows. This will include skills and resources for plant ID and taxonomy and the exploration of field journals.
The June class will explore the plants of spring and early summer while the September class focuses on plants of later summer and fall. We will prepare some plant recipes and make some simple medicines. Bring your curiosity and willingness to explore. Participants will be sent an email prior to the class with instructions on what to bring and wear. Cost: $60/class or $120 for the two classes. Participants are encouraged to sign up for both classes as the knowledge builds on the previous class's learning experiences. The cost for each class includes a $10 additional fee class for materials provided by the instructor for participants to take home. Registration required through email: [email protected]. Payment can be made at the farm or through our online store: https://firstlightfarm-upick.square.site/
Held at First Light Farm & Learning Center
June 21, 10:30-3 pm and September 20th, 10:30-3 pm
1202 West Snoqualmie River Rd NE, Carnation
[email protected]/ 206-719-8602
"What a treasure this course has been. Renee has a gifted voice and deep wisdom for the environment she has planted herself in. I can't fully express my appreciation for the cultural, medicinal, symbiotic knowledge I have gleaned about our native/non-native plants and trees. Spending time with Renee and the other students who have a genuine desire to learn, share, and bond, has been time well spent. I highly recommend this class."
-- M. B. former participant
Laying the Foundation for Change: 4 Community Conversations that Matter
Sponsored by First Light Farm & Learning Center and the Sustainable Resource Collective
Change happens when we’re able to take in a wider world. When we understand life not just through our own lens, but through others’ experiences as well. Our world changes because we have changed. Changes in our communities start from inside us and work outward to societal change.
Are there communication skills that can help us become more adept as advocates for change in our communities? Most certainly there are.
Mark Your Calendars for the four Community Conversation events:
COMMUNITY CONVERSATION #1, Sunday, July 20th, 5-7:30 pm - THE SKILL OF LISTENING
COMMUNITY CONVERSATION #2, Sunday, August 17, 5-7:30 pm – THE SKILL OF RESPECTING.
COMMUNITY CONVERSATION #3, Sunday, Sept. 7, 5-7:30 pm – THE SKILL OF SUSPENDING.
COMMUNITY CONVERSATION #4, Sunday, Sept. 21, 5-7:30 pm – THE SKILL OF VOICING
Each community conversation starts with a potluck dinner. Plan on bringing something to share along with a card noting the ingredients. We will also be harvesting summer produce from the farm.
We will also provide water, plates, napkins, and utensils.
Reservations required. To reserve your place, email First Light Farm: [email protected]. In your email, please note how many will be attending and your contact information. This is a free event; however, please consider supporting First Light Farm’s educational outreach by making a tax-deductible donation of any kind: https://www.upickseattle.com/giving-campaign.html
Facilitation provided by Jane Lister Reis, co-owner of First Light Farm & Learning Center and Communications Studies faculty at North Seattle College for 28 years.
The skills shared at these four community events are from William Isaacs’s book, “Dialogue: The Art of Thinking Together”.
Women's Circles
An Hour Just for You for Healing, Renewal and an Experience of Reciprocity (A Women’s Circle)
Saturdays, August 2, 16, 30 and September 13th from 9-10 am at First Light Farm & Learning Center
1202 West Snoqualmie River Rd NE, Carnation
You are invited to spend a quiet hour with yourself in the company of other women at the farm for a grounding meditation, quiet time for journaling, and opportunity to experience different healing practitioners who will share their healing gifts.
Saturday, August 2nd: Jane Lister Reis, facilitator and Bev MacKenzie, Certified Holistic Healing Coach
Saturday, August 16th: Jane Lister Reis, facilitator and Chelsea King and Nina Bryden, Sound Bath
Saturday, September 6th: Jane Lister Reis, facilitator and Telisa and Lauri Steen, Energy Work
Saturday, September 13th: Jane Lister Reis, facilitator and Krystal Praast, Women’s Cycle Coach and founder New Moon Mama
Saturday, September 27th: Henna Designs and Tongue Drum Music, with Blair Menjivar and Chelsea King
These events are designed to mirror the Gift Economy (as written about by Robin Wall Kimmerer, “The Serviceberry: An Economy of Abundance”) where people freely share with others what they have in abundance. In this spirit of reciprocity, please bring something to share if you can.
We will be outside at the farm so please dress for the weather. Also, bring a something to sit on – a folding chair or blanket. No fee; donations accepted. RSVP required ([email protected]) so we can plan accordingly. We hope you will join us!
THE MANY THINGS TO DO WITH TOMATILLOS:
Learn to use as a Sauce, Dressing or Spread
A Class with Chelsea King
Sept. 6th, 11-noon at First Light Farm
In this class, you will learn a versatile tomatillo recipe that you will be able to create your own take on it. You'll also go home with a small sample along with a copy of the recipe. Depending on the base you choose, this tomatillo recipe can be a dressing, a spread, or a dip. Don't forget to get some fresh veggies at the farm to use as an aioli with zucchini fritters, a spread with cucumber sandwiches, or a dip to go with chips and crudites. Personal favorite is adding jalapenos and serrano peppers as a dressing for a Tex Mex salad.
$15. RSVP required (text: 206-719-8602). Limited to 12 people.
Planting Fall Garlic 101
Saturday, October 4, 10-noon, $40.00 includes 1 lb. of garlic
with Jeremy Houston, Field Manager at First Light Farm
Garlic, both soft- and hard-neck, is easy to grow with just some basic knowledge.
In this class, you’ll learn the basics of planting garlic from soil preparation, planting techniques, and garlic care. Each person will go home with a pound of garlic to
plant at that home to enjoy next year.
RSVP required: text 206-719-8602. Payment before class.
1202 West Snoqualmie River Rd NE, Carnation
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At First Light Farm & Learning Center we believe that when we care for the soil, we begin building a foundation of care that extends out to individuals and communities.
Growing Healthy Vegetables - Healthy Humans - Healthy Communities