Mosses, Lichens and Liverworts of the Ancient Forest
April 21-22, 2012
Cost: $140
Which forest dweller can turn rock into food? What plants store water for dry periods and can create soil in the upper canopy of ancient forests? Non-vascular plants such as mosses, lichens, and liverworts are drawing increasing attention for their importance as indicators of forest health, air quality and environmental integrity. From air quality indicators and natural water filters to nesting material for birds and mammals, mosses, lichens, and liverworts are invaluable to Pacific Northwest forest ecosystems. A member of the Northwest Lichenologist Society and past Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center instructor, forest ecologist John Villella returns for his favorite workshop of the year, and will lead us on a journey through the little known non-vascular plant kingdoms of the Opal Creek wilderness. Opal Creek is home to hundreds of species, many of which are only found in the ancient forests of the northwest. This course is especially helpful for agency personnel who are conducting forest health surveys throughout the state.
Click here to register for Mosses, Lichens & Liverworts!
Family Workshop
Amphibian Adventure!
May 19-20, 2012
Cost: $200 per adult, $100 per child 4-13: Free for kids ages 0-3
Opal Creek’s intact ancient forest and cool clean waters host the full diversity of Northwest amphibians, from the Pacific Giant Salamander, the largest terrestrial amphibian in North America, to the genetically unique ancient tailed frog. This workshop will examine the dozen amphibians that reside in Opal Creek’s exceptional habitat. Join Opal Creek board member Josh Kling and his wife Weezie, along with our Science Instructors as we look deep into the clear pools and under the downed logs for these elusive critters. Josh and Weezie have both worked on amphibian surveys for the US Forest Service throughout the Cascades and are now parents to two young boys. Tuition includes a copy of Opal Creek’s self-published, Field Guide to the Amphibians of Opal Creek, for use during the weekend and for all future amphibian investigation. The biodiversity of the Ancient Forest provides ample opportunity to identify many different species.
Click here to register for Amphibian Adventure!
Family Workshop
Ancient Forest Canopy Exploration
June 2-3, 2012
Cost: $300/person
The ancient forest ecosystem is an intricate web, woven by fish in the streams, birds in the sky, and all sorts of amazing creatures in between. The many-layered canopy of the old-growth Douglas-Fir is home to organisms that never touch the ground! Plants and animals alike have adapted to survive in the space in between the land below and the air above. Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center partners with the Pacific Tree Climbing Institute to travel in this strange world and climb up these ancient giants to the canopy. Anyone 8 yrs. or older is welcome to come. Experience the temperate rainforest canopy for yourself and learn about other canopy ecosystems around the globe. This once in a lifetime workshop is not to miss!
Click here to register for Ancient Forest Canopy Exploration!
Family Workshop
Raptors of the Western Cascades
June 9-10, 2012
Cost: $150 per adult, $75 per child 4-13: Free for kids ages 0-3
This ancient rainforest is a beautiful and peaceful place. But everywhere around us, the web of life is being woven, with one genus at the top of the pyramid: birds. These unique creatures are the predators of the sky, holding reign over a kingdom only they can visit. Raptors have developed many different adaptations to succeed in the giant, multi-layered canopy of Opal Creek. Not only are they an integral part of the ancient forest, they played an important role in saving Opal Creek from development. Join us to learn about the hunters of the sky, how to identify these giants soaring overhead, and meet live raptors up close. Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center will partner with the Cascades Raptor center to present this exciting and educational workshop for the whole family, in one of the last true Wilderness areas.
Click here to register for Raptors of the Western Cascades!
Adult Fly Fishing
July 20-22, 2012
Cost: $225
Learn the basics of fly fishing in a three-day, intensive seminar in the ancient forest of Opal Creek. Guided by Jeffry Gottfried, of Educational Recreational Adventures (ERA), an experienced fly fishing instructor, licensed guide and naturalist, you will learn to flycast, tie the basic knots, identify aquatic insects and their life cycles, and apply proper Leave No Trace principles to your outdoor adventures. Put your new skills to immediate use as you fish for wild native rainbow trout in the beautiful Little North Fork of the Santiam, Battle Axe Creek, Opal Creek and Opal Lake. All fly fishing gear necessary for the seminar will be supplied by ERA. In addition to standard western fly fishing, participants will also gain skills and experience in tenkara, traditional Japanese fly fishing. If you want to make a quantum leap in your fly fishing skills, this is the program for you.
Click here to register for Adult Fly Fishing!
Yoga in the Ancient Forest
September 6-9, 2012
Cost: $350
Come join some of the Northwest’s most enthusiastic, nature-inspired yoga teachers for this wellness-focused workshop. Set amidst the natural beauty of Opal Creek, this weekend will be a chance for participants to explore the joys of yoga practice while surrounded by a thriving old-growth forest. What better way to relax in the beauty and serenity of wilderness than by strengthening our bodies and quieting our minds through the practice of asana? We will explore Vinyasa, Restorative, and Hatha schools of yoga. All levels welcome. This workshop is very popular, and fills quickly, so reserve your space now!
Click here to register for Yoga in the Ancient Forest!
Instructors for the workshop are www.thebhaktishop.com, Ali Jackiw and Ariel Singer.
Wisdom of the Ancients
September 14-16, 2012
Cost: $200
“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” Come learn this ancient art with Opal Creek’s world-renowned Chef and Food Service Director, Rebekah Yglesias. Get your hands dirty in our Lodge Kitchen using food preparation methods involving unusual grains, seeds, and weeds. You’ll want to wash up before dinner though, because this overview of delicious and nutritious cooking is guaranteed to be finger lickin’ good. Rebekah will lead participants through proven traditions of fermentation, sprouting, roasting, and juicing. A full belly is the perfect compliment to our forest of ancient giants, and after dinner a stroll through our unparalleled old-growth will be just what Hippocrates ordered.
Click here to register for Wisdom of the Ancients!
Ancient Forest Mushrooms
October 13-14, 2012
October 20-21, 2012
Cost: $160 per adult
The forest surrounding Opal Creek produces a large diversity of mushrooms every fall. Join past Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center instructor and forest ecologist, John Villella for a weekend as we hike through the tall trees, learning about the amazing world of mycology that holds it all together. Look high and low amongst the trees of Opal Creek for the curious organisms that come in so many shapes and sizes and help the forest grow and decompose. You will enjoy looking for mushrooms, learning
to identify common species, and discovering their role in the environment. Throughout the day we will learn which species are edible and collect what we find, tasting them later that evening. We will also learn the best mushrooms to beautifully dye cloth. Please bring a piece of wool or silk clothing to dye (tip: wool socks work great!).
Click here to register for Ancient Forest Mushrooms, October 13-14!
Click here to register for Ancient Forest Mushrooms, October 20-21!
Turning Over Stones: A Creative Writing Workshop
With Amy Minato
October 27-28, 2012
Cost: $150
Just as we discover those zen-like salamanders hidden under logs and crawdads under rocks, looking below the surface of daily life reveals meaning. Come be inspired by what you find as we turn over the stones of our lives beneath elder trees and beside effervescent Opal Creek. Then practice ways to shape your findings into effective writing. This workshop develops organically with participant interest. Themes we may consider include loss, hope, change, love and spiritual quest. We will weave being outdoors with readings, discussions and writing in a fun, relaxed, supportive atmosphere. All writing levels welcome!
Click here to register for Turning Over Stones!
Amy Minato is author of Siesta Lane, a creative nonfiction book by Skyhorse Press and The Wider Lens, a poetry collection published in 2004 by Ice River Press. Her poetry has been published in national and regional magazines and has been recognized with a 2004 Oregon Literary Arts Fellowship and her prose with a Walden Fellowship. She currently teaches writing workshops through Literary Arts, Community of Writers and at conference centers. She and her family migrate between Portland and the Wallowa Mountains. www.amyminato.com
