When: February 8, 2025 @ 10:00 am
Come be “out in the outdoors”!
Calling WNC’s LGBTQIA+ community! Let’s gather to share the company of nature and our fellow community members. Every other month, we will come together to create a welcoming and inclusive outdoor space as we wander in the woods, connecting to each other and the natural world around us. These meetings are social gatherings with naturalist twists rather than structured workshops; our main goal is to enjoy our time together in the beautiful outdoors. In between our chatting and laughter, we’ll take time to notice, appreciate, and learn about the creatures that call this place home, from the tiny beetles to the mighty trees. Along the way, we will find a spot to stop and enjoy a seasonal treat. This safe space is open to anyone who seeks community and honors the spirit of respect and kindness that this club is built on- friends, family, and allies are welcome!
This month, we will be Out in Franklin to learn about winter foraging! We’ll amble slowly through a meadow, among the trees, and to the river along an accessible trail, meeting and learning about any edible plants we encounter along the way. We will discuss plant identification, cooking methods, foraging ethics, and medicinal preparations, leaving time to admire the non-edible plants as well! Please note we will not be collecting anything during this event, and foraging on Mainspring properties is by permission only.
Fill out the form below to register. Exact meeting location and time will be emailed to registered attendees in the days leading up to the event. Please bring water, plenty of warm layers, and anything else you’ll need to stay comfortable outside during this event.
Email Skye at [email protected] with any questions. Please leave pets at home. This event is weather-dependent.
2025 Schedule
Winter Foraging Walk: Saturday, February 8th in Franklin
Birding Walk: Saturday, April 12th in Franklin
Topic TBD: Saturday, June 14th, location TBD
Summer Picnic and Swimming: Saturday, August 23rd in Lake Santeelah
Autumn Leaf Garland Workshop: Saturday, October 18th near Franklin
Waterfall Hike and Native Seed Starting: Saturday, December 6th, Bryson City
Meet your leaders
As Mainspring’s Conservation Outreach Director, Skye (she/her) inspires people to connect with their local landscape and value the conservation efforts that protect it. Integrating her experience in wildlife research with her excitement about the natural world, she strives to make science fun and accessible.
Gillian (she/her) is a queer conservation practitioner who strives to build community by connecting with others in nature and working to ensure that public lands are a welcome and safe space for all.
As of 6:00pm on 2/7/25, meeting location has been emailed to registered participants. We will check event registrations on more time early on Saturday morning, and send meeting instructions to any additional registrants. The email is not automatic, so you will not receive an email with the meeting location immediately upon registration.
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