Classes and Programs

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Let's gather together to make apple butter; a time-honored Appalachian tradition. All supplies are locally sourced and provided. Get a discount on classes and programs when you become a member. All participants leave with a share of apple butter, knowledge, and new friendships. Bring your red hots to add to your jars if you prefer a spicier finish. This class may be conducted in a kitchen or outdoors in a more traditional method depending on location, time of year/weather and supplies sourced.

Start with the basics of food canning. This class offers hands-on start to finish canning. Instruction in water bath and pressure canning. Canning safety and best practices. Attendees take home fruits (or vegetables) of their labor. All supplies are provided and sourced locally. 

This class is required to check out any Foundation canning equipment.

Take a guided hike on the Foundation grounds to look for and identify wild edibles. Our expert guides will explain edible plant parts and processing techniques for best use. This class will become available in other areas as locations are secured.

Spend time on the Foundation's pristine 36 acres to reconnect with nature. Individual or group reservations are welcome in time slots of 4 hours to four days. Reservations are required. This activity serves as a fund-raising revenue stream for Foundation programs and classes. Foundation members are provided a 25% discount and pay-it-forward options are available.

This class combines some of our other offerings to provide a comprehensive but basic guide to woodland survival. Expert guided on-site classes build your confidence in basic survival practices such as; fire building, water safety, staying warm and hydrated, raw foraging, and woodland safety.

Based on the fable of stone soup we will gather near the end of harvest to process and can soup. All participants will bring their garden leftovers and we will combine them to make soup for all to share.

This multi-class program guides learners through wool production, processing, and usage. Participants will actively learn about wool processes such as washing, carding, and spinning, followed by production techniques including natural dye creation, the dyeing process, and ultimately, the crafting of a wearable piece through knitting or crocheting.

Plants make beautiful colors for dying textiles. Learn how to identify, harvest, and process plants for dying wool and fabric. This PROGRAM consists of multiple classes.

Learn the basics of power generation.  Design and create models of small scale power generating devices for home use.

This multi-class PROGRAM will take you through all stages of bee-keeping from foundational knowledge to finished product. Beekeeping is a year-round activity. Engage in this hands-on learning program to gain the knowledge, skills, and expert network of practitioners before launching your own bee-keeping enterprise.

Multiple classes; take all or some depending on your level of interest. Become a member to take advantage of class and program discounts.

This traditional Appalachian apple cake is time consuming and tests our dedication to process. The heritage of the apple stack cake is a near year long process of harvesting apples, slicing the apples and drying them to winter over. Only after the dried apples are ready are they used to make the multi-layer apple stack cake. Sugar was typically in short supply and so it is not uncommon to use molasses or harvested maple syrup. This workshop will combine modern convenience such as dehydrators and electric ovens instead of wood burning to introduce participants to the Apple Stack Cake. However, as the Foundation grows we will add some traditional method apple stack cake workshops.

Take our hands-on bread-making workshop and learn to transform simple ingredients into a variety of delicious creations. From fluffy dinner rolls and crusty artisan loaves to sweet cinnamon buns and savory focaccia, this class highlights the versatility of yeast dough. You’ll master kneading, proofing, and shaping techniques while exploring ways to enhance flavor with herbs, seeds, and more. Not only will you save money and enjoy healthier, preservative-free options, but you’ll also experience the therapeutic joy of baking and the satisfaction of sharing your creations. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned baker, this class will empower you to make bakery-quality bread at home.