Willow trees provide increasingly vital ecosystem services as riparian buffers: they mitigate the effects of flooding and rapidly absorb excess nutrients. In addition to aiding Vermont’s flood-prone landscapes, willow is an excellent local weaving material. In this workshop, Joe Bossen and Racheal Ouellette will give a tour of Cloud Water Farm’s willow plantings and share the ecological roles of different willow varieties. After learning about the source of the weaving material, Racheal will give hands-on instruction to weave a small napkin holder. Attendees will have the chance to make their own and take it home with them. This workshop is great for anyone who is looking to learn more about how to utilize willow as a local weaving material, and for folks looking to start a willow planting on their land.
What to Bring:
Water bottle, comfortable shoes, long pants, hat, sunscreen.
*We aim to keep our event prices low, but if registration is a barrier, please reach out about scholarships. NOFA-VT offers the option of free registration to anyone who identifies as Black, Indigenous, or a person of color (BIPOC) in an effort to actively work toward dismantling systems of racism that have historically disadvantaged BIPOC and continue to do so today. Learn more.
Additionally, members of NOFA-VT may attend workshops at a discounted rate. Those with farm-level memberships, business-level memberships, or friends of NOFA memberships may enroll up to four participants at the discounted rate. Learn more about membership.
