ABOUT Family CLASSES and Workshops:

• Please add nashvillenatureexplorers@gmail.com to your address book to be sure class information does not end up in your spam folders!!

• Location details are emailed a few days before the class.

• Most classes happen outdoors, unless noted. Prepare for all weather including meeting in rain and cold (for severe weather, classes may be rescheduled).

• Some walking/hiking may be required, so if you need a class to be accessible or have questions please reach out and we will work to make the class accessible.

• Some of our program locations have no restrooms, or no full restrooms (port-a-potties only).

• At this time, no refunds are possible for these courses. We rely on each registration to hold a class. In the rare case we cancel a class, full refunds are given. If you cannot make a class, please let us know and we will offer the spot to someone who otherwise would not be able to attend.

• Some classes offer eating or drinking wild foods, and you are responsible for knowing about any allergies you may have to wild foods.

• 20% of ticket sales go to Metro Parks, for all classes that happen on Metro property. This is part of our licensing agreement with them, as well as a great way to support our local parks! *Note: there is no foraging/harvesting rule in the Warner Parks.

Hiking with Kids 101

Saturday, Sept. 27 10-12pm

Saturday, Oct. 25 10-12pm

Saturday, Nov. 15 10-12pm

Percy Warner Park

This class is designed to support adults and families who want to hit the trails with their kids!

Our goal: help children build the stamina needed for a successful hike regardless of age or trail length, and empower and equip their adults with confidence and simple tips to make hiking accessible, practical and enjoyable for both adults and kids of all ages.

This class takes place over three sessions. Each session includes a guided hike that will build on itself and increase in length every class so that children can start to build stamina and adults can try tips and tricks in real time.

Topics we’ll cover:

• Choosing age-appropriate hikes

• Kid-friendly gear and snacks

• Pacing & Keeping spirits high

• How to make hikes engaging 

• How to handle common challenges like fatigue, weather changes, cuts & scrapes, and complaining

This class takes place over three sessions. Price is per family, and includes all three sessions.

Comfort & Confidence Outside

Saturday, Sept. 27 1-2:30pm - Session 1 Get to Know the Woods and Its Plants @Percy Warner Park

Saturday, Oct.   25 1-2:30pm - Session 2 Meeting the Woods’ Wildlife @Shelby Park

Saturday, Nov.  15 1-2:30pm - Session 3 Clothing & Gear Confidence @Percy Warner Park

This class is designed to empower adults and kids to feel more comfortable and confident spending time outside. If you dream of spending time in the woods but aren’t sure what plants to avoid, what to do if you see a snake, or what clothes will keep you and your family comfortable - this class is for you! 

Through guided walks, gentle exploration, stories, mindful observation, nature journaling and simple hands-on activities, adults and children alike will deepen their connection and awareness of the natural world.

This class takes place over three sessions, but can each be enjoyed individually. See details for each class in chronological order

Ticket price is for 1 adult and 1 child, additional family members can be added for $20 apiece.

Session 1 will focus on gaining familiarity with a few of the most common plants seen in our middle TN forests. In this class we will:

• learn to identify common plants

• learn to identify common ‘unsafe’ plants (like poison ivy and pokeweed) and their roles in the ecosystem 

• learn about invasive and endangered plants

• learn basic rules for respecting plant life

Annual Forager’s Gathering

Saturday September 27, 5-7pm

Edwin Warner Park, Shelter 4

This gathering is a welcoming space, open to all ages and experience levels, and is informal. Come with questions, knowledge, resources, and/or a dish to share. Bring a spoon, bowl, and cup for sampling, a notebook, and a sense of gratitude. Hopefully we’ll all leave with new skills, new/deeper friendships, and inspiration for our future foraging journeys!

Join us to experience:

• Connection with the land and community

• Inspiration

• Informal skill-sharing

• Gratitude

• Tasty wild treats

  and… return home nourished!

Ticket sales cover the shelter rental, and any extra will be donated to Friends of Warner Parks.

Family Foraging

Sunday, Sept. 28 2-4pm

Percy Warner Park

This class is designed to nurture outdoor confidence and give families the tools to forage responsibly and joyfully. This is a hands-on, family-friendly, beginners introduction to finding wild edible plants. 

We will explore a local trail or meadow, learning to identify a handful of safe, easy-to-recognize edibles and how to distinguish them from look-alikes. Along the way, we’ll share fun plant stories, ecological facts, and simple recipes kids can help make. Families can practice plant identification through a scavenger hunt and taste-testing (when appropriate). This class will touch on ethical harvesting, seasonal patterns, and safety tips. Everyone leaves with a small field guide and a list of “starter plants” for future adventures.

Ticket price is for 1 adult and 1 child, additional family members can be added for $20 apiece.

Comfort & Confidence Outside

Saturday, Oct. 25 1- 2:30pm- Session 2 Meeting the Woods’ Wildlife

Shelby Park

This class is designed to empower adults and kids to feel more comfortable and confident spending time outside. If you dream of spending time in the woods but aren’t sure what plants to avoid, what to do if you see a snake, or what clothes will keep you and your family comfortable - this class is for you! 

Through guided walks, gentle exploration, stories, mindful observation, nature journaling and simple hands-on activities, adults and children alike will deepen their connection and awareness of the natural world.

Session 2 will focus on building familiarity with a few of the common animals and insects found in our middle TN forests. In this class we will:

• learn about the animals and insects who live in the forest

• learn how to recognize common tracks, calls and signs of wildlife

• practice safe, respectful ways to observe wildlife

• learn to identify helpful versus harmful insects and their roles in the ecosystem 

• practice listening for bird calls

• cover practical tips for staying safe and calm if you encounter wild creatures

  Ticket price is for 1 adult and 1 child, additional family members can be added for $20 apiece

Backyard Foraging

Sunday, Oct. 26 1-2:30pm

Location: TBD-Davidson Co.

This class is designed to introduce adults and children to the wild food hiding in their own backyard!

In this hands-on class, families will explore common edible plants that thrive in lawns, gardens, and neighborhood edges - like dandelion, plantain, violet, and wood sorrel. Interactive activities include plant bingo, taste-testing mild wild greens and making a simple snack. Topics covered in class include:

• easy identification tips

• how to tell look-alikes apart

• safe and ethical harvesting practices

• seasonal patterns

• basic plant processing

• ways to incorporate these wild foods into everyday meals

Ticket price is for 1 adult and 1 child, additional family members can be added for $20 apiece

Comfort & Confidence Outside

Saturday, Nov.  15 1-2:30pm - Session 3 Clothing & Gear Confidence

Percy Warner Park

This class is designed to empower adults and kids to feel more comfortable and confident spending time outside. If you dream of spending time in the woods but aren’t sure what plants to avoid, what to do if you see a snake, or what clothes will keep you and your family comfortable - this class is for you! 

Through guided walks, gentle exploration, stories, mindful observation, nature journaling and simple hands-on activities, adults and children alike will deepen their connection and awareness of the natural world.

This class takes place over three sessions, but can each be enjoyed individually. See details for each class in chronological order

Ticket price is for 1 adult and 1 child, additional family members can be added for $20 apiece.

Session 3 will focus on dressing appropriately for the weather so that families can feel prepared and excited to be outdoors in any season. In this class we will cover:

• how to dress for different weather conditions using the layering system (children will get to practice building a “stay warm” outfit from a gear table and test how different materials handle water)

• choosing the right footwear

• keeping kids warm and dry in the cold

• tips for staying comfortable in rain, snow, heat and wind

• how to pack lightweight “just in case gear” for spontaneous adventures

• budget-friendly gear choices

• safe weather limits

Wild Root Beer Workshop

Saturday November 22

9am-12pm Family Workshop (all ages)

1pm-3:30pm Adult Workshop (ages 14+)

Shelby Bottoms

Discover the rich history and flavor of wild-crafted root beer by making traditional sassafras root brew. You'll learn how to safely identify and sustainably harvest sassafras root, and learn about the other aromatic wild plants commonly used in old-timey root beer recipes, such as spicebush.

In this class we will cover:

• Plant identification, history and proper harvesting

• How to clean prepare, and cook the roots

• Sweetening and inoculating the decoction with wild yeast from ginger roots.

• Bottling your own brew to finish fermenting at home

• Sample wild-fermented root beer

Along the way, we’ll explore the cultural history, medicinal uses, and folklore surrounding sassafras and its role in American herbal traditions.

For those who would like to make a “ginger bug” (fermentation culture) for future ferments, you can add that on for $15.

No experience necessary—just bring your curiosity and love of earthy, old-fashioned flavors. This workshop is perfect for herbalists, homebrewers, foragers, and anyone interested in reconnecting with traditional wild beverages.

Winter Solstice Celebration

Saturday December 13 1-4pm

Shelby Bottoms

Gather together to celebrate the longest night and welcome the returning light in this joyful, family-centered workshop.

We’ll share the story and meaning of the Winter Solstice, blending folklore, seasonal traditions and nature-based activities. Families will create simple crafts - like evergreen wreaths, sun lanterns or nature ornaments - using natural materials. We’ll enjoy a short, guided outdoor walk to notice winter’s quiet beauty, followed by a cozy circle with warm drinks, seasonal snack, and songs or stories.

Children and adults will take part in a candle-lighting ceremony to symbolize the lengthening days ahead. Everyone leaves with handmade treasures, warm memories, and a deeper connection to the rhythms of the earth.

Ticket price is for 1 adult and 1 child, additional family members can be added for $30 apiece.

PAST PROGRAMS

Have a workshop REQUEST? LET US KNOW! We also offer private Classes for groups.

Foraging 101

Join us for an introduction to foraging. We will learn about the principles of foraging, the life cycles of plants and when to harvest, and how to identify the edible and medicinal plants growing this particular time of year.

Forage and Feast

Greet the land, meet the plants, sustainably harvest, and cook a delicious, satisfying meal to share.

Urban Foraging

There is so much growing right in the city! We will walk around a city neighborhood and learn how to locate, identify, safely harvest, and prepare wild foods while still being near the city center.

Wild Food: Acorn Flour Making

Learn which oak trees produce the best acorns for making flour, how to gather and process acorns to make acorn flour. This class includes sampling acorn flour pancakes.

Mushroom Foraging

Master forager Alan Powell and naturalist Judy Scoville teach an unmatched introduction to safely foraging for wild mushrooms.

Cordage Making

Join us for a class on how to make cordage with plant fibers. Identify various plants, and learn how to process them to create rope.

Natural Dyeing

Learn the process of using local plants, mushrooms, and lichen to make natural dye, and dye a silk scarf and Patagonia t-shirt/bring light-colored/white natural-fiber items of your own such as yarn, clothing, tea towel, etc. We have used garden marigolds, black walnut hulls, elderberries, chicken of the wood mushrooms, and lichens!

Wild Root Beer Making

Learn to identify and harvest sassafras root, and process and ferment it to make a wild crafted root beer! Participants will go home with a few bottle of root beer, and a “ginger bug” to make more.

Candle Dipping

Learn a bit about the history of light, lamps, candles, and bees while dipping sweet-smelling beeswax candles for yourself, or as a special gift.

Bow Drill Making and Usage

Learn how to make a bow drill (the type of wood matters!), and use it to start a primitive fire.

Plant Walk

Join a master forager for a plant walk and practice you ability to identify edible and medicinal plants present this time of year.

Hickory Bark Syrup Workshop

Learn to identify hickory trees, harvest bark appropriately without harming the tree, and turn it into a delicious syrup! Syrup sampling will be part of the class, and all participants go home with a jar of the sweet and umami syrup!

Botany Basics

Join us for an introduction to botany. Learn the basic identifying factors of 6 plant families, and the basic anatomy of a plant.

Natural Dyeing

Learn the process of using local plants, mushrooms, and lichen to make natural dye.

Basket Weaving

Learn to make a simple basket of local woven vines from harvest to finished product. Sip on delicious High Garden tea while weaving.

Wild Grap Jelly

Wild grapes have a deep, complex, delicious flavor. Learn to locate and identify wild grapes, turn them into syrup, and the syrup into jelly. Go home with two pints to enjoy!

Sourdough Basics

Receive sourdough starter, learn the basics of caring for your starter, and using it to bake the most delicious artisanal bread!

Sourdough Discard

Learn how to use your discard to make delicious new recipes.