2-Day Olympic Peninsula Nature Retreat
Fall 2025

From Farm to Forest

 

Enjoy an outdoor immersion in the Olympic Peninsula’s Chimacum Valley where small organic farms sit tucked into a valley beside a salmon stream and the Chimacum Ridge Community Forest. Over the course of the weekend, we will experience the edges where the farm meets the wild, practicing skills in both spaces. 

On Farm Day, participants will experience a walk through the Chimacum Valley bottom and engage in a hand harvest of organic grains (weather permitting), along with old-fashioned hand threshing and winnowing at Chimacum Valley Grainery. We will then roll out a traditional rustic galette to enjoy. Interspersed will be writing, art and mindfulness activities to deepen connection with the elements and ecology.

On Forest Day, we will explore the community forest, where we will engage in activities to hone our wilderness and observational skills. This experience will encourage mindfulness in nature as our naturalist knowledge grows.

Together, this weekend offers a grounding space for hands-on, heart opening, sensory immersion into the relationships we have to place.

 

Day One: The Art of Farming

 
 

Valley View walk to Chimacum Valley Grainery 

  • Explore with a Walk Through Short Farm: Enjoy birdwatching, wildlife tracking and farm fields, where working lands meet the wild.

  • Grain Harvesting Demo: Watch a traditional grain-cutting demonstration, followed by a hands-on experience in the fields.

  • Threshing and Winnowing Activity: Step back in time to ancient grain-processing methods of threshing and winnowing, experiencing first-hand the labor of turning harvested grains into food.

  • Grainery Tour: Discover the essential process of grain stonemilling on a guided tour of the Grainery’s uniquely localized and vertical grain operation.

  • Berry Galette Creation: Join us to make a rustic, wholesome and delicious berry galette in our wood-fired oven, a sweet treat for all to enjoy.

  • Creek Tour with Mindfulness, Writing and Art Activities: Take a stroll through the riparian area along this restored section of Chimacum Creek, followed by mindful art activities inspired by connection to nature.

  • Poetry Throughout: Poetry readings scattered throughout the day offer touchpoints into our relationship with nature.

  • Beer & Bread Tasting in the Pavilion: Relax and savor wood-fired sourdough loaves, along with a floor-malted and farm-brewed beer tasting (optional, of course!), in the outdoor pavilion — a nourishing wind-down from the day's activities.

 

Day Two: The Art of Nature

 

Wilderness skills, naturalist knowledge of place

  • Wild plants: Observe and appreciate the bounty of nature as we explore local edible plants. Participants will learn how to identify a variety of wild foods, then teach others what they've discovered, fostering a collaborative learning experience.

  • Nature-Inspired Art and Plant Observation: Explore your creativity through nature-inspired activities and art while observing the plants around you.

  • Wildlife tracking: Follow the subtle clues left behind by animals, and gain a deeper understanding of their behaviors and habits, all while connecting with the rhythms of the natural world.

  • Intro to Firemaking/Outdoor Cooking: Learn essential fire-making techniques using natural methods for wilderness survival. Fire-roasted food will be prepared to complement your sack lunch.

 
 
 
 

Retreat Details

Saturday, October 11, 10:00am-4:00pm
Sunday, October 12, 10:00am-4:00pm

Location: Valley View Forest in Chimacum as starting point for both days

Instructors:
Crystie Kisler
Ramzy Berbawy

Tuition: $395

Ages: 16+ (minors must be accompanied by a registered adult)

Lodging not included. Click here for local lodging options.


What to Bring:

  • footwear and layers for being outside in varied weather (including rain gear)

  • small foam pad to sit on (or piece of tarp or lightweight chair)

  • snacks/lunch/water bottle

  • small notebook and writing utensil

  • pack to carry everything

  • optional: binoculars and field guides

 
 
 
 

Meet Your Instructors

 

Crystie Kisler

Crystie, a former school teacher, now thinks of herself as a “farmwife” — not just as the wife of a farmer, but as the wife of the farm! She’s the mother of two boys who grew up digging in the beautiful Chimacum earth. She is one of the co-founders of Finnriver Farm & Cidery and the non-profit Community Wellness Project, and has been working in Chimacum for 20 years to reconnect people to the land that sustains us and to grow community. She co-owns the Chimacum Valley Grainery with her husband Keith, where she assists with storytelling and human relations, and continues to seek ways to increase access to good local food.

 

Ramzy Berbawy

Ramzy’s naturalist journey began with stargazing on a football field, sparking a deep passion for the outdoors. He has since worked on small farms across the Olympic Peninsula and Methow Valley, deepening his connection to the land. Having completed the Wildlife Tracking Intensive with the Wilderness Awareness School, he is currently continuing his studies through CedarRoot’s Wildlife Tracking Immersion. Now in his fourth year as a youth nature studies instructor with CedarRoot, Ramzy also co-leads the new multi-month Wilderness Skills Immersion, sharing his expertise in ancient practices with those eager to learn. His hands-on approach and passion inspire students, equipping them with practical skills and a lasting connection to nature.