Natural History Courses and Nature Retreats 

Saturday, October 24, 2026
10:00am-3:00pm

Location:
TBD, within the Port Townsend surrounding area

Instructor:
Marko Colby

Whether you’re a curious beginner or looking to deepen your knowledge, this hands-on, field-based class offers something for everyone. Explore the biology and ecology of mushrooms as you learn about their vital roles in ecosystems, from interactions with plants and soil to their unique place in nature.

With expert guidance, you’ll learn to identify common mushrooms of the Pacific Northwest and their habitats, including how to distinguish edible from look-alike toxic varieties. You’ll also build essential skills for safe and sustainable foraging, gaining understanding of the ethical practices that ensure your foraging leaves the environment healthy and thriving.

By the end of the class, you’ll have increased skills and a greater sense of confidence to forage mushrooms safely and sustainably, while deepening your connection with nature and the fascinating world of fungi!

What to Bring:

• the book "All That the Rain Promises and More: A Hip Pocket Guide to Western Mushrooms" by David Arora

• boots

• rain gear

• basket

• knife

Tuition:
$135 (includes state sales tax)

*5 WA State Clock Hours available to teachers for an additional $20*

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

Saturday, March 20, 2027

8:00am-12:00pm

Location:
Marrowstone Island

Instructor:
Scott Brinton

Birds are constantly communicating about what’s happening in the environment through behavior and vocalizations. You, too, can learn the ancient skill of interpreting the voices and movements of birds!

Begin to understand where the aerial and land predators are and tap into a deeper awareness of yourself and nature. When aware of the vocalizations and movements of songbirds, it’s possible to distinguish between the movement of predators such as coyotes, birds of prey, or even the neighborhood cat! Students will learn to decipher between primary and secondary alarms, and gain “invisibility routines” that lessen our own disturbance to view more wildlife.

This interactive class is sure to help you understand that a deeper awareness and connection to nature, that many have forgotten in these modern times, is possible — even if you live in a city.

Participation in this course will help you to:

• Deepen your relationship to nature

• Begin to recognize the songs and calls of some of our most common bird species

• Understand the five voices of birds and the different shapes of alarm

• Improve your tracking and pattern recognition skills

• Hone your mapping and storytelling skills

• Calm your nervous system & quiet your mind

• Gain tools that will allow you to be more attentive to your surroundings and sensitive to your effect on other beings and wild nature
  

Whether you're an avid birdwatcher, a nature enthusiast, or simply curious about the hidden conversations happening all around us, this class offers something for everyone.

What to Bring:

• footwear and layers for being outside — we will be moving a little and also sitting still for a time

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

• snacks/water bottle

• small notebook (Rite in the Rain might be useful, if you have it)

• writing utensil

• pack to carry everything

• optional: binoculars and field guide
  

Recommended reading: What The Robin Knows by Jon Young is a wonderful supplement to support your bird language journey.

Tuition:
$45

Ages:
18+