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Cultivating Eco-literacy, Sense of Place and deep Nature Connection through Experiential Education and Mentoring
Click here for photos of past classes "Luke’s classes will enrich your life! Whether you want to know what you can eat in the forest, impress your friends with your botanical knowledge, or are seeking deeper connection to the natural world, taking a class with Luke will set you on your way. His teaching is gentle and thoughtful, while being thoroughly scientific and FUN! Don’t miss your chance to learn from such an incredible naturalist!” ~ Former Student COVID-19 Refund Policy:
Being out in Nature and sharing the Wilds with others feels more important and rejuvenating than ever for many of us right now. Currently I am limiting all of my classes to a maximum of ten participants. If any class is canceled before it's start date due to Covid-19, I'll offer a full refund. Additionally, if you need to cancel before the program start date due to a COVID-19 related emergency, I will offer a full refund. I feel confident that these courses will continue to be health generating experiences that strengthen Eco-literacy, enhance awareness, and deepen connection to the world around us. I look forward to sharing time in the woods together!
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Ecosystems Of Western North Carolina A Series on the Natural Plant and Forest Communities of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Asheville, NC Area. Limited to 10 participants. Registration Is Now OPEN! 8 Thursdays: August 26th - October 21st. (No class on September 30th). 9:00 am to 4 pm. Join us for Eight Thursdays of discovering the magnificent forests of Western North Carolina! In this series we will enter and explore 12 of the verdant Natural Communities of our region, learning the significant ecological factors and plant and animal species for each. We will utilize experiential approaches in meeting each ecosystem, with hands on and sensory activities to complement lectures and discussions. Focus Topics include: Plant, Tree and Mushroom ID, Delineating Ecosystems and Ecotones, Keystone Species, Ecosystem Succession and Appalachian Ecology This Class is Mind Blowing, Fun and Beautiful. Tuition: Sliding Scale- (You choose based on your means): $350 - $500 Please call or email Luke for more information or to Register: 804-384-2908 [email protected]
Is there a class you don't see you would like me to offer or offer again ?
Please email me and let me know. Private and custom classes are available. Past Classes...
Who are those Voices, so vibrantly extolling the Spring? Come Find Out! Birds Of the Southern Appalachians! Ten Thursdays: March 18th -May 27th, 2021 7 am to Noon. In the Asheville NC area. Limited to 8 participants. This class is now Full. Come take a deep dive into the incredible world of Southern Appalachian Birds. We will explore: Bird I.D., Song and Language, Habitat, Behavior, as well as Conservation Issues, and Species Surveys, - all the while participating in an international citizen science project. Beginners Welcome! Tuition Sliding scale, $420 - $525 Payment Plans and Work Trade Available No one turned away for lack of funds. Please call or email Luke for more information or to Register: 804-384-2908 [email protected] "What you get when you step into the woods with Luke Cannon is more than just rich and informed instruction but an immersion into the forest, one that will change your relationship with the forest itself. Small plants you'd perhaps overlook become ancestors carrying countless stories; sapling and virgin growth trees alike become messengers, bearing a history of human interaction and evolution. Time and again, I've seen just how Luke instills vivid curiosity and deep knowledge, and from a slight bit of moss to a bird calling far off, he's there to translate the forest for everyone in his classes, giving us a true and lasting literacy of the kingdom of green."
N.B. 
. Ecosystems Of Western North Carolina A Series on the Natural Plant and Forest Communities of the Southern Appalachian Mountains! Asheville, NC Area. Limited to 8 participants. Registration Is Now Full. 8 Fridays: April 2nd - June 4th. 9:00 am to 4 pm. Join us for Eight Fridays of discovering the magnificent forests of Western North Carolina! In this series we will enter and explore 12 of the verdant Natural Communities of our region, learning the significant ecological factors and plant and animal species for each. We will utilize experiential approaches in meeting each ecosystem, with hands on and sensory activities to complement lectures and discussions. Focus Topics include: Plant, Tree and Mushroom ID, Delineating Ecosystems and Ecotones, Keystone Species, Ecosystem Succession and Appalachian Ecology Tuition: Sliding Scale- (You choose based on your means): $360 - $500 Please call or email Luke for more information or to Register: 804-384-2908 [email protected]
Announcing: The Sacred Naturalist School 
The Sacred Naturalist Program is a 25 day Naturalist Immersion located in the Beautiful Mountains of Western North Carolina just north of Asheville. We stretch out luxuriously to embrace the glory of the Appalachian seasons from the spring ephemeral wildflowers to the rainbows of trees, mushrooms and wild fruits in the fall. We will have five, five day/4 night immersions to deeply build our relationships and knowledge of this astounding bioregion. We will take deep dives into the immense diversity of the region, meeting and exploring the lives of Plants, Trees, Birds, Mushrooms and Fungi, Mammals, Insects, Amphibians and Reptiles, as well as the cycles and ecosystems that weave them together. The Beautiful Mandala Springs Retreat Center will be our beautiful base camp for lectures, embodiment practices like yoga, dance and forest bathing, camping, hiking, swimming, fires, games and much more!
The Sacred Naturalist School is an exciting collaboration between Astounding Earth, Earth Path Education and Mandala Springs. Details and registration Here ----> http://www.earthpatheducation.com/sacred-naturalist-school
Mushroom Tuesdays!
2020 A Four Week Series Asheville, North Carolina Limited to 8 participants. Registration Is Now FULL. August 18th and 25th, September 1st and 8th. 9:30 am to 4 pm. This four week series is designed to take beginners to the next level! We will thoroughly examine the Common Mushroom and Fungal Families of the region with special attention to local Edible and Medicinal species. Learn: Safe Identification, Edible, Medicinal and Toxic Species, Preparation, Preservation, Ecological Connections and More! Tuition: Sliding Scale- (You choose based on your means): $180 - $320 Please call or email Luke for more information or to Register: 804-384-2908 [email protected]
Want to Dive Deep into the World of Birds? The Spring Bird Apprenticeship Begins March 20th, 2020! In the Asheville NC area. Limited to 8 participants. Registration for the 2020 Apprenticeships Is now Full. Please email to be put on the waiting list. Designed to take beginners deep quickly, and intermediate birders to the next level! This exciting 10 week apprenticeship is a life changing opportunity to build intimate relationships with many of the astonishing avian friends of our area. We will thoroughly explore: Bird Id, Song and Language, Habitat, Behavior,as well as Conservation Issues, and Species Surveys, - all the while participating in an international citizen science and conservation project. Ten Fridays, 8 am - 2 pm (sessions 1-5), then 7(ish)am to 2 pm (sessions 6-10). We start earlier as the season progress in order to best align with peak bird activity. March 20th through May 29th (No class on April 24th). Tuition: Sliding scale- $450 - $595. Partial barter and work trade may be available. Please call or email Luke for more information or to Register: 804-384-2908 [email protected] “The Spring Birding Apprenticeship was an invaluable experience that left me feeling invigorated with wonder and appreciation for the natural world- every single class. Becoming acquainted with our diverse array of birds and their songs has been such a gift, one that is present with me every time I step outside. It is as if my ears have awoken from a lifelong slumber! I highly recommend this class to anyone who wishes to connect with, learn about, and be awed by our astounding earth and her creatures.” - Bee "My life is so much richer for having joined Luke's Spring Bird Apprenticeship. I learned how to identify birds and understand bird behavior in more depth, but I also learned far more than that too. Luke creates a learning environment where curiosity and wonder and joy are constant companions, even after the classes have ended." - Keith 
Forrest Skills -Into The Forest An Experiential Journey into our Wondrous Local Plants and Verdant Forests! Asheville, North Carolina For one day each week, connect deeply with the lush and living forests of this incredible bio-region, to explore, to learn, to listen and to connect. Hands on Experiential activities such as Fire Making, Wild Foods, Survival Shelters, Natural Cordage, Awareness and Movement exercises, Camouflage and More will be part of our journey. We will also dive deep into identifying local edible & medicinal plants, understanding local forest types, seasonal cycles, and techniques for expanding our awareness. Additional topics include keystone species, nature journaling, botanical illustration and animal tracking. We'll get dirty and have fun! You will walk away from this course feeling more attuned to natural surroundings, knowledgeable in local plants, wild foods and medicines, and grateful for the wonders of Fall. Our classroom will be an array of beautiful forested sites in the greater Asheville area. Limited to 12 participants. Registration: This Course is Not being offered at this time. 8 Thursdays: August 29th to October 24th, 2019 (no class October 10th). 9am-4:30/5:00pm (varies due to traveling time), about 56 hours Primary Instructor: Luke Cannon Guest Instructors: Stephen Opper and Rachel Shopper Tuition is by Sliding Scale (You choose based on your means): $360 to $560. Please call or email Luke for Registration at: [email protected] or 804-384-2908 
Our Magnificent Trees
Fall 2019 An eight week Intensive Asheville, North Carolina This Class is limited to 10 participants. Registration: This Course is Not being offered at this time. I am very excited to once again offer this class focusing entirely on the Trees and Shrubs that make up our local forest ecosystems. We will enjoy many aspects of our tall standing friends as we travel out to the beautiful, unique and wild ecosystems they inhabit. Topics include: Identification, Edible, Medicinal and Craft Uses, Mythology, Ecology, Wood Characteristics and Applications, Carving and More! This course has been designed to give you an awesome introduction to our local Appalachian Trees and Shrubs. We take an experiential approach to learning through hands on exploring and examining of each species, the natural habitats where they are found, and the varying uses of their wood, bark, leaves sap and blossoms. Come join us for this amazing course! Guest Instructor: Tyler Lavenburg 8 Tuesdays: September 3rd - October 29th (no class October 8th). 9am-4:30/5:00pm (varies due to traveling time), about 56 hours Tuition is on a sliding scale(You choose based on your means): $360 - $560. Please call or email Luke for Registration at: [email protected] or 804-384-2908
Thursday Plant and Mushroom Walks in July and August! Asheville, North Carolina Come join us for these fun Half day Walks in the Woods! Learn Plant and Fungi Identification,Edible and Medicinal Species, Craft and Survival Uses, Ecology, Myth and More! Dates and Themes: July 18th: Woodland Plants and Fungi July 25th: Woodland Plants and Fungi August 1st: Trees of our Forests August 8th: Forest Fungi (and Plants) New Date Added: August 22nd Forest Fungi! 
Each Walk is from 1pm to 5pm.
We generally meet in Asheville to carpool at 12:30. Cost: Recommended Donation of $20 to $40. No one turned away for lack of funds. Limited to 15 participants each. Registration Required. Please call or email Luke for Registration at: AstoundingE[email protected] or 804-384-2908 
Plant and Mushroom Walk
Near Asheville, NC Tuesday, July 2nd 10 am to 3:30 pm This Walk is still Open! Space is limited to 10 participants. Please call or email to register and for walk location and details. Cost is: By Donation.
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Diversity and need-based scholarships available by request.
The Secret World Of Birds
An Introduction to Birds and Bird Language
With: Luke Cannon, Michael Ismerio
and Clint Corley
In this active workshop we will utilize Walks, Talks, Games, Hands On and Group Activities to explore the hidden world of birds and bird language.
Focus topics include: Understanding the vocalizations of birds, identification through habitat and behavior, getting to know the birds of your backyard and their and habits, mapping bird behavior on the landscape, keystone species and more!
This course is being Not being offered at this time. Please contact [email protected] if you would be interested in having this workshop come to your home or event.
Winter Tree I.D. Hike
Date: Saturday, January 30th, 2016
Start Time: 10:00 AM
Difficulty: Moderate (5-6)
Where: Rough Creek Watershed, Canton, NC
Hike Leaders: Haley Smith, SAHC AmeriCorps Associate & Luke Cannon, Botanist
Cost: This hike is free to the public but registration is REQUIRED.
Registration: Is No Longer Open.
Have you ever wanted to know what types of trees surround you on a winter day, but struggled to decipher their leafless identities? Botanist and avid naturalist Luke Cannon will accompany us on our first hike of 2016 and provide hikers with tips and skills for identifying deciduous trees in winter.
This moderate 4.5-mile hike will take place in the lovely Rough Creek Watershed area, a little-known gem of a trail system that most hikers can’t wait to return to. We will hike through a variety of plant communities, including Montane Oak-Hickory Forest and both Rich and Acidic Cove Forest, giving us an abundance of different species to look at. In addition to learning about trees, we will be rewarded with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
Don’t let the cold get you down--come out hiking with us and use the cool weather as a chance to learn new things! If you would like to join us, contact Haley Smith at: [email protected] or call (828) 253-0095 ext. 205.
SAHC members can register for this hike now; open registration begins January 18th.
Date: Saturday, January 30th, 2016
Start Time: 10:00 AM
Difficulty: Moderate (5-6)
Where: Rough Creek Watershed, Canton, NC
Hike Leaders: Haley Smith, SAHC AmeriCorps Associate & Luke Cannon, Botanist
Cost: This hike is free to the public but registration is REQUIRED.
Registration: Is No Longer Open.
Have you ever wanted to know what types of trees surround you on a winter day, but struggled to decipher their leafless identities? Botanist and avid naturalist Luke Cannon will accompany us on our first hike of 2016 and provide hikers with tips and skills for identifying deciduous trees in winter.
This moderate 4.5-mile hike will take place in the lovely Rough Creek Watershed area, a little-known gem of a trail system that most hikers can’t wait to return to. We will hike through a variety of plant communities, including Montane Oak-Hickory Forest and both Rich and Acidic Cove Forest, giving us an abundance of different species to look at. In addition to learning about trees, we will be rewarded with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
Don’t let the cold get you down--come out hiking with us and use the cool weather as a chance to learn new things! If you would like to join us, contact Haley Smith at: [email protected] or call (828) 253-0095 ext. 205.
SAHC members can register for this hike now; open registration begins January 18th.
Wild Foods Adventure
With Wild Abundance wildabundance.net
May
With Natalie Bogwalker, Luke Cannon, and other wild plant enthusiasts.
Deeply immerse yourself in the plant world of the breathtakingly verdant Southern Appalachian springtime! During this 3-day adventure we will spend some time hiking and a lot of time getting to know useful plants, pausing by the trail to see them in their habitats, learning about their nutritional and medicinal properties, harvesting them, preparing them over an open fire, and feasting upon them.
Led by entertaining, engaging, fun and super-knowledgeable instructors, this trip is an awesome opportunity to deepen your knowledge about and relationship with plants. Participants need to be in somewhat fit physical condition and provide their own snacks, lunch food, sleeping gear, backpack, and tent or other shelter. Food for breakfasts and dinners will be provided and prepared together over a camp fire.
For Details and Registration please visit: http://www.wildabundance.net/?page=wildfoodsadventure
With Wild Abundance wildabundance.net
May
With Natalie Bogwalker, Luke Cannon, and other wild plant enthusiasts.
Deeply immerse yourself in the plant world of the breathtakingly verdant Southern Appalachian springtime! During this 3-day adventure we will spend some time hiking and a lot of time getting to know useful plants, pausing by the trail to see them in their habitats, learning about their nutritional and medicinal properties, harvesting them, preparing them over an open fire, and feasting upon them.
Led by entertaining, engaging, fun and super-knowledgeable instructors, this trip is an awesome opportunity to deepen your knowledge about and relationship with plants. Participants need to be in somewhat fit physical condition and provide their own snacks, lunch food, sleeping gear, backpack, and tent or other shelter. Food for breakfasts and dinners will be provided and prepared together over a camp fire.
For Details and Registration please visit: http://www.wildabundance.net/?page=wildfoodsadventure
Trees, Plants and Fungi of the Southern Mountains
A 10 class Series, Saturdays. NOT CURRENTLY OFFERED
Enjoy the enchanting forests of Fall, with naturalist Luke Learningdeer Cannon. Visit a different amazing forest site around Asheville for each class. Topics covered include ecological interaction, botanical identification, uses on the homestead, as food, and for medicine, and much more.
For Details Visit: http://www.wildabundance.net/?page=treesplantsandfungi
