Astounding Earth
Astounding Earth
Classes That Connect
Current Class Offerings
We are working on scheduling our Spring 2026 series classes. Details coming in January.
"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." ~ Nickole Brown
Wonders of Winter Walks
3 to 4 hour Nature Rambles
Three Free December 2025 Walks
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Wednesday, December 10
9:00 am to noon
Bird Walk
at Boyd Branch
The birds wake up early so we will too! Let's get out and meet, observe, and learn about the resplendent birds that live in our winter forests. Meet at the xxxxx (GPS link)
other instructions xxxx (dress warm, binoculars...)
Sunday, December 14
1:00 to 4:30 pm
Nature Ramble
at Bull Mountain Trailhead
Something something
Meet at xxx
other instructions xxx
Wednesday, December 17
9:00 am to noon
Bird Walk
at Boyd Branch
See Dec. 10 info above
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These walks are free and open to the public but donations to Astounding Earth are always welcome and appreciated.
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Look for more Winter Walks to be scheduled in January 2026.
Quotes from past participants:
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"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 has ended."
“I thoroughly enjoyed attending the Spring Birding Apprenticeship. Luke is an extremely gifted nature educator who combines a playful curiosity and a respectful attunement with our natural world, and inspires others to do the same. This course was a wonderful introduction to the diverse birds living in and migrating through our bioregion, and I highly recommend it for anyone who is looking to connect more deeply with our feathered friends.”
‘I went into the Spring Bird Apprenticeship with minimal knowledge of birds and a curiosity to know more. I came out of the course knowing so many birds, -not only their names, but also their calls and behaviors, just by walking through the woods one day a week with a small group of other curious minds. Luke inspires a wonder and curiosity that permeates his classes. Highly recommended! "
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Regular Seasonal Offerings
Full descriptions for Open classes will be posted when scheduled
March - November
The Sacred Naturalist School
Spring
- Ecosystems of the Southern Appalachians (Spring session)
- Spring Bird Apprenticeship
- Explorations of Appalachian Mountain Plants
Summer
- Nature Connection Games & Activities for Educators
- Birds of Summer
- Fantastic Mushrooms and Fungi
Fall
- Fantastic Fall Mushrooms and Fungi
- Our Magnificent Trees
- Ecosystems of the Southern Appalachians (Fall session)
Winter
- Introduction to Animal Tracking and Trailing
- Winter Tree ID
- Our Birds of Winter
- Wonders of Winter Ecology Walks
Custom Classes
Discover the life all around you...
Luke Cannon, one of Western North Carolina’s premier naturalists and ethnobotanists is now available to bring a dynamic ecological experience to your school, business, group event, family, or home. Luke offers private personal and group plant, bird, mushroom, and ecology walks, custom nature connection and survival skills classes, plant and bird surveys, land consultations, and more.... 
Luke brings decades of experience to a wide range of classes from beginner to expert level, and delivers exceptional content and experiential learning every time. An accomplished mentor, Luke tailors each class with thoroughness and care, bringing his fervor for learning to all. Luke has taught alongside Doug Elliot, Sandor Katz, Frank Cook, Natalie Bogwalker, 7Song, Lena Eastes, and Alan Muscat, among others.
Popular classes include:
Half or full day Naturalist Walks at your home or favorite WNC natural area.
One-on-one or small group instruction in:
Wild Plants
Mushrooms and Fungi
Birds and Bird Language
Animal Tracking and Trailing
Wilderness Awareness Skills
Hands-on workshops learning the skills of ancient fire making, lean-to survival shelters, spoon carving or rope from wild plant fibers.
Afternoons of fun nature connection games and experiential activities for educators, parents, families, or teens.
To book with Luke call 804-384-2908 or email AstoundingEarth@gmail.com
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