Astounding Earth
Astounding Earth
Classes That Connect
Current Class Offerings
Spring Bird Apprenticeship 2022
Ten Tuesdays: March 22nd - May 31st, 2022
(No class April 19th)
7 am to 1 pm.
In the Asheville NC area.
Limited to 8 participants.
Registration is now FULL.
Come take a deep dive into the incredible world of Southern Appalachian Birds. This is a fun, active, in- the-field class, where we get out and meet, observe, and learn about dozens of resplendent birds as they traverse the wilds of Western North Carolina.
We will explore: bird I.D., song and language, habitat, behavior, as well as conservation issues, and species surveys - all while participating in an international citizen science project. Beginners Welcome.
​Tuition: sliding scale (please pay as high
on the scale as you are able based on your
means) $425 - $600
​
Payment Plans and Work Trade available.
​No one turned away for lack of funds.
For more information call or email Luke at AstoundingEarth@gmail.com
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Ecosystems of the Southern Appalachian Mountains
A seven week series on the Natural Plant and Forest Communities of the Southern Appalachians!
Thursdays: March 31st - May 26th.
(No Class April 21st and May 19th)
9:00 am to 4 pm.
Asheville, NC Area.
Limited to 12 participants.
Registration Is Now FULL.
Email Luke to join the wait list.
Join us for seven sensational Thursdays of exploring and discovering the magnificent forests of our Southern Mountains!
In this series, we will enter and explore 12 of the verdant natural communities of our region, learning the significant ecology 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 (please pay as high as you are able based on your means): $300 - $425
​
Payment Plans and Work Trade available.
No one turned away for lack of funds.
​
For More information call or email Luke at AstoundingEarth@gmail.com
​
Spring Bird Apprenticeship 2022
Ten Tuesdays: March 22nd - May 31st, 2022
(No class April 19th)
7 am to 1 pm.
In the Asheville NC area.
Limited to 8 participants.
Registration is now FULL.
Come take a deep dive into the incredible world of Southern Appalachian Birds. This is a fun, active, in- the-field class, where we get out and meet, observe, and learn about dozens of resplendent birds as they traverse the wilds of Western North Carolina.
We will explore: bird I.D., song and language, habitat, behavior, as well as conservation issues, and species surveys - all while participating in an international citizen science project. Beginners Welcome.
​Tuition: sliding scale (please pay as high
on the scale as you are able based on your
means) $425 - $600
​
Payment Plans and Work Trade available.
​No one turned away for lack of funds.
For more information call or email Luke at AstoundingEarth@gmail.com
​
The Sacred Naturalist School
The Sacred Naturalist School is a 25-day naturalist immersion located in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina & Tennessee. We stretch out in time to luxuriously embrace the full glory of the Appalachian seasons - from spring ephemeral wildflowers and the long sunshine of summer to the rainbow of trees, mushrooms, and wild fruits in the fall.
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We meet for five 5-day/4-night immersive sessions to deeply build our relationships, reverence, and knowledge of this astounding bioregion. We dive deep into the immense diversity of the region, meeting and exploring the lives of plants, trees, birds, fungi, mammals, insects, amphibians, and reptiles, as well as the cycles and ecosystems that weave them together.
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Blackberry Blossom Farm in Tennessee will be our base camp for walks, talks, embodiment practices, yoga, dance, forest bathing, camping, hiking, swimming, fires, games and much more! Additional locations include sacred land in Cherokee, NC and several regional fieldtrips.
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For more information and to register visit:
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Regular Seasonal Offerings
Full descriptions for Open classes above
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
- Winter Tree ID
- Our Birds of Winter
- Wonders of Winter Ecology Walk
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, Birds and Bird Language, Animal Tracking and 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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