Events & Programs
We are happy to host you for a sustainability tour/visit. School groups, church groups, garden clubs, individuals, etc. are all welcome. Host your staff meeting here and include a pizza lunch or snack of homemade bread & jam. OR just come to hang out, walk the trails and BE. Please call/email to set a time. The labyrinth & trails are self-guided, just call / email to let us know you're coming.
TO SIGN UP: Some classes/activities are limited. PLEASE sign up by contacting us via email, phone (need: your name, phone, email & class/activity), or thru the website (be SURE to indicate class you're signing up for). Schedule subject to change, confirm before coming. Any fees may be paid via cash or check when you come to the class. (we're keeping it simple with no corporate fees on payments and such).
ABOUT FEES: BMP is open to all regardless of one's ability to pay. The last three years we practiced an economy of “reciprocity”, giving in accordance to what you receive (i.e., labor, money, goods needed, etc.), for a balance. While this has been great to offer, the reality is costs are not being covered. As a result, classes/activities will mostly be on a "SLIDING FEE SCALE" of $0 - $50. YOU still determine the rate with some basic guidelines - most are offered at suggested $15-20 range. (some classes do have a "supplies" fee which are noted in addition to class fee.)
BMP's biggest expenses relate to insurance and property tax. Currently no staff are paid, and instructors receive a stipend, which many gift back to BMP, for which we are grateful.
StoryWalk Along Forrest Ridge Trail
Self-Guided & Open most days
The StoryWalk is along the Forrest Ridge Trail for adventurers to join reading Crinkleroot's Guide to Walking in Wild Place by Jim Arnosky. There is also Crinkleroot's Bingo to play as you walk through the woods. NEXT UP in Spring 2025: One Dog Canoe by Mary Casanova (Minnesota author)
Labyrinth & Trails
The Labyrinth in the woods and trails around the grounds are available for walking / meditating. Trails are no longer than one mile. We are also near trails into the Foothills State Forest. Be sure to dress properly, trails may be wet and/or have fallen brush/trees across paths in the Foothills.
* Forrest Ridge Trail (StoryWalk trail)
* Meadow Creek Trail * Twin Creek Trail
* Balsam Pond Trail * Labyrinth
Daycare groups, home-school groups, families, school groups, library groups and all ages are welcome to participate. Want a special activity experience? Let us know and we can set that up as a teacher-guided experience.
Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition and the Kellogg Hubbard Library.
Feel free to come snowshoe the trails in the winter months.
Mike has been working with wood most of his life and picked up spoon carving in retirement over the past 10 years or so. He finds the wood off his property or from tips from friends who know he's always ready for more wood to create spoons and bowls and more from. This is his first time teaching a class and he's eager to share this fun craft with others desiring to create and use natural resources for functional uses.
WOODEN SPOON CARVING 101
RESCHEDULED due to snow
April 5, Saturday
1-5pm at Balsam Moon Preserve
LIMITED TO 6 participants (WAIT LIST)
Instructor: Mike Austad of Pine River
Join this session to learn the basics of carving a simple wooden spoon. There are tricks to the trade including being mindful of the wood grain and how it works when carving, skills using a hatchet to begin initial shaping of your wood block, the variety of carving knives available and what's best for the shaping you desire (we'll begin with 2 basic carving knives Mike suggested and for "hands-on" participation you need to purchase these ahead of class time - approx. $90 for the 2). So much of this craft is practice, practice, practice. Let's have fun together!
MOST supplies provided: wood block, hatchets, axing stumps
For "hands-on" participation, YOU NEED TO PURCHASE 2 basic carving knives (Mora 106- long knife or 120 short knife AND Mora 164 rt or left handed - approx. cost for 2 knives $90).
SLIDING FEE: $0-25
(pay by cash or check when you come to class)
YOU purchase & bring own knives before class (approx. $90) If you are just observing, no need to purchase knives.
EARTH DAY GARDENING 101
Apr 22, Tuesday
6-8pm at Balsam Moon Preserve
Instructor: Barb Mann
New to gardening or wanting to learn other ways to do gardening that MAY be new to you? Join Barb for this session to learn some basics to getting started with gardening whether flowers or vegetables. Will include: garden location, soil health / composting, choosing what to grow, seed starting, transplanting, companion planting, growing / nurturing (compost tea), harvesting, preserving, partnership with nature.
OF COURSE, we'll only be able to touch on each area with hi-lites AND it'll be enough to get you going. Resources will be shared and knowledge of those attending as we all know SOMETHING related to gardening and there are MANY approaches. SO MUCH FUN!
Barb has been gardening over the past 55 years to some degree and often still feels like a newbie! There's so much to learn and try including "listening to nature" and working in partnership with all the living beings around us. She'll share her enthusiasm, and a few tips of the gardening world and most likely also learn from you.
FEE: Reciprocity - YOU determine the value to you. Pay when you come via check or cash.
Melissa serves on the Balsam Moon Board of Directors. She LOVES foraging Morel Mushrooms and is happy to share what she knows (but DO NOT ask her where SHE finds her treasures!). She also runs her own business "Guiding Spirit Journeys" leading groups into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area for personal growth experiences in the wilderness, while also instilling a deep respect and appreciation for nature. She and her family reside in the Pequot Lakes area.
May 15, Thursday, 1-5pm (includes pizza)
LIMITED to 10 participants
Instructor: Melissa Olson, Master Naturalist
MOREL MUSHROOM FORAGING
Morel mushrooms are much sought after by amateur and professional alike. This is the ONLY Mushroom that Melissa forages and fully enjoys them each Spring here in north central Minnesota. Melissa will teach the basics of foraging with guidelines of respect in the wild. After a group intro and tips, you'll head into the Foothills State Forest from Balsam Moon Preserve (on foot) and spend time in nature hunting these tasty morsels.
After the forage, we'll gather back at Balsam Moon for Mushroom pizza with some of your harvest, or "back up" treasure of mushrooms from Strictly Mushrooms of Pine River (think Lion's Mane, Chestnut, oyster, & more - a lovely mix of abundant delights)
FEE: Sliding Fee Scale $0-30 Pay when you come via check or cash.
May 3, Sat. 9am-noon (rain date May 10)
Instructor: Barb Mann
WATTLE FENCE CREATION
A wattle fence is a lightweight construction. It is made by weaving thin branches (or strips of wood) in between upright stakes to form a woven lattice. The wattle may be made into an individual panel, commonly called a hurdle, or it may be formed into a continuous fence. Wattles also form the basic structure for wattle and daub wall construction, where wattling is daubed with a plaster-like substance to make a weather-resistant wall.
Wattle Fence creation has been around for many years. Evidence of wattle construction was found at Woodcutts Settlement from the British Iron Age. This is an old form of building that is traditional in the British Isles, Ireland and other parts of Europe. This traditional technique dates back to Neolithic times. It has commonly been used to make a wide range of hurdles or fencing enclosures.
Barb created a Wattle Fence around an area that became the Dahlia Garden back in 2020 and it's in need of some re-doing. She decided to offer this as a class to share what she's learned AND also get this project done this year at Balsam Moon.
SO, come learn, help out and build your own skills using natural products.
WEAR WORK CLOTHES for the weather. Supplies will be gathered & ready to work. Bring gloves, water bottle, sun hat, etc.
Tanya Hanson is a death doula and death educator who brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to her work. She draws inspiration from nature, incorporating its rhythms and cycles into her teachings on impermanence, grief, and how to have tender conversations about death and dying.
With over two decades of experience in the field of death and dying, Tanya provides compassionate support and guidance to individuals and families helping them navigate end of life and end of life conversations with dignity and grace.
Tanya's approach to death and dying is rooted in the belief that death is a natural part of life, and that by embracing it, we can live more fully and authentically.
TENDING TO GRIEF WITH NATURE
June 1, Sunday, 1-4pm (rain or shine)
Instructor: Tanya Hanson, Death Doula
Finding Solace and Support in Nature's Embrace
Grief, a universal human experience, can arise from various losses: the passing of loved ones, the end of relationships, health challenges, job loss, or even the shattering of cherished dreams. Nature, with its inherent cycles of life, death, and renewal, offers a sanctuary for those navigating the complexities of grief.
A Time for Connection, Mindfulness, Creative Expression, and Support
Join this session for an afternoon dedicated to providing connection, mindfulness practices, creative expression, and unwavering support for individuals experiencing grief. By immersing ourselves in the natural world, we can discover comfort, healing, and renewed hope amidst our sorrow.
Honoring Your Grief, Honoring Your Journey
This experience welcomes you to come as you are, acknowledging that grief is a part of the human experience. Our society often pressures us to rush through the grieving process and "get over it." This afternoon will be a safe and nurturing space to honor your grief, connect with nature, and find solace in its gentle embrace.
Activities
Our time will be spent outdoors, please wear appropriate clothing for being outside. This event will take place rain or shine.
Note: This event is designed to provide support and connection in a natural setting. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.
FEE: Sliding Fee Scale $0-25 Pay when you come via check or cash.
PIZZA NIGHTS & TOUR PRIOR
Fridays: June 13, July 11, Aug 8
TOURS begin at 4pm - please let us know you're coming
Pizza 5-7pm
Join is these fun, relaxing evenings of pizza cooked in the outdoor oven. Balsam Moon provides the sourdough or gluten free crust, sauce, cheese blend. YOU bring your own unique toppings (which you are welcome to share with others though not expected).
Come anytime between 5-7pm. Walk the trails while you wait for your pizza, sit and visit by the pond, enjoy each other's company, meet old friends and new.
Time to slow down, be in nature, be with friends you've yet to meet, eat, laugh, celebrate life!
FEE: Reciprocity - you determine the value to you based on your resources. Pay via cash/check when you come.
June 24, Tues, 4-6pm- Foraging Wild Medicinals w/ Jolene Ludeman FEE $15
June 28, Sat, 1-4pm, Mushroom Foraging w/ Tanya Villano FEE: $15
July 15 & 16, Tu & W, 10am-4pm each day Transformation Game reciprocity
July 19, Sat. 1-5pm, Foraging Wild Edibles & Meal w/ Stacey Quade of Duluth, FEE: $20
July 23, Wed., 4-6pm Wild Mushroom Delights - prepping & using wild mushrooms, w/ Tanya Villano FEE: $20
Aug 14, Sat, 9-11am Foraging Wild Medicinals w/ Jolene Ludeman FEE: $15
Aug. 23, Sat, 1-5pm Mushroom Foraging w/ Mushroom Pizza w/ Tanya Villano. FEE: $20
Sept. 6, Sat. 2-7pm, Harvest Celebration & Meal
Sept 21, Sun 10-11am International Day of Peace on the Labyrinth
Sept 27, Sat 10-noon Seed Saving Part 1 - how to basics w/ Barbara Kaufman
1-3pm Seed Saving Part 2 - hands-on
(if here for both parts, bring a sack lunch)
Oct. 4, Sat, 10am-2pm - National Solar Tour
Nov 7, Fri, 5:30pm - Potluck & Ponderings ANNUAL REVIEW
Dec. 21, Sun, 6pm - Winter Solstice
MORE TO COME FOR 2025
TRANSFORMATION GAME
July 15 & 16, Tues & Wed
10am-4pm each day (lunch included)
Facilitated by Barb Mann
Maximum of 4 participants/players - TWO SPOTS REMAINING!
Also Offered: by special arrangements.
Examples of personal game focus:
* What steps can I take in my relationship(s) sot that I feel greater satisfaction and happiness?
* I desire to release those personality blocks that keep me from being joyful, creative and harmonious.
* I intend to gain a greater understanding and awareness, and move through my pattern of wanting to "fix" others.
* I intend to know and clear the obstacles that keep me from full and creative service to the planet.
The Transformation Game is a joyful way of understanding and transforming the way you play your life. It's about looking at your life and the kinds of experiences you create, seeing how you react to them, and how you can use these insights for your own growth. Through the Game you can become more aware of your personal strengths and learn important lessons that can deepen your understanding of how you operate on the Physical, Emotional, Mental, and Spiritual levels. By providing new perspectives on current life issues, the Game helps you clarify old beliefs and attitudes and transform reaction patterns. It triggers your creativity and lets you realize your full power and potential.
You play with a particular focus or intention (see examples at left) and this guides your entire experience.
This is not a competitive game. It is not therapy or counseling (those of you with those skills, be mindful in playing). The other players can be helpful in bringing different perspectives to light as you decipher information you receive in playing the game per your focus/intention, as you also serve in that capacity for the other players. It IS meant to be FUN! In the midst of that fun, there may be tears and resistance along with the laughter. It's not about judgment, or right/wrong, good/bad. It is an opportunity to reflect and learn about yourself as you live your life/dream.
FEE: Reciprocity - YOU determine the value to you based on your resources to "give back"