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 One Dog Canoe by Mary Casanova (Minnesota author)
Play Nature Bingo while also out walking & exploring. (Bingo cards in the tote in Gazebo Welcome Center. Return cards to tote when done playing)
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.
PIZZA NIGHTS & TOUR PRIOR
Fridays: July 11, Aug 8
TOUR promptly at 4pm - just show up!
Pizza 5-7pm - PLEASE sign up via email or phone
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. 8" & 12" sizes. Gluten Free option available. Be sure to reserve your spot by calling or emailing!
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.
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"
FORAGING Wild Edibles
Saturday, July 19, 2-6pm
Instructor: Stacey Quade
Stacey returns again this year to learn respectful practices, and head out to forage some goodies for the evening meal, prepare a meal and dine together in celebration of the goodness. We'll explore the grounds and trails around Balsam Moon and see what's in season to harvest and create a meal. We'll enjoy the fruits of our labors at the end of class from the meal we create. It'll be enhanced by home-harvested & processed acorn flour biscuits, and wild rice gifted from friends of Balsam Moon who harvested locally. And Stacey will create a broth to use along with other delights. We may even have some black currant cordial as Barb currently harvests black currants.
Stacey Quade is a Certified Healing Touch Practitioner and Instructor (CHTP/I) and Herbalist living and practicing in Duluth, MN. Her herbal experience stems from a lifelong relationship with plants and nature. Structured learning and clinical education began in 2002. Herbal products are available through direct sales and in community at the Duluth Whole Foods Co-op and other local businesses.
FEE: Sliding Fee Scale $0-25 based on your resources.
Got MUSHROOMS - NOW What?
Processing & Preserving Wild Mushrooms
w/ Tanya V
Wednesday, July 23, 4-7pm w/ meal
Instructor: Tanya Villano
OK, you've found your wild treasures in the woods, now what? Tanya will guide you through the processing, cooking, and preserving of wild mushrooms so that you can safely eat and enjoy these delectible delights. Tanya not only loves to forage, she loves to cook ... and EAT! She'll guide you through do's and don'ts for delicious eating of wild mushrooms, including drying for future use when snow covers the ground.
Tanya has been foraging mushrooms for many years and has been teaching classes at BMP for three years. Her relaxed presence and passion for mushrooms aids in newbies diving in to learn, forage & process. She has basic training / certification and never claims to be an expert.
FEE: Sliding Fee Scale $0-25 based on your resources. Pay via check or cash when you come.
FORAGING MUSHROOMS w/ Tanya
Saturday, Aug 23, 1-5pm w/ pizza
Instructor: Tanya Villano
Join Tanya yet again for a time of learning and being in nature searching out what can be the elusive mushrooms in season. You may find chanterelles, oyster mushrooms, lobster mushrooms, black trumpet, indigo milkcaps or others. She'll give you tips, and guidelines for foraging our native woods and provide processing and usage tips as well.
Dress for hiking including bug protection, tick protection, sun protection. Bring a gathering basket or bag, and a water bottle.
Tanya has been foraging mushrooms for many years and has been teaching classes at BMP for three years. Her relaxed presence and passion for mushrooms aids in newbies diving in to learn and forage. She has basic training / certification and never claims to be an expert.
FEE: Sliding Fee Scale $0-25
based on your resources.
Aug 8, Fri, 5-7pm Pizza Night (final one of season)
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