Scheduled Events


  • 03/11/2006 -
    Bark & Lichen Gathering

  • PRESENTED BY
    :

    Darcy Williamson

    McCall, Idaho

    $45

    10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

    Make Reservation Early -- 10 Maximum Class Size

    A $25 Non-refundable Deposit Holds Reservation -- balance due 30 days prior to event.

    Bring your snow shoes or X-country skis for this foray into the forest during the "Season of Biting Trees" . The sap will be rising and many medicinal barks will be at their peak of potency. This is your opportunity to learn to identify one shrub from another by biting the bark. We will harvest some of the barks and lichens, as well, during our morning foray.

    At noon we will return to the Studio for a hot lunch, then proceed to prepare herbal products from our harvested materials. Aside from the morning adventure in the out-of-doors, lunch and the herbal products you make to take home with you, you will receive a detailed booklet of the trees, shrubs and lichens discussed on our foray plus additional recipes for their use.

    A reservation confirmation card with meeting details will be sent upon receipt of deposit.

    For More Information Contact:
    Darcy Williamson
    Ph:           208-634-8701
    Fx:           (208) 634-8158
    E-mail:     scp@ctcweb.net

    Scheduled Events


  • 04/22 & 23/2006 -
    Volunteer Camp

  • PRESENTED BY
    :

    Darcy Williamson

    Riggins, Idaho

    $0

    10:00 to 5:00

    All Volunteers Welcome!

    This is the first annual Volunteer Camp for gathering herbs and medicinal mushrooms needed for alternative cancer treatment. As many of you know, I, and other From The Forest volunteers, provide medicinal herbs free of charge to those fighting cancer. We also provide herbs to compliment conventional treatments to ease the side effects of radiation treatment and chemotherapy.

    Each year, more individuals are choosing to fight their disease using diet and herbs, rather than conventional treatments. Due to the increasing demand, the resources that we provide quickly become depleted. This camp has been organized so that we can gather as a group to collect many of the materials needed for the 2006 season.

    We will meet at the Riggins Park (located on the Salmon River just past the center of town) between 9:30 and 10:00. Please bring shovels, picks and other tools for gathering. Bring rain gear, if needed, and comfortable hiking shoes or boots. Don't forget sack lunches and water, as well.

    We will prepare the harvested herbs and medicinal mushrooms as tinctures, concentrates and teas. I will provide all materials necessary for the processing. These prepared formulas will be stored at the Studio and given free of charge to those fighting Cancer and seeking natural alternative to conventional methods.

    There are camping areas along the Main Salmon River. There are also reasonably priced accommodations at the Riggins Motel.

    For More Information Contact:
    Darcy Williamson
    Ph:           208-634-8701
    Fx:           (208) 634-8158
    E-mail:     scp@ctcweb.net

    Scheduled Events


  • 05/13 &14; 05/20&21 2006 -
    Botanical Watercoloring Class

  • PRESENTED BY
    :

    January Atkinson

    McCall, Idaho

    $185

    10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

    Make Reservation Early -- 10 Maximum Class Size (8 spaces still available)

    A $25 Non-refundable Deposit Holds Reservation -- balance due 30 days prior to event

    January Atkinson is an extraordinary artist! Many of you are familiar with her work through her illustrations of my book Healing Plants of the Rocky Mountains . This four day workshop, spanning two weekends, will give you the opportunity to learn some of January's creative techniques.

    During the first day of class, we will go into the forest where each student will select a plant (or two) for their watercolor project. We will return to the studio for lunch, and then January will begin her instruction. All paint, brushes and watercolor paper will be provided during the two weekend (four day) session, as well as picnic lunches.

    A reservation confirmation card with meeting details will be sent upon receipt of deposit.

    For More Information Contact:
    Darcy Williamson
    Ph:           208-634-8701
    Fx:           (208) 634-8158
    E-mail:     scp@ctcweb.net

    Scheduled Events


  • 05/27/2006 -
    Morel and Spring Mushroom Foray

  • PRESENTED BY
    :

    Darcy Williamson

    McCall, Idaho

    9:00 - 5:00

    $45

    Make Reservation Early -- 10 Maximum Class size

    A $25 Non-refundable Deposit Holds Reservation -- balance due 30 days prior to event

    Every year people seek Morels. Many return home empty-handed and disappointed. The objective of this day's activity is to learn how to identify and find Morels. You will learn the secrets of the forest, which tell those who are observant where and how to find this illusive fungus. You will also learn how to find, identify and use a number of other delectable mushrooms that thrive in our area's forests during springtime.

    Your foray leader, Darcy Williamson, will meet you in McCall on the morning of May 27th (Saturday) for a day of Morel and Spring Mushroom hunting. Depending on our spring weather, we may expect to not only find an abundance of Morels, but Wood Ears, Oyster Mushrooms, Puffballs and Almond Agaricus, as well.

    After a morning of searching and harvesting, a field kitchen will be set up and a delicious hot picnic lunch will be prepared for you as you relax and compare the morning's harvest with other guests. After lunch, its back to the hunt. Our day ends at 5:00. Prizes will be given to the one who has found the largest and to the one who has found the smallest Morel. Everyone will receive a printout of recipes to use with their freshly gathered wild spring Mushrooms.

    Details of meeting location and suggestions of what to bring will be sent upon receipt of your reservation.

    For More Information Contact:
    Darcy Williamson
    Ph:           208-634-8701
    Fx:           (208) 634-8158
    E-mail:     scp@ctcweb.net

    Scheduled Events


  • 06/03 & 4/2006 -
    Nature and Botanical Photography

  • PRESENTED BY
    :

    Gail Burkett

    McCall, Idaho

    9:00 to 5:00 both days

    $125

    Make Reservation Early -- 12 Maximum Class Size

    A $25 Non-refundable Deposit Holds Reservation -- balance due 30 days prior to event

    Many of you know of Gail's exquisite botanical photography! Here is an opportunity to learn some of her treasured techniques. You are encouraged to bring your cameras, digital and otherwise, for field work. A Kodak High Definition One-Time-Use Flash Camera will also be supplied for you to take a series of botanical pictures for evaluation Sunday afternoon. Your photographs will then be "scrapbooked" into an album of your own creation.

    Gail Barkett promises, "Being outside, on an all day foray, we will step out of our daily routines and concerns and breathe rarified air. For most of us, we enter a different state of mind when we attend to the finest details of nature. We can observe light, shape, textures that stun our senses so much we want to take them home with us. That is where the camera in our hands becomes a treasure and a tool. We will play with the many angles of plant photography; shapes in nature often create almost abstract art; color is nature's specialty, we will use an artist's color wheel to compose dynamic photographs; and texture pops out with an intentionally crisp or soft focus.

    "We will use the camera as a tool to become more intimate with nature, to observe more carefully. In every situation, the bud, flower, and even seed phases of each plant will be recorded by the camera as our teacher. We can challenge ourselves to learn new species by researching printed images back in Darcy's studio, such tracking takes us much deeper in relationship with the plants in our repertoire.

    "With this class, I would like to spotlight color, light and shadow, botanical parts, and beautiful portraits of as many varieties as we can find."

    Sunday morning will be spent finishing up our photography, using the disposable Kodak cameras provided. While each participant begins making their personal album (scrapbooking) from a wide variety of furnished supplies, individual photos will be developed and brought back to the studio. Gail will then spend time with each budding photographer to critique their work.

    Lunch will be provided both days, as well as your developed pictures tucked away in your personal photo album.

    Details of meeting location and suggestions of what to bring will be sent upon receipt of your reservation.

    For More Information Contact:
    Darcy Williamson
    Ph:           (208) 634-8701
    Fx:           (208) 634-8158
    E-mail:     scp@ctcweb.net

    Scheduled Events


  • 06/17 & 18/2006 -
    Salvaging Medicines from Ravaged Regions

  • PRESENTED BY
    :

    Darcy Williamson

    McCall, Idaho

    $90

    10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. EACH DAY

    Make Reservation Early -- 10 Maximum Class Size

    A $25 Non-refundable Deposit Holds Reservation -- balance due 30 days prior to event

    Logging and development ravages plant life, allowing much which is valuable to go to waste. The focus of this foray is to descend upon a ravaged area and salvage what we can from that which was left behind. The second day of the workshop will be spent in the studio turning our " potluck" salvage into medicinal salves, tinctures and teas.

    A picnic lunch will provided both days, as well as a detailed booklet of the materials we recyled and the recipes we used to turn them into herbal medicines.

    Details of meeting location and suggestions of what to bring will be sent upon receipt of your reservation.

    For More Information Contact:
    Darcy Williamson
    Ph:           208-634-8701
    Fx:           (208) 634-8158
    E-mail:     scp@ctcweb.net

    Scheduled Events


  • 07/15/ 2006 -
    Herbal Soap Making

  • PRESENTED BY
    :

    Darcy Williamson

    McCall, Idaho

    $45

    10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

    Make Reservation Early -- 10 Maximum Class size

    A $25 Non-refundable Deposit Holds Reservation -- balance due 30 days prior to event

    "Soap" is the result of a chemical action between fat and lye. Many products on the market are labeled "Beauty Bar" or "Cleansing Bar". These products are not soap, and therefore cannot be labeled as such. They are usually detergents, which can be made more quickly than true soap. The problem with such "bars" is that the fat in the product does not undergo the chemical process occurring in soap and therefore leaves a residue on your skin. This residue often contains synthetic perfumes and additives that irritate the skin and fats that encourage bacteria growth. Over time, dry skin or eczema can develop. Antibacterial products are the most damaging to skin health since they destroy the natural bacteria on your skin that fights infection. There is also the danger of ingesting the antibacterial products from cleaning food preparation surfaces and then ingesting food that has come in contact with the recently cleaned surface.

    Natural soap rinses clean, is organic and healthy for the environment and the skin. The soap that you make in the class is formulated for your skin type! We will gather our herbs during the morning, each participant harvesting those that will be most beneficial for their skin type. We will make the herbal soap in the afternoon and participants will take their soap home with them at the end of class. The soap will be ready for use within a week to 10 days! The class includes a print-out of herbal soap making recipes, materials for making the soap, including essential oil of choice for scenting the soap and a soap-making container for future batches. Each participant will have 24 bars of pure, organic soap to take home!

    A picnic lunch is provided.

    Details of meeting location and suggestions of what to bring will be sent upon receipt of your reservation.

    For More Information Contact:
    Darcy Williamson
    Ph:           208-634-8701
    Fx:           (208) 634-8158
    E-mail:     scp@ctcweb.net

    Scheduled Events


  • 07/22 & 23/2006 -
    Making Herbal Salves, Ointments & Balms

  • PRESENTED BY
    :

    Darcy Williamson

    McCall, Idaho

    $75

    10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Both Days

    Make Reservation Early -- 10 Maximum Class Size

    A $25 Non-refundable Deposit Holds Reservation -- balance due 30 days prior to event

    The first day we will gather wild medicinal plants/buds/bark. The following day we will prepare a wide variety (12 in all) of salves, ointments and balms for treating a range of problems such as cracked dry skin, athletes foot, infections and burns. Clients will return home with the items they made plus a detailed booklet of the plants and formulas used.

    A reservation confirmation card with meeting details will be sent upon receipt of deposit.

    For More Information Contact:
    Darcy Williamson
    Ph:           208-634-8701
    Fx:           (208) 634-8158
    E-mail:     scp@ctcweb.net

    Scheduled Events


  • 07/29 & 30/2006 -
    "Papermaking from Forest Fibers " with Tom Bennick

  • PRESENTED BY
    :

    Tom Bennick

    McCall, Idaho

    $95

    10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Both Days

    Make Reservation Early -- 10 Maximum Class Size

    A $25 Non-refundable Deposit Holds Reservation -- balance due 30 days prior to event

    Tom Bennick is an award winning papermaker who's handmade papers have won acclaim an numerous art shows throughout the Northwest. Although Tom has a papermaking studio in Mountain Home, he also has a "traveling workshop" complete with mixers, blenders and drying screens. He has taught many papermaking classes, including one at the Boise State University and has presented papermaking demonstrations at such venues as The Renassance Faire in Ketchum. Tom Bennick has also been featured in articles on papermaking including the Fine Arts section of the Boise Weekly.

    This weekend Tom will travel to the Studio to teach us the art of papermaking! On Saturday morning we will go into the forest to gather seeds, flowers, bark, lichen and plant fibers for creating paper. Upon returning to the studio with our "finds", Tom will begin instructing us in the fundimentals of making paper. By late afternoon our paper should be ready to begin its drying process.

    On Sunday, we will complete our papermaking projects. Tom will show us how to turn our paper into journals, gift wrap or stationary. Some of us may wish to use our creative paper for wrapping our homemade soaps!

    All supplies are included in the cost of the class! I will also provide picnic lunches for us on Saturday and Sunday.

    For More Information Contact:
    Darcy Williamson
    Ph:           208-634-8701
    Fx:           (208) 634-8158
    E-mail:     scp@ctcweb.net

    Scheduled Events


  • 08/05 & 6/2006 -
    The Ancient Healing Arts of Yoga and Medicinal Plants

  • PRESENTED BY
    :

    Ryan Redman and Darcy Williamson

    Hailey, Idaho -- Challis National Forest Area

    $150

    10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Both Days


    A $25 Non-refundable Deposit Holds Reservation -- balance due 30 days prior to event

    This unique weekend workshop will blend the wisdom of Rocky Mountain Healing Herbs with the Ancient Practice of Yoga to reveal our bodies healing potential inside and outside. The gathering of herbs will be done on Saturday after yoga class and will be led by herbalist Darcy Williamson. During the foray, Darcy will reveal the healing capacity of the plants indigenous to the Challis National Forest area. On Sunday again we will practice yoga in the morning and then learn some basic preparations with the plants we gathered on the previous day.

    Ryan Redman, a long time yoga teacher and ayurvedic practitioner, will teach the yoga classes. Each of Ryan's classes will focus on grounding to the earth through our postures in order to develop sensitivity with our bodies and to attune ourselves with the stabilizing forces of our planet. Ryan will also introduce basic instructions about walking mediation at the end of each class to enhance our mindfulness during our herb gathering.

    Lunch will be provided both days, plus a detailed booklet on the plants studied during the weekend course.

    A reservation confirmation card with meeting details will be sent upon receipt of deposit.

    For More Information Contact:
    Darcy Williamson
    Ph:           (208) 634-8701
    Fx:           (208) 634-8158
    E-mail:     scp@ctcweb.net

    Scheduled Events


  • 08/19/2006 -
    Cancer Workshop

  • PRESENTED BY
    :

    Darcy Williamson

    McCall, Idaho

    $45

    9:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

    Make Reservation Early -- 8 Maximum Class Size

    A $25 Non-refundable Deposit Holds Reservation -- balance due 30 days prior to event.

    This is an intensive workshop in identifying and learning to prepare medicinal plants and fungi helpful in treating cancerous tumors. The foray also includes plants which will support the immune system during radiation and chemotherapy treatments. A detailed booklet of the plants and dietary considerations is included. A picnic lunch is provided.

    A reservation confirmation card with meeting details will be sent upon receipt of deposit.

    For More Information Contact:
    Darcy Williamson
    Ph:           (208) 634-8701
    Fx:           (208) 634-8158
    E-mail:     scp@ctcweb.net

    Scheduled Events


  • 08/26/2006 -
    The Natural Approach to Menopause

  • PRESENTED BY
    :

    Darcy Williamson

    McCall, Idaho

    $45

    10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

    Make Reservation Early -- 8 Maximum Class Size

    A $25 Non-refundable Deposit Holds Reservation -- balance due 30 days prior to event

    Participants will learn which medicinal herbs can guide them through a chemical-free menopause while strengthening bones and heart. The course will not only emphasize herbal alternatives, but the mental, spiritual and dietary aspects of this important transition as well. Herbs for a healthy and natural menopause will be gathered and a detailed booklet will be provided. Lunch includes a cooking demonstration on quick and easy to prepare foods for easing through this transition.

    Details of meeting location and suggestions of what to bring will be sent upon receipt of your reservation.

    For More Information Contact:
    Darcy Williamson
    Ph:           (208) 634-8701
    Fx:           (208) 634-8158
    E-mail:     scp@ctcweb.net

    Scheduled Events


  • 09/08, 9 ,10/2006 -
    3nd Annual End of Summer Herbalist's Gathering

  • PRESENTED BY
    :

    Darcy Williamson

    Salmon River, Lucile, Idaho

    FREE CAMPING

    Friday, Saturday & Sunday

    The More The Merrier

    AN HERBALIST'S GATHERING! This End of Summer gathering offers an excellent opportunity to display your herbal wares to sell and trade! Bring your tents (or campers), sleeping bags, potluck dishes (unless you prefer to eat alone in your tent), and knowledge to share! A central location with tables and shade will be set up for gathering together and displaying of herbal wares. You are also invited to bring drums, guitars, flutes and other instruments of music. An exploration up Cow Creek is planned as a Saturday outing, so bring sturdy hiking shoes and a water bottle if you plan to attend the hike. A beautiful drive is planned for Sunday, traveling up Cow Creek and across the Saddle, (looking down into the Snake River Drainage), and returning via Race Creek.

    Our new location is located in the pasture at my parent's home along the Main Salmon River in Lucile. Many of you have already enjoyed my parents' exceptional hospitality and know the location well. Those that do not, need only follow the signs from Highway 95 at Lucile the short distance to our gathering and camping place.

    If you prefer indoor lodging during this event, I recommend the Riggins Motel as a quaint, clean,and reasonably priced place to stay.

    For More Information Contact:
    Darcy Williamson
    Ph:           208-634-8701
    Fx:           (208) 634-8158
    E-mail:     scp@ctcweb.net

    Scheduled Events


  • 09/21, 22 & 23/2006 -
    Autumn Equinox Gathering

  • PRESENTED BY
    :

    Darcy Williamson & Roseana Rodcay

    Riggins Area

    $250


    Make Reservations Early - 8 Maximun Participants

    A $25 Non-refundable Deposit Holds Reservation -- balance due 30 days prior to event

    Mystical Seven Devils Mountains tower above our pristine, high elevation campsite where we will spend three days and two nights celebrating the autumn season and abundance of medicinal plants and mushrooms. Hike amid brilliant colors of autumn harvesting by day and enjoying a relaxing evening around the fire pit at night. After a morning warming and loosening up sessions with Yoga therapist Roseana Rodcay, we will enjoy a hikes to the nearby areas, including the look-out station where surrounding states can be viewed from several vantage points.

    Tents and all meals are included, plus a printout of the medicinal plants gathered.

    Nights will be chilly, so be certain to bring a good, warm sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, an extra blanket and air mattress or foam pad. The road is windy and rough, but most passenger cars will have no problem making the journey.

    A reservation confirmation card with meeting details will be sent upon receipt of deposit.

    For More Information Contact:
    Darcy Williamson
    Ph:           (208) 634-8701
    Fx:           (208) 634-8158
    E-mail:     scp@ctcweb.net

    Scheduled Events


  • 10/07 & 08/2006 -
    Natural Dyes - Working with Mushrooms, Plants and Lichens

  • PRESENTED BY
    :

    Darcy Williamson

    McCall, Idaho

    $95

    10:00 A.M to 5:00 P.M. Saturday and Sunday

    Make Reservation Early -- 8 Maximum Class Size

    A $25 Non-refundable Deposit Holds Reservation -- balance due 30 days prior to event

    For thousands of years, and up until about 100 years ago, the color of the fabrics used in clothing originated from natural plant extracts. The use of the Indigo (Indigofera tinctoria) for dyeing fabrics blue dates beyond 3000 BC. Some 1000 years later, people knew how to combine other substances in the dyeing process to make colors "fast". This discovery is known as "mordanting".

    An English chemist, Sir Henry Perkin, discovered the first analine dye in 1856. This produced a mauve hue. The discovery lead to the establishment of the English synthetic dye industry. Of course, after the development of these synthetic dyes, particularly the aniline dyes in France in the late 1800's, use of natural plant dyes in Europe and the rest of the western world nearly disappeared.

    Today there is a resurgence of interest in the use of natural dyes from plants, mushrooms and lichens! Natural plant dyes, which are softer in color than synthetic dyes, originate from many parts of plants, including roots, leaves, bark, flowers, and fruits. Lichens and mushrooms also produce wonderful soft hues.

    On Saturday we will search the forests for the color producing plants, fungus and lichens, gathering as we go. The following day the group will work in the Studio turning our plant material in to natural dyes for three different materials ~ wool, cotton and silk ~ using different mordants for each. Price includes a booklet of instructions for using natural plants for future projects, as well as the works of art each participant created in our workshop. A picnic lunch is provided both days.

    For More Information Contact:
    Darcy Williamson
    Ph:           208-634-8701
    Fx:           (208) 634-8158
    E-mail:     scp@ctcweb.net

    Scheduled Events


  • 10/21/2006 -
    Medicinal Mushrooms and Lichens

  • PRESENTED BY
    :

    Darcy Williamson

    McCall, Idaho

    $45

    9:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

    Make Reservation Early -- 10 Maximum Class Size

    A $25 Non-refundable Deposit Holds Reservation -- balance due 30 days prior to event

    There are an estimated 38,000 species of mushrooms, most provide a wealth of protein, fiber, B vitamins, and vitamin C, as well as calcium and other minerals. A few are toxic or poisonous, so it is important to learn the various mushrooms of your region with someone familiar with them.

    The study and use of medicinal and edible mushrooms has become increasingly popular in worldwide. Medicinal mushrooms have been shown to boost heart health, lower the risk of cancer, promote immune functions, ward off viruses and bacteria, reduce inflammation, combat allergies, help balance blood sugar levels, and support the body's detoxification mechanisms. Lichens offer antibiotic, antifungal and antiseptic properties.

    Participants of this class will spend the day amid the brilliant colors of autumn seeking medicinal fungi and lichens. The class includes a booklet describing the mushrooms that we will likely find and gather throughout the day, plus recipes for making medicinal mushroom concentrates, tinctures and salves. A picnic lunch is included.

    For More Information Contact:
    Darcy Williamson
    Ph:           (208) 634-8701
    Fx:           (208) 634-8158
    E-mail:     scp@ctcweb.net



Darcy Williamson, From The Forest
P.O. Box 4190
McCall, Idaho 83638
(208) 634-8701
http://www.darcyfromtheforest.com
E-mail: scp@ctcweb.net



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