Chapters in Pennsylvania

Willow Dome/Tunnel planting/weaving workshop with Wildones Non-Profit at Reciprocity Community Food Forest Session 1 of 2

We will be gathering at our 1.4 acre Community green space with a large bundle of harvested Willow branch “Wisps” or “Live Stakes” that were coppiced or pollard from local Willow trees/shrubs. These Wisps will be soaking in a bucket of water for a couple days until ready to plant. Once the still dormant stakes are pushed into the late winter ground about 6 inches they will then root out into the wet ground with early spring temperatures rising. After pushing the 6 to 10 ft Wisps into the ground in a structurally sound pattern, we will then weave them together in the shape of a tunnel & dome. After the installation days in March are over, we will see the transition the Living Willow dome/tunnel takes as it leaves out and all the stakes that are weaved together with ties, literally bond into one another to create a tight connection.

As this project is a Workshop we will go step by step through the entire process (besides willow coppicing) over March 16th and March 23rd

Encourage folks to watch Youtube videos on Willow Domes/Tunnels to get a head start on understanding. If we have extra Live Willow stakes we can give them out to members of our Wildones Non-Profit who are interested in doing this project in there own yard!

(We plan on having a Willow Basket weaving workshop over the winter next year.)

Hope you can make it! Email us with any questions - [email protected]

Join us for an open discussion about Spring Garden Solutions. Ask questions, offer solutions that have worked in your garden, and discuss options with other native gardeners.

We will be gathering at our 1.4 acre Community green space with a large bundle of harvested Willow branch “Wisps” or “Live Stakes” that were coppiced or pollard from local Willow trees/shrubs. These Wisps will be soaking in a bucket of water for a couple days until ready to plant. Once the still dormant stakes are pushed into the late winter ground about 6 inches they will then root out into the wet ground with early spring temperatures rising. After pushing the 6 to 10 ft Wisps into the ground in a structurally sound pattern, we will then weave them together in the shape of a tunnel & dome. After the installation days in March are over, we will see the transition the Living Willow dome/tunnel takes as it leaves out and all the stakes that are weaved together with ties, literally bond into one another to create a tight connection.

As this project is a Workshop we will go step by step through the entire process (besides willow coppicing) over March 16th and March 23rd

Encourage folks to watch Youtube videos on Willow Domes/Tunnels to get a head start on understanding. If we have extra Live Willow stakes we can give them out to members of our Wildones Non-Profit who are interested in doing this project in there own yard!

(We plan on having a Willow Basket weaving workshop over the winter next year.)

Hope you can make it! Email us with any questions - [email protected]

Join the Western Pennsylvania Wild Ones for our 3rd Annual Symposium that explores the vital connection between communities and native ecosystems. This engaging event will feature thought-provoking panel discussions with experts and advocates, delicious food, refreshing drinks (including alcoholic options), and ample opportunities for socializing and networking. Together, we’ll reimagine our role in fostering harmony between human activity and natural habitats while celebrating the power of community. Whether you’re a conservationist, gardener, or simply a nature enthusiast, this gathering promises to leave you inspired and “naturally connected.”

Let’s grow together—because building stronger communities starts with restoring the land we share.

PANELISTS:

Adam Haritan (Learn Your Land)
Nick Liadis (Bird Lab)
Abigail Salisbury (State Representative)
Heather Hulton VanTassel, Ph.D. (Three Rivers Waterkeeper and Carnegie MNH)
Chris Murakami (Chatham University)

LEARN MORE

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Monthly business meeting starts at 6:30 (all welcome to attend this portion of the meeting), with general membership meeting starting around 7:15pm.