Trees, Shrubs, Brambles and Vines of the Driftless || with Nicholas WazeeGale

This program will foster better familiarity with our native woody plants who shape and support the living landscape of the Driftless. Though often taken for granted, these members of our ecosystem are dynamic and essential constituents of this place and knowing them better will help us in our plant and fungi foraging, birding, photography, hunting, stewardship of lands, and even our feeling of belonging to this place. We will explore leaf shapes, bark, twigs, and tree growth forms for identification purposes, and discuss ecological aspects like their preferred soil types, tree communities, and wildlife/woody-life interdependence. This will be an instructive but enjoyable and hands-on exploration of this fascinating world.
Date: Sunday, June 21, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Lunch will be provided.
Ages: 12+
Location: Kickapoo Valley Reserve, La Farge, WI
Note: The reserve required each person to purchase a $5 day pass, which will be paid directly to the reserve on the day of the class.
Instructions: Dress for the outdoors and for hiking off trail to some degree. Pack a backpack with water, notebook, pencils, and other drawing aids that are desired. A notebook that you can press leaves into will be helpful also. Binoculars are great for looking at trees if you wish to bring yours!
Sliding Scale Course Fee Guidelines (not including Materials Fees)
Supporter Level Ticket: $140
If you move through the world with financial ease and the means to fulfill many of your wants as well as your needs – you are able to eat out when you want, abundantly meet your needs through employment or can comfortably not work, have access to family wealth, own property, etc. – consider paying at this level, which will help us ensure the long term sustainability of our programs while keeping our offerings accessible to those with access to fewer resources.
Sustainer Level Ticket: $115
If you are able to meet your needs with relative ease while budgeting your educational and entertainment spending – for instance, you are able to take classes and eat out occasionally as long as you are mindful – consider paying at this level, which will help sustain the work of the Folk School at a modest level.
Supported Level Ticket: $90
If you struggle to fund your basic needs and have limited access to resources in your family and community, or if you would not be able to access this offering without a discounted payment option, consider paying at this level. We value your presence and contributions to our community and do not want any economic circumstances to be a barrier to attendance!