Materials provided. Please bring a lunch or snack if needed, as this runs during lunch hours. 

Step into the forests and fields of BEEC for a peaceful autumn morning of observing and drawing. This retreat invites us to quiet our busy minds and create an oasis where we can concentrate on the beauty of the natural world. With pencil in hand, you’ll explore mindful ways of seeing and expressing the landscape around you—transforming observation into art.

Joanne Case, trained as a clinical social worker, has long integrated art into her work as a tool for relaxation, focus, and self-discovery. She studied with renowned artist Frederick Franck, and has done multiple workshops on his Zen Seeing/Zen Drawing practices with Pacem in Terris, a trans-religious oasis built from Franck's home. Joanne also helps lead the nonprofit Trust for Wildlife, devoted to habitat conservation for neotropical birds.

Participants should bring: a pad of smooth white drawing paper (11 x 14 or larger recommended) , a stiff drawing board, pencils of choice and an eraser.

Join mushroom maestro Justin Garner as we explore the strange and wonderful diversity of mushrooms home to our region. During each outing, we will spend time in the field looking for and collecting mushrooms. Then we’ll gather around to admire and learn about the harvest. If good edibles are available, we will prepare some to sample! Justin has a long-standing interest in fungi, and has studied botany and plant chemistry. He teaches about the nourishing, medicinal, and toxic properties of fungi.

On this night after Halloween, we invite you to see the other side of darkness as we tilt toward winter — the November night forest is very much alive and awake. Unless you are tiny and tasty, it holds no monsters. It is inhabited by trundling porcupines, gliding squirrels, and daintily trotting foxes. Because we enter with senses tuned for daylight, observing these creatures is a rare gift. Together, we’ll do our best to share their experience and watch for signs of their presence.

The evening begins indoors with an introduction to safe, comfortable night walking, followed by a stroll through meadows and forest. We’ll close by gathering around a campfire with hot cider and stargazing.

What To Bring: Please bring a flashlight or headlamp if you have one, and extra layers for warmth!

The December woods and fields are filled with often-overlooked beauty — lichens, vines, dried weeds, berries, seedpods. We will take a short walk to seek inspiration and to gather materials to supplement those on hand, and then enjoy hot chocolate and popcorn in
the farmhouse while we weave it all together.

This event brings joy each year. Every creation is unique, beautiful, and surprising.

What to Bring: Please bring pruning shears, work gloves, and wire cutters if you have them. Feel free to bring things gathered in your own yard. Try to avoid gathering invasive plants.

Step into the longest night of the year with wonder and warmth. A meandering meadow trail to the summit of Heifer Hill will be illuminated by handmade ice lanterns. Follow the path through to the hilltop, where the night sky opens wide above you. The illuminated trail will continue into the forest, where you will be invited to reflect upon the turning of the year. Return to the courtyard for a warming fire and hot mulled cider.  Bundle up, bring your sense of wonder, and join us for this magical solstice celebration.

What to Bring: Winter attire, boots if there is snow, and your sense of wonder for the natural world.