Tree Time

An exploratory hands-on workshop for adults of all ages

To learn, grow, and immerse in the company of trees throughout the seasons

Group of students around a fire
Hands holding a sumac stick
Autumn olive harvest
Fire tending
Tree Time class gathered around a large tree
American persimmon tree view from below
Group of students around a fire
Elm tree bark
Tree Time tree exercises in the snow
White oak acorns in a bucket
Tree Time participant working on making a fire with a tinder bundle
Leaf ID
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Log grown shiitakes in hand
Snowy woods landscape
Oak gall in hand
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Spring growth on a Ginkgo tree
Talking about bark
Hazelnut fruiting
Demonstrating the growth on a young American Persimmon tree
Witch hazel in bloom
Autumn olives in a cooking pot
Immature black walnuts in a bark basket
Winter Tree Time participants '22
Leaf fabric prints drying on a clothesline
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assortment of shagbark and hybrid hickory nuts
chestnuts in basket
Ellena teaching a group in an eastern hemlock, birch stand

Upcoming Workshop Schedule

Winter Tree Time Series:

Sundays 10-2pm: January 19, February 9, March 16 2025

Sliding scale cost: $140.00 - $200.00 for the series

SIGN UP HERE!

This program is for you if:

You like to explore the woods

You want to connect with others in the outdoors in the fall and winter

You like to gather around a fire!

You want to feel more connected to the local trees and the ecosystems of New England

Together we will:

• Visit different ecological habitats

• Become familiar with local tree species; their character, habitat, uses

• Learn tools for tree identification

• Participate in group activities to build connection with nature and each other

“Ellena is a great teacher; I loved her class and I loved learning from her. She holds so much wisdom and curiosity about trees (and fire) and helps spread wonder and identification tips to her students in a not condescending way. I felt at home in the container she created - it felt fun and light and also focused and full of learning.”

Nina G-K, Tree Time participant

“Tree Time classes were beautiful spaces of connection, learning and more… Ellena wove teaching facts with activities to cultivate observation, exploration and more questions. I am extra appreciative of the spaces she created to bring us all together during the time of year when it can be so easy to hole up inside our homes, a time when the fresh air and community are often needed.”

Lisa B, Tree Time Participant

Recent events and appearances:

02/25 // Guest appearance @ Out on a Limb Radio podcast on 93.9 The River; Northampton MA

10/24 // Guest instructor @ UMass Amherst AgroEcology Course; Amherst MA

7/24 // Tree Walk @ KlezCummington 2024; Cummington, MA

5/24 // Guest instructor @ Isabella Freedman Retreat Center; Falls Village, CT

4/24 // Guest instructor @ UMass Amherst Agricultural Leadership & Community Education Course; Amherst MA

8/23 // Guest instructor @ S’camp Chickadee ; Colrain MA

6/23 // Outback Coordinator & Guest teacher @ Putney School Summer Programs; Putney, VT