Event Dates: October 04, 2012 - October 07, 2012

Pinyon pines have provided a major source of food, fuel, medicine, and shelter to humans across the Southwest for thousands of years. Of the handful of species found north of the Mexican border, Pinus monophylla (Single Leaf Pinyon) has the largest seeds and the thinnest shells...making it a highly sought after food item. It just so happens this is the co-dominant tree found in abundance in the pinyon-juniper zone of desert mountains across the Great Basin, from the Eastern Sierra to Utah.

Join us on this interactive 3 day workshop as we harvest and process a large quantity of these tasty morsels from our base camp in the stunning westernmost reaches of the Great Basin Desert. If it is a good year, you can expect to take home literally pounds of mouth watering, fully processed pine seeds. Any spare time will be devoted to discussing the edible and medicinal uses of other desert plants that we come across on our daily harvesting treks. Nighttime will consist of campfire conversation, relaxing soaks in wild/remote hot springs, not to mention camping under a blanket of shimmering stars. Guaranteed to be an unforgettable botanical adventure!

Meet-up/Departure Time: 

We will meet at a designated camping area between 5pm-7pm on Thursday 10/4. Class ends at 5pm on Sunday 10/7. Interested, but don’t have a car? Inquire about carpooling options.

Location: Near Mammoth Lakes, CA 
Please note that the location could change depending on this year's crop, so contact me for specific location.

What To Bring: 

Since this is a car-camping trip, no serious backpacking gear is necessary. Things that are necessary are: Tent, Sleeping Bag, Rain Gear, Clothes (for hot/cold weather), Hiking Boots, Hat/Sunscreen, Daypack, Food/Snacks (class fee does not include meals), Camp Stove, Camping Chair, Camping Pad, Swimming Suit (for hot springs), Flashlight, Water Bottles, Work Gloves, Firewood, and most importantly...a sense of adventure!

Optional (yet recommended): Notebook, Camera, Hand lens, Cast Iron Skillet, Rolling Pin.

Admission Fee (if any): $225/ entire session. $160/ 2 days

Ages Festival is Appropriate For: 13-Adult