The Wild World of Willows:  Natural History, Ecology and more!

As a community, let’s intertwine our root masses of relationships so that soil and soul can stay in place, in the same way that willows prevent stream erosion. Let’s collectively create flexible stems and skills that help us weave baskets of inclusivity and resilience. And may we cultivate adaptability so that we are able to re-root even if we’re torn away by the floodwaters and lost for some time…

Mushroom Foraging in Fall – Firefly’s Favorite Five Fungi

Our favorite mycelial friends are back in action, and we’ve put together our top 5 favorite fall mushrooms in the Southern Appalachians, with ID tips, how to cook them and where to find them.

Why Covid Test? A Response from the Director

As our experience with Covid-19 continues to unfold and change, we feel called to speak to why The Firefly Gathering has chosen to require covid testing to come to our annual gathering in June.

An ode to Doug Elliott, Appalachian storyteller, herbalist and naturalist

One of Firefly’s treasured elders, Doug Elliott, brings his story and song year after year to the Firefly Gathering. In this most recent episode of the Ground Shots Podcast, Doug and Firefly’s own Kelly Moody sit down in his home to reflect on life close to the land, reasons for telling stories, and his curiosity about nature through the years. Blending interview with clips of past performances, this personal and detailed look into Doug Elliott’s life and exploration of his storytelling is not to be missed!

A life of living in the wilderness, fermenting on the road and facing the immediacy of death with Marissa Percoco, our Executive Director

Tune into this episode of the Ground Shots Podcast for a deep dive into stories from both domestic and nomadic life, the pros and cons of life in wilderness areas, and a journey that eventually landed Marissa into the heart of the Barnardsville community and The Firefly Gathering.