Step into the enchanting world of wild mushrooms and forest fungi with beloved naturalist and Firefly Gathering instructor, Luke Cannon! More than just a botanist, Luke is a passionate explorer and gifted teacher whose deep curiosity about the living Earth has taken him from the forests of the Americas to ecosystems around the globe.
On this immersive woodland walk, you’ll:
Fungi are not only breathtaking to behold and fun to find—they’re essential to the health of our planet and rich in both nutrition and flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned forager or simply curious about the forest’s hidden treasures, this workshop offers a unique chance to connect with some of the most fascinating life forms on Earth.
Come wander the woods and awaken your senses with one of Firefly Gathering’s most cherished guides. Let’s celebrate the astounding world of fungi together!
This class will be held outdoors on Saturday, August 23rd, 2025, from 9:30 am – 3:30 pm near Asheville, NC.
This class is suitable both for experienced foragers and beginners alike! The minimum age is 12. Participants under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Come prepared for a hike in the woods!
More than a botanist, Luke Cannon is a long time pursuer and teacher of our astounding natural world. Over the last twenty five years, Luke has instructed numerous nature connection programs and led hundreds of classes, walks and workshops. An avid naturalist and storyteller, Luke blends his studies of deep-ecology with permaculture, animism, survival skills, homesteading, and experiential education. He has taught for the North Carolina Arboretum, Blue Ridge Audubon Society, Organic Growers School, Finger Lakes Native Plant Society, Asheville Mushroom Club, Wild Abundance, and Blue Ridge School of Herbal Medicine to name a few. In 2011 he founded Astounding Earth– dedicated to helping people deepen their relationships with our living planet, and he co-founded the Sacred Naturalist School in 2020. Luke currently lives in the mountains of North Carolina studying and teaching Appalachian Ecology and leading nature connection focused courses and backpacking expeditions. He offers regular public walks and classes to share his knowledge and love of local plants, birds, mammals, mushrooms, soils and ecology. Find his niche in the web at: www.AstoundingEarth.com
In order to make our workshops more accessible, we offer two price options for each class, with an additional Equity Discount for qualifying individuals. Please consider these options and select your price at checkout.
Thank you for helping transform the world into a culture of abundance, resilience, and opportunity for all.
*Please check your pricing options before you register for your first Perennial Workshop. The pricing options are the same for all events, so you only need to do it once!
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PO Box 18758 Asheville, NC 28814
Subscribe to our Newsletter for updates on all things Firefly, such as Perennial Workshops, Book Nook, and Annual Gathering News.
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Lily is an artist, creator, and dreamer. Since a very young age, she has been immersed in the natural world and draws heavy inspiration from the wild. Though her medium changes frequently, Lily’s art and expression always incorporate an element of the organic and unpredictable. She got her associate in fine arts in 2023, and now volunteers at her school as a ceramic studio monitor. She hopes to open a studio of her own one day to have a place to teach and inspire others. In addition to doing commission work, Lily has been creating many graphics for The Firefly Gathering since 2019. Lily grew up in the Earthskills community from the time she was eight years old, so having the opportunity to grow and give back in so many ways has been incredibly fulfilling. No matter where she ends up, this group of people and ideas will always hold a special place in her heart.
