March 22, 2026 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Whether you’re an aspiring bird nerd or a seasoned beak geek, this class is for you! Birds evolved in the Jurassic period, 150 million years ago, and have persisted through five mass extinctions on Earth. And yet we are surrounded by their birdsong every day—a chorus of calls and songs that reveal stories of survival, kinship, and the pulse of the living world. In this engaging workshop, naturalist, storyteller and longtime Firefly instructor Luke Cannon, will guide you into a deeper relationship with these remarkable creatures and the many ways they communicate, adapt, and thrive.
We’ll begin out in nature, tuning our senses to the rhythms and voices of nearby birds, before gathering for an afternoon of lively conversation and discovery. Along the way, Luke will share fascinating insights into bird evolution, migration, senses, nesting strategies, and the ecological connections that tie them—and us—together.
The melodic tunes of birdsong serve as a sign of peace and safety, tapping into our primal instincts, signaling our nervous system to relax, rest and return to a place of equilibrium. Join in on this beautiful experience, and come ready to listen closely: the birds have so much to say.
This class will be held outdoors on Sunday, March 22nd, 2026, from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm near Asheville, NC.
This class is suitable both for experienced birders and beginners alike! The minimum age is 13, with those under 16 accompanied by an adult.
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!
Registration closes at 8am on March 22nd
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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.
