Reconnecting to the Land Series

All programs are at Plains Conservation Center unless otherwise specified.

Reconnecting to the Land: Mullein

Friday, June 26, 6-8 p.m.

Mullein has quietly accompanied people across many landscapes. We’ll explore its traditional and contemporary uses while reflecting on how relationships with plants like mullein can deepen our connection to land, knowledge, and community.

Reconnecting to the Land: Sage

Saturday, July 18, 4-6 p.m.

Sage has been long respected for its cleansing, medicinal, and cultural significance across many Indigenous traditions. Together we will learn about its uses, ecological role on the prairie, and the teachings it carries.

Reconnecting to the Land: Hopi Green Tea

Friday, August 21, 6-8 p.m.

A fragrant desert plant long valued for its gentle medicinal qualities and refreshing tea. Together we will explore its traditional uses, ecological role in arid landscapes, and the cultural knowledge carried through generations that teaches how to respectfully gather and care for this resilient plant.

Reconnecting With the Land: Growing and Harvesting with Our Plant Kin

Sunday, July 5, 9 - 11am

An introductory class to growing and cultivating native shortgrass prairie plants for food and medicine along with a take home harvest session.

Sunday, October 4,10am - 12pm

An introductory class to growing and cultivating native shortgrass prairie plants for food and medicine along with take home harvesting and seed collection.

Reconnecting With the Land: Creating with Plants

Sunday, August 2, 6 – 8pm

An informal community arts and crafts session to reconnect with our creativity, our plant kin, and the land.

Reconnecting with the Land: Eagles

Saturday, August 29, 3-5pm

Let the afternoon slow down around you as we take a gentle wagon ride on the prairie where we will stop and spend time where the trees give shelter to our bald eagle kin.

Reconnecting with the Land: Prickly Pear

Saturday, September 19, 3-6pm

The prickly pear doesn't make itself easy to reach, but the reward is absolutely worth it. Join us for a hands-on harvest and learn the story of this remarkable cactus before enjoying a refreshing glass of homemade prickly pear lemonade on the land that grew it.

Reconnecting to the Land: Yucca

Saturday, September 26, 9 a.m.- 11 p.m.

Reconnect with one of the prairie’s most enduring plant relatives- yucca. We’ll explore yucca’s many uses, from fiber and cordage, to cleansing soap.

Reconnecting with the Land: Turkeys

Saturday, October 3, 2:30-4:30 p.m. at Ponderosa Preserve

Did you know Aurora is home to wild turkeys? Join us for a chance to meet our remarkable feathered neighbors on this approximately 2-mile hike is designed to slow you down, open your senses, and help you build a real relationship with this extraordinary bird and the forest around us.

Reconnecting With the Land: Blue Corn

Saturday, November 28, 9-11 am.

Spend the morning on the prairie with our blue corn kin. We will make a blue corn dish that has sustained peoples for generations and make a fun craft.