Community Willow Harvest

We are excited to extend a new offering to our community - communal willow harvest. These work days are a shared opportunity to spend time outdoors, connect with other good folks and get first-hand experience tending to this remarkable plant. By participating, you are caring for the lovely willow growing at Catskill Montessori School, as well as helping make locally-harvested willow available for weaving classes in the coming year. Below is everything you need to know to decide if this harvest is a good fit for you.

What to Expect

Time Commitment

Community harvest days run in 5-hour blocks. Priority will be given to participants who are able to stay and work for the full time.

Physical Work

Harvesting willow is physical, hands-on work. Participants should expect to:

• Kneel and lean forward for extended periods

• Carry moderate weight

• Work outdoors for much of the day

• We will spend time outdoors harvesting as well as trimming, sorting and bundling willow

Weather and Clothing

Willow is harvested in winter and early spring, and conditions may be cold, wet, snowy, or muddy. Harvest days are rain or shine. Please come prepared with warm layers and sturdy, weather-appropriate footwear so you can stay comfortable throughout the day.

Exchange for Your Time

In reciprocal exchange for one full harvest day, you may choose one of the following:

• A 50% discount on a one-day willow weaving class at CMS in June or July

   (general class price: $180)

   or

• cuttings of willow for you to take home and grow!

  
  

Signups

Additional dates might be added for harvest, if you would like to get a notification when there is a new date available

There is no fee to participate. If this harvest is full, join the wait list and I'll let you know when we have the next date planned. Space is limited, so please only sign up if you can commit to attending. These harvest days rely on shared effort, and your presence matters.

We may add additional harvest dates- please stay tuned if you would like to attend future dates.

Dates for summer willow basketry workshops are

Sunday June 28th Mini Welsh Cyntell 9am-5pm and

Sunday July 26th Asymmetric Handled Basket 9am-5pm