Invasive Plant Basket-Making Class: Melon Style

Previous Melon Basket workshop participant Pan constructs the foundation of her basket alongside completed examples from instructor Jeff.

Turn invasive, nonnative plants into functional art!

Join the Primitive Naturalist Jeff Gottlieb for this 4 hour workshop to learn the basics of invasive plant basket-making! No need to merely bad mouth non-native plants, why not find creative and useful reasons to harvest this abundant resource? We’ll make beautiful baskets using kudzu, wisteria, and other fast growing, fibrous, nonnative plants. This time, we'll make melon baskets. The teacher will provide suggestions, expertise, and guidance on how to build your own unique, artistic piece! Class fee is $30, and all materials are provided (though participants are encouraged to bring a sharp pair of pruners if they have them.) This class is intended for ages 12 and up.

This event is offered in partnership with Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, and is followed by a Kudzu Removal Workday on Monday, September 29th. Attend this class to learn the basics of basket making, then join us on the private easement that protects the ridge around Judaculla Rock to knock back kudzu from this important place while harvesting materials to finish your basket (or build more!)

We will meet in Wildkitchen Supply (567 W Main St, Sylva, NC 28779) in downtown Sylva just before 4:00pm on Tuesday, September 23rd. Please plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early to park and get settled, the class starts sharply at 4:00pm. This workshop will run until 8:00pm. Depending on the chosen size of basket, participants will go home with either a small, completed basket, or a medium, partially completed basket.

Please leave pets at home, and email Skye at scahoon@mainspringconserves.org with any questions.