Tending Wild Willows (FREE!)

Since the earliest stone tools date to over 2.6 million years ago, presumably, humans have been weaving baskets for, at least, hundreds of thousands of years, if not longer.  Willows, also known as sallows or osiers, when appropriately managed, produce a fine material for weaving. Unmanaged, they become a tangled and often short-lived mess. Willows have ancient, global cross-cultural significance. Willow bark contains salicin, which has been used by humans for thousands of years to ease pain from stomach pain and headaches.

Learn how to cut and manage wild willows for basketry. This is a volunteer work opportunity: learning will happen, but work is the focus. We’ll be continuing to develop a public source of willows for basket weavers, as well as gathering material that will be used for future classes.

NOTE: Due to the ongoing international COVID-19 pandemic, preventative measures will be enforced. Please wear a mask or a cloth covering over your face, maintain physical distancing throughout the class, and do not attend if you are feeling unwell. This class will be held entirely outdoors. Please dress appropriately.

Rewild Maine is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization. We depend on donations from the community to offer free classes and workshops and we are grateful for your support. Scholarships are available for paid classes on an as-needed basis and nobody will ever be turned away for lack of funds. All donations are tax-deductible.