Periodically we will offer free events, paid classes and seminars geared toward health and natural wellness, as well as nature/ID walks and other various nature experiences.
These events will consist mainly of nature identification walks; public talks on Five-Element Acupuncture and how to stay in balance with the Seasons; Zero Balancing classes and workshops; classes on Medicinal Mushrooms; and classes on how to find and prepare certain herbs such as Mugwort for Moxabustion.
These events will consist mainly of nature identification walks; public talks on Five-Element Acupuncture and how to stay in balance with the Seasons; Zero Balancing classes and workshops; classes on Medicinal Mushrooms; and classes on how to find and prepare certain herbs such as Mugwort for Moxabustion.
Classes and Workshops:
February 2022
Spring Begins!
I hope you hibernated well, the quickening is upon us
Where: Everywhere!
When: March 20th, at 12:15pm
Register: your attention on the moment;)
Cost: Free
March 2022
Vernal/Spring equinox! (peak of Spring)
It still feels cold outside, but the early flowers are already blooming - are you?
Where: Everywhere!
When: March 20th, at 12:15pm
Register: your attention on the moment;)
Cost: Free
April 2022
SOLD OUT! Foraging Level 1: Spring Mushroom Foray
Mycologist and herbalist Jared Urchek is no stranger to the forest and his expertise spans a wide range of taxa. Join Jared for this special forage to see what spring bounty lies along the trails of Frederick’s Municipal Forest.This beginner’s workshop will introduce you to the easy to identify, edible species of mushrooms that can
Where: Fox Haven, 3630 Poffenberger Rd, Jefferson, MD 21755
When: April 9th, 9-12pm and 1-4pm
Register: SOLD OUT
Cost: $40
SOLD OUT! Bonus Monthly Mushroom & Plant ID Walk:
Join Jared, acupuncturist and naturalist, and Annie, lay mineralogist, for an engaging and interactive ID walk around the Carderock Recreation Area where we will focus on learning our native mushrooms, plants and minerals! We will start out at the parking lot and take a wander through the verdant woods to look at some wild medicinals and edibles, and the geology they emerge from. Come learn about our Natural Neighbors! Please feel free to have some plants and herbs from your yard and garden to ask questions about at the end
Where: Potomac area
When: April 23, from 10:00am-1:00pm
Register: Sold out, please look for the next class in May
Cost: $25
FREE - Mushroom ID Walk for "City Nature Challenge 2022" - Spring BioBlitz:
Join us for a FREE mushroom walk for the City Nature Challenge 2022! The Anacostia Watershed is home to an incredible amount of species, and it takes a village to get out there and document them all. A bioblitz is a "Census of the Natural World" where over a short period of time, communities go out and document the species they see. The very first bioblitz was even held right here in the Anacostia Watershed at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens! If you'd like to play along with the documentation (not required), please download the iNaturalist app as we'll be using this to document the fungi that we find.
Where: College Park area
When: April 30, from 11:00am-12:00pm
Register: Click Here
Cost: Free
May 2022
May Day! (end of Spring, beginning of Summer)
The day when Summer officially begins, by the Chinese calendar. GET THAT VITAMIN D!!!
Where: Everywhere!
When: May 1st,
Register: your attention on the moment;)
Cost: Free
Monthly Mushroom & Plant ID Walk:
Join Jared, acupuncturist and naturalist, and Annie, lay mineralogist, for an engaging and interactive ID walk around the Potomac area where we will focus on learning our native mushrooms, plants and minerals! We will start out at the parking lot and take a wander through the verdant woods to look at some wild medicinals and edibles, and the geology they emerge from. Come learn about our Natural Neighbors! Please feel free to have some plants and herbs from your yard and garden to ask questions about at the end
Where: Potomac area
When: May 21, from 10:00am-1:00pm
Register: Click Here to register
Cost: $25
June 2022
Monthly Mushroom & Plant ID Walk:
Join Jared, acupuncturist and naturalist, and Annie, lay mineralogist, for an engaging and interactive ID walk around the Potomac area where we will focus on learning our native mushrooms, plants and minerals! We will start out at the parking lot and take a wander through the verdant woods to look at some wild medicinals and edibles, and the geology they emerge from. Come learn about our Natural Neighbors! Please feel free to have some plants and herbs from your yard and garden to ask questions about at the end
Where: Potomac area
When: June 18, from 10:00am-1:00pm
Register: Click Here to register
Cost: $25
Summer Solstice! (fullness of Summer)
The day that Summer reaches its zenith! We are not hosting an event, but figured we'd list the date here:)
Where: Everywhere!
When: June 21st,
Register: your attention on the moment;)
Cost: Free
July 2022
Monthly Mushroom & Plant ID Walk:
Join Jared, acupuncturist and naturalist, and Annie, lay mineralogist, for an engaging and interactive ID walk around the DMV area where we will focus on learning our native mushrooms, plants and minerals! We will start out at the parking lot and take a wander through the verdant woods to look at some wild medicinals and edibles, and the geology they emerge from. Come learn about our Natural Neighbors! Please feel free to have some plants and herbs from your yard and garden to ask questions about at the end
Where: Vital Traditions Wellness Center, and the College Park Trolley Trail
When: July 23, from 10:00am-1:00pm
Register: Click Here to register
Cost: $25
August 2022
The Beginning of Autumn
Can you feel the first hints of crisp air and the first color of the leaves changing?
Where: Everywhere!
When: August 7th
Register: your attention on the moment;)
Cost: Free
Monthly Mushroom & Plant ID Walk:
Join Jared, acupuncturist and naturalist, and Annie, lay mineralogist, for an engaging and interactive ID walk around the DMV area where we will focus on learning our native mushrooms, plants and minerals! We will start out at the parking lot and take a wander through the verdant woods to look at some wild medicinals and edibles, and the geology they emerge from. Come learn about our Natural Neighbors! Please feel free to have some plants and herbs from your yard and garden to ask questions about at the end
Where: TBD
When: August 27, from 10:00am-1:00pm
Register: Registration coming soon!
Cost: $25
September 2022
Autumnal Equinox - The Peak of Autumn
Get it in while it lasts:)
Where: Everywhere!
When: Sept 22
Register: your attention on the moment;)
Cost: Free
Monthly Mushroom & Plant ID Walk:
Join Jared, acupuncturist and naturalist, and Annie, lay mineralogist, for an engaging and interactive ID walk around the DMV area where we will focus on learning our native mushrooms, plants and minerals! We will start out at the parking lot and take a wander through the verdant woods to look at some wild medicinals and edibles, and the geology they emerge from. Come learn about our Natural Neighbors! Please feel free to have some plants and herbs from your yard and garden to ask questions about at the end
Where: TBD
When: September 24, from 10:00am-1:00pm
Register: Registration coming soon!
Cost: $25
Zero Balancing I: Core Level I Class!
This course will teach you the principles and basic protocol of Zero Balancing, a holistic body-mind therapy that engages both body energy and body structure simultaneously. Zero Balancing releases tension in key joints of the body, which restores balance and allows clients to move with greater ease. This practice can be a stand-alone therapy, or be incorporated into other therapeutic wellness practices such as PT, OT, acupuncture, massage, and many other modalities.
Jared Urchek L.Ac, CZB and Misty Rhoads Ph.D, CZB incorporate Zero Balancing into their practices to support clients around the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions of wellness. This includes aiding clients with pain relief, stress and anxiety reduction, sleep issues, and overall wellness. We look forward to helping you further your journey in learning transformative therapeutic touch in a safe, open, and welcoming environment.
Where: Vital Traditions Wellness Center
When: September 29 through Oct 2nd - from 10:00am-5:00pm each day
Register: Click Here to Register!
Cost: $695 with Early registration, $795 full price - Contact us for more details.
October 2022
Monthly Mushroom & Plant ID Walk:
Join Jared, acupuncturist and naturalist, and Annie, lay mineralogist, for an engaging and interactive ID walk around the DMV area where we will focus on learning our native mushrooms, plants and minerals! We will start out at the parking lot and take a wander through the verdant woods to look at some wild medicinals and edibles, and the geology they emerge from. Come learn about our Natural Neighbors! Please feel free to have some plants and herbs from your yard and garden to ask questions about at the end
Where: TBD
When: October 29, from 10:00am-1:00pm
Register: Registration coming soon!
Cost: $25
Winter Begins
Does it feel like I'm the bearer of bad news? Rejoice! It means Winter is actually done sooner than we think :) This it the time to begin hibernating, recharging, and allowing ourselves to root down.
Where: Everywhere!
When: Oct 31
Register: your attention on the moment;)
Cost: Free
November 2022
Monthly Mushroom & Plant ID Walk:
Join Jared, acupuncturist and naturalist, and Annie, lay mineralogist, for an engaging and interactive ID walk around the DMV area where we will focus on learning our native mushrooms, plants and minerals! We will start out at the parking lot and take a wander through the verdant woods to look at some wild medicinals and edibles, and the geology they emerge from. Come learn about our Natural Neighbors! Please feel free to have some plants and herbs from your yard and garden to ask questions about at the end
Where: TBD
When: November 19, from 10:00am-1:00pm
Register: Registration coming soon!
Cost: $25
December 2022
Monthly Mushroom & Plant ID Walk:
Join Jared, acupuncturist and naturalist, and Annie, lay mineralogist, for an engaging and interactive ID walk around the DMV area where we will focus on learning our native mushrooms, plants and minerals! We will start out at the parking lot and take a wander through the verdant woods to look at some wild medicinals and edibles, and the geology they emerge from. Come learn about our Natural Neighbors! Please feel free to have some plants and herbs from your yard and garden to ask questions about at the end
Where: TBD
When: December 17, from 10:00am-1:00pm
Register: Registration coming soon!
Cost: $25
Winter Solstice
Did you hibernate as much as you needed? There's still time to ditch lesser responsibilities and focus inward.
Where: Everywhere!
When: December 21
Register: your attention on the moment;)
Cost: Free
Spring Begins!
I hope you hibernated well, the quickening is upon us
Where: Everywhere!
When: March 20th, at 12:15pm
Register: your attention on the moment;)
Cost: Free
March 2022
Vernal/Spring equinox! (peak of Spring)
It still feels cold outside, but the early flowers are already blooming - are you?
Where: Everywhere!
When: March 20th, at 12:15pm
Register: your attention on the moment;)
Cost: Free
April 2022
SOLD OUT! Foraging Level 1: Spring Mushroom Foray
Mycologist and herbalist Jared Urchek is no stranger to the forest and his expertise spans a wide range of taxa. Join Jared for this special forage to see what spring bounty lies along the trails of Frederick’s Municipal Forest.This beginner’s workshop will introduce you to the easy to identify, edible species of mushrooms that can
Where: Fox Haven, 3630 Poffenberger Rd, Jefferson, MD 21755
When: April 9th, 9-12pm and 1-4pm
Register: SOLD OUT
Cost: $40
SOLD OUT! Bonus Monthly Mushroom & Plant ID Walk:
Join Jared, acupuncturist and naturalist, and Annie, lay mineralogist, for an engaging and interactive ID walk around the Carderock Recreation Area where we will focus on learning our native mushrooms, plants and minerals! We will start out at the parking lot and take a wander through the verdant woods to look at some wild medicinals and edibles, and the geology they emerge from. Come learn about our Natural Neighbors! Please feel free to have some plants and herbs from your yard and garden to ask questions about at the end
Where: Potomac area
When: April 23, from 10:00am-1:00pm
Register: Sold out, please look for the next class in May
Cost: $25
FREE - Mushroom ID Walk for "City Nature Challenge 2022" - Spring BioBlitz:
Join us for a FREE mushroom walk for the City Nature Challenge 2022! The Anacostia Watershed is home to an incredible amount of species, and it takes a village to get out there and document them all. A bioblitz is a "Census of the Natural World" where over a short period of time, communities go out and document the species they see. The very first bioblitz was even held right here in the Anacostia Watershed at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens! If you'd like to play along with the documentation (not required), please download the iNaturalist app as we'll be using this to document the fungi that we find.
Where: College Park area
When: April 30, from 11:00am-12:00pm
Register: Click Here
Cost: Free
May 2022
May Day! (end of Spring, beginning of Summer)
The day when Summer officially begins, by the Chinese calendar. GET THAT VITAMIN D!!!
Where: Everywhere!
When: May 1st,
Register: your attention on the moment;)
Cost: Free
Monthly Mushroom & Plant ID Walk:
Join Jared, acupuncturist and naturalist, and Annie, lay mineralogist, for an engaging and interactive ID walk around the Potomac area where we will focus on learning our native mushrooms, plants and minerals! We will start out at the parking lot and take a wander through the verdant woods to look at some wild medicinals and edibles, and the geology they emerge from. Come learn about our Natural Neighbors! Please feel free to have some plants and herbs from your yard and garden to ask questions about at the end
Where: Potomac area
When: May 21, from 10:00am-1:00pm
Register: Click Here to register
Cost: $25
June 2022
Monthly Mushroom & Plant ID Walk:
Join Jared, acupuncturist and naturalist, and Annie, lay mineralogist, for an engaging and interactive ID walk around the Potomac area where we will focus on learning our native mushrooms, plants and minerals! We will start out at the parking lot and take a wander through the verdant woods to look at some wild medicinals and edibles, and the geology they emerge from. Come learn about our Natural Neighbors! Please feel free to have some plants and herbs from your yard and garden to ask questions about at the end
Where: Potomac area
When: June 18, from 10:00am-1:00pm
Register: Click Here to register
Cost: $25
Summer Solstice! (fullness of Summer)
The day that Summer reaches its zenith! We are not hosting an event, but figured we'd list the date here:)
Where: Everywhere!
When: June 21st,
Register: your attention on the moment;)
Cost: Free
July 2022
Monthly Mushroom & Plant ID Walk:
Join Jared, acupuncturist and naturalist, and Annie, lay mineralogist, for an engaging and interactive ID walk around the DMV area where we will focus on learning our native mushrooms, plants and minerals! We will start out at the parking lot and take a wander through the verdant woods to look at some wild medicinals and edibles, and the geology they emerge from. Come learn about our Natural Neighbors! Please feel free to have some plants and herbs from your yard and garden to ask questions about at the end
Where: Vital Traditions Wellness Center, and the College Park Trolley Trail
When: July 23, from 10:00am-1:00pm
Register: Click Here to register
Cost: $25
August 2022
The Beginning of Autumn
Can you feel the first hints of crisp air and the first color of the leaves changing?
Where: Everywhere!
When: August 7th
Register: your attention on the moment;)
Cost: Free
Monthly Mushroom & Plant ID Walk:
Join Jared, acupuncturist and naturalist, and Annie, lay mineralogist, for an engaging and interactive ID walk around the DMV area where we will focus on learning our native mushrooms, plants and minerals! We will start out at the parking lot and take a wander through the verdant woods to look at some wild medicinals and edibles, and the geology they emerge from. Come learn about our Natural Neighbors! Please feel free to have some plants and herbs from your yard and garden to ask questions about at the end
Where: TBD
When: August 27, from 10:00am-1:00pm
Register: Registration coming soon!
Cost: $25
September 2022
Autumnal Equinox - The Peak of Autumn
Get it in while it lasts:)
Where: Everywhere!
When: Sept 22
Register: your attention on the moment;)
Cost: Free
Monthly Mushroom & Plant ID Walk:
Join Jared, acupuncturist and naturalist, and Annie, lay mineralogist, for an engaging and interactive ID walk around the DMV area where we will focus on learning our native mushrooms, plants and minerals! We will start out at the parking lot and take a wander through the verdant woods to look at some wild medicinals and edibles, and the geology they emerge from. Come learn about our Natural Neighbors! Please feel free to have some plants and herbs from your yard and garden to ask questions about at the end
Where: TBD
When: September 24, from 10:00am-1:00pm
Register: Registration coming soon!
Cost: $25
Zero Balancing I: Core Level I Class!
This course will teach you the principles and basic protocol of Zero Balancing, a holistic body-mind therapy that engages both body energy and body structure simultaneously. Zero Balancing releases tension in key joints of the body, which restores balance and allows clients to move with greater ease. This practice can be a stand-alone therapy, or be incorporated into other therapeutic wellness practices such as PT, OT, acupuncture, massage, and many other modalities.
Jared Urchek L.Ac, CZB and Misty Rhoads Ph.D, CZB incorporate Zero Balancing into their practices to support clients around the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions of wellness. This includes aiding clients with pain relief, stress and anxiety reduction, sleep issues, and overall wellness. We look forward to helping you further your journey in learning transformative therapeutic touch in a safe, open, and welcoming environment.
Where: Vital Traditions Wellness Center
When: September 29 through Oct 2nd - from 10:00am-5:00pm each day
Register: Click Here to Register!
Cost: $695 with Early registration, $795 full price - Contact us for more details.
October 2022
Monthly Mushroom & Plant ID Walk:
Join Jared, acupuncturist and naturalist, and Annie, lay mineralogist, for an engaging and interactive ID walk around the DMV area where we will focus on learning our native mushrooms, plants and minerals! We will start out at the parking lot and take a wander through the verdant woods to look at some wild medicinals and edibles, and the geology they emerge from. Come learn about our Natural Neighbors! Please feel free to have some plants and herbs from your yard and garden to ask questions about at the end
Where: TBD
When: October 29, from 10:00am-1:00pm
Register: Registration coming soon!
Cost: $25
Winter Begins
Does it feel like I'm the bearer of bad news? Rejoice! It means Winter is actually done sooner than we think :) This it the time to begin hibernating, recharging, and allowing ourselves to root down.
Where: Everywhere!
When: Oct 31
Register: your attention on the moment;)
Cost: Free
November 2022
Monthly Mushroom & Plant ID Walk:
Join Jared, acupuncturist and naturalist, and Annie, lay mineralogist, for an engaging and interactive ID walk around the DMV area where we will focus on learning our native mushrooms, plants and minerals! We will start out at the parking lot and take a wander through the verdant woods to look at some wild medicinals and edibles, and the geology they emerge from. Come learn about our Natural Neighbors! Please feel free to have some plants and herbs from your yard and garden to ask questions about at the end
Where: TBD
When: November 19, from 10:00am-1:00pm
Register: Registration coming soon!
Cost: $25
December 2022
Monthly Mushroom & Plant ID Walk:
Join Jared, acupuncturist and naturalist, and Annie, lay mineralogist, for an engaging and interactive ID walk around the DMV area where we will focus on learning our native mushrooms, plants and minerals! We will start out at the parking lot and take a wander through the verdant woods to look at some wild medicinals and edibles, and the geology they emerge from. Come learn about our Natural Neighbors! Please feel free to have some plants and herbs from your yard and garden to ask questions about at the end
Where: TBD
When: December 17, from 10:00am-1:00pm
Register: Registration coming soon!
Cost: $25
Winter Solstice
Did you hibernate as much as you needed? There's still time to ditch lesser responsibilities and focus inward.
Where: Everywhere!
When: December 21
Register: your attention on the moment;)
Cost: Free