Introduction to Growing and Crafting with Hazel

Course Description: Spend a day learning the basics and benefits of growing hazel in the Upper Midwest. We will discuss the various species that grow in our region; ecosystem benefits of these plants; strategies for establishment, maintenance, harvest, and processing; and end the day learning about coppicing and how to craft a wreath with coppiced hazel stems. Whether you’re considering farm-scale agroforestry or looking to add new natives to your backyard, hazel is a resilient source of habitat, food, skin care, mulch, and crafting material.

All are welcome – WEI classes are open to everyone.

If you would be interested in staying overnight at WEI before and/or after this class, please reserve accommodations through our FarmStay.

What to Bring: $10 materials fee paid directly to instructor on day of class. For the crafting portion of the course, students might want to bring work gloves. They are also encouraged to bring pruning shears or be prepared to share with other students. If time allows, we may be able to further decorate the wreaths we make at the end of the course. Students are welcome to bring additional materials for this if they like, such as ribbons and other plant material.

Instructor Bio: Paul Mairet is a beginning farmer and manager of Nine Hazels Farm, a hybrid hazelnut farm and nursery in Lake City, MN. He brings a background in arts and education and recent years of mentorship from hazelnut farmers, researchers, and artisans to his work.