Working and Weaving with Willow

Willow trees provide increasingly vital ecosystem services as riparian buffers: they mitigate the effects of flooding and rapidly absorb excess nutrients. In addition to aiding Vermont’s flood-prone landscapes, willow is an excellent local weaving material. In this workshop, Joe Bossen and Racheal Ouellette will give a tour of Cloud Water Farm’s willow plantings and share the ecological roles of different willow varieties. After learning about the source of the weaving material, Racheal will give hands-on instruction to weave a small napkin holder. Attendees will have the chance to make their own and take it home with them. This workshop is great for anyone who is looking to learn more about how to utilize willow as a local weaving material, and for folks looking to start a willow planting on their land.