Inspired North
Connecting to self through relationship with nature.
Class & Event Schedule
See the latest information on upcoming classes, free community hikes, and events where I will be teaching.Register and pay for Inspired North classes to secure your spot.
Request for Support:
Writing Project
Crystal will be completing a written publication in 2023. Learn more about ways you can support this project to share knowledge and experiences about relationships with nature through wild food and medicine.
Connect with Crystal
Learn more about Inspired North and Crystal Brown, and find out more ways to connect.
Email List Sign Up
Sign up for the Inspired North email list to stay up to date on class schedules, product, and receive access to stories and educational posts.
Request for Support:
Writing Project
I am researching and completing a writing project that is very dear to my heart, over the course of the remainder of 2023. I am reaching out to my community for support of my work with this vision. I am grateful for your consideration of this request.
Outcome of this Work / Request
A paperback book featuring creative writing (prose/poetry), ethnobotanical knowledge on featured plants and fungi of Wisconsin, original visual artwork; to begin publishing by December 2023/January 2024.
Ways to Support
The financial contributions to this personal project from my community patrons will support my ability to complete and publish this work by December 2023/January 2024.In order to meet that timeline, a goal of $7000 will need to be reached by June 21, 2023. Otherwise, the completion of the project may extend into fall of 2024. Contributions that exceed the goal will assist in the ability to distribute the work further and support additional research, education, and service work. Personal financial gifts/contributions may be received as cash, check, or electronic forms of exchange (PayPal or Stripe for ApplePay, GooglePay and CashAPP).For any questions, please email me at inspirednorth@posteo.net or reach out to me directly.
Cash or Check (made out to: Crystal Brown)
may be received in person or mailed to:Crystal Brown
118 N. Monroe Ave, PO Box 665
Green Bay, WI 54305Please include your email and mailing address with any contribution, so that I may connect with you regarding gift.Electronic contribution links at the bottom of this page.
Gifts to Contributors/Patrons
Contributions of any amount are welcomed and appreciated. At certain levels, I have gifts that I would like to reciprocate in recognition for your support. Any contribution of $25 or more will get you a copy of the finished book. Please see gift levels below:
| Level of Contribution | Gift of Appreciation |
|---|---|
| Any Amount | Public acknowledgement on website; Entered into drawings for nourishing gifts |
| $25 or more | 1 signed copy of book |
| $111 or more | Previous level; PLUS invite to an exclusive hike for patrons |
| $250 or more | Previous level; PLUS 1 pound of wild rice (hand-harvested, wood fire parched from 2023 season) |
| $500 or more | Previous level; PLUS special nourishing gift set (curated from the Inspired North collection of products) |
| $2000 or more | Previous level; PLUS dinner for 4 with book reading, prepared by Crystal featuring wild foods over the winter of 2023-2024, with 4 additional signed copies of book for your dinner guests (within 5 hours of Green Bay) |
| $5000 or more | Previous level; PLUS limited edition prints of original book artwork and co-dedication/opening remarks for your reason of support of this work |
| $7000 or more | Previous level; PLUS rustic camping trip for 2 people, guided by Crystal, for 2 nights touring the places of inspiration for this work (for more information, contact Crystal) |
Intention of this Work
Using my voice and sharing my perspective has been a long journey for me. I've spent several of the last few years cultivating a deeper connection with it, as well as with myself, and the ways in which I envision myself showing up in this world.My reconnection with the medicines of the earth has been a powerful journey, one of healing and inspiration, community, and truly connecting with myself, as I engage in relationships with all our relatives.I want this work to share aspects of that story and help others cultivate deeper connections with themselves and the earth. I will be using both a prose and ethnobotanical approach to this work. I will share stories about my connection to the medicines of place, plants, fungi, and animals; as well as ways to deepen those relationships (through medicinal and nourishing knowledge, identification, and instructions). I will be including my original visual artwork in this book as well.
Ways to CoNTRIBUTE ELECTRONICALLY
Please note that electronic forms of contribution may charge fees (ex. Stripe will subtract 2.9% + $0.30 from your contribution for fees). If you would like to contribute by ApplePay directly to me to avoid this fee subraction from your contribution, please contact me directly.
USE PAYPAL FOR:
PayPal Funds
Bank Transfers
Credit Card
USE STRIPE FOR:
Apple Pay
Google Pay
Cash APP
Credit Card
Apprentice 2023 Application
APPLICATION OPENS:Friday, December 23, 2022APPLICATION DEADLINE:Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 3:00PM CST
Do you want to be involved in one of the most interesting and growing areas of expertise in 2023?Do want to be a leader in a new area of research and outreach?I invite you to the adventure of a lifetime with Bio-Regional Herbalist and Ethnobotanist Crystal Brown.During your apprenticeship in 2023, I will mentor you as you engage with the natural world across the seasons. There will be a focus on integrating herbalism and wild food foraging into your life and community. This apprenticeship spans March 7, 2023, until December 26, 2023.To learn more and complete an application, click the "Apprenticeship" button.
Additional Services
Learn more about additional services provided by Inspired North, including individual instruction, site visits, and intentional gardening support.
Online Store
Purchase items in the Inspired North online store. Arrange local pickup/delivery, or have items shipped to your home.
Blog: Body is A Compass
Learn more about Inspired North and Crystal Brown, and find out more ways to connect.
Contribute
Learn about additional ways to support Crystal and her work through her startup contribution campaign.
Community/Resources
Connect with friends and community businesses and organizations that collaborate with Crystal and Inspired North. Explore resources that Inspired North recommends for further exploration.
90 min | $25 | Green Bay Area Location, participants notified prior to class
FULL - Thursday, July 7, 2022, 5:00 pmThis class is FULL, more classes to be posted
Intro to foraging/ethnobotanical uses for wild plants
Check back for spring class offerings. Sign up for the email list to be notified when new schedules are posted.
Class Schedule
Community Hikes
Free | Green Bay Area
Minors must be accompanied by adultJoin Crystal with members of our community to explore area parks, share knowledge with each other, and engage in healthy movement.Please RSVP for hikes using the button below to notify Crystal of your attendance and receive updates on any location concerns/cancellations, etc.
| Date | Time | Park | Starting Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, April 27, 2023 | 4:00 pm | He Nis Ra Park | Parking Map |
| RESCHEDULED - Thursday, May 25, 2023 | 5:00 pm | Baird Creek Parkway | Parking Map |
| Wednesday, June 21, 2023 | 5:00 pm | Fonferek Glen County Park | Parking Map |
| Tuesday, July 25, 2023 | 5:00 pm | Seymour Park Food Forest | Parking Map |
UPCOMING 2023 Events
Crystal is excited to announce that she will be teaching at the following events in 2023. Check out the links to these amazing conferences to attend her classes and those of an amazing line up of instructors!
Midwest Wild
Harvest Festival
September 15-17, 2023
Prairie du Chien, WI
www.wildharvestfestival.orgTo check out the line up of instructors, click here
CANCELLATION AND REFUND/TRANSFER POLICY
Cancelation fee held for all paid registrations canceled 7 days prior to day of class start ($5 for Intro Classes, $10 for all other programs). Registration fees may be transferred to another participant upon completion of registration/waivers and $5 transfer fee for all programs. Contact inspirednorth@posteo.net for more information.
Connect With Crystal
Crystal BrownCrystal Brown, of Inspired North, is an ethnobotanical educator and herbalist, focusing on wild edible food and medicinal plants and fungi. She assists students in developing connection to nature, self, and community through creative outdoor experiences that incorporate a integrative approach to health and wellness.She has a background working as a psychiatric mental health registered nurse with children, adolescents, and adults, with experiences working with a trauma-informed approach to care. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Wisconsin Green Bay. She is also certified as a Wilderness First Responder.Crystal has also worked as a pastry chef, and is currently in the process of writing a book that incorporates wild food into baking. She spends much of her time working with wild plants and fungi, preparing them into nutritive meals and remedies. She is passionate about integrating sustainable living practices into her life and volunteers on projects surrounding native prairie restoration and teaching children about gardening.Inspired NorthInspired North provides ethnobotanical, integrative wellness, and outdoor experiential education focusing on wild foraged food and medicinal herbal plants.Inspired North - Intention:To cultivate an intimate, intentional, healing, and reciprocal relationship with the plants, fungi and creatures around us in order to build and restore a relationship with the self and community, through reclaiming our knowledge of wild food and medicine. To create safe spaces for vulnerability that allow us to creatively cultivate growth, love, beauty, and sovereignty.ConnectEmail: inspirednorth@posteo.netMailing AddressCrystal Brown
Inspired North Collective, LLC
118 N. Monroe Ave, PO Box 665
Green Bay, WI 54305
Additional Services
Private Instruction/Coaching
Rate: $111/hourThis service would be appropriate for the individual looking for private/individual instruction on a topic offered. Instruction may be information or experiential, depending on desired content. This service includes one on one hikes. Inspired North will work with client to discuss date/time and location for instruction, as well as estimated amount of time needed for content. Individual will provide own transportation to decided location.Travel fees may apply for locations outside of Green Bay Area. For more details, email: inspirednorth@posteo.net
Mentor session payment
Store
Contribute
Community/Resources
Inspired North Community CollaborationWild Terrain Navigation
Outdoor Adventure Education, Event Planning, and Orienteering
www.wildterrainnav.comInspired North Recommended Resource ListTest link to pdf: Download Test Resource List
Intro to Foraging/ Ethnobotanical Uses for Wild Plants
Thursday, July 7, 2022
5:00 pm | 90 min | $25
Green Bay Area, Participants notified of location prior to class
Intro to Foraging/ Ethnobotanical Uses for Wild Plants - May 26
Intro to Foraging/Ethnobotanical Uses for Wild Plants
Thursday, May 26, 2022
5:00 pm | 90 min
$25 Adults | $10 Minors (Accompanied by Adult)
Christa McAuliffe Park | Parking Map
ADULT REGISTRATION/WAIVER FOR COMMUNITY HIKE
Registration, Waiver, and Release Agreement
Please read carefully before signing/submitting registration. This is a release of liability and waiver of certain rights. In consideration for my being permitted to participate as a student at Inspired North Collective, LLC, I agree to the following Waiver and Release: I acknowledge that there are inherent risks, hazards, and dangers to any person participating in activities in the outdoors. I UNDERSTAND THAT THESE RISKS, HAZARDS, AND DANGERS INCLUDE WITHOUT LIMITATION:1. Hiking hazards in walking through rugged terrain, with or without trails, and with or without hiking boots, during variable weather conditions, and in either daylight or darkness.
2. Complications from handling or ingesting, intentionally or accidentally, wild edible, medicinal, poisonous, or allergenic plants and mushrooms.
3. Water hazards in traversing streams, rivers, ponds and lakes, including ice-covered bodies of water.
4. Temperature extremes and inclement weather conditions.
5. Fire hazards from building and using campfires or cookstoves.
6. Health hazards from exposure to the sun and other elements.
7. Encounters with wildlife, including but not limited to: insects like bees, wasps, ticks, as well as bears, and other potentially dangerous mammals and birds.
8. Exposure to harmful viruses, bacteria and disease-carry organisms, including, but not limited to: Covid-19, chronic wasting disease, rabies, trichinosis, giardia, salmonella, hepatitis, and Lyme disease.
9. Absence of immediate medical attention in the outdoors or any communication devices in range of receivers to seek medical attention in case of injury.
10. Transport in any vehicle before, during, or after an event to or from any location.I acknowledge that the above list is not inclusive of all possible risks associated with participating in activities outdoors. I understand that there are serious risks, hazards, and dangers inherent in outdoor activities, and I have had the opportunity to discuss them with Inspired North Collective, LLC staff and instructors. I understand that these activities may require good physical conditioning and a degree of skill and knowledge. I believe I have that good physical conditioning and the degree of skill and knowledge necessary for me to engage in these activities safely.IF AT ANY TIME I DOUBT THE SAFETY OF AN ACTIVITY, I AGREE TO DISCUSS MY CONCERNS AT THAT MOMENT UNTIL SATISFIED THAT SAFETY CONCERNS ARE ADEQUATELY BEING ADDRESSED, OR IF NOT SATISFIED, I WILL EXCUSE MYSELF FROM FURTHER PARTICIPATION IN THE ACTIVITY. I ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT I WILL FOLLOW ALL SAFTEY INSTRUCTIONS AND DIRECTIVES FROM INSPIRED NORTH COLLECTIVE, LLC STAFF AND INSTRUCTORS AND VOLLUNTEERS, AND IF I DO NOT THAT I MAY BE ASKED TO LEAVE. I understand that I have these responsibilities. My participation in this experience is purely voluntary.I AM VOLUNTARILY USING THE SERVICES OF INSPIRED NORTH COLLECTIVE, LLC WITH FULL KNOWLEDGE OF THE INHERENT RISKS, HAZARDS, AND DANGERS INVOLVED AND HEREBY ASSUME AND ACCEPT ANY AND ALL RISKS OF INJURY, DISABILITY, PARALYSIS, OR DEATH. I, for myself, my heirs, successors, and executors, hereby KNOWINGLY AND INTENTIONALLY WAIVE AND RELEASE, INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS Inspired North Collective, LLC, their directors, officers, agents, employees and volunteers from and against any and all claims, actions, causes of action, liabilities, suits and expenses which are related to, arise out of, or are any way connected with my participating in this activity including but not limited to, NEGLIGENCE of any kind or nature, whether foreseen or unforeseen, arising directly or indirectly out of any damage, loss, injury, disability, paralysis or death to me or my property as a result of my engaging in these activities or the use of these services or equipment, whether such damage, loss, injury, disability, paralysis, or death results from negligence of Inspired North Collective, LLC or from some other cause. I, for myself, my heirs, my successors, and executors, further agree not to sue Inspired North Collective, LLC as a result of any injury, disability, paralysis, or death suffered in connection with my participation in these activities.FILL OUT REGISTRATION INFO BELOW
MINOR CHILD (UNDER 18 YEARS) Registration/Waiver for Community Hike
Registration, Waiver, and Release Agreement for Minor Child
Please read carefully before signing/submitting registration. This is a release of liability and waiver of certain rights. In consideration for my child being permitted to participate as a student at Inspired North Collective, LLC, I agree to the following Waiver and Release: I acknowledge that there are inherent risks, hazards, and dangers to any person participating in activities in the outdoors. I UNDERSTAND THAT THESE RISKS, HAZARDS, AND DANGERS INCLUDE WITHOUT LIMITATION:1. Hiking hazards in walking through rugged terrain, with or without trails, and with or without hiking boots, during variable weather conditions, and in either daylight or darkness.
2. Complications from handling or ingesting, intentionally or accidentally, wild edible, medicinal, poisonous, or allergenic plants and mushrooms.
3. Water hazards in traversing streams, rivers, ponds and lakes, including ice-covered bodies of water.
4. Temperature extremes and inclement weather conditions.
5. Fire hazards from building and using campfires or cookstoves.
6. Health hazards from exposure to the sun and other elements.
7. Encounters with wildlife, including but not limited to: insects like bees, wasps, ticks, as well as bears, and other potentially dangerous mammals and birds.
8. Exposure to harmful viruses, bacteria and disease-carry organisms, including, but not limited to: Covid-19, chronic wasting disease, rabies, trichinosis, giardia, salmonella, hepatitis, and Lyme disease.
9. Absence of immediate medical attention in the outdoors or any communication devices in range of receivers to seek medical attention in case of injury.
10. Transport in any vehicle before, during, or after an event to or from any location.I acknowledge that the above list is not inclusive of all possible risks associated with participating in activities outdoors. I understand that there are serious risks, hazards, and dangers inherent in outdoor activities, and I have had the opportunity to discuss them with Inspired North Collective, LLC staff and instructors. I understand that these activities may require good physical conditioning and a degree of skill and knowledge. I believe that my child has that good physical conditioning and the degree of skill and knowledge necessary for them to engage in these activities safely and follow directions of adults.IF AT ANY TIME I DOUBT THE SAFETY OF AN ACTIVITY, I AGREE TO DISCUSS MY CONCERNS AT THAT MOMENT UNTIL SATISFIED THAT SAFETY CONCERNS ARE ADEQUATELY BEING ADDRESSED, OR IF NOT SATISFIED, I WILL EXCUSE MY CHILD FROM FURTHER PARTICIPATION IN THE ACTIVITY. I ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT MY CHILD WILL NEED TO FOLLOW ALL SAFTEY INSTRUCTIONS AND DIRECTIVES FROM INSPIRED NORTH COLLECTIVE, LLC STAFF AND INSTRUCTORS AND VOLLUNTEERS, AND IF THEY DO NOT THAT THEY MAY BE ASKED TO LEAVE. I understand that I have these responsibilities. My child's participation in this experience is purely voluntary.I AND MY CHILD ARE VOLUNTARILY USING THE SERVICES OF INSPIRED NORTH COLLECTIVE, LLC WITH FULL KNOWLEDGE OF THE INHERENT RISKS, HAZARDS, AND DANGERS INVOLVED AND HEREBY ASSUME AND ACCEPT ANY AND ALL RISKS OF INJURY, DISABILITY, PARALYSIS, OR DEATH. I, for myself and participating child, hereby KNOWINGLY AND INTENTIONALLY WAIVE AND RELEASE, INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS Inspired North Collective, LLC, their directors, officers, agents, employees and volunteers from and against any and all claims, actions, causes of action, liabilities, suits and expenses which are related to, arise out of, or are any way connected with my child's participating in this activity including but not limited to, NEGLIGENCE of any kind or nature, whether foreseen or unforeseen, arising directly or indirectly out of any damage, loss, injury, disability, paralysis or death to my child or their property as a result of their engaging in these activities or the use of these services or equipment, whether such damage, loss, injury, disability, paralysis, or death results from negligence of Inspired North Collective, LLC or from some other cause. I, for myself and my participating child, further agree not to sue Inspired North Collective, LLC as a result of any injury, disability, paralysis, or death suffered in connection with my child's participation in these activities.FILL OUT REGISTRATION INFO BELOW
Apprentice 2023 opportunity
Thank you for your interest in this the 2023 Inspired North Apprentice Opportunity. Through this experience, I will be mentoring you as you engage with the natural world across the seasons. There will be a focus on integrating herbalism and wild food foraging into your life and community with hands on experience, product making, research, and teaching. You will have exposure to self-growth, community engagement, and entrepreneurial experiences. This position is intended to support the mission, work, and growth of Inspired North.This initial application process allows me to get to know you and your intent a little bit better, and open up a dialogue if this is the right fit for you.
You do not need to have prior herbal or wild food training/experiences to apply, but rather a desire to grow on that journey. There needs to be a sincere interest and willingness to put in the “dirt time” to build the relationships and experience. I offer up this opportunity to support you in your journey, as so many have supported that along my path. Your ability to assist in this apprenticeship will help support my ability to expand the beauty I seek to nourish in this world.Please see details about the apprenticeship below. When you are ready, click the button “Apply for Apprenticeship” to complete your application. If you have questions, please email me at: inspirednorth@posteo.net.
Apprenticeship DETAILS
APPLICATION OPENS:
Friday, December 23, 2022
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 3:00PM CST
INTERVIEW PERIOD:
Interviews expected to occur starting January 6, 2023 until February 19, 2023, and require a phone/Zoom call and field component.
TIME/ENERGY COMMITMENT:
This apprenticeship is expected to take place from March 7, 2023, until December 26, 2023.Please anticipate to engage with this apprenticeship for a few hours weekly, with more or less time/opportunities depending on season and availability of fungi, plants, and experiences. The apprentice will be expected to assist with classes, workshops, and events; as well as harvesting and preparation in the field and lab. There may be opportunities to assist with field research.There is flexibility in meeting requirements of the position, to be discussed in an interview; however, at least 50% of classes/workshops/events/preparation needs to be attended/supported.There will be a requirement to provide a community outreach experience/class in the fall, which Crystal will mentor you through that process. This is to help support Inspired North’s commitment to providing accessible community outreach.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
This position requires the ability to go off trail into rugged conditions, with variable elevations and occasional adverse weather conditions. Participation is at-will and at your own risk. There is not the ability to provide physical accommodations for this opportunity. Risks of participation to be discussed during the interview process.
EXCHANGE/PAY:
This opportunity is for an educational exchange and does not offer monetary pay. The apprentice will receive one-on-one and group instruction, mentorship, and occasional products, herbs, and wild foods to take home based on involvement/availability. There will be invitations to join Crystal and her community on life changing learning experiences not usually offered in her typical class content (maple sugar, wild ricing, whitefish netting, etc). Crystal also is an avid baker, chef, creative, and Cancerian… there will be occasions to be fed beautiful things.
SUPPLIES/MATERIALS:
The apprentice will be responsible for purchasing any books or personal equipment/supplies that they may feel necessary for the apprenticeship and to continue their individual practice. They will be responsible for their own transportation, license/fees, insurance, and any equipment to participate in invitational experiences (ex. camping equipment to go to wild rice camp, fishing/wild rice harvest permit, etc). There may be opportunities to carpool/borrow equipment when available.
For more information, contact Crystal at: inspirednorth@posteo.net
Inspired North's purpose
and intention
Inspired North provides ethnobotanical, integrative wellness, and outdoor experiential education focusing on wild foraged food and medicinal herbal plants by cultivating an intimate, intentional, healing, and reciprocal relationship with the plants, fungi and creatures around us in order to build and restore a relationship with the self and community, through reclaiming our knowledge of wild food and medicine. Inspired North intends to create safe spaces for vulnerability that allow us to creatively cultivate growth, love, beauty, and sovereignty.
Educational handouts
Baird Creek Foundation Spring Foraging Hike: April 29, 2023Please check back after May 6 for access to a copy of the plant list from our hike.
To learn about more classes, community events, and information from Inspired North, sign up for the email list using the registration below.
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