Inspired North

SPRING FORAGING & WILD HERBAL MEDICINE WEEKEND INTENSIVE

NORTHERN WISCONSIN | MAY 17-19, 2024

Overcome fears and build confidence in exploring wild food foraging through identification and ethical harvesting and preparation.Connect with your body and health through introductory herbal medicine skills and intentional wildcrafting.Delight yourself in the opportunity to enjoy nourishing meals inspired by the land and water, and prepared by Crystal.It’s time to remember and reconnect with those wild and wholesome parts of yourself.

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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.

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Store

Purchase intentionally crafted products from Inspired North. This selection is carefully currated with organic and wildcrafted ingredients to support your health and wellness.

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Intuitea Sessions

Schedule a private, online session with Crystal to identify plants and mushrooms that my help support you with a specific concern or promote overall health. This session includes an intentionally blended tea or salve that will be mailed to your home, along with follow up.

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Connect with Crystal

Learn more about Inspired North and Crystal Brown, and find out more ways to connect.

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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.

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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:

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.

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.

• Apprenticeship

February 2024

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CLASS OFFERINGS

CLASSES & EVENTS

April 2024

May 2024

June 2024

September 2024

Midwest Wild Harvest Festival
_{Details Coming in May}

September 13-15, 2024
Badger Camp
Prairie du Chien, WI

For registration notifications,
please sign up for their newsletter
at  www.wildharvestfestival.org

October 2024

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.

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CLASS POLICIES

CANCELATION POLICY: Registration for these classes is non-refundable; however, registration can be transfered to another individual in your place for the same date/time. To transfer registration, please contact: inspirednorth@posteo.net.WEATHER POLICY: Classes are held rain or shine, snow or cold, humidity or heat. Please dress appropriately. In the event of dangerous weather conditions (thunder/lightening, severe winds, severe weather or tornado warnings, extreme cold/wind chill, etc), attendees will be contacted by Inspired North and a reschedule date will be set; attendees may have the option to join a different scheduled class as available or recieve credit towards other opportunities.HARVEST POLICY: Harvesting during classes outside of parameters provided by the instructor is not permitted as classes are informational. Ingesting plants/mushrooms during the course of the class is not permitted, unless they are provided as a sample directly from the instructor.SAFETY & RESPECT AGREEMENT: Refusal to comply with instructions from the instructor that pose a risk to safety of self or others, or disrespect, may result in you being asked to leave class without refund.

INTRO TO FORAGING: RELATIONSHIPS WITH
WILD PLANTS AND FUNGI

$55 | 3 Hour Intro to Foraging Class
$33 | 90 Minute Urban Foraging ClassSee class descriptions below. Please review our cancelation, weather, and harvest policies prior to registration at the bottom of our Class Offerings page.CURRENT PROMOTION: Enter Coupon Code "22NY2024" for 22% off classes registered/paid for before 2:22 pm (CST) on February 2, 2024.Want to avoid credit card fees and get a further discount? For cash/check payment, please email for registration information at: inspirednorth@posteo.net

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INTRO TO FORAGING: RELATIONSHIPS WITH WILD PLANTS AND FUNGI

3 Hours   SPRING SESSiONS: May 5   SUMMER SESSIONS: June 29, August 10

Foraging for wild food and medicinal plants creates an intimate opportunity to connect with our natural world. Crystal Brown, of Inspired North, will cover ways of building intentional relationships with plants and fungi through food, medicine, and stories. You will have the opportunity to be exposed to identification skills and relationship building with seasonally available plants and fungi. We will also discuss harvesting and processing techniques, as well as safety and ethical considerations. We will also discuss the importance of integrating gratitude and reciprocity into our outdoor practices. This 3-hour session will involve hiking along unpaved paths, with changes of elevation, and at times going off trail in non-sensitive areas. Classes will be held within a 30-minute drive from Green Bay, Wisconsin; location to be sent out prior to class. This class is geared to the beginner/novice or just plain curious and is appropriate for adults and older children/teens (children must be supervised by a parent/guardian/approved adult).

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URBAN FORAGING

90 MINUTES   SPRING SESSiONS: May 23   SUMMER SESSIONS: August 6

• RSVP for Winter Foraging Walk

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.

Midwest Wild
Harvest Festival

September 15-17, 2023
Prairie du Chien, WI

www.wildharvestfestival.orgTo check out the line up of instructors, click here

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Connect With Crystal

Crystal BrownCrystal Brown, of Inspired North, is an ethnobotanist, bio-regional herbalist, and writer/creative, 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 an integrative approach to health, wellness, and personal growth. She has a background working as a psychiatric mental health nurse with children, adolescents, and adults; and is a Wilderness First Responder. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Wisconsin Green Bay.Crystal teaches foraging and herbalism classes and workshops in Eastern and Northwestern Wisconsin, for the public, private, and non-profit groups and schools, as well as programming to experiential educators throughout the Midwest working with youth and adults, including connecting nature/adventure experiences with mental health and trauma-informed education.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

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Spring Foraging and
Wild Herbal Medicine
Weekend Intensive

Friday, May 17 to Sunday, May 19, 2024
Northern Wisconsin - Iron County
Early Bird Pricing | Starting at $555
Limited to 10 Participants

Join Crystal Brown of Inspired North for a weekend Spring Foraging and Wild Herbal Medicine Intensive, where you will experience the beautiful forests, trails, and waterfalls of Northern Wisconsin (Iron County). This weekend will be a wonderful time to learn about the abundance of spring edibles emerging after the winter months. We will focus on plant identification, safe/ethical foraging techniques, building relationships with plant and fungi relatives, protecting water, and working with the plants and mushrooms to make food and medicine. Participants will also get hands-on instruction in making herbal teas, tinctures, and salves, and process spring edible plants depending on their availability. Participants will be able to take home medicines made. We will also be offering a sound bath and integrate health and wellness activities throughout our weekend.

Itinerary

Arrival Thursday Evening or Friday Morning: You may arrive on Thursday evening any time after 4:00 PM CST to set up your tent and settle into camp. Enjoy Weber Lake and surrounding area on your own. Dinner will be on your own for those arriving on Thursday evening.Friday morning coffee/tea will be available by 7:00 AM; breakfast starts at 8:00 AM. Our morning circle and start to the weekend begins at 9:00 AM. For those choosing to arrive on Friday morning, please be ready to join us by 9:00 AM. After our morning circle and lessons, we will pack a sack lunch and head out for our adventure. Participants will have the option to either drive or carpool to site locations. We will return to camp at 5:00 PM and have dinner around 6:00 PM. Evening campfire and activities available, or participants may choose to have quiet time to themselves.Saturday morning we begin again with coffee/tea available by 7:00 AM; breakfast starts at 8:00 AM. We will start a morning hike at 9:00 AM and return to camp by 12:00 PM for lunch and to begin our wild herbal medicine making. Dinner will be around 6:00 PM. Evening sunset hike to nearby Corrigan’s Lookout available, as well as campfire and activities.Sunday morning coffee and light snacks available by 7:00 AM. On this day we will be having a brunch and start with an early morning hike at 8:00 AM on nearby trails. We will return to camp at 10:00 AM for brunch and wrap up activities. We will end our time together at 12:00 PM.Attendees have the option to camp additional nights at our location for an additional fee to explore on their own after class. Contact for more information.

Weekend Intensive Rates

Early Bird Base Pricing Until April 8, 2024 | $555
Base Pricing After April 8, 2024 | $615
Late Base Pricing After May 1, 2024 | $675
Registration closes on May 7, 2024Base Pricing Includes: instruction and handouts, materials/supplies for activities, shared tent/site (bring your own tent or use group tent), meals/snacks.Additional Add-On Options:
Private Camp Site (Bring Your Own Tent) | $60
Private Camp Site (Tent Provided) | $90
Options to Purchase Class Text Books | Contact for Pricing

Registration

Email intention to register to: inspirednorth@posteo.netRegistration information will be sent, including contact information, emergency contact, dietary needs, and final quote of price with any add-on options.

Payment Options

Submit a $125 non-refundable deposit to secure your spot. The remaining fee is due by May 10, 2024, prior to the event. This will be non-refundable or may be transferred to another person for this event only.Pay Pal: inspirednorth@gmail.comCredit Card/Stripe Payment: Contact Crystal at Inspired North for a secure credit card payment link: inspirednorth@posteo.netChecks: Make payable to "Crystal Brown/Inspired North" and send to:        Crystal Brown/Inspired North
        118 N. Monroe Ave, PO Box 665
        Green Bay, WI 54305

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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

• Register: July 7 - Intro Class

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Intro to Foraging/ Ethnobotanical Uses for Wild Plants - May 26

Intro to Foraging/Ethnobotanical Uses for Wild Plants
Saturday, August 5, 2022
9:00 am | 2.5 hours
$45 Adults | $15 Minors (Accompanied by Adult)
Location will be sent via email prior to event

• Register Adult: May 26 - Intro Class

• Register Minor Child: May 26 - Intro Class

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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.

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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

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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.

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Foraging & Bio-Regional Herbalism Intensive - Apostle Islands Kayaking Trip with Whitecap Kayak

Friday, September 8 - Sunday, September 10, 2023More details posted soon (updated June 26, 2023).

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Services

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STORE

Intentionally crafted using organic and wildcrafted ingredients.

SALVES

Currently available salves include:- Osha Chest Rub
- Breaks and Strains Support
- Nourishing Dandelion
- Soothing Beauty
- Poison Ivy Soothing
- Chaparral Sunburn

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TINCTURES

Selection coming soon.

SKIN CARE

Selection coming soon.

CUSTOM ORDERS

Are you looking for a specific salve, tincture, or preparation not listed on the website, contact Crystal at inspirednorth@posteo.net for custom preparations and quotation.

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Intuitea session

45 MINUTES  |  $88

This private exploratory session includes a Zoom call to gain insight into a situation that may be supported with plant and mushroom preparations. The session includes a custom Intuitea tea or salve blending*, and email correspondence for questions or support on tea or salve and its use. A follow up hand out/PDF will be provided about the herbs/fungi used in the tea blend for educational purposes. Participants may ask to have the tea or salve blended for another person (partner, family member, friend, etc). Examples of situations that individuals have benefited from this offering: concerns with sleep, stress, immune support, grief, etc. In our call we may also discuss further ways to connect with nature to further support your journey.*Shipping is included for the contiguous US; shipping available to AK, HI, and international for additional fee (customs rules may apply).

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INTRO TO FORAGING: RELATIONSHIPS WITH WILD PLANTS AND FUNGI
URBAN FORAGING

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