The Mountain Retreat & Learning Center, Inc

Wild Mushroom ID & Foraging Workshop
2024-09-21 14:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Join The Mountain’s mushroom expert Shelly Hall, Saturday Saturday, September 21st for an amazing foraging expedition through our old growth forest. Discover the fascinating world of mycology, learn to identify local mushrooms, and learn some amazing recipes!
• 3–4-hour foraging adventure in our old growth forest
• Discover the ecological benefits of mushrooms
• Deepen your connection to nature with a forest bath
• Learn to identify local edible fungi such as reishi, lion’s mane, chicken of the woods, chanterelles, and more.

The Wedding of Alex and Mike
2024-09-13 - 2024-09-15
Join us in September for a summer-camp-style celebration in the mountains of North Carolina.

Farm Fest
2024-09-01 10:00 - 17:00 | The Many Hands Peace Farm
Join the Many Hands Peace Farm on Sunday, September 1st for a day of family-focused fun and educational workshops on sustainable farming and regenerative agriculture. Enjoy fresh tasty treats from our local farming community, live bands, and engaging programs to inspire you and your family to build and cultivate your home garden and kitchen traditions, stories, and legacies.
Make a weekend out of it and book a stay in one of our cabins! It’s a great way to enjoy Farm Fest and spend time exploring the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
If you are interested in being a premier workshop leader, vendor, or visiting artist, please email our farm manager Raileigh Duschen at farm@themountainrlc.org.

Registration Info:

Where: The Many Hands Peace Farm
When: Sunday, September 1st, 2024 10AM-5PM
Cost: $30 per Adult, $20 per Child 7-17, Free for Children Under 7
Optional overnight stays are available for $70 per person, per night (No Meals)

Schedule:

10am:
Forest Garden Tour and Bioregional Agroforestry
Seed Discovery Table!

11am:
Sound Bath Journey and Mindful Movement
Natural Bouquet Making

12pm:
Dairy Goats for the Home, Farm, and Forest
How to Make Butter!

1pm:
Tea-Foraging and Ceremony
Farm Scavenger Hunt

2pm:
How to Prep a Garden by Hand
What is it?? Garden Tasting Contest

3pm
Plant Walk: Herbs of the Field and How to Use Them
Nature- Inspired Poetry Writing (Digital flyer coming next)
Hosted by Danu Macon, Tiffany Torres, Raileigh Duschen, Ryli- Dungjen-Gibb, Gabe Murray, Wally Graeber, Canty Worley, Candace Anthony, and Justin Ellis

Click Here to Register

Wild Mushroom ID & Foraging Workshop Aug 24
2024-08-24 14:00 - 17:00
About the Event
Mushroom ID and Foraging Workshop – Saturday, August 24th from 2pm-5pm
This workshop includes a 2-3 hour walk in the forest while we discover, properly identify, and discuss foraging for wild edible and medicinal mushrooms. We cover the basics to get you started on what could become a lifelong passion and hobby of yours! We discuss prime habitats where specific mushrooms occur, why and what mushrooms do ecologically, and a thorough discussion on safety precautions as well as practical harvesting/preservation techniques. Lastly, we will go over several outdoor mushroom propagation techniques and show you some simple wild mushroom cooking techniques that we all will sample!
What to bring: water bottle, comfortable walking shoes, and dress for the weather. EPI pen if you are allergic to bees
The only animals allowed on the top of the Mountain are registered service dogs. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Rain Policy:
All of our events have indoor rain plans as backups in case of adverse weather. Please dress accordingly and bring rain gear if the forecast looks to be really wet!
Refund Policy:
If you must cancel your reservation to one of our events then please let us know, at the latest, 48 hours before the scheduled time. If an unexpected emergency occurs then please let us know ASAP. For both options we can offer you the opportunity to attend a future event or receive your money back.

Adult Farm Camp
2024-08-19 - 2024-08-23
Roll up your sleeves and experience the joy of farm life firsthand during this thoroughly unique 4-day retreat. From planting seeds to harvesting crops, you’ll gain practical skills and a deeper appreciation for the sustainable practices that fuel our farm-to-fork philosophy. We will explore wild edible plant and mushroom foraging, create medicinal products from our own ingredients, learn how to propagate and cook with local produce, and more!
If you would like to be a featured educator for our non-profit mission regarding sustainable and inclusive visions for humanity, please email our farm manager, Raileigh Duschen at farm@themountainrlc.org.
When
Program: August 19 – 23, 2024
Registration deadline: August 18, 2024
Featuring
Farm/Foraging Tours
Workshops
Time in Nature
Working with our livestock
Planting and Harvesting
Arts, Crafts, and Games
See full schedule below.
We are keenly aware that modern society and our reliance on technology and media keep most people at a distance from their food sources. There is a diminishing awareness of the importance of our region’s agricultural significance and history. We are eager to provide a fun farm experience to address this need.
Campers will learn where their food comes from and how to evaluate their relationships with food through enriching experiences of planting seeds and starts, growing gourmet mushrooms with paper waste products, crafting herbal salves and tincture, and learning what is required to care for a lively coop of chickens and ducks.
Spending much time outside experiencing our natural surroundings with on- and off-site field trips, they will learn about wild plants, mushrooms, and other wildlife indigenous to the Highlands area.
In addition to learning about farming as a lifestyle, campers will learn about the business side of community agriculture by participating at our local farmers market.
Our goal is for this program to immerse campers in the world of farming and foraging.
​Please be sure to bring boots, outdoor gear, and a rain jacket. If you have any food or non-food allergies (like insects), please email gsoffice@themountainrlc.org at least 2 weeks prior to arrival.
Program Fees
Overnight Rate – $800/person – Includes lodging, meals, programming, and a t-shirt
​Commuter Rate – $450/person – Includes meals, programming, and a t-shirt – NO Lodging
​In our registration system you’ll find:
“Church Retreats” | “MountainCamp” | “Other Retreats” | “Youth CONs” | “Farm Camp”
Select “Farm Camp”, then select your “2024 Adult Farm Camp” package.
Click here to register.

Monday:
8am – 9 am
farm breakfast
10am-12pm
Mountain foraged tea-making by Riley Dungjen-Gibb
1pm – 2pm
Farm lunch
A taste of local highlands by Gabe Murray
3pm – 5pm
Medicinal tincture making by Candace Anthony
6pm
Farm dinner
Tuesday:
8am-9am
farm breakfast
10am – 12pm
Permaculture: soil, forest, and meadow managment by Canty Worley
1pm – 2pm
farm lunch
Homestead cooking 101 by Raileigh Duschen
3pm – 5pm
Get inspired: the multi-purposes of seed-saving by Ryli Dungjen-Gibb
6pm
farm dinner
Wednesday:
8am-9am
farm breakfast
10am-12pm
Planning and water resources – beginning with the end in mind by Beth Gabbett
1pm – 2pm
farm lunch
Farm-to-Table Business 101 by Gabe Murray
3pm -5pm
Perpetual salad greens: the year-round farmer by Canty Worley
6pm
farm dinner
Thursday:
8am – 9am
farm breakfast
10am – 12pm
Get growing – perennials, annuals, and propagation by Beth Gabbett
1pm- 2pm
farm lunch
Homestead cooking 102 by Raileigh Duschen
3pm – 5pm
Appalachian medicinal salve-making by Candance Anthony
6pm
farm dinner
Friday:
8am -9am
farm breakfast
10am-12pm
Dairy goats and their role on the farm by Canty Worley
1pm-2pm
farm lunch
Farm to table business 102 by Gabe Murray
3pm -5pm
Pressed + dried flower art by Beth Gabbett
6pm
Farm dinner and community talent
Hope to see you around!
Peace and gratitude,
Raileigh Duschen

Wild Mushroom ID and Foraging Workshop Aug 3
2024-08-03 14:00 - 17:00
About the Event
Mushroom ID and Foraging Workshop- Saturday, August 3rd from 2pm-5pm
This workshop includes a 2-3 hour walk in the forest while we discover, properly identify, and discuss foraging for wild edible and medicinal mushrooms. We cover the basics to get you started on what could become a lifelong passion and hobby of your’s! We discuss prime habitats where specific mushrooms occur, why and what mushrooms do ecologically, and a thorough discussion on safety precautions as well as practical harvesting/preservation techniques. Lastly, we will go over several outdoor mushroom propagation techniques and show you some simple wild mushroom cooking techniques that we all will sample!
What to bring: water bottle, comfortable walking shoes, and dress for the weather. EPI pen if you are allergic to bees
Rain Policy:
All of our events have indoor rain plans as backups in case of adverse weather. Please dress accordingly and bring rain gear if the forecast looks to be really wet!
Refund Policy:
If you must cancel your reservation to one of our events then please let us know, at the latest, 48 hours before the scheduled time. If an unexpected emergency occurs then please let us know ASAP. For both options, we can offer you the opportunity to attend a future event or receive your money back.

NC Baroque Orchestra Retreat
2024-07-22 - 2024-07-26
The North Carolina Baroque Orchestra (NCBO) is looking forward to working with artistic director Frances Blaker at their upcoming Orchestra Building Retreat at The Mountain Retreat Center July 22-26, 2024! NCBO appreciates the opportunity to explore their musical creativity in the peaceful environment provided by The Mountain. The orchestra will end their week of work together by offering a performance for members of the Highlands community (free and open to the public) on the evening of Thursday, July 25th. Venue TBD.

Wild Foraging Workshop - July 6
2024-07-06 14:00 - 18:00
Learn how to identify and wild forage plants and mushrooms.
About the Event
Wild Foraging Workshop- Saturday, July 6th from 2pm-6pm
This workshop includes a 3-4 hour walk in the forest while we discover, properly identify, and discuss foraging for wild edible and medicinal mushrooms. We cover the basics to get you started on what could become a lifelong passion and hobby of your’s! We discuss prime habitats where specific mushrooms occur, why and what mushrooms do ecologically, and a thorough discussion on safety precautions as well as practical harvesting/preservation techniques. Lastly, we will go over several outdoor mushroom propagation techniques and show you some simple wild mushroom cooking techniques that we all will sample!
What to bring: water bottle, comfortable walking shoes, and dress for the weather. EPI pen if you are allergic to bees
Rain Policy:
All of our events have indoor rain plans as backups in case of adverse weather. Please dress accordingly and bring rain gear if the forecast looks to be really wet!
Refund Policy:
If you must cancel your reservation to one of our events then please let us know, at the latest, 48 hours before the scheduled time. If an unexpected emergency occurs then please let us know ASAP. For both options, we can offer you the opportunity to attend a future event or receive your money back.

Intro to Herbalism - June 29th
2024-06-29 14:00 - 17:00
Learn how to identify and wild forage medicinal plants!
About the Event
Intro to Herbalism Workshop- Thursday, June 29th from 2 pm-5 pm
Identify and wild forage medicinal plants in the Appalachian mountains. Learn to make medicine and cultivate highly medicinal herbs in your garden. Make and take home herbal salves, tinctures, oils, honey, syrups, teas, and poultices.
What to bring: water bottle, comfortable walking shoes, and dress for the weather. EPI pen if you are allergic to bees
Rain Policy:
All of our events have indoor rain plans as backups in case of adverse weather. Please dress accordingly and bring rain gear if the forecast looks to be really wet!
Refund Policy:
If you must cancel your reservation to one of our events then please let us know, at the latest, 48 hours before the scheduled time. If an unexpected emergency occurs then please let us know ASAP. For both options, we can offer you the opportunity to attend a future event or receive your money back.

John McCutcheon's Songwriting Camp June 23-27
2024-06-23 - 2024-06-27
Join Grammy-nominated folk musician and songwriter, John McCutcheon, for an intense, intimate songwriting Master Class at The Mountain Retreat & Learning Center in Highlands, NC.
Join other songwriting lovers for this remarkable event at an even more remarkable place. In between sessions enjoy breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains, healthy, delicious homemade food, and camaraderie.

June 8th Forest to Table Dinner
2024-06-08 16:00 - 20:00
About the Event
Forest to Table Dinners – Approx 2 hours of walking/standing and 2-hour dinner – BYOB.
What to Bring:
water, comfortable shoes, dress for the weather, alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages of choice.
Come reap the best of the June harvest with a delicious dinner sourced from The Many Hands Peace Farm at The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center. We partner with other local, cemical-free, regenerative farm neighbors . The theme for today’s dinner is “Water Retention Strategies for Farms and Homes”

The tour will begin by walking through the different parts of our farm and harvesting some ingredients for your dinner in our vegtable fields. We will then forage for a few wild edibles on our Food Forest paths. We begin by exploring the seasonal delicacies found in the wild as well as in our farm fields, understanding how to identify and prepare these wild treats.
Shortly afterwards guests can taste much of what they found during the foray in a rustic 5-course Forest-to-Table meal harvested and prepared by our very own farmer-chefs. Live music will begin and conclude the evening
During dinner guests will have the opportunity to chat with farm staff about farm happenings and browse the many handcrafted products we prepare and sell at nearby markets. Bring cash or card if you would like to purchase gifts.
All proceeds from the dinners support the operation of Many Hands Peace Farm, which serves as a fundamental piece to The Mountain’s overall commitment to sustainability and ethical land stewardship.

Dietary Concerns:
All meals are chemical-free, nut-free and allergy-specific food accommodations are available. You must let us know when you register so we can plan accordingly. GF, Vegan, dairy-free options are available.
Rain Policy:
All of our events have indoor rain plans as backups in case of adverse weather. Please dress accordingly and bring rain gear if the forecast looks to be really wet!
Refund Policy:
If you must cancel your reservation to one of our events then please let us know, at the latest, 48 hours before the scheduled time. If an unexpected emergency occurs then please let us know ASAP. For both options we can offer you the opportunity to attend a future event or receive your money back.
Questions? Contact our Farm Manager
Jessica.kirslis@themountainrlc.org

Birmingham UU: 2024 Retreat to the Mountains
2024-06-06 08:00 - 2024-07-09 17:00
Members of UU Churches of Birmingham and Tuscaloosa gather for their annual Retreat to The Mountain this Summer!
June 6 – 9, 2024
Join us at the beautiful Mountain Retreat and Learning Center for our annual church retreat. We will have workshops, small and large gatherings, and activities for all ages in the scenic and peaceful mountains. If you’re a member or friend of UUCB and/or UUCT and you’d like to attend, we’d love to see you!
When
Program: June 6 – 9, 2024
Registration Opens: Now
Registration Deadline: May 23, 2024
Registration
Registration open to UUCB & UUCT members, friends, and invited guests
​
Registration Fee includes
Lodging
Meals
Use of assigned facilities
Participation in program activities
Adult: 18+; Youth: 12 – 17; Children: 4 – 11; Toddler: 0 – 3:
Youth and Children must be accompanied by a registered parent/guardian
Youth and Children are lodged with an accompanying registered parent/guardian
3 Days / 2 Nights Package​
Adult Double Occupancy: $240 per person
Adult Single Occupancy: $380 per person (Limited Availability)
Youth (12-17): $140 per person
Children (4-11): $110 per person
Toddler (0-3) – Free
Thursday Night Stayover (Includes meals)
Adult Double Occupancy: $120 per person
Adult Single Occupancy: $190 per person (Limited Availability)
Youth (12-17): $70 per person
Children (4-11): $65 per person
Toddler (0-3) – Free

2024 UU Young Adult Con
2024-05-30 08:00 - 2024-06-02 17:00
Young Adult CONs at The Mountain are back!
May 30 – June 2, 2024
Our theme will be CONstructing community. There will be various group activities run by young adults for young adults to foster community building, spiritual growth, YA empowerment, and so much more! The con will be open to young adults ages 18-35, and there will be workshops exclusive to emerging adults (ages 18-25).
Activities
CONstructing Community will provide a vast array of workshops with themes including (but not limited to):
Real construction projects
Outdoor recreation (hiking, bushcraft, water activities, etc.)
Building with LEGOs
Building young adult networks
Social justice and activism
Self-actualization
Speed-friending
All workshops are optional so folks can take time to relax and recharge during the weekend. We hope to create a safe space for Unitarian Universalist young adults to build lasting friendships that will extend beyond the Mountain. We will work together to construct our own identity toolkits for young adulthood!
When
Program: May 30 – June 2, 2024
Registration Deadline: May 16, 2024
Registration open now!
Registration
Adult 4 days / 3 nights, Thursday – Sunday: $300 ($50 deposit)
​
Adult 3 days / 2 nights, Friday – Sunday: $225 ($50 deposit)
Scholarships
Do you want to attend the CON but can’t pay the full price? Email Guest Services at gsoffice@themountainrlc.org to apply for a scholarship!
​
Want to help someone attend the CON? During registration, select a Scholarship Program Add-On to make a donation!

Wild Mushroom ID & Foraging Workshop Sept 21
2024-05-21 08:00 - 17:00
About the Event
Mushroom ID and Foraging Workshop- Saturday, Sept 21st from 2pm-5pm

This workshop includes a 2-3 hour walk in the forest while we discover, properly identify and disucss foraging for wild edible and medicinal mushrooms. We cover the basics to get you started on what could become a lifelong passion and hobby of your’s! We discuss prime habitats where specific mushrooms occur, why and what mushrooms do ecologically and a thorough discussion on safety precautions as well as practical harvesting/preservation techniquers. Lastly, we will go over several outdoor mushrrom propagation techniques and show you some siple wild mushroom cooking techniques that we all will sample!
What to bring: water bottle, comfortable walking shoes, and dress for the weather. EPI pen if you are allergic to bee’s
Rain Policy:
All of our events have indoor rain plans as backups in case of adverse weather. Please dress accordingly and bring rain gear if the forecast looks to be really wet!

Refund Policy:
If you must cancel your reservation to one of our events then please let us know, at the latest, 48 hours before the scheduled time. If an unexpected emergency occurs then please let us know ASAP. For both options we can offer you the opportunity to attend a future event or receive your money back.

2024 UUWomenspirit - Spring Gather at the Crossroads
2024-05-15 - 2024-05-19
Weekday Institute: May 15-17, 2024
Weekend Gathering: May 17-19, 2024
UUWomenspirit is a semi-annual retreat where women have gathered since 1987 to explore and celebrate the Feminine Divine. Our theme for this event is Gather at the Crossroads, an ancient symbol invoking a convergence of intersecting paths, a place of contemplation and reflection, a place of choice, and a place from where the first step is taken. During our time together, we will meet Hecate, the ancient Goddess of the Crossroads. She will help us tap into our own inner wisdom and intuition, guiding us as we choose to step forward or remain in stillness. We will dance, sing, and share with our sisters.
Weekday tracks, weekend workshops and daily worship services will guide our way as we explore the Crossroads in many forms. Additional activities during the event will offer opportunities for conversation, connection, laughter and quiet reflection.
What is UUWomenspirit?
UUWomenspirit is a semi-annual spiritual retreat for women from all walks of life. We gather recognizing that we have journeyed on varied paths to Spirit: earth-based, indigenous tribal, Christian, Hebrew, Wiccan, Buddhist, and more. We gather to honor the manifestation of the Feminine Divine in our own deep beings, in each other, and in the world around us.
​We recognize and celebrate the four ages of Woman: the Maiden, whose curiosity and boundless energy propel her towards discovery; the Mother, whose endurance and nurturing comfort all; the Warrior, whose passion and strength protect what is vital for the greatest good; and the Crone, whose wisdom and patience bring a wise perspective to us all. Each passage teaches us and those around us. All women are welcome at UUWomenspirit, regardless of sex assigned at birth.
Registration
Registration for UUWomenspirit retreats is completed through our registration system, “She Meets”.
To learn when registration opens and about pricing, schedule, our offerings, and more, please visit our website uuwomenspirit.org.
Please feel free to download the flyer below and share with others!
