Course Registration
ADV - Native Nettle Cordage and Lichen Dyes
Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge website
16797 289th Ave NWZimmerman, MN 55398
Stinging Nettles are a plant of utility and intrigue. Join Fern Naomi Renville, activist, fiber artist and member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate who lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, to learn about traditional stinging nettle cordage preparation. Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) has provided medicine, food, shelter and clothing to people for thousands of years. Workshop participants will prepare a small sample of cordage and use part of the cordage for natural dyes.
In the second part of the workshop, participants will learn to prepare traditional Native American lichen vat-dyes, sumac and black walnut dye for cotton, nettle, hemp or wool. Zan Tomko is a MN lichen-scout and experienced natural dyer. Participants will understand the difference between vat-dyes and water-baths and will collect natural dye recipes and yarn samples.
The advanced training cost is $55.00.
There will be time before or after the workshop for exploring Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge.
Snacks and nettle tea will be provided.
The course cost is $55 and includes course manuals and supplies.
Course Dates:
Meeting from 12:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. on:
- Saturday, March 22, 2025
Instructor Information
Always balancing between art and horticulture, Zan taught computer graphic design at Illinois Central College, Peoria High School and American Indian OIC. Previously, she was a program manager in horticulture and conservation for Fon du lac Park district in East Peoria, IL, where she promoted U of I Master Gardener & Junior Master Gardener programs. Before that she was a staff photographer & editor at State Farm Insurance, Illinois Farm Bureau and Illinois Audubon Magazine.
She has a bachelor’s degree in K-12 Art Education from Eastern Illinois University and a Masters in Fine Arts Photography from Illinois State. She has MN teaching license, Master Gardener’s designation from Purdue and University of IL and is currently a horticulture student at Hennepin Technical College.
Sponsor Information
Minnesota Master Naturalist
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