At CPOS, we value diversity and want to make these programs available to all. If you would love to participate yet can’t pay for a workshop or program, please send us an email at register@coastalplainsoutdoors.org. We offer work-trade options for most classes and scholarships too. Write us and describe your needs and goals, what you can contribute, and how you might answer the call to "foster deeper relationships between land and people." ALSO, if you would like to donate money to provide scholarships to others, please let us know at the email above!
Upcoming Programs
Summer Mushrooms of the Piney Woods + Optional Mushroom Log Cultivation, June 25, 2022
Description: Join us for an introduction to the identification, ecology and uses of wild mushrooms of the Gulf South. The day class will focus on laying the foundations in mushroom anatomy, diversity and habitats, then foray into the woods, gather the bounty and share stories of the ecology and cultural uses of wild fungi. An optional evening program covers gourmet mushroom log cultivation using invasive Chinese tallow, dinner and a campfire social. Participants will each take home one inoculated log (more logs available at cost). Complete the day by camping on our 111 acre conservation area in the Desoto National Forest. NOTE: this class is designed with beginner-intermediate adults in mind.
Location: Lumberton, MS. Details upon registration.
Itinerary: January 15, 2022;
8:45 am Check in at
9:00 Day Class begins
~12:00 pm Lunch. Meal option available or bring your own.
3 pm. Day class ends
4:00 pm Mushroom Log Cultivation Evening Program begins
6:00 pm Dinner
7:00 pm Campfire and Evening Social
Cost: $60, includes instruction, materials and hand outs; lunch provided at additional cost.
Additional $50 for evening Mushroom Log cultivation workshop and dinner
$10 overnight tent camping, Other options available see https://allyouneedinstitute.com/private-rentals and contact info@allyouneedinstitute.com for reservations.
Foraging the Gulf South, Fall Edition: 9/11/22
Saturday, September 11th, 2022
9am - 3pm @ All You Need Institute
Come learn the foundational skills for integrating wild foods and materials into daily life throughout the seasons. We will:
- Hike through natural areas to learn about and gather a multitude of useful plants,
mushrooms, and more
- Process and prepare a demonstration foraged meal for tasting.
- Practice techniques that increase, rather than diminish, the availability of wild foods
through propagation, ethical/sustainable harvesting, and ecological “gardening”.
- Develop an understanding of how geography and ecology drive the availability and
productivity of resources in natural communities.
- Take home cuttings to begin your own native plant garden
$60 / person. Suitable for ages 13+. For large groups, ask about custom tours for scouts, families, staff retreats and more. Events are rain or shine. Full refund available up to a week before class begins. No pets allowed. Camping available on-site before or after program for additional fee. Work trade options available.
Suggested packing list, precise location, itinerary, pre-reading, etc provided in welcome packet upon registration. Please reach to Admin@CoastalPlainsOutdoors.org if you have any questions
Bug Blitz Family Fun Camp Jul 29-31
Only a few left!
Join us for a weekend of connecting with land, water and wild things while bonding with your family at our family summer camps! Our camps offer naturalist-led adventures, night-hikes, campfire programs, nature-based games, swimming, and lots of skills for connecting with the outdoors. Activities are geared towards kids 4-14 and will be split up based on age. All activities are optional, so feel free to bring kids of all ages and participate wherever feels appropriate. Inquire about childcare options for kids 0-4.
This will be a weekend dedicated to exploring and showcasing the diversity of invertebrates in our world, from butterflies and dragonflies, to beetles and millipedes. Special activities include black-lighting for moths, rearing caterpillars, pollinator gardening, learning to use special baits and traps, and more!