Join us for a special field day at Animal Farm Permaculture in Cat Spring, Texas, where you'll explore a thriving permaculture homesite, market garden farm and education center, learn about regenerative land stewardship, and discover the rich tradition of yaupon tea.
This immersive experience begins with a guided tour of the farm, highlighting permaculture design strategies that support healthy soils, biodiversity, food production, and ecological resilience. Participants will then enjoy a farm-to-table lunch featuring seasonal ingredients, offering an opportunity to connect with fellow attendees and experience the flavors of the local landscape.
In the field, we will be lead for a forage walk and tal focused on Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria), North America's only naturally caffeinated plant. Learn how to identify yaupon, understand its cultural and ecological significance, and explore ethical foraging practices that support healthy plant populations and ecosystems. The workshop concludes with a hands-on demonstration of harvesting, roasting, and brewing yaupon tea, taking participants through the process from plant to cup.
Participants Will Learn:
Permaculture design strategies in practice at Animal Farm Permaculture
How to identify yaupon holly in the landscape
Ethical harvesting and responsible foraging techniques
The history and cultural significance of yaupon tea
Methods for drying, roasting, and brewing yaupon leaves
The role of native plants in regenerative food systems
Ways to incorporate edible and useful native plants into home landscapes and food forests
Whether you're interested in permaculture, native plants, food systems, or traditional plant knowledge, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to learn directly from the land while enjoying community, good food, and hands-on experience.
Location: Animal Farm Permaculture, Cat Spring, TX
Includes: Guided farm tour, farm-to-table lunch, foraging walk, and yaupon tea demonstration
Recommended for: Gardeners, foragers, land stewards, permaculture practitioners, and anyone interested in native edible plants and regenerative living.