Thursday, November 17th, 10am-1pm

Oak trees are keystone species, meaning they support such an abundant array of life that without them, the ecosystems of which they're a part would change irreparably. Have you ever stood under an oak and noticed how very many beings just one tree supports? How many animals, large and small, are eating and taking shelter under their canopy? Oaks themselves are ecosystems, really—each tree a pillar supporting so many insect, bird, and mammal (including human) communities.

A particularly intriguing interspecies relationships oaks engage in, of interest to both dyers and nature lovers alike, exists between oak trees and a number of gall-inducing insects. When insect and oak meet, a tannin-rich growth called a gall is formed—the shape, size, color, and content of which is determined by the unique combination of tree and insect species.

As you might imagine, the world of galls is rich with diversity and mystery! They are a sort of terra incognita of plant science, too, with many as yet unstudied and unidentified. Like the galls’ richness of form, they are a wealth of utility and beauty in the dye pot, functioning as both mordant and potential dramatically colored (gray, purple-blue, brown, black) dye.

Join me under the generous shade of the coast live oaks by Millard Creek in Altadena for a day of learning and dyeing with one of California’s most essential and recognizable trees. We’ll begin with a plant walk focused on exploring and engaging with the oak community around us, and will work on a dye project with locally gathered oak galls intended to inspire deeper connection with the plant and other more-than-human communities around us.

Each participant will go home with some homemade gall powder to further experiment with, and new knowledge and inspiration from the oaks. We’ll get a taste of the oak woodland, too—snacks made with acorn flour by Kylie of Kitchen Sink LA will be served!

Sign up with a friend (carpooling highly encouraged) and get 20% off both seats 🐿