Inspired by summer mycology and permaculture festivals in Central PA, a group of friends launched Gather in October 2024 to build community around their love for nature right at home in NJ. Gather is a space where foragers, gardeners, land stewards and the nature-curious come together to learn from each other and celebrate the the beauty of the seasons through foraging, music, arts, communal meals, healing practices, and dance.

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Come join us for Gather Spring!

On Saturday, join a guided foray at Allaire State Park - learn how to spot, identify and sustainably harvest and consume springtime delicacies. The festival itself is held at an animal sanctuary in Howell, NJ. Engage in hands-on nature workshops. Enjoy healthy and delicious community meals. 

On Saturday night, the festival transforms into a lively celebration with musical performances, a communal painting, and gatherings around the fire.

On Sunday, wake up, heat up in a wood-fired sauna, plunge into an ice bath and heal your body and mind with yoga, and other healing activities.

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Funds raised will go towards compensating the artists and contributors, as well as supporting our host, an incredible nonprofit animal sanctuary.

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We would like to keep this event accessible to all and have sliding scale options available. Please email tim@happysanctuary.com if you need accommodation.

SCHEDULE 

Saturday:

Foray w/ Yakking Yoni @ Allaire State Park - 9:30a-12p

Lunchtime (back at the santuary) - 12:30p

Spruce Tip Workshop - 1-2p

Seed Paper Making Workshop w/ Sarah Beard - 2:30-3:30p

Permaculture 101 w/ RJ Testa - 4-5p

Trees vs Fungi Workshop (Butt & Root Complexes) w/ Lou - 5-6pm

Dinnertime - 6pm

7-10:30 Musical Performances by Gaia Raga & Blush

10:30 Community campfire hangs/jams

Sunday:

Yoga w/ Ganga, with open sauna/cold plunge - 8:30-10a

Ayurveda - Fixing Your Gut Naturally w/ Kimberly Kubicke - 10-11a

Lunchtime - 12-1p

Song circle w/ Karsyn & Jane - 1-2p

Ecstatic dance w/ DJ Nah Mean? - 2-3:30p

Medicine songs w/ Madhuri - 3:30-4:30p

CAMPING INFO

We have plenty of tent sites available. You will not be able to park and leave your car next to your site for the duration of the event but you will be able to do so while dropping off/ picking up your things! There is no electric hook up available. 

Port-o-potties on-site.

FOOD INFO

We will be setting up a communal kitchen with hot plates, fuel, and cooking supplies. It will be open to all. If you forage, or just want to share your homemade goods, you can bring it and cook it! 

Some food will be available (included in ticket price - mainly vegan, but also vegetarian - ie. Vegan chili, pasta, bagels) for Saturday lunch, Saturday dinner, as well as Sunday brunch. On Saturday night, we will also have a food vendor on the premises selling homemade sourdough pizzas! We encourage folks to bring their own food if they have special preferences, restrictions or want to contribute. 

We highly encourage guests to bring anything you may need beyond the aforementioned. Please contact us with any questions!

MERCH