Ornithucopia (A Plenty of Birds)

Join us for Ornithucopia, a two-day adventure to celebrate the wonder of birds! Nestled within 126 acres of lush forest and farmland at Elkenmist, this gathering is timed to coincide with the late spring migration, when over a dozen varieties of birds return to our landscape.

Guided by experienced naturalists, we’ll explore the land, identifying migratory birds, learning about their behaviors, and tuning our ears to the trills and melodies of birdsong. Whether you're an avid birder or a curious beginner, this event is designed to awaken your senses to the richness of the avian world. 

Camping accommodations and meals are included in the ticket price for a full retreat experience. Come listen, learn, and celebrate the arrival of our feathered guests in a setting of peace and discovery! 

Ticket includes: Camping, meals (featuring fresh, organic foods from our garden and pasture-raised lambs), and programming. 

Programming includes: Guided bird walks, nature listening sessions, and expert-led discussions. 

Some of the seasonal arrivals we'll be inviting: Osprey, Swallows, the Wood Warblers, the Flycatchers, Waxwings, Swainson's Thrush, Grosbeaks, and Tanagers among many others.

In the evenings we'll fire up the sauna, start a campfire, or maybe even have a screening of The Big Year.

We invite you to be part of this seasonal gathering as we honor the return of our winged visitors and the abundance of spring!

About Elkenmist

Elkenmist is a lush green forested farm land where elk and mist invite humans to become alchemists. Or at least to transform some of their baggage into beauty and transmute some of their garbage into gardens.

The humans here aspire to symbiotic relationships with the land, plants, animals, mushrooms and each other. We invoke intention through time and patterns that rhyme to bring the bounty of the beautiful world we all know is possible. We let go of what no longer serves us. On good days. When we are feeling brave.

We welcome enthusiasm of all kinds to emblazon its wild fire in the hearts of all those who have wood to burn. We attune to techniques of ecstasy that we may harmonize with our purpose and resonate with our higher selves. We drink water from a spring, fresh from the ground with gratitude. We sweat offerings in the sauna and cold plunge our bodies that we may temper our being.

We are practicing becoming people of place, even through all the difficulties and mistakes, cultivating a spirit of joy and serendipity. 

Logistics

When

Depending on the ticket purchased, participants are invited to arrive Fri June 6 or Sat June 7 to set up camp in our campground. Contact us about tent and gear rentals if needed. The event concludes in the evening of June 8. We'll start the daily activities around 10a after serving a light breakfast. 

Food & Accommodation

A full dinner will be provided June 7 and 8. Dinners will be a time for gathering together after the day's activities and socializing, sharing stories. The food hosting team will prioritize local and organic ingredients when possible, and vegetarian options will be available. If you have further dietary needs, let us know when you register and we'll do our best to accommodate. Bring your own breakfast and lunch. There is an outdoor kitchen participants can use to prepare meals. 

Participants staying on-site will need to camp in our spacious campground. Amenities include shared bathroom facilities with hot shower, flush and non-flush toilets, as well as a wood-fired sauna we love to fire up during events! 

A variety of off-site accommodations are nearby.

Contact Sara at Elkenmist (elkenmist@gmail.com) if you have any questions or want any help planning your accommodations! 

Where

On the lands of Elkenmist, 90 minutes northwest of Portland, Oregon in Skamokawa, WA 98647, United States (Map). Venue address will be shared with registered participants.

Financial Transparency

Money collected from ticket sales will pay for expenses include purchasing food and materials for the camp, paying Elkenmist for use of the venue, and paying support staff for preparing and running logistics for the event. Any excess money made from this event will go towards improvement projects at Elkenmist to support the ongoing regenerative agriculture and community development happening here.

We've tried to make this event as financially accessible as possible and hope to offer this event as No One Turned Away for Lack of Funds. If you are financially able to purchase a Supporter Ticket, it makes it possible for us to subsidize the cost for other participants who may be experiencing a financial burden. 

If you have any questions, can consider a donation, or need further financial support contact us at elkenmist@gmail.com