COURSE DESCRIPTION

The flowers are blooming and we’re diving into the weeds of this glorious time of year! Step outside with us (through our screens) to explore the Nature, Myths, and Legends of spring! This course will be a three-part lecture series hosted by science communicator Dr. Kelly Reidy, host of our very own Accidental Discoveries, featuring the expertise of mythologist and storytell Dr. John Bucher and naturalist and herbalist Vanessa Chakour. We’ll connect to the Spring season by uncovering traditional rites of spring, unraveling age-old cultural practices around this spirited season, and exploring the vibrant tapestry of spring’s impact on the animal kingdom. Lastly, we’ll go on an ‘Online Plant Walk,’ where we’ll delve into the wonders of nature through plant identification, ethical foraging, and wildcrafting, fostering a deep sense of connection to the Earth. Join us as we weave together the threads of nature, culture, and folklore, unlocking the secrets and magic of springtime traditions.

SYLLABUS AT A GLANCE

This course includes three total sessions, each lasting 1 hour on three consecutive days beginning May 20.

Session 1 (Monday, 5/20, 7–8:00 PM ET) | Echoes of Tradition: Myths and Rites of Spring With Dr. John Bucher

Session 2 (Tuesday, 5/21, 7–8:00 PM ET) | Rebirth & Renewal: Spring Wildlife Wonders With Dr. Kelly Reidy

Session 3 (Wednesday, 5/22, 7–8:00 PM ET) | Online Plant Walk: Wildcrafting and Natural Connections With Vanessa Chakour

YOUR INSTRUCTORS

Dr. Kelly Reidy

Dr. Kelly Reidy is a storyteller, performer, and rogue scientist based in New York City. She is an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Math & Science at Pratt Institute and has traveled the world as a creative consultant with Museum Hack. In her spare time, she writes and performs small songs about, among other things, love and mathematics. Find her on IG and Twitter: @drunkascheese!

Dr. John Bucher

Dr. John Bucher is a mythologist and storyteller based out of Hollywood, California. He serves as Creative Director for the Joseph Campbell Foundation and is also an author, podcaster, speaker, teacher, and consultant. He has worked with companies including HBO, DC Comics, The History Channel, A24 Films, and has served as a consultant and writer for numerous film, television, and Virtual Reality projects. He co-hosts the Skeleton Keys podcast, which examines mythology and history in pop culture, with Historian Torri Yates-Orr. John holds a PhD in Mythology and Depth Psychology and has spoken on 6 continents about myth, story, rituals, symbols, and cults.

Vanessa Chakour

Vanessa Chakour is an author, naturalist, visual artist, herbalist and nature advocate. A dynamic blend of her vast personal experiences over 20+ years, she facilitates courses and retreats; helping students access their inner wild while learning from the plants, fungi and animals that share their ecosystems. She created Rewilding Through Writing programs to facilitate healing through the creative process; encouraging writers to trust their creative instincts and build confidence in their voice. Vanessa lives with her partner in Western Massachusetts where they steward Mount Owen Forest Sanctuary, promoting ecosystem diversity and resilience through forest stewardship and propagation of native and endangered plants and fungi. She is the author of Awakening Artemis, a memoir of healing through the lens of 24 medicinal plants, and the forthcoming Earthly Bodies: Embracing Animal Nature that Sy Montgomery, bestselling author of How to Be A Good Creature, calls a "triumphant and vibrant interweaving of memoir and natural history."

WHAT TO EXPECT

This lecture series is designed so students can participate live or watch a recording of each session, after it airs, at a time that is convenient for them. Sessions will take place live over Zoom, with dedicated Q&A segments for students to ask questions via video or chat. Within 72 hours after each session meets, students will receive access to a recording of the live session, which they can watch for up to two weeks after the course concludes.

Instructors may use Google Classroom to communicate with students outside of class. While students aren’t required to use Google Classroom, instructors may use this platform to post resources, discussion questions, or assignments. This platform also offers a space for students to connect with one another about course material between sessions.

ACCESSING YOUR COURSE

Once registered, you’ll receive a confirmation email from Eventbrite that will provide access to the class meeting. Please save the confirmation email as you’ll use it to access all sessions of your course via Zoom.

PRICING OPTIONS

This course is available at three ticket prices. This tiered pricing model is designed to increase access for a wider range of students as well as to support our instructors. In addition to tiered tickets, we offer a limited number of no-pay spots for students who would not otherwise be able to take this course. No-pay spots are selected via a randomized drawing two weeks before each section begins. For more information and to apply for a no-pay spot, please click here. To learn more about our pricing model and randomized selection process for no-pay spots, please visit our FAQ page.

COMMUNITY GUIDELINES FOR STUDENTS

Please take a moment to review our community guidelines for students, which aim to share our classroom ethos and help set the stage for the best possible learning experience.

ACCESSIBILITY

We provide closed captioning for all of our courses and can share transcripts upon request. Please reach out to us at [email protected] if you have any questions, requests, or accessibility needs.

ATLAS OBSCURA ONLINE COURSES

Atlas Obscura Courses offer opportunities for participants to emerge with new skills, knowledge, connections, and perspectives through multi-session classes designed and taught by expert instructors. To learn more about our current course offerings, please visit www.atlasobscura.com/online-courses. For answers to commonly asked questions, check out our FAQ page here.

Founded in 2009, Atlas Obscura created the definitive community-driven guide to incredible places across the planet and is now an award-winning company that shares the world’s hidden wonders in person and online.