Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Where is Raven's Roots based?
Answer: Currently, Raven’s Roots Naturalist School is based in beautiful Bellingham, WA. Our Immersion Courses take place across the western portion of the state, and sometimes east of the Cascades as well, but most short classes will be centered within a few hours drive of Bellingham.

Question: Can my children attend classes at Raven's Roots?
Answer: Raven's Roots courses are age 18+ only unless listed otherwise. We do sometimes offer family classes where parents can attend with their children. Free programs are generally open to families with children of all ages!

Question: How large are the classes at Raven's Roots?
Answer: We strive for a healthy student to instructor ratio. Most of our courses will be capped at a 13 to 1 student to instructor ratio.

Question: Will I have to arrange for a place to stay during class weekends?
Answer:  For Immersion Course Programs, Raven's Roots will have reserved campsites included as part of the course (they are part of what is covered by the course fee)! Camping out with us is not required, but if a student choses to find other lodging then we are not able to offer help with finding those accomidations (although we may be able to offer recommendations).

Question: Are there tuition payment plans for Raven's Roots Immersion Courses available?
Answer: We try to keep costs down and tuition within the reach of as many people as possible. We are willing to work with our students one on one to help alleviate any anxieties around tuition costs. Monthly or individualized payment plans, and even work trade options are available if full tuition payment isn't possible the first weekend of class. We also try to offer programs on a sliding scale where possible. Please visit the contact us page if you'd like more details.

Question: What are Raven's Roots refund policies?
Answer: See our Refund Policy Page for an in-depth response to this question!

Question: How do I get to class?
Answer: Travel to and from classes is the students responsibility. You will always be given directions on where and when to meet up with your class. For field trips, students will receive an email from the instructor the week before class with the meeting location and students travel to the destination themselves. We encourage car-pooling if students and instructors are coming from similar locations and Raven's Roots can help coordinate this.

Question: Are there bathrooms available or should we prepare to dig a hole?  What amenities are available to me while I am in class?
Answer:  We have no fear of natural functions here at Raven's Roots.  We will have a bathroom available when we are on our campus and will generally be staying at campgrounds that have facilities when in the field.  There is the possibility that we may end up in situations where such facilities are not available, but in those cases digging a cat hole should be sufficient.

Question: What types of supplies should I bring with me to class?
Answer: The answer to this depends upon the course you've signed up for and instructors will be in touch to let you know about specialized or specific items you'll need. Generally though, think about clothing for the weather (including rain gear and wool under-layers), sturdy boots, a hat, a daypack to carry your things in, a notebook and writing utensil, food for your meals, snacks, and water, a camera, binoculars, camping gear, and any field guides you find helpful.

Question: What if the question I have wasn't answered here?
Answer: Please email Raven's Roots at info@ravensroots.org and ask. We will get back to you with an answer and you may find your question added to this very page for others to benefit from.