A Small-Group Tree Net Weaving Retreat in Vermont
Come join us in the Mad River Valley for a small-group, hands-on tree net weaving retreat!
What We’ll Be Doing
Over the course of four days, we’ll work together to weave a complete tree net from start to finish, while exploring the surrounding forest, valley, and working landscape that will host the build. The process will be hands-on and collaborative, with plenty of room for experimentation, questions, and learning by doing.
Why This Retreat
The intention is simple: Spend time outdoors, learn a new skill, meet new people, and work side by side on a shared project in a beautiful place.
The Location
Living Tree Alliance - 110 Living Tree Ln, Moretown, VT 05660
The retreat will take place at Living Tree Alliance in the Mad River Valley of Vermont. The property sits in a rural, forested setting about 45 minutes from Burlington International Airport and approximately 3.5 hours by car from Boston.
Most participants will plan to arrive by car, either by renting from Burlington or driving directly from the Northeast. If you’re traveling from farther away and aren’t sure about the best route, we’re happy to help you think through logistics and timing.
The Timeline
Below is a general outline of how the days will unfold.
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Wednesday May 27th - Arrival & Welcome - Arrive, settle into lodging, and a shared meal so everyone gets to meet each other.
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Thursday May 28th - Acclimation and Begin Weaving - A slow morning to explore the surroundings, followed by an introduction to weaving and our first hands-on session, ending with a relaxed family dinner.
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Friday May 29th - Continuing the Weave - A full day of weaving with time for practice, swimming in the river, and rest woven throughout.
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Saturday May 30th - Finishing the Net - Continuing the build, refining techniques, and finishing the net, with space for optional wandering or downtime before a final shared dinner.
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Sunday May 31st - Closing & Departure - A gentle morning to enjoy the net, final lunch together before we say goodbye.
About Living Tree Alliance
This retreat will take place at Living Tree Alliance, a small farm-based community in Vermont’s Mad River Valley. The land is stewarded by a group of families who are building a place centered on self-reliance, shared work, and reconnecting people with the rhythms of land and season.
The short film below is an excerpt from 4 Forward Together, which introduces the community and the vision behind Living Tree Alliance.
Living Tree is not a retreat center in the usual sense. It is a living place, where farming, education, and daily community life all happen together. The community hosts youth programs, apprenticeships, and seasonal gatherings that bring people into direct relationship with land, food, and one another.
Our tree net retreat fits naturally into that story. For four days we’ll be working with our hands to build a structure together, drawing on the long human lineage of weaving while adapting those ideas to a modern landscape and materials.
Our days won’t be limited to weaving alone. We’ll also cook together, share meals, spend time in the gardens and around the farm, explore the trails and river, and settle into the slower rhythm of a place where work and daily life are closely tied to the land itself.
Where We'll be Staying
The retreat will be based around the Common House at Living Tree Alliance, a farmhouse apartment at the center of the community’s small cohousing village nestled in the Mad River Valley.
The Common House will function as our shared base throughout the retreat. It includes a full kitchen, dining space, and open living areas where we’ll cook meals, gather in the evenings, and regroup between work sessions. Regardless of where you choose to sleep, much of the retreat’s daily life will naturally center around the house and the surrounding property.
Participants can choose from several ways of staying on the land. The Common House itself has several bedrooms upstairs along with flexible sleeping space, while a private guest suite is also available for those who prefer more privacy.
Camping is another option for those who enjoy a simpler stay. Living Tree’s camping area includes raised tent platforms nestled among the trees, so you won’t be sleeping directly on the ground. Campers have access to outdoor facilities and the same shared spaces on the property as everyone else.
The group size is intentionally small. Living, eating, and building together in one place helps create the steady coordination and shared rhythm that collaborative structures require.
Independent Guest Reviews
Living Tree Alliance is also listed on Airbnb with a long history of 5-star reviews from guests who have stayed on the land.
Retreat Tuition
Tree Net Weaving Retreat
$600 per person
This covers the core retreat experience for all participants, including:
- The full 4-day, hands-on tree net weaving retreat
- Instruction, guidance, and materials used during the build
- All meals from Wednesday dinner through Sunday lunch
- Shared use of the property and surrounding land
- Lifetime access to both the beginner and advanced CanopyCraft online tree net weaving courses for continued learning before and after the retreat
This portion of the retreat is the same for everyone, regardless of lodging choice.
Three Ways to Stay
All lodging prices are per night. Shared room and camping spots are priced per person. Private rooms are priced per room. The retreat runs 4 nights (Wednesday–Sunday).
FAQ
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Do I need prior weaving experience?
No. The retreat is beginner-friendly. Over the course of the retreat, we'll go from tying the knots to full sized weaves. All skill levels are welcome!
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How physically demanding is the retreat?
We’ll be working with our hands and standing for periods of time, but there’s flexibility and rest built into the days. The most strenuous part will be the weaving on your wrists, but I'll make sure to show techniques to reduce strain over time.
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Is lodging included in the retreat tuition?
Tuition covers weaving instruction, materials, meals, and retreat activities. Lodging is selected separately (shared room, private room, or camping).
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What does the camping option include?
Camping guests bring their own tent, hammock or van setup and have full access to bathrooms, showers, kitchen, meals, and all retreat activities.
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Does the retreat include access to your online course?
Yes. Participants will receive lifetime access to both the Beginner and Advanced video courses so they watch before hand (totally optional) and have it as a resource after the retreat.
