Learn how to create and sustain vibrant native meadows and grasslands in this hands-on class led by Chris Erickson, founder of Untamed Gardens, and Mathieu Boudreau, a Berkshire–born farmer, potter and arborist on Saturday, May 23, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Moving beyond traditional gardening approaches, this course covers site assessment, plant establishment and techniques for using targeted disturbance to support and strengthen native plant communities. The class combines an indoor session with a field visit, where participants will see real-world examples and explore practical tools, methods, and equipment for maintaining healthy, resilient meadows. Gain the knowledge and confidence to bring the beauty and ecological benefits of native meadows to your own landscape.

Chris Erickson founded Untamed Gardens after a career in horticulture that bounced between natural areas management and traditional landscaping outfits. They have worked as a technician on Minnesota prairie restorations, an arborist in an urban park system, a gardener in a 4,000-acre public park with native-only landscaping, and as the manager of a green roof maintenance portfolio in New York City. 

Mathieu Boudreau is a farmer, potter, and arborist born and raised in Berkshire County. For the past decade, Mathieu worked at Woven Roots in Tyringham, a no-till regenerative farm where he served as farm manager overseeing production, distribution, and the farm crew. Mathieu has also been involved in a number of community outreach and environmental stewardship efforts, including serving as commissioner for both the Stockbridge Forestry and Agricultural Commission and the Kampoosa Bog Stewardship Committee. Mathieu holds a BA in Anthropology and Environmental Studies & Sustainability from Drew University and has a special interest in seed preservation, wine production and sustaining and restoring the local landscape.