Braided Roots

08/31/2026

We at Braided Roots are now officially off and running as a 501(c)(3) non profit! Follow us Braided Roots

We are having a Fall Fundraiser Plant Sale on Saturday, September 5th. Far too many species to list here. All proceeds go to support our mission at Braided Roots.

If there is interest, I would love to host a Q/A session before the fundraiser begins. Get in touch with me at:

[email protected]

Some cool species for sale:

Chinkapin Oak
Hazlenut
Witch Hazel
Bald Cypress
Big Bluestem
Swamp Saxifrage
Blue Lobelia
Grey Goldenrod
Riddells Goldenrod
Bog Goldenrod

Way, way more

Fundraiser will be at:

2207 W. Wright Rd.
McHenry, 60050

From:

9am-2pm

04/06/2026

Bringing our Sourdough Basics workshop to Mchenry!! Excited to connect and collaborate with Verdant Sol and hold some community events in their new space ✨
Come learn the basics and chemistry of sourdough bread making, along with take home your own tasty starter. Can’t wait to see your there!!

Ready to finally UNDERSTAND sourdough? 👀

We’re bringing you a hands-on workshop where you’ll master the art (and science) of sourdough~ from building a strong starter to understanding fermentation like a pro.

And yes… you’ll leave with your own starter to keep it going 🍞

Limited seats, don’t wait.

Date: Tuesday, April 28th
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Host: Courtney Klemm of
Class Cost: $45
Location: Verdant Sol, 1328 N Riverside Drive

Tickets: https://square.link/u/vebFBpff

03/18/2026

Japanese Indigo (Persicaria tinctoria) babies!! 🌿 Excited to get these little ones in the garden this year and craft my own dried indigo powder. Planning on June for a natural dye or indigo vat workshop!! Soooo excited 🌈

02/27/2026

Have you ever wondered exactly what was going on in our Forest Preserves when you see those GIANT plumes of smoke billowing into the sky?
Join me for a guided hike post prescribed burn. This will be a free event. We will talk about why prescribed fire is so important for native ecosystems, how prescribed burns are planned, and then conducted. All while hiking the perimeter of a recently burned unit.
Date: Saturday, March 14th from 10-11am
Location: TBD (depends on which specific areas will be burned in the next coming weeks)
Sign up by emailing me at:
[email protected]
And remember to start following us at:
Braided Roots

02/27/2026

Have you ever wondered exactly what was going on in our Forest Preserves when you see those GIANT plumes of smoke billowing into the sky?

Join me for a guided hike post prescribed burn. This will be a free event. We will talk about why prescribed fire is so important for native ecosystems, how prescribed burns are planned, and then conducted. All while hiking the perimeter of a recently burned unit.

Date: Saturday, March 14th from 10-11am

Location: TBD (depends on which specific areas will be burned in the next coming weeks)

Sign up by emailing me at:

[email protected]

And remember to start following us at:

Braided Roots

02/27/2026

Spring is almost here! 🌱 We are extremely excited to get the season started on our property and many of our seeds have already been planted!
We are offering 2 workshops in early March for new gardeners or ones who have less experience in germination. Even though we always love to purchase plants and support other growers...there is something special about starting your own plants from seed!
Join Courtney in Chicago at The Eco Flamingo on March 10th (7pm) or in Grayslake at Somethings Brewing Inc on March 13th (6pm). Learn more about stratification, scarification, light dependent germination and further ways to help start your seeds!! Check out our website to get more details. See you then!

02/23/2026

We are excited for our next event at the College of Lake County on March 7th. Join us at the EMG Seed Expo! Come chat with Will and Courtney about our mission and what you can look forward to this upcoming season.
We have begun adding on workshops and classes to our website. Check for updates and community events!

Braided Roots

02/19/2026

02/10/2026

We had SUCH an amazing time at Mchenry County College. Will’s presentation was informative and inspiring, and we left with overwhelming positivity for this venture! So grateful for all the enthusiam on our mission and the new connections we made 🌿🫶🏼