Networking + Conference Planning Party!

Dates: April 18th-19th, 2026

Cost: $200 - $300, sliding scale

DESCRIPTION:

Join us for a weekend of connection, networking, and a little mud! We’ve been talking with the folks at Root Down Building Collective and we all agree - it would be amazing to start organizing with a small group of natural building enthusiasts in our region, to begin discussing and envisioning what a future Southeastern Natural Building Colloquium could look like! And of course, we want to meet, connect, mix some mud, and party together as well! Let’s get together and dream big, find ways to support each other, and begin to weave the web of natural builders here in the Southeast so that we can strengthen and grow this building movement even more!

For anyone who can arrive on Friday evening, we'll start the weekend by sharing a dinner together. Saturday will begin with a leisurely hands-on group project, such as installing some wattle-and-daub, while chatting and getting to know one another. After Saturday’s lunch, we will dive into a discussion about a future colloquium. We will then flow into our '5x5 sessions' where those who wish to participate will have a chance to present themselves/their work to the group, in a brief and relaxing setting. If you have a topic you’d like to formally present, there is a section of the registration form to request a slot. We'll end Saturday with pizzas from our Cob Oven and enjoying each other's company. Bring your instrument!

On Sunday, there will be more time for discussions, and planning sessions on how to move forward with future gatherings. We’ll also have some outdoor space set up with materials, sample boards, and tables - for optional experimenting and small projects (making plaster tests, dorodango balls, sculptural experiments, etc...). Following Sunday’s lunch will be closing circle, since some participants will have to leave for travel. For anyone who wishes to stay longer, our remaining time will be unscheduled, with options for continuing projects, walking through the woods trails to the creek, or just relaxing and talking by the pond!

Below is more information about meals, lodging options (we have cottages for rent!), and other details. Please reserve your spot as soon as possible! We will open this event to additional folks after February 18th, 2026. We will need to cap the event once we meet our max capacity. We hope to see you there!

Food is provided- from Friday’s dinner through Sunday’s lunch. Saturday evening we’ll make pizza in the cob oven!
Breakfasts are a simple spread of options such as yogurt, granola, oatmeal packets, fresh fruit, etc. Coffee is also provided!
Lunches are hearty vegetarian meals, and we can accommodate vegan and gluten free diets as well. Just let us know of any dietary restrictions!
Tent sites are available for anyone wanting to camp.
We have 6 tiny sleeping cottages available to rent - 4 with natural walls, and 2 wooden A-frames. See the options here. Each cottage provides the basics- a mattress with fresh bedding, a lamp, and a fan. If you’re interested in a cottage, there is space to let us know on the registration form.
Check out our FAQ page for more info about nearby towns.
This is held at the Mud Dauber campus, adjacent to our small homestead, in Snow Camp, NC.
We are 10 min away from Saxapahaw, 20 minutes from Siler City & Pittsboro, 30 minutes from Carrboro/Chapel Hill, and one hour from the Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU).