Natural Native Plant Tie‑Dye Workshop at Roberto Adobe & Sunol House Museum

Join us for our first Natural Native Plant Tie-Dye Workshop on Saturday, May 9 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm!

Throughout the workshop, attendees can expect guided demonstrations, tables and seating for up to thirty‑five participants, opportunities to experiment with different native plant dye baths, and time to create their own one of a kind pieces. Whether you are passionate about native plants, curious about ethnobotany, or simply looking for a meaningful and creative weekend activity, this event offers a fun and educational experience rooted in local ecology and cultural traditions.

We will provide a selection of cotton items for participants to dye at no cost, and everyone is welcome to bring their own natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, jute, hemp, bamboo viscose/rayon, wool, cashmere, or silk. Natural fibers absorb plant-based dyes more effectively than synthetic materials because they bond with pigments in a more stable and environmentally friendly way. Thrifting and antique shopping for natural fabrics is an accessible and sustainable way to find high quality pieces, supporting upcycling and reducing textile waste.

This program honors the long standing relationships Indigenous people have maintained with native plants and the ethnobotanical knowledge carried forward to our present. The workshop will center on plants native to the Santa Clara Valley while also recognizing that some species have ranges that extend across North and South America and even the wider Northern Hemisphere, reflecting the homelands and trade networks of diverse Indigenous communities whose stewardship and knowledge shaped their cultural uses. The public event welcomes all ages and skill levels to learn, create, and connect with local biodiversity. We look forward to welcoming the community for a vibrant day that honors place, cultural respect, creativity, and the beauty of native plants.

We will provide charcuterie style refreshments.

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Afterwards, tour the Roberto Adobe and Sunol House, which is a historic museum certified as an Interpretive Site of the Anza Trail and included in the Passport 2 History program. The site remains an important landmark focusing on Indigenous, Spanish, Mexican, and United States histories.

If you have any questions, suggestions, or interested in sharing your knowledge, please email our grants and garden manager at [email protected]. Thank you for your time and consideration.

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Host or Publisher California Pioneers of Santa Clara County