“The woods and fields are a table always spread.” - Henry David Thoreau

Foraging is the act of finding and gathering wild and native plants. Humans have been foragers and gatherers of plants for most of our existence on this planet. By engaging in this age-old practice, we can provide healthy and free food, culinary delights, and numerous natural-world gifts. We can become more self-reliant and connect more deeply to our landscape.

Over the six months – three seasons, you will go from learning foraging basics to incorporating wild plants into your everyday life and gaining the knowledge to share what you know with others confidently.

Topics covered may include:

• Foraging Basics and Precautions

• Ethics of Foraging

• Plant Observation

• Basic Botany & Ecology

• Plant Identification: Wildflower Meadow, Forest Edge, and Woodland Species

• Foraging for Greens & Edible Wildflowers

• Native and Local Culinary Spices & Uses

• Harvesting, Preparation, and Wild Ferments

• Primitive Skills Integrating Wild Plants into Daily Life

• Includes:

  • Homework and additional reading assignments to further advance your study outside of class.

Student outcomes:

• A well-rounded understanding of foraging basics and ethics

• Gain a working knowledge of local wild plants

• Exposure to a network of foraging enthusiasts

• Confidence in sharing the knowledge of native plants

• A deeper connection to the land which nourish us

2024 Dates & Times:

The walks will take place from April to September and run approximately 2 to 2 1/2 hours one to two evenings each month, from 6:30 pm till dark; summer time begins at 7 pm. September sessions start at 6 pm. We begin indoors and move outdoors through the trails and our forest gardens.