Ethical Foraging Herb Walks: The Art of Wildcrafting

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“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 include:

ReCreate, Reconnect, ReCollect
Foraging Basics and Precautions
Ethics of Foraging and other considerations
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
During the course, students may take advantage of the following:
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 sustains us

2023 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. August and September sessions start at 6 pm. We begin indoors and move outdoors through the trails and our forest gardens.

Friday Evening Herb Walks

April 21 (6:30 pm)
May 5, 12 (7 pm)
June 9, 16 (7 pm)
July 7, 14 (7 pm)
August 18, 25 (6:30 pm)
Sept 1, 8, 29 (6 pm)