Fall Foraging Foundations: Weekend Intensive

Foraging is the act of finding and gathering wild food and medicine - but it is so much more. This course is an invitation to rekindle our age-old relationships with the land beneath our feet - to develop the skills, knowledge, and practices that are a critical part of our sense of place. Through this work, we can provide ourselves with healthy, FREE food and medicine, become more self-reliant, and connect on a deeper level to the landscape in which we live.
This weekend-long session will provide foundational knowledge for those interested in beginning (or deepening) their path towards building a relationship with the land, incorporating wild plants into their everyday life, and gaining the knowledge to confidently share with others. Expect a diverse array of lecture, conversation, general plant walks, hands-on exercises, and the opportunity for plenty of tasting of both raw and prepared wild foods. 

Topics covered will include: 
•    Safe practices
•    Ethical considerations
•    Basic botany including: terminology, plant parts, and plant families
•    Plant observation and identification
•    Understanding and using plant keys
•    Culinary uses - Harvesting, preparation, cooking and tasting
•    Utilitarian uses - making natural plant cordage

What to bring:
•    Notebook - For taking notes and doing illustration. Lined and unlined may be helpful.
•    Foraging tool if you have them (No need to purchase if not): Pocket knife (non-serrated), scissors, gloves, bags or basket. We’ll cover tools in our first class, if you need recommendations. There will be extras to loan if needed.
•    Field guide if you have one you use already (No need to purchase if not)
•    Water bottle
•    Lunch/Snack - Each day will include a short lunch break

Dress for the weather - We’ll be outside for both classes, rain or shine. Expect to do a fair amount of walking on potentially muddy or uneven ground.
Class will meet on both Saturday, November 9th and Sunday, November 10th from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM. Price of the class includes both 6-hour days of instruction.
Register early, class size is limited.
 

About the Instructor:

This course is being led by Jonathan Darby. Jonathan is the owner/operator of the Wallicks Farm Project, Riverbend Foraging, and co-owner of Riverbend Comics. Jonathan is a farmer, wild foods enthusiast, and educator. He is a certified permaculture designer and teacher and serves on the Board of Directors for the Horn Farm Center for Agricultural Education.
 

Program Notes:

This class will take place outdoors. Please check the weather in advance and dress accordingly. Be prepared for walking on uneven terrain and potentially muddy conditions. 

All programs are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances including inclement weather.
Participants will receive an email in the days preceding the program for any changes or cancellations. You can review our current Cancellation and Refund Policy Here. 

Parking takes place in the field above the farmhouse.