Join us on Tuesdays, 5:30 pm. for a series of Wild Edibles-Identification classes to develop and/or further ones love for nature and to spread it to all; to appreciate and respect what mother earth has to offer and to take advantage of the earths generosity, in a good way.
Outdoors-man, Brandon Young hopes to offer this as a weekly class that will meet in different locations to mainly focus on foraging, this will include plant identification and mushroom identification. Edible and medicinal plants, trees, nuts, berries and anything Young can think of relating to nature will be talked about. Such topics that concern the care for nature may be discussed: The tragedy of the commons, native american philosophies relating to nature, and protected plants. Rocks, geology, hydrology, physics, frugal living, and survival skills may also be included if time allows.
A suggested donation of $5/adult or $10/family is not required, but appreciated.
WARNING! Do not eat any wild edible plant unless you are 150% certain of its identification.
Follow the guidelines using the link, https://www.eatweeds.co.uk/safety-guidelines-for-edible-wild-food-plants if you are harvesting from the wild. Do your research first.
Tuesday, June 6, 5:30 pm: This second program of the series will concentrate on identification as no “taking” is allowed on Presque Isle Park. The inner trails of the island will be explored. Wear good shoes and dress for weather. Group will meet at MooseWood Nature Center.
As a special treat, watercress and cold Labrador Tea will be available for sampling. Labrador Tea is pictured above.
Watercress: belongs to the same family as Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage. This family of vegetables is known as the Brassicacaea family. Watercress also is a strong natural antibiotic. It also contains B1, B2, B6, C, E, manganese, carotene, calcium, fiber, iron and copper. The best way to consume watercress is in the fresh, raw form, as the most potent parts of it are present in the fresh juice.
Watercress has a bitter tang to it. It also is quite spicy and hot, making it a popular addition to plain or neutrally flavored foods. The younger plants have a milder taste, while mature plants have a much stronger flavor.
Labrador Tea: has been used for generations by the Native peoples of North America.The Labrador Plant is an evergreen with medicinal properties. It’s uses range from the common cold,cough,upper respiratory infections to flu symptoms and upset stomach. Labrador Tea is also a rich source of Vitamin c,if you are suffering from a bad case of scurvy this is the drink for you.
Tuesday, June 13, 5:30 pm: The trails around Mount Marquette will be explored. Meet: Mount Marquette entrance. Directions: From Marquette, travel on US 41 South and turn right at the former Nordic Bay Lodge (formerly the Tiroler Hof). If you crossed the bridge you’ve gone to far. Take an immediate left turn onto a dirt road and follow to parking lot up on the right. Car pooling if encouraged, so if possible drive with a friend(s). Parking is available in the small parking lot or along the dirt road.
Please register by emailing moosewoodnc@gmail.com with name and number in your party so we know you are planning to attend.
Thank you!
As a special treat, if you have never tried wild ramps (leeks) from the forest we will have some available for tasting.
Ramps are a springtime obsession for most people. They are a type of leek that grows wild in woodlands. It has small white bulbs and a strong onion flavor. They appear anywhere from March to May, depending on the year, and should be harvested before they sprout flower stalks.
Nutrition: As part of the onion family, it has many of the same nutritional benefits: a good source of vitamin C, dietary fiber, vitamin B6, folate, potassium and manganese. They are also thought to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help regulate blood pressure.
Tuesday, June 20, 5:30 pm: The Noquemanon Trails will be explored. Meet: Tourist Park Trail head located on CR 550. Turn left off of Sugar Loaf Ave and travel ½ mile. Parking is on the left just after crossing the Dead River Bridge.
As a special treat, if you have never tried wild ramps (leeks) from the forest we will have some available for tasting along with a yummy recipe for leeks. See June 13th description for the benefits of eating leeks.
Please register by emailing moosewoodnc@gmail.com with name and number in your party so we know you are planning to attend.
***Those participants who may be interested in purchasing some of the edibles discussed in the 6/20 class may contact Brandon at brandonmitchellyoung@gmail.com.***
Tuesday, June 27, 5:30 pm: The trails of the Wetmore Bog will be explored. Meet: Wetmore Pond located approximately 4 miles down CR 550. The turn off is on the left where the road turns right about a 1/2 mile after the Sugarloaf Mountain trail head. Please note the location of the class. We will not be meeting at the nature center.
Please register by emailing moosewoodnc@gmail.com with name and number in your party so we know you are planning to attend. Thank you!
This concludes the summer Wild Edibles Class. If you have attended one of these classes we would like your feedback. Please let us know if you enjoyed the class and what we can do to improve any future classes. Submit your feedback
here.