Exploring Edible Invasive and Non-Native Plants

In the fourth session of this series, we’ll delve into the fascinating and sometimes contentious world of non-native plants. This class will explore the evolving perspectives on native and non-native species, highlight edible invasive plants, and discuss how wild food enthusiasts can incorporate these species into their practices.

In this class, you’ll learn:

• Key terms and shifting perspectives in ecology, including “naturalized,” “invasive,” and “novel ecosystems.”
• Edible invasive species in Washington State, such as Himalayan blackberry, Japanese knotweed, and wild mustard.
• Responsible harvesting practices to avoid spreading invasives and mitigate risks like herbicide contamination.
• Edible urban cultivated plants, including black walnut, crabapples, and magnolia.
• Balancing native and non-native species in restoration and personal foraging, emphasizing plants that benefit ecosystems and humans alike.

This engaging and thought-provoking class is ideal for anyone curious about the intersection of wild food, ecology, and sustainable land use. Join us to deepen your understanding and appreciation for the edible plants shaping our environment!

ABOUT ME:

If you’re new here, welcome! My name is Natalie Hammerquist and I’m an author, educator, herbalist and foraging enthusiast. I’ve been teaching about plants (both wild and cultivated) and their many uses and benefits for eight years now. I have one book published and another on the way! I live in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest, and especially know the plants that grow and thrive here. I absolutely love introducing people to the green world, and I’m glad you’re here. 🙂

LOGISTICS:

Class will either be a live zoom meeting or a webinar, depending on how many sign up for the class. Links to the zoom meeting are sent from Eventbrite in the confirmation email and all subsequent reminder emails, so please give an accurate email and then look for that confirmation email upon purchase. You’ll just need to click “view the event,” in the email, which goes to the online event page, from which you can start the zoom meeting. I use a powerpoint presentation in my classes, so I recommend viewing the class on a tablet, laptop or desktop computer if possible so you can make out the words and details.

CLASS RECORDINGS:

Zoom recordings will be sent out to participants within a week of our class. Those classes will be available for 6 months after their air date, so watch asap!

COST:

Tickets for this class are sliding scale, $15-25 a person. A sliding scale offers a lower price option for those who don’t have abundant money at the time, and a higher price for those willing and able to pay a little more to give me more support. You don’t have to pay the same every time, and the choice is entirely up to you. I’m always trying to strike a balance between paying rent and making my offerings accessible.

REFUNDS:

Refunds can be requested via Eventbrite (and should be automatically fulfilled) up to 3 days before the event begins, after which time no refunds will be given. Keep in mind that you will not get a class recording if you cancel your ticket. Be advised that refunds do not include the ticket processing fee that Eventbrite charges.

WINTER ONLINE CLASS SERIES

This class is part of a winter series of online classes with Natalie. Visit my profile page on eventbrite to see more of these classes. Here's the schedule for the winter:

November: Apothecary Month (Wednesdays)

• November 6th: Starting an Herbal Apothecary at Home: Do it right!
• November 13th: Seven Essential Herbs Your Apothecary Needs
• November 20th: Herbs for Travelers: What I bring on every trip

December: Winter Foraging Month (Wednesday)

• December 4th: What wild plants to harvest in WINTER: The most elusive foraging month

January: Essential Foraging Skills Month (Fridays)

• January 10: Using the internet to learn about plants and foraging
• January 17th: Plant ID Tools and Skills every forager should know
• January 24: Plant Families for Foragers
• Jan 31: Foraging Well: How to be a kind forager in a world that’s not kind to nature

February: Wild Edibles Month (Fridays except for Feb 12th)

• Feb 7: Intro to Harvesting Wild Edible Plants
• Feb 12 (WEDNESDAY): Harvesting and Preparing Wild Spring Greens (February is when they start to emerge!)
• Feb 21: PNW Native Wild Edibles to Grow in your GARDEN
• Feb 28: Non-Native and Invasive Wild Edibles

Host or Publisher The Adiantum School of Plant Medicine