Foraging Walk: Early Spring Medicinal Plants

Schedule

Sat Mar 26 2022 at 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Location

Discovery Park South Parking Lot, Seattle, WA 98199 | Seattle, WA

Join me at Discovery Park to learn about the medicinal (and edible) plants that are putting out their green tender leaves in early spring!
In late March, the tides are turning from winter to spring. In the forest, we can see delicate tree buds swelling on the tips of branches, and at the edges of fields we can see tender green things sprouting up. The potential energy in plants at this time of year is unparalleled!
The focus of this learning walk will be on these tender green things unique to this season. Some plants we will encounter on this walk are: stinging nettle, chickweed, dandelion, bittercress, Siberian miner's lettuce, poison hemlock, fireweed, Indian plum, grand fir, salmon berry and so many more.
This walk will be held in Seattle's Discovery Park , which has an interesting mix of forest and field, and native and non-native species. I love teaching there because of the wonderful range of plants we are able to look at on a single walk.
Things we do on a typical plant walk: pull apart lichens, taste leaves, scrape bark off a twig, chew on tree buds, look at examples of forest succession, talk about medicinal uses for things, dig up nettle roots, compare similar species side by side and so so much more. Natalie emphasizes hands on education in her field classes, so come ready to get your hands on things.
Natalie does walks all year long! CLICK HERE to see what's coming up. My goal my walks is to span seasons and place in our area to cover a wide variety of plants when they are at their peak time for harvest. I will focus on wild places and wild plants in these walks, and we will center our studies around medicinal plants, but also will learn about edible and material uses where applicable. These classes are open to everyone, regardless of experience.
How to make the most of a plant walk with Natalie:
- dress as warmly as humanly possible. Bring rain gear NO MATTER WHAT.
- bring a notebook to take notes in (unless it's raining). If you are taking lots of plant classes, get a special notebook for your herb/plant education.
- take pictures of the things we talk about with your phone camera to help you remember what we talked about later.
- act on your knowledge immediately . Plan to go on a walk that day or the next day and identify as many plants as you can, and look for some of the details that we talked about on the walk.
- Look up the walk location ahead of time and figure out your timing. Give yourself a little extra time to find us at the location.
- Walks with Natalie are very hands on and participatory . Don't be afraid to look closely, pull things apart, smell, taste and thoroughly take advantage of the opportunity. Questions and comments are welcome during class. That is why I keep class sizes small!
PLEASE BRING:
- a small parchment paper bag or paper bag
- a pocket knife
- waterproof shoes
- raingear
- the warmest clothes you have
- a notebook if it's not raining!
COVID PROTOCOL: Please stay home if you are experiencing any symptoms of illness: sore throat, fever, coughing. You will receive a refund! Since we will be outdoors, masks are optional on most plant walks. HOWEVER, please plan to bring a mask in case there is a current spike in numbers. Please do wear a mask in class if you feel the need. I prefer not to wear a mask while teaching because it's hard for folks to hear me and my vocal cords get tired from shouting.
TEACHER BIO: This class will be taught by me: Natalie Hammerquist. I was born and raised in the Seattle area, and have been foraging in the Pacific Northwest for 12 years. Herbalism is the primary lens from which I come to plants, but I also forage wild edibles, tend a garden, and make art from foraged things. My training is in field plant taxonomy and western folk herbalism. I have been teaching full time about herbalism and foraging for 5 years at my school, The Adiantum School of Plant Medicine. My students would agree that I am a quirky and authentic educator who values radical self acceptance, reciprocity in nature, and latin names for things. Ethics and stewardship are always at the root of my teaching. My inner nerd is excited to be acquainted with your inner nerd!

Where is it happening?

Discovery Park South Parking Lot, Seattle, WA 98199, United States

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Tickets

USD 40

Host or Publisher Adiantum School of Plant Medicine

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