Nourishing Nettle - Plant Connections

This naturalist walk offers an opportunity to truly connect with the spirit of Nettle. A plant that is plentiful, nourishing, and delicious. With good gloves and an ethical and relationsl mindset, you can learn how to experience stinging nettle in a connected way.

In this 2-hour deep dive, you will learn:

• about the land we are on,
• where nettle likes to grow,
• who nettle allies with,
• the gifts netle offers those who seek her out
• nutritional and culinary uses for nettle
• how to safely and ethically forage nettle
• what "the spirit of nettle" and "relationship with nettle" means (how she is an ally)

Your guide, Becky Robbins, will immerse this small group in all things nettle from a spiritual, kinship perspective on the delights and precautions of gathering and allyship.

What to expect:

A lovely walk under a towering tree canopy alongside a lovely stream. You will be serenaded by the sound of flowing water and birdsong. Along the way, there will be additional plant identification opportunities, as well as tidbits of history.

Once we reach the place where nettle grows abundantly, we will settle in for the educational and experiential portion of the experience. I will answer questions, provide information from various perspectives and traditions about this beautiful plant.

This experience will feel like a naturalist walk, enjoying the forest, as well as a sort of mentorship on how to build a relationship with this plant and the place she grows in a respectful and appreciative way.

You have the option to bring some nettle home with you if you find that you feel connected with her.

What to bring/wear - how to prepare:

Stinging nettle has it's name for a reason! Keeping that in mind, different folks will have different physical reactions to the stings if you get pricked by the stingers. This is why this section is important!

• Check the weather and wear appropriate layers for movement and squatting and standing still. Suggested:
• Thick pants and socks that are above the ankle, we'll be brushing by nettle and blackberry plants.
• Boots - hiking boots or shoes that are mud and bush friendly.
• Protective gloves - leather, thick rubber (I use insulated fisherman's gloves! $15-20 at Fisherman's suply stores).
• Layers, long sleeves, again - we will be brushing up against prickly plants.
• Sit pad - optional. I don't use one, but you might want one for the educational portion.
• A gallon ziploc bag
• Scissors or small clippers/pruning shears
• Sting stop if you have some (if you dress appropriately you won't need it).
• A way to take notes if desires (phone, paper, whatever works for you).

All said, I usually get a little poke from the blackbarry or nettle at least once or twice when i am out working with nettle. I am tolerant of the experience and it tends to go away after 20 minutes or so.

CAUTION: If you tend toward allergic reactions, please bring an EpiPen or whatever you need in case of an issue. I, Becky, am Wilderness First Aid and CPR trained, and want you to be safe and comfortable - and will do my best to ensure this. With a good pair of gloves and covered feet and lower legs, you should be just fine.

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Host or Publisher Becky Robbins, MA, LMHC