Wild Edible and Medicinal Plant Walk: Mercer Slough

This is a two-hour, meandering walk with local herbalist and forager, Natalie Hammerquist. We will be focusing on wetland plants and plants that grow near wet areas on this walk. Some of the unique plants we will find in this ecosystem are: salmon berry, cramp bark, skunk cabbage, willow, cattail, cascara sagrada, black cottonwood, pacific crabapple, and black hawthorn. We will learn how to identify them, what their uses are, where they like to grow, and how you can harvest them respectfully.

Natalie LOVES to have people crush, taste, smell, feel and look closely. She is known for her infectious and authentic enthusiasm for her trade, which is one of the main reasons people return to her classes again and again.

NOTE: We will not be foraging on this walk, as it is prohibited in this park. Dogs and children under 13 are not allowed on the walk.

LOGISTICS: We will meet at 6pm the Mercer Slough Environmental Education center. Here's the pin: https://goo.gl/maps/nKJrDcKwcj5D8ZsD9

Look for the girl with the basket, braided brown hair, and the clipboard. That's me. FYI: Those who arrive late may miss the walk!

Check the weather report ahead of time. Please bring a rain jacket just in case, and wear waterproof shoes. There may be mud on the trail.

PLEASE BRING:

- a notebook if that is your style

- weather appropriate clothing

- hiking boots that you can get dirty (If you wear sandals you are asking to be poked by blackberry and stung by nettle)

- long pants preferred (to protect your legs)

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 13 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 7 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!

How to make the most of a plant walk with Natalie:

- dress for the weather

- 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!

COVID PROTOCOL: Please stay home if you are experiencing any symptoms of illness: sore throat, fever, coughing. You will receive a refund! Masks are not required in class, but please do wear a mask in class if you feel the need.

LINKS:

More classes from Adiantum School

Adiantum School Website

Online Class Recordings on Podia

Host or Publisher The Adiantum School of Plant Medicine