Winter Tree and Shrub ID walk—Lincoln Park, West Seattle

Lincoln Park is a coastal forest filled with alder groves, mossy maples, and the salty breath of Puget Sound. In winter, this landscape reveals a quieter beauty — the fine texture of twigs, the color of bark, the shapes of buds and silhouettes. In this class we’ll meet and learn to identify the trees and shrubs of our region in their dormant state, including red elderberry, Indian plum, beaked hazelnut, bigleaf and vine maples, willow, birch, alder, and more.

Plant walks with me (Natalie) are interactive, engaging, and hands-on. We observe, touch, smell, and look closely. Learning to recognize plants in winter deepens your connection to place, and sharpens your eye for seasonal change and ecological patterns.

This class is perfect for herbalists, foragers, naturalists, gardeners, and anyone who wants to expand their field identification skills and stay connected to plants through the colder months. I hope you can join! Read on for more info below.

I was inspired to teach this class beacuse I am in the throes of writing a book about winter twig ID in the Pacific Northwest (coming Fall 2026), and I am super excited about this topic right now!

LOCATION:
We will be meeting in the parking lot of Lincoln Park’s south lot (near the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal) PIN HERE: https://maps.app.goo.gl/TJijTWFXbDzDY3537

I’ll be waiting by the trail entrance — look for the girl with the basket, braided brown hair, and a clipboard — that’s me! Please research the venue ahead of time so you know where to go.

LOGISTICS:
Check the weather report ahead of time. Sun and rain protection may be needed. We may walk about a mile in class.
Please note that dogs and small children are not allowed on plant walks. Children over 13 who are participating in the walk are quite welcome!
This is an identification-only class — we will not be harvesting or foraging in the park.

PLEASE BRING:

• a small bag or backpack
• a pocket knife or hand lens (optional but helpful)
• a notebook if that is your style
• weather-appropriate clothing
• walking shoes or boots (it can be muddy!)
• long pants and layers for warmth

TEACHER BIO:
This class will be taught by me, Natalie Hammerquist. I was born and raised in the Seattle area and have been foraging and studying the plants of the Pacific Northwest for over 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’ve 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’m 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 meet 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’re taking lots of plant classes, get a dedicated notebook for your plant studies.
• Take photos of the plants and details we discuss to help you remember them later.
• Apply your knowledge soon after class — go on a walk that week and identify as many species as you can.
• Look up the walk location ahead of time and plan your timing. Give yourself a little extra time to find us.
• Walks with Natalie are very participatory — don’t be afraid to look closely, smell, touch, and observe. Questions and comments are welcome during class.

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. Be advised that refunds do not include the ticket processing fee that Eventbrite charges.

CLASS MINIMUMS & CANCELLATIONS:
Many of my classes require a minimum of three participants to run due to travel costs. While I do my best to confirm or cancel classes several days in advance, on rare occasions a class may be canceled on short notice if registration is too low.
If you’re planning to travel or book lodging to attend, I recommend choosing refundable or flexible options whenever possible. You may also reach out to me to check in about enrollment ahead of time if you’re concerned.
In the rare event of a cancellation, class fees will always be refunded in full. Thank you for understanding the realities of small-scale, community-based teaching.

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