Where can one forage? Alberta’s Public Lands are one of the few places the public can forage wild foods in non-commercial quantities.
What are the skills and tools involved in foraging? Learn the skills of foraging seasonal wild foods. Ethical foraging involves asking permission of the plant and giving something in reciprocity, an energy exchange. By respecting the plants, we build a healthy relationship with the Creator and respect the general protocols that have been built between plants and the First Nations for hundreds of years. First there is knowing what plants are edible, then what part of that plant is edible. Then finding out if there are enough of that plant in the area you are in, to withstand being foraged. So... what is a healthy population of that plant? This knowledge varies from plant to plant and comes with spending time in intact and wild landscapes. People often ask, what is the best time of year for foraging? The answer to that can vary from plant to plant, however a general rule is from May Day, May 1st to Samhain, or October 31st is a general foragers calendar.
The Foothills area is highly diverse with many edible plants growing throughout them. The plants in the Foothills area are impacted by cattle grazing, Oil and gas production, logging and estate homes.
Join a Full Circle foraging outing, to discover what it is to know what a healthy population of wild edible plants looks like, and how to reunite with Nature's wisdom through ethical foraging.
What you will learn:
- Sustainable and ethical foraging techniques
- How to identify safe, edible plants
- The ecological relationships with plants
- Cooking methods, recipes and storage guidelines
Bring:
Sturdy Day pack with clothing layers and rain gear. Good footwear for uneven ground, where there are NO trails. Lunch and 2 water bottles.
- Gloves, clippers
- Cloth, paper or screen bags
- Digging tools
- Personal care items
- A complete supply list will be sent to you upon registration.
Dates:
June 19 - Stalks leaves and flower buds for the grill and dessert. (This outing may be on private lands).
July 3rd - Berries and florals for the home distillery. Time: 9:30 to 1:30
Price: $85 per person. Or, a small group special rate is $75 per person. * min 4 - max 8