Jesse M

This is a private event for Jesse + 1. If you’re not with Jesse, check out NWN’s other public events coming up or suggest a custom course by clicking here.

Saturday February 8th, 2025

11:30am to 6:30pm

Location TBD - Whatcom County
Locations for this class will be scouted for in the weeks prior to the event and participants will be notified ASAP where the workshop will be held. Northwest Natura events that focus on foraging take place in areas which have an abundance of target species, thus picking locations depends on Mother Nature and are better determined closer to the date of the course. An indoor venue is included in the second half of this winter workshop. Stay tuned while we find the best place to host your event!

Topics include:

• Ethnobotany (traditional and modern uses of plants)

• Ethnomycology (traditional and modern uses of fungi)

• Edible/Medicinal Plant and Fungi walkabout

• Foraging for wild medicinal species

• Herbalist Workshop

This is an immersive Medicinal Plant Workshop where you’ll discover the rich world of herbalism through learning traditional wisdom and modern practices. This hands-on course is designed to teach you about the healing powers of native plants and fungi and how to transform them into effective medicines.

Part of the day will be spent outdoors learning about plants and fungi, practicing ID, and foraging for medicinal species, and part of the day will be a wildcrafter’s workshop at an indoor venue.

Course highlights:

1. Traditional Uses of Native Plants
   Explore the historical significance of plants used by indigenous cultures and traditional healers. Discover how plants have been utilized for centuries to treat various ailments, and learn the stories behind their applications

2. Edible & Medicinal Fungi foray
   This course takes place in February, a time of year where certain mushrooms can be found, but most are underground and not fruiting. When we find fruiting mushrooms on our walkabout, we will identify them, discuss their potential uses as food or medicine, and harvest any that are abundant and useful in medicine-making.

3. Foraging
   We’ll spend the majority of the first half of this class on a foraging expedition on the local landscape. Guided by an experienced forager and naturalist, you will learn to identify a variety of medicinal plants and fungi in their natural habitat. We will discuss sustainable foraging practices, safety, identification, and ensure we respect and preserve resources we find.

4. Herbal Medicine Workshop
   In this session, you will create your own herbal preparations, such as tinctures, salves, teas, and syrups using plants (and fungi) identified during our foraging session. Learn how to wildcraft with foraged plants and fungi and bolster your home apothecary with useful medicines and tips for the future. This segment will highlight the art and science of herbal medicine-making, how to integrate them into daily health practices, and responsible sourcing and preparation.

What to Bring:

• Dress for the weather

• Snacks, lunch, and plenty of water

• Hiking shoes/boots (waterproof recommended)

• Foraging basket or bag (if bag, canvas or reusable grocery bag recommended, no plastic sacks or paper bags)

• 3 (three) 12-16oz jars

What Northwest Natura is providing

• Herbalist workshop materials including

  • Quality alcohol for tinctures

  • Quality oil for salves

  • Sugar and filtered water

  • Tins for salves and labels

  • Processing equipment

  • Recipe cards

  • Refreshments

  • Recap of the event with field notes and education resources

You may also want to bring:

• Your favorite field guide (plants, fungi, foraging)

• If you have sensitive skin and want to use your own oil, feel free to bring your favorite skin-safe oil of your choice (NWN is providing Sunflower-coconut oil and olive oil)

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You will receive an event reminder with driving directions and updates a few days prior the event.

Before purchasing, please review the refund policy for private events.

If you have any other questions, please email nwnatura@gmail.com