PNW Foraging
Wonder Walks
I host Wonder Walks (Beginner's Foraging Classes) in the Puget Sound region. Walks include information on how to identify various plants, their culinary and medicinal gifts, folklore and mythology, along with their traditional uses by Coast Salish tribes - who have so lovingly cherished and sustainably lived on these lands for generations. We also go over safe and ethical harvesting. The walk lasts about two hours and ends with a round of high-fives, a sense of satisfaction, some treats, and helpful resources to take your plant knowledge further. To help walkers retain information, I tell stories, recite poems and heck, maybe I'll even dance a jig!
Bring a notebook and pen.
“Even a wounded world is feeding us. Even a wounded world holds us, giving us moments of wonder and joy. I choose joy over despair. Not because I have my head in the sand, but because joy is what the earth gives me daily and I must return the gift.”― Robin Wall Kimmerer
About Me
As a child, I had this boundless sense of wonder. But, as I got older, and pursued higher education and career (i.e. became more domesticated), that all started to fade away. Then one day, I looked out my city apartment window and wondered what the tree producing all this sticky sap was called. I looked around and realized I didn't know what any of the plants were. And that felt wrong. Shouldn't I at least know the names of the trees I pass by every day?
I imagined a scenario in my head, where I met a charming suitor. In that moment I think to myself, "This could be it. True love at last!" In order not to ruin my one and only chance at true love, I try my best to be charming. After a stroll in the moonlight, he says to me (breathlessly, of course): "I must leave immediately and prepare for us, a romantic picnic! We shall feast on wild truffles I dug up myself, my famous dandelion wine, and pigeon that I captured only last night. Meet me under the Yew tree in Wondrous Park tomorrow at noon. Until we feast, my thoughts are only of you." Speechless, I look into his dreamy eyes, and we make intense eye contact that pierces our very souls. And then he vanishes into the night... I stand in despair because I don't know where to meet him, since I have no idea what a Yew tree even is! In this (super plausible) scenario, not only would I have missed out on true love but also dandelion wine, wild truffles and roasted pigeon! (I'm not sure which loss makes me sadder...probably the wild truffles...). To remediate my ignorance, I began to learn as much as I could. I learned a few plants here and there and soon found myself nibbling and foraging my way through West Seattle. I didn't know it at the time, but I was re-wilding myself. I was reclaiming my wonder.
Because of foraging, the wonder that I seemed to have lost is now coming back. If I were to reduce it to writing, it would look a bit like this: "Oh wow, I'm standing on a bed of wild strawberry! Yum! *chomp. chomp.* *burp.* Hey look wild plums! * nom! nom! nom!* Oh wow, they're really ripe! Ugh, my allergies, I need some pearly everlasting tea. Aaahhh... Ooh! Shaggy parasol mushroom. It's not just one - there's hundreds! Wow! Let's make beef bourguigngogn when we get home." (I'm terrible at spelling in French BTW).
It is a joyful thing to have wonder. It leads to more peace. And doesn't the world need more peace? I feel called to share what I've learned (because my friends and family all keep telling me I need to teach this!) - but really, I believe it's our birthright to have the knowledge to access wild free food and medicine. What I have found experientially is that relationship with Mother Nature can give us more access to peace and awe. You're never too old to have wonder. This is a very good thing.
The plants called out to me and I responded. Since you're reading this, maybe they're calling out to you too. Please join me on a walk to learn about this giving and forgiving abundant land we now call the Pacific Northwest. It is a precious and special place, I would love the opportunity to tell you all the reasons why that is so.
May you walk in reverie knowing that you are just about always surrounded by generous plants that offer gifts of culinary delight and healing remedies.
In Gratitude and Wonder,
Alissa
"The man who worries morning and night about the dandelions in the lawn will find great relief in loving the dandelions." — Liberty Hyde Bailey
Upcoming Walks
PNW Foraging May 18, 2024 11am West Seattle RSVP
PNW Foraging June 15, 2024 11am
PNW Foraging July 16, 2024 4pm
PNW Foraging July 16, 2024 6:30pm
Walk Policies and Information
Can I bring my dog?
Not everyone is comfortable around dogs. (I myself was attacked by a dog once). To make the experience comfortable for everyone, no dogs.
Can I bring my kid(s)?
Children 8 and older are warmly welcomed! All children must be accompanied by an adult. Keep in mind the walk is geared towards adults and might be hard for fidgety kids.
Do we need to wear matching uniforms?
Yes, I'll be making a bulk order of khaki outfits for everyone to wear, while on the two-hour walk. So, if you could let me know your size...
Was that a joke?
Yes! Ha! But, if you can still fit into your old Scouts uniform, please delight us all by wearing it! Otherwise, just dress for the weather. It will be a slow leisurely walk.
Do you give refunds?
All purchases are final and not refundable. I don't give credits for future walks, but you can transfer your payment to another person and have them attend in your place.
What are the hazards?
Consider your ability to physically handle weather, trail conditions, and length of the walk before registering. Occasionally there are mosquitoes, stinging nettles, and wasps/bees. Other hazards such as falling branches/trees are unlikely, but possible. If you're not surefooted, consider a walking stick.
Where will walk occur?
Directions will be emailed when a ticket is purchased.
What will be harvesting and eating?
Not all walks include collecting plants to take home. This depends on species abundance and park rules. However, attendees should leave with the confidence to identify native plants. I generally bring along a few wild treats for attendees to sample.
Weather Cancellations?
I will cancel if heavy rain/wind is expected. I'll send out an email at least an hour and a half before the walk. If I have to cancel, your payment will be refunded.
**If you are sensitive to stinging insects, bring medication (it's rare to get stung on my walks, but it can happen).
**If you cannot afford a ticket, please contact me. We can work something out so that you can still be a part of what I believe is our shared ancestral birthright.
Get in Touch
The care of the earth is our most ancient and most worthy and, after all, our most pleasing responsibility. To cherish what remains of it, and to foster its renewal, is our only legitimate hope. ― Wendell Berry
Safe and Ethical Foraging
**Be absolutely sure what you're trying. A minority of plants that can kill even if a small amount is consumed. Many more plants can cause gastrointestinal distress and other discomfort.
**When sampling something for the first time, try a small amount and wait a few hours. If it sits well with you, try a larger amount and wait again. We all react to new foods unpredictably.
**As you harvest, be aware of pollution: roadsides, pesticides, dog urine, contaminated water, etc. Not only can plants have external contamination but some may accumulate toxins from ground water.
**When foraging, cultivate an attitude of sustainability. Think of yourself as a steward of our shared garden. Take only take from species where the population is abundant. Take what you need and no more. Do not harvest rare or threatened native plants plants (in honor of the unborn future). Enthusiastically harvest invasive, non-native plants!
**Consider giving something back to nature when you take -- pick up trash, or pull invasive plants.
Recommended Books
Teach Yourself about Plants
Thomas Elpel
Pojar and MacKinnon
Scott Kloos