Portland Monthly Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants Classes

Whether you are an experienced primitive skills enthusiast or just heard about the idea of eating a wild plant for the first time, these monthly classes are an in-depth into the healing power and nutrition of wild edible plants. Each class, lead by TrackersNW Plants instructors, will focus on a seasonal tincture, brew, salve or preperation every month.

Historical and modern medicinal applications will be covered along with any utilitarian potential. Tips on basic plant identification will be offered, with an emphasis on how to differentiate poisonous look-alike plants from their beneficial counterparts. Plant family characteristics will be discussed as well.

The Class

Through a mixture of hands on activities and presentation students develop a basic foundation of wild edible plants. Our goal is to have you complete the class and be well on our way to more advanced work.

Upcoming topics

Edible Wild: Spring Greens March 28, 2010 10am-2pm What exactly are "spring greens?" Are they vegetables? Salad fixings? In this course we explore the various kinds of "greens" one might find outdoors in the Springtime. Focus on native plants with edible and other uses, getting down the basics of wild food usage and study. Come see what nature has to offer. This class is taught by Bobby Smith of the Secret Powers Outdoor Program.

Shampoo from Native Plants May 2, 2010 10am-2pm Would you like to add some body and sheen to your scraggly hairdo? Naturalists aren't normally the best cosmetic consultants but in this class we plan to shake things up a bit. Learn how to make shampoo from common plants in the Pacific Northwest. Not only do we remedy your follicle situation, but you learn how to find the best aromatic herbs for a bath. This class is taught by Bobby Smith of the Secret Powers Outdoor Program.

Edible Wild: Spring Greens April 18, 2010 10am-2pm What exactly are "spring greens?" Are they vegetables? Salad fixings? In this course we explore the various kinds of "greens" one might find outdoors in the Springtime. Focus on native plants with edible and other uses, getting down the basics of wild food usage and study. Come see what nature has to offer. This class is taught by Bobby Smith of the Secret Powers Outdoor Program.