EVENT UPDATE:
Please note that this in-person workshop modified due to social-distancing guidelines. We will be releasing videos and info guides that cover much of the content planned for this workshop (wildcrafting ethics and techniques). We are still hosting a small (limited to 10 people) plant walk on the 24th. If you would like to join us for that, please email Brian at sourpowerky@gmail.com
Thank you for your understanding and patience!
Modified social distance walk:
Recommended for ages 12+, easy walking on uneven ground, standing and sitting for short periods.
Bring: Appropriate layers and sun protection, long pants and close-toed shoes, water bottle and snacks. Cameras, plants guides are welcome.
Walk suggested donation: $5-$30
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For thousands of years, Vesper Meadow and surrounding lands have been a food-tending place. Latgawa, Takelma, Shasta, Klamath and other native groups have cultivated food plants for thousands of years - living in a complex cultural relationship that shaped the landscape. Now, after 150 years of impacts to these plants by settlers, the Vesper Meadow Education Program is working with a diverse network of partners to help restore native food plant populations by inspiring a human-land relationship of stewardship. We work to support the sovereignty of Indigenous nations and recognize the long-standing indigenous wisdom of place.
Join us as we learn more about the history of this rich food-place, and experience hands-on techniques for finding, harvesting, preserving, and using wild and native plants for food. Learn about some of the most common plants in our landscape and how you can easily incorporate them into your salads, teas, drinks, pantry, and meals. We will also discuss the ethics of wildcrafting and how wild crafters/gatherers can be responsible land stewards. Participants will engage as native plant stewardship to help restore native food plant populations at Vesper Meadow.
This event kicks-off the Vesper Meadow Education Program’s Native Food Plant Program - engaging a diverse community network in land stewardship for the sake of scientific learning, celebrating a close relationship with nature and supporting Native American cultural revival. Building upon previous research at Vesper Meadow, community members will monitor, restore, and raise awareness of local traditional native food plants.
Proceeds from this workshop will go directly to support our collaboration for young-adult programs with the Siletz Tribe, and with Southern Oregon University students in the Native Studies Department.