The winter high mountain foraging class will take place up at the Black Balsam area right off highway 215 in Western North Carolina. It includes an informative two hour-long walk through high altitude forests and mountain meadows of Black Balsam Knob/Shining Rock Wilderness.

The purpose of the program is multifaceted; my goal is not only to teach and share information about what edibles are present in a particular season, but I also have a deeper purpose – to get people back to the seemingly simple act of foraging for food with the hope that as a result people will become more in tune with the seasons and inherently more mindful of where and how our food originates. Sustainability issues and medicinal plants of the high mountains will also be covered.

As I lead a hunt for wild oregano, red spruce, or wild blueberries, I encourage people to open their eyes and be especially observant. I advise all to be “curious but cautious” and to do sufficient research to avoid potentially dangerous look-alikes, so for your safety it is best to learn about local foraging with an expert.

This class will be all about red spruce and fir trees! We will learn how to use these evergreen trees via cooking demos.

Bring water, and wear clothing appropriate for current weather, long pants and closed-toe comfortable walking shoes. Class will happen even if there’s snow on the ground! Be prepared!

Tickets are available on the shop page!