Wild Food Wisdom: A Foraging Workshop with Lea of Joyful Wildcrafting and Katie of Newaygo County Environmental Coalition – Newaygo County Environmental Coalition

Wild Food Wisdom: A Foraging Workshop with Lea of Joyful Wildcrafting and Katie of Newaygo County Environmental Coalition

July 2, 2024
Written by: Katie Clark

As the season unfolds, the landscapes around us burgeon with untapped resources – wild edible and medicinal plants that have nourished generations and healed countless ailments. This richness beckons the curious and the eco-conscious to explore and learn. Answering this call, an inspiring workshop is on the horizon, poised to transform how we interact with the natural world around us.

A Journey into Wild Edibles and Medicinals

Hosted at the scenic Newaygo Welcome Center, this unique workshop offers an immersive experience into the world of foraging, led by two passionate experts, Lea Sevigny of Joyful Wildcrafting and Katie Clark, a dedicated board member of the Newaygo County Environmental Coalition. The event promises a blend of theory and hands-on practice aimed at equipping participants with the skills to identify, responsibly harvest, and utilize the bounty nature offers.

Meet Your Guides to the Wild

Lea Sevigny, from Joyful Wildcrafting, brings her extensive knowledge and enthusiasm for connecting people with the edible and healing powers of plants. Her workshops are known for their engaging and practical approach, making the art of wildcrafting accessible to all.

Katie Clark, with her deep roots in environmental education and personal journey into foraging, embodies a wealth of knowledge and a passion for sharing it. Her experiences, from the serendipitous encounter with a loon that led her to call Newaygo County home, to her innovative teaching methods that connect students with nature, highlight her commitment to fostering a deeper bond between people and the environment.

Sam Thayer’s Field Guide: Your Companion in Exploration

A cornerstone of the workshop will be Sam Thayer’s Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants of Eastern & Central North America. This guide stands out not only for its comprehensive coverage of over 700 edible species but also for its innovative identification system. Thayer’s accessible language and detailed descriptions, supplemented by sharp color photos and range maps, make foraging accessible to beginners and enrich the practice for seasoned foragers. Participants will learn to navigate this treasure trove of information, turning every outdoor walk into an opportunity for discovery and connection.

Why You Should Join

This workshop is more than just a learning opportunity; it’s a gateway to a sustainable lifestyle and a deeper appreciation for our natural world. By understanding how to identify and harvest wild plants, we take a step towards self-sufficiency and contribute to the conservation of our local ecosystems. Moreover, the workshop offers a chance to be part of a community of like-minded individuals, passionate about nature and eager to share their knowledge and experiences.

The event will conclude with a gathering with all those interested at the Flying Bear Bookstore for coffee, tea, and crepes, where discussions on developing a foraging community in Newaygo County will continue. This is your chance to actively participate in a movement toward sustainability with a discussion of creating an organized foraging community through the NCEC.

Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your walks in the wild into a journey of discovery. Register now and unlock the secrets of the natural bounty that surrounds us. Let’s embark on this adventure together, guided by the wisdom of Lea, Katie, and Sam Thayer’s indispensable field guide.

Sunday, July 14, 2024 1:30-3:30 PM
Newaygo Welcome Center & Sports Complex: John Graves Lodge
$10/person $36/person to attend and also receive a book

Or contact Katie @ katie.c@nc-ec.org

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

More Posts:

Have a Fire-Safe Summer

June 17, 2026 No Comments

“But surely a few logs of my firewood from home won’t hurt anything if I take them camping with me!!! I don’t want to buy firewood when I already have a bunch!”

It’s easy to overlook the creatures we don’t see very often. But lots of little critters feed on and live in dead wood and not just rotting wood, even dry firewood! The culprits of deadly Oak Wilt, the Emerald Ash Borer, and the invasive Asian Longhorned Beetle are just some of the critters known to hitch a ride on firewood.

Plant THIS Not THAT

June 3, 2026 No Comments

Spring is the time when we rethink our whole existing gardens. The more we understand how much wildlife, including our essential pollinators, struggle with traditional constrained lawn and manicured gardens full of exotic plants, the more we might be motivated to change things up a bit!

Planting for Pollinators: A Conversation with Sarah Pregitzer

February 6, 2026 No Comments

In preparation for the upcoming growing season, we interviewed NCEC board chair and Master Naturalist Sarah Pregitzer, who has a wealth of knowledge to offer about the role of pollinators in our ecosystem as well as easy ways to get started with planting for pollinators in your yard or in the community.