Foraging with Hope
Course Description: You don’t want to miss this foraging class with Hope Flanagan from the Turtle Clan. Hope is an elder who has learned about plants and foraging from her family lineage, Native elders and teachers, and the plants themselves. She will lead us through a seasonal foraging excursion, where we will learn from Hope and the plants about edible and medicinal plants and the cultural meaning they carry.
Food is growing everywhere! Gain a new perspective on your surroundings as you learn about the many wild plants that can be used for nourishment and food. Learn to identify edible plants and creative ideas for how to use them. Bring your curiosity and observation skills for this hands-on afternoon adventure.
All are welcome – WEI classes are open to everyone.
What to Bring: Suitable outdoor clothing and sturdy shoes for strolling off and on trail, on uneven terrain. Water bottle and snacks.
Instructor Bio: Hope Flanagan is Noodinesiikwe (Little Wind Woman) from the Turtle Clan. She comes from the people of Tonawanda, Seneca Reservation. Hope began picking plants as a small girl with her mother and sister. She remembers asking about okandamoo (yellow waterlily root) and bagwaji-okaadaakoons (Queen Anne’s Lace, or wild carrot) when she was 2 or 3.
Hope has a teacher certification from the University of Minnesota in social studies and American Indian eminence credentials. She also has teacher certification in English as a second language, early childhood education, and elementary education. She has always heard that each plant has its own gift to the people—food, medicine, or utility. The plants know their purpose; people have to learn and listen.
Make a day of it! On the way to WEI, visit charming Lindstrom, MN, for Northwoods Roasterie coffee and a pastry from the Lindstrom Bakery. After class, visit Wild River State Park (only 10 minutes from WEI). Franconia Sculpture Park is also nearby and open ’til 8pm daily.
If you would be interested in staying overnight at WEI before and/or after this class, please reserve accommodations through our FarmStay.