Foraging Classes in Chicago, IL

Enjoy a foraging walk led by knowledgable guide, Dave Odd, to discover the abundance of edible plants growing within our communities.  During these walks you will be introduced to 4-7 edible plants that grow in our area. You will learn how to identify the plant, when to harvest, what part to harvest, tips on preparation, and how to...

Forage wild edible ingredients and have Carnivore's Chef prepare them for lunch!   Enjoy a foraging walk led by professional forager, Dave Odd, to discover the abundance of edible wild plants growing within our communities, then head to Carnivore where the Chef will prepare your foraged harvest for lunch.  During this walk...

Open your eyes to the world of foraging by learning about  25 common edible wild plants most people can find in their own yards. What you think are weeds might just be wild edibles filled with nutrition. Class will include a PowerPoint presentation, sample plants to practice identification skills, and a tasty wild edible treat.

Become acquainted with the host of birds that nest and breed in our region. We will observe breeding, foraging, and nesting behavior; discuss food choices and nesting habits; and learn bird songs and calls. The class will visit different birding hotspots to seek out a diversity of summer birds in our region. Notes: Held indoors and outdoors; includes...

Learn over 70 edible wild plants that you can forage in the fall during this five week course that includes both classroom instruction and field trips. Prepare food with what you forage and share with the class. This course is part of our Edible Wild Plant Certificate Program, so with just three additional courses and passing exam scores you can join...

Experience the healing and wellness-promoting effects of Shinrin-Yoku, the practice of bathing the senses in the atmosphere of the forest. Awaken your senses and reconnect with nature during these mindful walks with a certified Forest Therapy guide. No two walks are the same; visit different locations at The Morton Arboretum and enjoy a variety of...

Before you eat those leaves, flowers, and berries make sure they are edible! In this class you will learn the basics of edible wild plant identification focusing on plants found during the summer season. You will learn plant terminology, proper use of tools, and discover what parts of the plant help to identify it. Please bring a lupe (8x) magnifying...

Experience the healing and wellness-promoting effects of Shinrin-Yoku, the practice of bathing the senses in the atmosphere of the forest. Awaken your senses and reconnect with nature during these mindful walks with a certified Forest Therapy guide. No two walks are the same; visit different locations at The Morton Arboretum and enjoy a variety of...

Experience the healing and wellness-promoting effects of Shinrin-Yoku, the practice of bathing the senses in the atmosphere of the forest. Take a mindful walk with a certified Forest Therapy guide on a trail at the Morton Arboretum as you awaken your senses and reconnect with nature. The walks will visit different locations at the Arboretum and will...

Having access to high-quality habitat that offers nutritious forage for the health and success of pollinators is essential. This class will provide specific information about how to select plant species to include in pollinator plantings, how to establish the plantings, and how to manage pollinator habitat. Provide nutritious forage for honeybees,...

Learn over 200 edible wild plants that grow in our bioregion through classroom, field and home study, but most importantly by eating or preparing recipes with them every class! You will receive an Edible Wild Plants Recipe book containing all of the recipes prepared by the instructor and students throughout the course and a printed certificate...

Summer is such an amazing time of abundance. Feast on Flowers, the summer Edible Wild Plants Certificate course, will focus on the many leafy herbs, flowers and fruits available this time of year, primarily in the Bean, Goosefoot, Mint and Rose families. Students will learn to identify more than 70 edible wild plants that can be harvested and eaten...

All living things rely on water, and it is becoming scarcer each year. Learn how to maximize water resources in the garden for yourself as well as all kinds of wildlife. Pond, birdbath, or fountain…all can be a wet oasis in your garden created with wildlife in mind so you can enjoy turtles basking in the sun on warm days, birds splashing and drinking...