Before Class: Please arrive early in order to complete any registration information, view recommended books, and answer questions.
Learning Plants in 15 Minutes: We will continue in the lecture format for the next few minutes in order to provide context for learning about plants in general, with an informational goal of making it super easy for you to learn plants at home. Information will be based on the book Botany in a Day by Thomas J. Elpel, and we'll have some copies of his book available for purchase, but in the meantime, read the first part of our Plant Taxonomy article if you would like a real jump-start on this information. The part below the sub-title "Is it an Aster" might be better absorbed after class if you are a plant novice.
Plant Family Samples in 15 Minutes: We're going to shift gears and do some more hands-on activities, including passing around samples of species in some of the major plant families. Plant samples will exhibit some of the key identifying characteristics of the family. This will accomplish two things: 1) show you an easy way to start learning plants or if you are already fairly well versed, then a great way to do some remedial learning to ensure that you haven't missed anything, and 2) show you how to positively identify examples of species you might want to include in your Top 10 list or Home Apothecary which have important edible and medicinal qualities.
Top 10 Survival Foods in 30 Minutes: We're going to continue with samples of the most important plants to know during survival situations, and you will have the opportunity to eat some of them as well. Some of these plants will include cross-over from the samples we provided during the prior 15 minutes of class, but others (like cattails) will come from the monocot class of the flowering plant division.
Honorable Harvesting for 15 Minutes: Since we'll be harvesting wild edibles soon, we'll briefly discuss how to collect foods properly and safely.
Plant Walk for 30 Minutes: Now's the time to head outside and see what amazing plants we can find. In addition to pointing our plants we've learned, we'll identify some tasty trailside snacks, learn a few important first aid plants and talk about plants that can harm you.
Closing 15 Minutes: We'll come together to review what you've learned and answer any final questions you may have.
After Class - Feedback & Planning: Please join Chris & Kim after class to review experiences, browse resources, discuss feedback, and brainstorm ideas for the future. Email or Call us at any time with any questions and requests.
