Learn how to identify and use common weeds of eastern Pennsylvania. “Weeds” are some of the most safe, nutritious, and valuable of all plants. Join me in a seasonally changing search for weeds and wild plants such as mustard, violet, bittercress, watercress, wild ginger, chickweed, dandelion, nettle, false nettle, self-heal, burdock, milkweed, shamrock, red clover, raspberry and all cane fruits, and more. Learn how to forage for wild plants by learning about sustainable, safe and legal harvest. Please note, this is not a harvesting class unless we meet on your own or other private property with permission.

Classes can be held in many places in the greater Philadelphia and Reading PA regions. We can meet in your own backyard and neighborhood. We can meet at local parks, state forests, and recreational areas. There are many farms in the area that will allow guests. Each walk lasts for two hours. The first part is identification: looking closely at the plants, noting how and where they grow, and taking notes and photographs. The second part is a demonstration on how to use the plants for culinary, medicinal, bodycare, and other purposes. I will provide many books, plant guides, and online resources so that we can learn about historical and contemporary uses.

Contact me to discuss and schedule a Socially Distant Weed Walk! Mandatory face mask use in all classes until further notice.

This particular class will meet at Gring’s Mill Recreation Area in Reading, PA. We will walk along Schuylkill River Trail for approximately one mile. This a flat and broad semi-paved trail. Students will be asked to bring water, bug spray, a phone camera or notebook.