WHAT: Foraging in Crow’s Backyard, presented by Dr. Melissa Poe

WHEN: Tuesday Oct. 18, 2011, 7:00 to 8:15 PM

WHERE: Olympia REI

TO REGISTER: http://www.rei.com/event/30682/session/38281

Despite common perceptions of cities as ecological wastelands, people engage in a vibrant practice of plant and mushroom gathering in urban ecosystems. In Seattle, WA, for example, there are over 450 species with food, medicinal and cultural values. In this presentation you will hear about some of the common edible weeds, native berries, and heritage orchard fruits gathered in the city and how foragers are engaging in stewardship activities in urban greenspaces while also creating access to food and nature. We’ll explore ways that foraging might be a strategy for open space and biodiversity conservation, pollution reduction, and community resiliency.