Chapter Events

6:30 pm meet & greet/sale, 7:00 program

Wild edible harvest, such as gathering mushrooms, fruits, nuts, and other native and non-native plant-based foods, can play a key role in conservation by 1) reducing reliance on monoculture agriculture and 2) promoting biodiversity awareness and protection in the places we live. By valuing and utilizing wild resources in a careful and respectful manner, individuals and communities can be inspired to restore natural habitats and protect them from invasive species, deforestation, and other threats. Wild harvest can also foster a deeper connection between people and the ecosystems they rely on, ultimately contributing to both societal and ecological well-being. With that context in mind, the bulk of this talk will introduce several key wild edibles in our region, including identification, preparation, sustainable foraging practices, and more. We will discuss both native and non-native species, and how ecological context greatly influences conservation-focused harvest approaches. 

Sarah Foltz Jordan is a conservation biologist in the Duluth area. She currently serves as conservation director of a small study abroad company (Enlight Global) that provides immersive travel experiences around the world focused on traditional ecological knowledge, ecosystem restoration, and other key issues. Previously, Sarah worked for 15 years at the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation where she led Xerces’ Upper Midwest Pollinator Team, largely focused on restoring native habitat, reducing pesticides, and key policy and education initiatives. Sarah teaches a wide range of natural history topics, especially focused on insect conservation, insect-plant interactions, and wild edible mushrooms & plants. An avid forager, Sarah loves how wild food provides both exceptional nourishment and deeper connection to ecological communities.