A nibble-hike is a more free-form exploration of a natural area where participants learn about a variety of edible plants/mushrooms and their uses. Plants and mushrooms are sampled and foraged, and most of the time will be spent identifying species.
Course Description:
Explore local natural areas and learn how to identify and use a wide array of plants and mushrooms. Develop skills related to identifying, harvesting, processing, cooking and preserving wild food. Understand how the health of the land is intrinsically tied to the health of the people and how Iowa’s natural history plays an important role in preserving and rebuilding this connection.
This course requires outdoor time actively foraging. A typical class period will begin with a short introduction to the land, a lesson in natural history, and a tutorial on the methods and equipment involved in foraging. The course will then move outside for an interpretive hike during which plants and mushrooms will be identified, sampled, and perhaps harvested. Upon the end of the hike participants will have been introduced to dozens of plant and (likely) mushroom species and often leave for home with food they procured themselves.
Learning Objectives
- Be introduced to and learn to identify common plants and mushrooms
- Be introduced to techniques for harvesting and processing wild food
- Be exposed to topics related to Iowa’s unique natural history and how it influences the distribution and diversity of organisms on the landscape.
- Be exposed to topics related to sense of place and the importance of acting locally.
- Demonstrate the ability to have fun
Lobster mushroom 
Spring greens: sochan, nettle and Virginia waterleaf 
Wild strawberries 
Hopniss tubers 
Wild parsnip gigantor 
Common milkweed (edible!) 
Chanterelles, purslane and mayapples
Details
Overview:
This course is a great introduction to foraging and focuses heavily on learning new species, with less time spent actually harvesting. It can be be scheduled anytime during the year, with winter courses being more of a nature walk identifying plants to be harvested at a later date. This course is for all experience levels, as questions about identification and use can be driven by participants.
Location:
Locations are variable. Private land is used most often, though special permission may be granted to forage from public land. Feel free to schedule a course on your own property.
Duration:
Course will last 2-3 hours.
Tuition:
15$/person. Minimum fee of 60$. An additional fee may be required for travel outside of Ames and will align with state standards. Inquire for a quote.
***Prices listed are a guideline for organizations and private persons looking to book an event. Many organizations have their own pricing structures, and these organizations are encouraged to follow their own business model. Tuition is available on a sliding scale for persons unable to afford this course. Please contact me for more information.