Wild Food Workshop to be offered in Devlin

Submitted by
Rick Neilson

Are you interested in increasing your knowledge of wilderness skills and survival, traditional plant uses, and rewarding ways to enjoy nature and the outdoors?
If the answer is yes, plan to attend the Wild Food Workshop, hosted by Rainy River District Stewardship (RRDS) on Saturday, March 3, 2012, at the Devlin Hall.
This day long event will feature lessons on what to eat and what to avoid, by botanist Laura Reeves, author of “Laura’s Guide to Useful Plants.” Reeves conducts, “You Can eat That?!” - Wild Edible Adventures from her Gardenton, Mb home and will be providing practical information on wild edibles - where to find them, how to gather them, what parts to use and how to use them.
Biologist Daniel Gladu will bring his knowledge of wild edible mushrooms while Elder, Nancy Jones from Red Gut Bay and Dave Daniels from Winnipeg will be speaking on traditional and medicinal plants and ensuring their survival. A number of local enthusiasts will be talking about their favourite wild food.
“There is a saying that if you love something, set it free,” said RRDS council member and workshop organizer, Rick Neilson. “A more practical version of that might be: If you love something, eat it.”
“It really is that simple,” he continued. “We are more likely to value and protect those places that provide us with food.”
RRDS is dedicated to advancing the responsible care of nature in the Rainy River District for benefits now and in the future.
The workshop, running from 8:30 til 4:30, will feature lunch and refreshment breaks which will incorporate a variety of local wild foods. Because it will include wild game, which cannot be sold, RRDS is picking up the tab for the meal.
“We are limiting the number of participants, so anyone who wants in had better get their ticket early,” said Stewardship Coordinator, Dave May
Tickets are available at: Devlin Municipal Office, Betty’s in Fort Frances, Wood’s Quality Bakery in Rainy River and Emo Feed Service.