Lunchtime Wild Foraging Nature Walk (1/18)

Christopher Nyerges (schoolofself-reliance.com); Dhr. Seven (ed.), Wisdom Quarterly

Are cactus pads (nopales) edible?

LUNCHTIME FORAGING WALK: We'll learn plant and mushroom identification, make a salad, and learn about our local habitat on this nature walk. Thursday, Jan. 18, 12:00-2:00 pm.

Ever wondered what sort of edible, medicinal, and otherwise useful plants grow in and around the city? We’ll explore a unique one-acre wildlife sanctuary in the foothills of Highland Park, where we will see native plants, cultivated plants, and many of the plants typical of large urban areas.

We'll learn about the food uses, natural medicines, useful fibers, and more. Discussion will revolve around sustainable/ethical foraging and collection of greens and cuttings to take home.

There is an on-site nursery to purchase various potted plants to grow in home gardens. We’ll also make a delicious salad to taste some of the in-season wild edibles.

Native American toyon berries

It's an excellent opportunity to see and taste some of the plants that everyone living in Los Angeles area will encounter most of the time. Learn how to eat the nopal. It's great survival skills training for all ages.

Location: 5835 Burwood Ave., off Figueroa in Highland Park, near Pasadena's 134 Freeway. Free street parking. We’ll meet and walk up the dirt access road into the one-acre sanctuary. Bring a bowl, water, and be sure to RSVP ($30-45).

• WILD FOOD COOKING, Saturday, 10:00 am, Jan. 20, 2024 -- edible wild plants of Southern California – School of Self-Reliance ($45-65)