​Embark on a culinary adventure with Wild Element’s Wild Foods Series, a monthly workshop at the Michigan Wildlife Conservancy’s Bengel Wildlife Center. Each session begins with a guided foraging walk, where participants will discover and harvest seasonal wild edibles native to Michigan. Following the foraging excursion, the workshop will delve into various methods of preparing and preserving the gathered foods, depending on the month, including cooking, dehydrating, pickling, fermenting, and canning. Each month focuses on a different preservation technique, offering a comprehensive exploration of transforming foraged ingredients from nature to table.

In May, the class focus shifts to dehydrating wild ingredients to preserve your harvest for later consumption. This process can be done with a variety of ingredients, and even used to create your own on-the-go trail meals. We will explore special considerations for dehydrating wild foods vs. commercial foods, discuss the process from harvest to pantry, as well as taste examples.

Participants are invited to join this journey from forage to feast, gaining hands-on experience and knowledge about the rich array of wild foods available in Michigan. Whether you’re a seasoned forager or new to the practice, this series provides a unique opportunity to connect with the environment and learn sustainable ways to enjoy nature’s bounty.​

This workshop will take place indoors, with a short hike at the beginning to discuss safe foraging and harvest wild ingredients.

What to Bring:

• Weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear​

• Notebook and pen for taking notes​, if desired

The Bengel Wildlife Pub will be open for additional food and beverages. 

Important Information: Please dress appropriately for outdoor hiking and be prepared for varying weather conditions. 

Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot today! We look forward to exploring the diverse world of wild edible plants and mushrooms with you.​