WILD PLANT BASICS — April 22, 2023
WILD PLANT BASICS — April 22, 2023
(IN PERSON)
SATURDAY, APRIL 22, 2023
9:00AM - 4:00PM
INSTRUCTOR:
BRENTON SPRATLEN
LOCATION:
DABNEY STATE RECREATION AREA
(Note: There is a $5 parking fee.)
In this workshop, we will learn how to identify, harvest, and propagate many of the plants we see around us. We will explore their edible, medicinal, and utilitarian applications as we become familiar with their unique intricacies. We will discuss their importance in wilderness survival and their preservation for future harvest. We will learn the basics of making soothing salves for insect bites or chapped skin while making our own, and learn how to make cordage with the materials nature provides. Harvest will depend on health of crop and instructor discretion.
What to bring:
Depending on the weather, please plan to bring what you need to feel comfortable for standing, kneeling, and walking in various terrain and various weather patterns. This can include water-resistant hiking boots, long sleeve layers, a windproof layer, sunglasses, hat, and gloves for warmth or prickly plants.
Also bring:
- Rain layers — jacket and pants (wet tree stumps!)
- Bring your own food. Plenty of snacks are highly recommended.
- Notebook, pen, or pencil and your camera if you want!
TUITION: $50 - $70 SLIDING SCALE (plus processing fees)
SUPPORT NATURE CONNECTION: Please consider making an additional donation to help TreeSong, a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Anything helps and we thank you in advance!
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has." — Margaret Mead
PROCESSING FEES ARE ONLY APPLIED TO TUITION AMOUNTS, NEVER DONATIONS.
About the instructor:
Spending his early years in the dry riverbeds east of Paso Robles, CA, Brenton evoked his natural passion for the outdoors at 5 years old, while tracking and hunting Jack rabbits on horseback. At age 7, his family moved to the mountains of Colorado where he spent every available moment of his next 10 years exploring the 40 acres of land he lived on. The countless forts and fires he built, mixed with trails and his own wild imagination, accounted for his deep desire to become proficient in the arts of wilderness survival, primitive living and bushcraft. Brenton has spent many of his adult years following this path, and being self-taught in these types of primitive arts has led to a great amount of self awareness and loads of information to share with all who will listen.
Brenton recently spent 4 years mentoring children and adults at Trackers Earth in Portland. From his time with Forest School Kindergarten, Homeschool and Apprenticeship programs, to his Adult Immersion programs and Director-level experiences, he has had the pleasure of learning from many other students, parents and educators and hopes to continue sharing what he has learned so that others can benefit.
Brenton believes nothing is greater than the connection we have with nature and strives to teach this and other primitive skills to all. The self-discipline, drive and attention to detail he obtained from his days in the US Navy's Presidential Guard, including the experiences from traveling abroad and learning different cultures, reflect in his teachings.