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Dr. Kathleen is a naturalist, outdoor educator, urban gardener, and sustainability practitioner. Bounty Around Us grew out of her
lifelong love of plants, foraging, and wild edibles. The goal of this blog is to increase our powers of observation and expand our appreciation of the natural world. Come along with Kathleen on an exploration of the outdoors in New England (and sometimes beyond).
Our Services--Greater Boston*
Weed Walks
Kathleen--a lifelong teacher, forager, and recognized public speaker
--will take groups of youth and/or adults on half-hour to two hour
tours of parks, farms, or public lands and show you six to ten wild
plants . Plant identification, use, and history will be shared in
engaging detail.
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Click here for a sample presentation. (Click on the underlined link. In the Powerpoint menu bar, click "view" and then select "from beginning." You may need to use arrow buttons to advance to the next slide, and may need to click the black arrow in the lower right hand corner to hear the narration.) (Technology! I'm working on it. . . . ) This "weed walk" was presented live to the students of Clarence R. Edwards Middle School Summer Environmental Camp in Charlestown, MA This slide show captures the plants we identified and provides an illustration of the information provided. Plants identified: Purslane, Lamb's Quarters, Plantain, Wood Sorrel, Quickweed, Asiatic Day Flower, and Lady's Thumb--these were selected to highlight because they are common, easy to identify, mild tasting, and can be eaten straight from the field. I added Peppergrass for a little "spice" and then pointed out two poisonous plants growing around the school. What were they? You'll have to view the slide show to find out!!
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We closed by discussing sustainability, and how foraging might contribute to an environmentally friendly lifestyle. Finally, I shared Plantain Chips straight from my kitchen--and I include the recipe at the end of the slide show.
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I am available to give educational field trips and workshops, for youth and adults, in the Greater Boston area. Let me know if you'd like me to join you for a walk in the park--the garden--or your yard! Fees are negotiable.
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Contact me using the form below, or email me: kathleen@bountyaroundus.com
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Yard Consultations
Want to know what wild edibles are growing in your yard--your park--your neighborhood? Which weeds to toss, which weeds to eat? Kathleen is a lifelong teacher, gardener, and forager. She will show you at least six edible wild plants growing in your yard.
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Cooking Demos/Samples
What a unique concept for a party or a meeting! Kathleen can prepare samples "live" for an audience (you supply basic kitchen set up: pots, pans, water, burner, etc.), or she can bring samples ready to eat. Either way, it will be an entertaining opportunity for your guests to learn about wild edibles and their preparation.
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Dr. Kathleen's edibles tour was so fun and interesting! She had a ton of knowledge about edible plants and she did a wonderful job of engaging with students throughout the process. I have never quite seen the world around me the same after her tour - I now see edibles and bounty all around. I was especially impressed by the peppergrass plant - so much fun to eat!
Emily Min Chen, teacher, Charles R. Edwards Middle School, Charlestown, MA
Questions? Contact me by filling out this form:
* Services can be provided beyond greater Boston, but travel will be charged extra.
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