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An introduction to Fall Foraging from a master outdoors educator
Our spring foraging lesson was one of the most popular adventures we organized this year. Now, it's mushroom season and we'll be building on that knowledge, throwing some fabulous fungi into the mix!
The fall is a time of wild bounty for mushrooms, nuts, and roots. When treated respectfully, they can provide an abundant and free source of both food and medicine. But to do so safely and sustainably requires gaining a deeper knowledge of our non-human neighbours, the important roles they play and a commitment to helping wild populations heal and thrive.
Join experienced forager, wildcrafter, and educator Bryan Dowkes for an introduction to sustainable foraging practices in Ontario with a focus on what can be found during the fall season.
Learn:
We're visiting a secret location about an hour from the city for a very leisurely walk with just a few moderately steep sections. We'll stop often along the way to meet and get to know dozens of plants (and hopefully a few mushrooms). After the walk we'll gather for a wild tasting and sample a few wild treats gathered as we walk or prepared by Bryan in advance.
Be sure to bring a pack lunch, water, snacks and comfortable, weather appropriate attire. This event will take place rain or shine unless weather conditions are unsafe in which case you will be notified the day before and a refund will be offered. Also be aware that we may occasionally go off trail or pass through wet and muddy sections so closed toe boots, long pants and bug spray are strongly recommended.
Feel free to bring:
Bio:
Bryan Dowkes is an Ontario-based forager and naturalist with a love for the outdoors. He has more than 15 years of experience foraging, cooking and crafting with wild plants and mushrooms and enjoys introducing people to our non-human neighbours. Bryan has led walks and workshops across Ontario for people of all ages and interest levels, including public groups, private walks, school groups, and more. When he's not out in the field or forest he's usually in his garden or food forest helping tend a wide range of wild and cultivated species.
07:50- Pick-up at the PetroCanada next to Keele Station. We leave at 08:00 and can't wait for latecomers so don't be late!
09:00 - 12:30 - Meet self-drivers at the parking lot for the Orono Crown Lands on Ochonski Road and begin.
12:30 - 13:30 - Taste test of foraged items (you'll need to also bring a packed lunch)
15:00 - Expected return to Toronto
This custom map is georeferenced, meaning it will show you where you are on the map in the right software and lays out the rough path that we’ll be following. It’s opened with the Avenza app which must be downloaded and installed in advance of the adventure.
You should also download the What3words app - this makes it easy to share and find locations in the unlikely event that you get lost.
You may also want to bring a notepad, knife and magnifying glass.
Pack a lunch, water and snacks
None
Bugs - You're recommended to wear long pants and bring bug spray
The Orono Crown Lands are located in the historic Homeward District of Northumberland County, Ontario. The area has been inhabited by Indigenous people for thousands of years. The Huron-Wendat Nation, Mississauga of Rice Lake, and Hiawatha First Nation are the three main First Nations that have a historical connection to the area.
They're home to a variety of cultural and spiritual sites, including sacred burial grounds, ancient trails, and ceremonial grounds. These sites are protected under the Ontario Heritage Act and are managed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
An introduction to Fall Foraging from a master outdoors educator
Our spring foraging lesson was one of the most popular adventures we organized this year. Now, it's mushroom season and we'll be building on that knowledge, throwing some fabulous fungi into the mix!
The fall is a time of wild bounty for mushrooms, nuts, and roots. When treated respectfully, they can provide an abundant and free source of both food and medicine. But to do so safely and sustainably requires gaining a deeper knowledge of our non-human neighbours, the important roles they play and a commitment to helping wild populations heal and thrive.
Join experienced forager, wildcrafter, and educator Bryan Dowkes for an introduction to sustainable foraging practices in Ontario with a focus on what can be found during the fall season.
Learn:
We're visiting a secret location about an hour from the city for a very leisurely walk with just a few moderately steep sections. We'll stop often along the way to meet and get to know dozens of plants (and hopefully a few mushrooms). After the walk we'll gather for a wild tasting and sample a few wild treats gathered as we walk or prepared by Bryan in advance.
Be sure to bring a pack lunch, water, snacks and comfortable, weather appropriate attire. This event will take place rain or shine unless weather conditions are unsafe in which case you will be notified the day before and a refund will be offered. Also be aware that we may occasionally go off trail or pass through wet and muddy sections so closed toe boots, long pants and bug spray are strongly recommended.
Feel free to bring:
Bio:
Bryan Dowkes is an Ontario-based forager and naturalist with a love for the outdoors. He has more than 15 years of experience foraging, cooking and crafting with wild plants and mushrooms and enjoys introducing people to our non-human neighbours. Bryan has led walks and workshops across Ontario for people of all ages and interest levels, including public groups, private walks, school groups, and more. When he's not out in the field or forest he's usually in his garden or food forest helping tend a wide range of wild and cultivated species.
07:50- Pick-up at the PetroCanada next to Keele Station. We leave at 08:00 and can't wait for latecomers so don't be late!
09:00 - 12:30 - Meet self-drivers at the parking lot for the Orono Crown Lands on Ochonski Road and begin.
12:30 - 13:30 - Taste test of foraged items (you'll need to also bring a packed lunch)
15:00 - Expected return to Toronto
This custom map is georeferenced, meaning it will show you where you are on the map in the right software and lays out the rough path that we’ll be following. It’s opened with the Avenza app which must be downloaded and installed in advance of the adventure.
You should also download the What3words app - this makes it easy to share and find locations in the unlikely event that you get lost.
You may also want to bring a notepad, knife and magnifying glass.
Pack a lunch, water and snacks
None
Bugs - You're recommended to wear long pants and bring bug spray
The Orono Crown Lands are located in the historic Homeward District of Northumberland County, Ontario. The area has been inhabited by Indigenous people for thousands of years. The Huron-Wendat Nation, Mississauga of Rice Lake, and Hiawatha First Nation are the three main First Nations that have a historical connection to the area.
They're home to a variety of cultural and spiritual sites, including sacred burial grounds, ancient trails, and ceremonial grounds. These sites are protected under the Ontario Heritage Act and are managed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
