September 17, 2023

Introduction to Sustainable Fall Foraging

Difficulty Rating:
Special Adventure
Beauty Rating:
Solitude Rating:
Adventure Category:
Adventure Start:
Sep 17, 2023 8:00 AM
Estimated End:
Sep 17, 2023 3:00 PM

Adventure Description

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:

  • How to identify a wide range of species
  • How to ethically harvest and prepare wild foods
  • What you can do to build a reciprocal relationship with foraged & non foraged wild species


Post Forage Tasting

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:

  • Phones/cameras
  • Notebook, pencil
  • Field guides/apps
  • Pocket knife
  • Hand lens

Our teacher, Bryan

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.

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:

  • How to identify a wide range of species
  • How to ethically harvest and prepare wild foods
  • What you can do to build a reciprocal relationship with foraged & non foraged wild species


Post Forage Tasting

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:

  • Phones/cameras
  • Notebook, pencil
  • Field guides/apps
  • Pocket knife
  • Hand lens

Our teacher, Bryan

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.

Trip Expense:

Friends: $95+HST (Add $40 for transport)

Explorers: $45+HST (Add $40 for transport)

Pathfinders: $45+HST

Itinerary

08:00 - Van leaves from Keele station

09:00 - 12:30 - Hike and Forage

12:30 - 13:30 - Taste test of foraged items (you'll need to also bring a packed lunch)

15:00 - Expected return to Toronto

Rental Gear available

Adventure Cost

Event Cost:
$95+HST (Add $40 for transport)
Transport Cost:
$45+HST (Add $40 for transport)

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel and wish to rejoin, please confirm with us on Discord to ensure that the updated registration has been received.

Members Attending

Sue
Annel
Olena
Cassandra
Krishna
Yagna
Hania
Savan
Britania
Sarah
Shivika

Members on Waitlist

This adventure is now full but you can join the waitlist!

Adventure Cancellations

Sarah

Sign-Up Deadline

This adventure opens for registration soon!

Trip Updates

Apply for Membership or log-in to sign up for this adventure

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Fall Colours at Rattlesnake Point
Frontenac Fall Colour Hike
Algonquin Park - Fall Colours Hike
Hardy Lake + Lookout
Fall Colour Hike and Apple Picking
Hardy Lake Hike + Ice Cream (CANCELLED)
Wilderness Book Club - Into The Wild
Algonquin Highlights - Canoe and Hike
Secret Summer BBQ Social
Secret Wilderness Hike + Mystery Adventure
Cave Hike and Creemore
Tubing the Grand River
Spectacular Scenery Hike
Wilderness Lake Paddle - 4
Exploring Temagami - An Epic 5 Day Canoe Loop
Secret Location Wilderness Hike
Crawford Lake
Muskoka River & Waterfall Hike
Niagara Falls Daytrip & Whirlpool Hike
Wilderness Lake Paddle - 3
Wilderness Book Club - Entangled Life
WU Outdoor Movie Social
Wilderness Lake Paddle - 2
Wilderness Lake Paddle
Humber River Canoe and Picnic
Wasted Wings
Crawford Lake
Wilderness Book Club - On Trails
Canoeing the North West Territories Talk
Camping Trips - Info Session
Tree Planting at Heartwood Farm
Canoe Camping in Killarney
Wings & Waste #4
Tea 'n Bannock Social
Earth Day Clean-Up
Hiking Ishpatina Ridge
Canoe Camping Overnight
Georgian Bay Islands Camping
A Meditative Old Growth Forest Hike
Toronto Island Paddle & Picnic
Bruce Peninsula Camping
Overnight Backcountry Camping Intro
Hilton Falls Hike
McCrae Lake Hike
Advanced Navigation Exercise
Crawford Lake
Wings & Waste #3
Wings & Waste #2
The Walrus Talks Nature
Wings & Waste
Wilderness Book Club - The Golden Spruce
Frontenac Mega Hike
Secret Location Muskoka Wilderness Hike
Bruce Peninsula - Day Trip 2
Introduction to Navigation
Movie Screening and Social
Mono Cliffs Provincial Park
Spring Foraging Masterclass
Epic Panorama Hike
Algonquin Park - Centennial Ridges Trail
Hamilton Waterfall, Donut and Brewery Tour - '24 edition
Secret Location Wilderness Hike + Mystery Adventure
Bruce Peninsula - Day Trip
Video Games & Drinks at Tilt
Total Solar Eclipse Tour
Interpretive Nature Hike at Tommy Thompson Park
Secret Hike + Winter Clothing Clinic
Winter Clothing Clinic & Discounted Shopping Event
More Skiing and Snowboarding at Mt St Louis Moonstone
Winter Camping in Wild Temagami
Wilderness Book Club - January
Activate Social
Information Session 2
Victoria Day Camping in Algonquin
St Jacobs Tour
Fire & Ice Forest Skating Trail at Arrowhead
McCrae Lake Hike/Snowshoe
Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding at Mt St Louis Moonstone
Cross-Country Skiing
Snowtubing & Pub Lunch
Mystery Location - Winter Hike
Hardy Lake Hike
Festive Farm Visit & Hike
End of Year Celebration
The Wilder Loop
Epic Panoramas & Famous Waterfalls
Archery Lesson & Lunch
New Years Eve Log Cabin Getaway
Mindfulness Hike
Intro to Disc Golf
Goats, Monsters and Port Hope
Bronte Creek - Free Hike
Boyne Valley Hike (swapped for mindfulness hike)
The Best of Muskoka
Mystery hike
Cave Hike and Creemore Visit
Terracotta Pot Painting Social 2
Halloween Hike, Bonfire and Pizza Party
Highland Creek Hike
Rouge Valley - Free Hike

Other Upcoming Adventures

The Wilder Ones
NEWSLETTER

Sign up for our newsletter to reconnect with the wild, discover new adventures and get updates from Wilderness Union.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.