Wildcrafting Adventures

I recently took a group of about 30 enthusiastic participants on a wild edibles hike down a local trail. Everyone had a great time learning about the ultimate in “local foods.” As the group discovered, there are many valuable edible and medicinal plants in abundance in Kansas at this time of year.

If you are interested in our next wildcrafting adventure, let us know and we’ll keep you posted on the scheduling for the next available trek in September. Stories, incidents, local history, plant identification, utilitarian uses, and recipes are all part of the fascinating hiking adventures along the trail. The hike lasts about 3+ hours and covers about 2+ miles of trail. It is well worth the time for all you will see. You’ll learn more than you ever thought possible, and get a new perspective on the practical uses of edible and medicinal plants. Fishing plants, fire-starting plants, Kansas bananas, Vitamin C drinks, sweet water from a grape vine, pine needle tea, medicines, poisons, life-saving information, and a visit to an Indian earth lodge are part of the September trek. So, put together a group of family and friends, and let’s take a hike!

Wildcrafting Adventures - John Crisp, Adventure Coordinator

The final Wildcrafting Adventure of the season is scheduled for Saturday, October 3rd, weather permitting. Meet here at the farm (contact me if you need directions) at 2:00 p.m. for orientation and some lessons on making cordage with cattails, then we're off to the Indian Earth Lodge and the trail.

Wear comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots - no flip flops or sandals. It looks like it might be jacket and hat weather. Bring a notebook, pen, camera, and a field guide if you have one, so you can log your trek and note what you learn. Bring a full water bottle for each person, knife and/or multi-tool. Other options you can bring: backpack or belt pack, walking stick, collection bag for samples to press. Expect to be back to the farm by around 5:30 p.m.

The costs for a guided tour are $7 for adults, $5 for teens, children 12 and under are free if accompanied by an adult. We can customize the adventure to families or small groups (25 or less). We expect to do these treks about 3 times per year – late spring, summer, and fall.

RSVP - I need to know how many to prepare for . . .

Shepherd's Valley will be presenting another series of wildcrafting adventure treks during late August and September. Word-of-mouth advertising from spring trekkers has sent a flood of interest our way. Over 100 people have already signed up for these outdoor adventure treks in the next 30 days. Cost is $10/adults, $5/teenagers, children 12 and under are FREE if accompanied by an adult, or $20/family.

Get your co-workers, family, friends, neighbors, classmates, school, church, club, or organization together for a great field trip and learning adventure. Special discounts for groups. Contact us to get on the schedule.

The Flint Hills Tech College of Emporia is sponsoring a wild edibles adventure trek with Shepherd's Valley farm owner John Crisp on September 11. The afternoon hike is one of many scheduled this fall. Contact FHTC to reserve your spot on the hike.