Intro to Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants: Cle Elum – Cle Elum, WA

Join us for a walk along the Coal Mines Trail in Cle Elum, where the diverse and abundant plant life offers a wealth of edible and medicinal treasures. As we amble along this beautiful trail, you’ll discover chokecherry, Oregon grape, elderberry, serviceberry, snowberry, nettle, black hawthorn, and more—all thriving in their natural habitat.

We’ll focus on the traditional and contemporary uses of these plants, exploring their roles in herbal medicine and foraging practices. Learn how to identify each species, understand their unique properties, and discover how they can be used to support health and wellness.

This walk is perfect for anyone eager to deepen their connection with nature and expand their knowledge of the edible and medicinal plants found in the region. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, this is a great opportunity to learn something new. For those of you who live in the area, this is a great opporunity to learn about the plants you may have on your property!

LOGISTICS:

Meet us at the 2nd street entrance of the coal mines trail in Cle Elum here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/bYeH4wzSU69FMKrc7 . There is a small parking lot at the trailhead, and plenty of street parking around if that is full. We will continue toward Roslyn on the coal mines trail. Please wear close toed shoes that you can walk a mile in.

Note that dogs are not allowed on foraging walks. Children under the age of 1 and above the age of 13 are allowed at this walk.

Note that foraging is not allowed in most areas, so we will not be harvesting any more than samples from the plants we encounter.

PLEASE BRING:

– a pocket knife

– a notebook if that is your style

– weather appropriate clothing

– close-toed shoes (protects from brambles, needles and sticks)

– long pants preferred (protects from brambles and ticks)

COVID PROTOCOL: Please stay home if you are experiencing any symptoms of illness: sore throat, fever, coughing. You will receive a refund! Masks are not required in class, but please do wear a mask in class if you feel the need.

ABOUT THE TEACHER: Natalie Hammerquist has been teaching classes in herbalism and local plants since 2016. She is a long time student of herbal medicine, wellness, weaving, naturalism and foraging. Her book, Medicinal Plants of the Pacific Northwest, was just released, and she wil have copies for sale at the walk and during the Mountain Wellness Adventure Fair on May 4th. Her business, The Adiantum School of Plant Medicine, is based in Roslyn and Seattle. She is an experienced, enthusiastic teacher with a love for hands on learning and community.

LINKS:

More classes from Adiantum School

Adiantum School Website

Online Class Recordings on Podia

How to make the most of a plant walk with Natalie:

– dress as warmly as humanly possible. Bring rain gear NO MATTER WHAT.

– bring a notebook to take notes in (unless it’s raining). If you are taking lots of plant classes, get a special notebook for your herb/plant education.

– take pictures of the things we talk about with your phone camera to help you remember what we talked about later.

– act on your knowledge immediately. Plan to go on a walk that day or the next day and identify as many plants as you can, and look for some of the details that we talked about on the walk.

– Look up the walk location ahead of time and figure out your timing. Give yourself a little extra time to find us at the location.

– Walks with Natalie are very hands on and participatory. Don’t be afraid to look closely, pull things apart, smell, taste and thoroughly take advantage of the opportunity. Questions and comments are welcome during class. That is why I keep class sizes small!