Meeting at: Basin Lake Trailhead near Red Lodge, Montana

In this class, you'll learn about the countless local medicinal and fungal plants that you can use for food, many of them can be found in your backyard and are considered weeds. We will walk in the local forest starting at the Basin Lake trailhead near Red Lodge and identify and talk about the culinary and medicinal uses of those plants. This time of the season should provide some tasty mushrooms to identify as well. The walk is around 2 hours, very slow with lots of stops to talk about the plants. We'll also talk about native plants, their uses and which ones you could plant at home, as well how to ethically collect plants in the wild.

Many people enjoy spending time in nature. But did you know that time among the trees is therapeutic? Being in the forest is a practice that can benefit your mind and your body. It can help you relax and refuel — and give you a break from the devices, worries and stress that can dominate your daily life. If the group is interested, we can also talk about methods of recharge in the forest.

Take the time to breathe deeply and turn your focus inward. Leave your screens, your deadlines and your worries behind. It’s worth it.

The walk will occur rain or shine, so check the weather and make sure you either have sun or rain protection and stay warm.

*Walking distance will be less than a mile total.