The woods around Western North Carolina hold a remarkable pantry, and knowing how to read it responsibly is a skill worth having. In this hands-on class, instructor Adam Bigelow introduces you to the edible and medicinal plants and fungi that thrive in Southern Appalachian forests, with a clear focus on the knowledge and ethics that make foraging a sustainable practice rather than a damaging one.

You will learn to identify common wild species with confidence, understand the habitat cues that tell you where to look, and build a foundation for distinguishing safe, harvestable plants from those best left alone. Equally important, you will leave with a clear understanding of the forager’s responsibility: taking only what is needed, protecting root systems and reproductive cycles, and preserving the abundance of the landscape for future harvests.

The class includes time in our Native Plant area, where you can connect what you are learning to species growing right here on site. Whether you are new to foraging or looking to sharpen what you already know, this class offers practical, grounded knowledge rooted in respect for the land. Come ready to walk, observe, and ask questions.

Adam Bigelow, known as The Joyful Botanist, is a passionate wildflower expert and storyteller based in Southern Appalachia.