You are warmly invited to a hands-on Sustainable Living Arts School Learning Party….

The Nutritious Nettle Learning Party!

….with nettle-gatherer and home herbalist Keira McPhee

Wednesday, April 7^th, 1-2:30 pm

I love plants, but I don’t know my nettles very well. They like to live in sunny, wet places, and the sun can be scarce in Lynn Valley. It’s time for a trek over into the wilds of Burnaby to learn about and harvest some nettles! I’m eager to collect and learn about the uses of these delicious and nutritious plants. We will share our tips and tricks for harvesting and preparing nettles.

Children are welcome, pruners and gloves are welcome too!

Our guide for the day: Keira McPhee

"I am a non-denominational kitchen witch kind of herbalist who is most devoted to my nourishing weeds- those plants that provide abundant food and medicine right outside my door.  These past couple of years I've grown and prepared enough teas to last me throughout the year from my urban garden and from foraging. My son and drink a LOT of tea. (My partner less so but he digs the herbal ice teas in summer.) 

 I learn first and foremost from the plants that grow abundantly about me, in my garden, in my neighbourhood and in the forests close to the city as well as from the herbalists and plant freaks I encounter through learning parties.  But nettles first  came to me in a book I've been rereading and consulting for 15 years,  Susun Weed's "Healing Wise" (google her, she's got a mammoth and very helpful shaggy garden of a website.)   Nettles called, and I started buying them in bulk. Nettle and raspberry leaf tea was my everyday drink while I was pregnant and nursing.  Now I forage for nettles every spring and because I am an insane gardener, even grow them in my backyard. They are my favourite all-round spring nourishing food/medicine and I look forward to sharing them with you."

Register:

Location: Near Burnaby Lake. Address will be emailed to registered participants 3 days before the learning party.

Cost: Learning parties are generously supported by the donations of participants ($10, pay what you feel or what gives you joy). You can donate online when you register or bring your donation to the learning party.