Wildcrafting: Acorns - Saturday, November 19, 2022
November 19, 2022 Wildcrafting: Acorns
Join Ana Gloria (Martha) Rodriguez of the Kumeyaay tribe and VMF's Education Coordinator, Janice Smith, as they share their knowledge of acorns.
Late fall is when our native oak trees drop their acorns, an important source of food throughout human history. Janice and Martha will start with a short nature walk to talk about the different species of oak trees and identifying acorns. Martha will then demonstrate the traditional way to process acorns to make flour and make shawee for participants to taste. This process includes harvesting acorns, including acorn selection, drying, leeching, and grinding techniques. We'll also use the flour to make acorn cookies from two different acorns.
Ana Gloria (Martha) Rodriguez, (Kumeyaay, San Jose de la Zorra) is continuing a family tradition of passing on the knowledge and expertise of the Kumeyaay people to the next generation. Following the wishes of the Elders to keep their language and culture alive and vibrant, she conducts Kumeyaay Cultural Nights once a month. As part of her commitment to education Mrs. Rodriguez is the Kumeyaay Cultural Coordinator for the Sycuan Cultural Department. She is also an instructor at Kumeyaay Community College presenting classes in basketry, pottery, and Kumeyaay food. She is also assisting with the Kumeyaay language classes and the Kumeyaay tools class. Martha is also the founder and CEO of Tipey Joa Native Warriors grassroots organization and of the Kosay Kumeyaay Market.
Wildcrafting is the age-old practice of collecting or harvesting plants from their natural habitat, or “wild” habitat, for food, medicine, or craft. It applies to uncultivated plants wherever they might be found and is not necessarily limited to wilderness areas. Ethical considerations and sustainable behaviors are practiced, such as protecting endangered species and avoiding potential depletion of commonly held resources. The practice of sustainable wildcrafting requires making a commitment to develop your knowledge and connection to the natural landscape, deepen your local sense of place, and take responsibility for its regeneration for future generations. For more information, please watch VMF's 10 Best Practices for Foraging Wild, Edible Plants.
Date: Saturday, November 19, 2022
Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. Due to the gated entry for VMF's Volcan Mountain Nature Center, please plan to arrive between 9:45 am - 9:55 am.
Cost: Activity Fee is $25 per person. Space is limited to 12 participants.
Location: VMF's Volcan Mountain Nature Center in Julian.(22850 Volcan Road/4002 Farmer Road, Julian, CA 92036).
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