Sow thistle, dandelion, and chickweed – besides growing in every abandoned lot and roadside, what do these nuisance weeds have in common? All three plants are perfectly edible and loaded with beneficial vitamins and nutrients.
Join Texas master naturalist and horticulture expert David Renninger for a two-hour interpretive foraging and eco-hike of the Lowlands at Lone Star College-Kingwood on Feb. 28 from 9-11 a.m. Learn the rules of foraging and how to identify edible and useful plants both for fun and for survival. Renninger will lead participants along Evans Gully to the west fork of the San Jacinto River, stopping periodically to discuss points of interest, identify edible plants, and answer questions.
“Discussion topics between mouthfuls of seasonal edibles will cover the interrelationship between human and ecological health with specific focus on watersheds, water quality, and sustainability,” Renninger said. “Participants will receive checklists that they can use to improve the sustainability of their own properties in order to protect the downstream water quality and ecological systems of places like The Lowlands.”
Renninger’s unique perspective comes from his experience as a healthcare facility manager where he uses nature to improve quality of life for stressed patients and demonstrate the benefits of sustainability in a public setting. He is also a landscape industry veteran with awareness that the “green” industry is not so green after all. He takes active steps to educate the green industry and its consumers on ways to mitigate the negative environmental impact of their activities.
Participants should dress for outdoor conditions including exposure to weather, mud, insects, and wildlife. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring insect repellent. A camera, pen, and notebook are also recommended to take notes and document wild edibles. There are no facilities on site and the hike is not recommended for children due to the venue and subject matter.
For more information on this event, call 281-312-1788 or visit Foraging walk and eco-talk at Lone Star College-Kingwood.
Register now for credit classes online through myLoneStar. Classes are offered days, evenings, or weekends in traditional, Internet, video, TV and independent study formats. For more information on how to register online, visit www.lonestar.edu/registration.
For general information about Lone Star College-Kingwood, call 281.312.1600 or visit http://lonestar.edu/kingwood.htm.
Lone Star College System has been opening doors to a better community for 40 years. Founded in 1973, LSCS remains steadfast in its commitment to student success and credential completion. Today, with 78,000 students in credit classes, and a total enrollment of more than 90,000, Lone Star College System is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and the fastest-growing community college system in the nation. Dr. Stephen C. Head is the chancellor of LSCS, which consists of six colleges including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, LSC-Tomball and LSC-University Park, five centers, LSC-University Center at Montgomery, LSC-University Center at University Park, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.
