Join local ecological garden coach and herbalist Katie Vincent for a series of seasonal plant walks in the Snoqualmie Valley.

We will learn about wild plants by the elemental conditions they respond to: WATER, FIRE + WOOD. Getting to know plants in this way helps us build a slow, deep understanding of the story of a landscape—how it is shaped and always evolving—and how plant communities create life and ecological function within its current chapter. This approach also helps us see more clearly how we can support that story as land stewards and gardeners.

On each walk, we will use all our senses to learn basic plant ID, ethnobotany and concepts of ecological design and succession. We will build intimacy with a seasonal selection of Pacific Northwest plants and explore how they interact with wildlife, humans, and fungi (i.e. as food, craft, medicine, shelter, etc). We will also grow our observation skills to help us orient to any landscape.

fall 2023 PLANT-FLUENCED plant walks:

WATER

i. flowing water – cottonwood, willow, salmonberry and more.

ii. resting water – spiraea, red twig dogwood, cattail, horsetail and more.

WOOD

i. forest edges – thimbleberry, salal, tall oregon grape and more.

ii. forest belly – sword fern, western red cedar, douglas fir and more.

FIRE / FRICTION

i. disturbance + native plants – fireweed, goldenrod, red alder and more.

ii. disturbance + weedy plants – Himalayan blackberry, reed canary grass, dandelion and more.

More information:

This is not a foraging class, though topics of herbalism, edible landscapes, and ethical wildcrafting will be discussed. We will not be harvesting plants together.

The intention of this series is to provide a foundation for building vibrant, diverse, resilient and culturally-humble landscapes in the Snoqualmie Valley. We will center the ongoing reality of colonization in the story of this landscape, and the importance of Indigenous land rematriation for thriving cultural ecologies. 8% of every ticket cost is redistributed to the Tend, Gather & Grow project—my own first teachers about Coast Salish cultural ecosystems. Visit their website to learn about and support their important work: www.wild.goodrub.org.

Who: This plant walk series is for adults and young people (ages 12+) with an adult. If this limits your enthusiastic interest to attend, please let me know. Participation is limited to 18.

Where: Various locations in the Snoqualmie Valley. Exact location and other details provided upon registration. Please note that some locations may require a Discover Pass—not covered in the cost of the plant walk.

Cost: $44/plant walk or $244/all six (save $20) + ticket fees

Please contact me if you need financial assistance. No refunds are available—thanks for understanding. 8% of each ticket cost is redistributed to the Tend, Gather & Grow project. More details above.

To bring: Your curiosity and wonder, weather-appropriate clothing, snacks, and water. Some enjoy bringing a notebook and writing utensil and/or photo device.

Physical safety: Please alert your instructor of any known plant or insect allergies in advance of the plant walk.

Accessibility: Most of our plant walk locations will be on uneven ground, some with loose rocks. We will travel on pathways that range from one to seven feet wide. Weather conditions may make the ground slick or less sturdy. Many sites do not have a restroom near the parking area. One site is accessed by a moderately pothole-filled road. Please reach out if you have other questions or concerns about accessibility.

I hope to see you there!

💚 Katie