Wild Food & Medicine Apprenticeship

Embark on a transformative journey into the heart of the California’s wild bounty with this ten month immersive apprenticeship on foraging, tending, and utilizing wild foods. This comprehensive program will guide you through the seasonal rhythms of the wild food and medicine of the Santa Cruz Mountains and beyond, teaching you how to identify, ethically harvest, and cultivate a deep connection with the edible and medicinal plants that surround us. From spring's tender shoots to autumn's abundant fruits, you'll learn the skills to safely and sustainably integrate wild resources into your life.

What will we explore?

Throughout the year, we'll dive into diverse topics, including plant identification, ecological awareness, traditional food preservation techniques, and the creation of delicious wild foods & potent herbal remedies. You'll gain hands-on experience in a great variety of ecosystems, learning to recognize local flora and understand their ecological roles. We'll explore the art of ethical harvesting, ensuring the long-term health of wild populations, and discuss how to support these ecosystems through responsible tending. You'll also learn to transform your harvests into delicious meals and effective medicines, connecting with the land in a profound and practical way.

By the end of this year-long program, you'll possess the knowledge and confidence to navigate the wild landscapes around you, understanding the intricate relationships between plants, people, and the environment.

Join us as we rediscover the ancient art of foraging and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the wild foods that nourish both body and spirit. This class is designed to provide a rich, immersive experience, fostering a lifelong connection with the natural world.

Please note that due to seasonal availability, specific items like mushrooms and seaweeds will be focused on during their appropriate seasons.

What do I need to know to join in?

Nothing.

When do we meet?

The fieldwork portion of class takes place one Saturday each month in person at various open spaces in the Santa Cruz foothills, mountains, and seaside. Kitchen portions are either in Monte Sereno, in the field when possible, or at Alexandra’s family land in Corralitos, CA.

Classes begin at 10am Saturday morning and go till 3 or 4pm depending on content, the exception being the seaweed class which is dependent on the tides and will begin at 7am on the coast and go till early afternoon.

Classes can be purchased individually, though preference is given to those wishing to undergo the program in its entirety as classes build on each other.