Registration Requirements: Preregistration required.

Intended Audience: This program is designed for adults.

Program Description: Gather together as we highlight the spring season with our unique mix of foraging, cultivation of native plants for food, and interactive conservation. We’ll make the most of the season as we blend in-the-field, hands-on activities interspersed with short, sit-down classes. We’ll showcase multiple options for capturing and preserving foraged items in their prime, and demonstrate a forager’s basket-full of options for how to use them as we make and taste light food bites. 

What to Expect: This foraging experience will be a blend of partial hands-on activity with hiking, harvesting, and food prep. We’ll walk between 1 and 2 miles at most on uneven terrain with hills and/or steps at a slow walking pace/meander.  There will be bathroom and bench stops at the start and end of the program.  If you are concerned about walking, there will be a number of things to do near the building. 

You’ll head home with some make-and-take foraged swag. While we’ll touch on 25+ edible species, as well as several poisonous look-alikes, much of this experience will be centered on mini-classes including: 

• Mushroom foraging basics  
• Rewilding our yards/coexisting with the “weeds”  
• From scratch, foraged-inspired tamales and tortillas 
• Foraged salve making 
• Smoking food with native woods 
• Foraged nutrition  
• Native spices  
• Foraged cocktail and mocktail making 
• Introductory plant identification 
• Pawpaw vinegar make and take  
• Uses for foraged jam (with samples) 

Frequently Asked Questions: 

• Is the 2024 Foragers Gathering different than the 2023 gathering? Yes, with a different venue, a new roster of classes and walks, and unique foods, the 2024 gathering will be a completely new experience. 
• Is food served? Light bite food samples will be shared throughout the program. As we won’t be serving a full meal, consider bringing your own snacks. Vegan-friendly light bite options will be available. Options will be available to substitute for common allergens. 
• Will drinks be available? Alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available. Please bring an ID. ID checks are  required for the consumption of alcohol.  
• Can I come and forage on my own? Always ask for permission from the landowner before foraging. Cincinnati Nature Center sees upwards of 200,000 visitors per year—if even a fraction of those visitors harvested, it would have an impact on the site (and what’s available for programs). Please join us for a foraging program. 

What to Wear: Be prepared for on-trail walking with some off-trail harvesting. Long pants suggested.

What to Bring: Bring a water bottle, a mug, and plate as well as utensils. Don’t worry, we’ll have extras available in case you forget. 

Where to Meet: Please meet at Groesbeck Estate (the stone lodge) at our Rowe Woods location. 

Cost: Ticket fees include daily admission.

Check your email for registration information regarding this transaction. SAVE A TREE, please retain your order number or save an electronic copy of the email acknowledgement as a receipt. You may be asked for your order number from your transaction to gain entry at the gate/to attend your program. Visitor Services associates can also verify your etickets from the order number or by name.

Please note that our program and cancellation policies vary. By completing registration for this program, you agree to the following general program policies.