Relevant

Eco-Foraging Weekend With Dr. T

River Haven, Wisconsin

2013 Foraging Events:

June 21-23, July 19-21, August 2-4, August 23-25

What is Eco-Foraging? We define eco-foraging as the process of searching for edible plants growing wild in Nature (not planted by humans) and then eating them! This process involves living and wandering in natural surroundings for 2-3 days, forming friendships and communal awareness, re-discovering our intimate contact with our natural resources, and learning to trust that nature will always provide; everything we really need is already here surrounding us!

Can Foraging Provide Sufficient Food and Water? We can never guarantee the caloric intake of each individual forager. Since our foraging camps are short (2 days), there is never any risk of starvation. We will always find sufficient edible leaves, flowers, seeds, roots, bulbs, bark, or fruit to sustain us even on restricted calories. Furthermore, the food is so nutritious (the highest density of nutrients per calorie ingested) that we can do extremely well on smaller quantities if necessary. River Haven will provide unlimited purified (reverse osmosis) drinking water, which Dr. T will re-mineralize with ConcenTrace® Trace Mineral Drops from Ecopolitan.

What Are the Benefits of Eco-Foraging? Besides the satisfying challenge; the deeper understanding of the human condition; the camaraderie with and introduction to like-minded people; the learning of new skills; and the gaining of "survival" knowledge while experiencing plentiful Nature, we also benefit from the complete avoidance of toxic foods and from the extremely high nutrient density and variety (unheard of in agriculture) of health-enhancing plant foods. And, of course, let's not forget about the pleasure of a whole new world of numerous fresh flavors derived from plants previously disregarded as mere "weeds."

What Else is on the Premises of River Haven? River Haven's intentional community grows its own organic CSA garden supported by the Ecopolitan Restaurant, has a very long (1.5 miles) riverfront acreage perfect for tubing (1.5 hours within the property), 15 miles of State Park-like scenic trails, and a sandbar perfect for sunbathing. The community owns a large 3-story monolithic, geodesic dome with infrared sauna, meeting/living areas, and shower/toilet facilities that are available to foraging participants. Dr. T's treehouse serves as a meeting area as well. The nearby university town of Menomonie is only 8 miles away, with an organic co-op, theaters, and other entertainment.

How do I join?

1. Pre-register here, or if you would rather not pre-pay please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  You will then receive an email response confirming your participation. Group size is limited to 20 participants per foraging weekend.

2. Meet at the Ecopolitan Restaurant Juice Bar at 3:00 PM on the specified foraging Friday for carpooling to River Haven (approximately 1.5 hours/75 miles away). Address: N9562 County Rd G, Colfax, WI 54730 (from Hwy 94, go 8 miles north of Menomonee on Hwy 25, turn right onto County Rd G, then after 0.6 mile turn left onto the first dirt road).

3.  If you did not pre-pay, bring $95 cash per adult for the full weekend (2 nights including all amenities listed below) or $65 per adult for 1 night (2 children under 17 accompanied by an adult = one adult). Please Note: if you choose the one-day option you must arrive on Friday. The Friday evening lectures will start on time so please plan appropriate travel time. Also, please bring $5 - $10 for gas money if carpooling with another driver.

All payments for foraging retreats support the intentional community of River Haven (additional donations welcome) and cover expenses. Payment is expected, in cash, prior to the beginning of the retreat (at the meeting point, or upon arrival at River Haven - if not carpooling from the Ecopolitan building).

Included Amenities: Amenities include campgrounds (for tents or RVs), purified RO water, an infrared sauna, kitchen access, showers/toilets, and other dome facilities. Those lacking tents and camping gear will be accommodated in the dome or the Eco-Van (subject to availability). Also included are a giant outdoor trampoline, campfire activities, river tubing (weather-permitting), foraging activities, nature trail walks, as well as health, nutrition, & sustainability discussions with Dr. T.

What Should We Bring? Basic camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, sheets/blankets, flashlight, natural mosquito repellents), appropriate clothing, shoes suitable for getting wet, bathing suit, good explorative attitude, musical instruments, books about edible wild plants, a refillable water container (preferably glass or non-leaching metal), small reusable bags (for those who like to "hoard" foraged food), and a good set of teeth!

Foraging Weekend Agenda

Friday

3:00 pm Meet at Ecopolitan Juice Bar

5:00 pm Meet/Arrive at the River Haven Site - Set Up Camp

5:45 pm Welcome! Meet the Community

6:00 pm Introduction to Foraging and its Benefits - with Dr. T at the Treehouse

6:45 pm Tasting and "The Rules of Engagement"

7:15 pm First Group Foraging - Pick and Eat

8:00 pm Campfire (Musical Instruments & Community Building)

**Optional Late Night Sauna, Games, Puzzles**

Saturday

9:00 am Foraging Walk on Upper 40 Acres with Dr. T

10:00 am Introduction to River Haven - History, Maps, Vision

11:00 am Foraging for Lunch

Noon Community Lunch Gathering

2:00 pm Tubing (weather permitting)

5:00 pm Foraging for Movie

6:00 pm Movie with Foraged Snacks

**Optional: Campfire, Games, Late Night Sauna**

Sunday

10:00 am Foraging for Brunch

10:30 am Gather for Community Brunch

Noon Vitamin D Foraging

12:30 pm Strike Camp

1:00 pm Visit to Green Bakery: Tour & Taste

2:00 pm Closing Circle

2:30 pm Return to Ecopolitan Restaurant