MONTICELLO — A walk through the woods can become a trip to the dinner table with the right knowledge.
University of Illinois Extension is inviting area residents to discover the world of wild edible foods through a seasonal foraging course that teaches participants how to safely identify, harvest and prepare edible plants found in nature. Designed with beginners in mind, the hands-on series combines classroom learning, guided field experiences and cooking demonstrations that follow the changing seasons.
Hosted by Illinois Extension's Health and Community Wellness and Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy teams, each four-hour session is divided into three interactive experiences.
The program begins with a one-hour classroom presentation covering the fundamentals of foraging, including food safety, laws and regulations, proper storage and preservation techniques, and identification of common edible species.
Participants will then head outdoors for a 90-minute guided field experience led by Illinois Extension Master Naturalist Chandler Womack and Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator Karla Griesbaum. During the hike, attendees will learn ethical harvesting practices while gaining confidence identifying seasonal edible plants in their natural habitat.
The course concludes with a 90-minute cooking class and communal meal led by Family and Consumer Sciences Educator Rachel Mannen. Participants will prepare nutritious recipes featuring commonly foraged ingredients before enjoying the meal together.
Because the course follows the seasons, each session highlights different edible plants and wild foods that are naturally available throughout the year.
Classes will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the 4-H Memorial Camp at Allerton Park on Aug. 25, 2026, Oct. 21, 2026, and Jan. 29, 2027. Registration is $30 per session.
Participants are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes and dress for the weather since portions of the program take place outdoors and some cooking activities may also be held outside. Attendees should also be comfortable hiking at a moderate pace for approximately 1½ hours.
Whether the goal is learning new culinary techniques, spending more time outdoors or gaining a better understanding of local edible plants, the seasonal foraging course offers an opportunity to explore the foods growing naturally across central Illinois.
For more information or to register, visit go.illinois.edu/EdibleWildPath.
