Hey Leroy:

I've never attended a course in Southern Ontario but I have gone to a couple of week-long adventures north of you.

I took my one daughter with me both times. Actually to help support her love of herbs and natural edibles and my interest in learning anything about native culture. Both programs were native-sponsoured. They were both great, probably not as intense as I would have expected with regards to functional and classroom type learning but hey it's evident I'm not native 😉

Did you have a concern or questions about the courses they're offering?

hey Rogue,
Thanks for the post. No specific questions really. I'd like to attend one soon, and just wanted to get a feeling for what's out there...

I wouldn't hesitiate to take either of those courses after looking at them. It really wouldn't be overly productive for me though. They might be a bit of a drive for you but they don't really involve having to stay over. Both are done in great areas down there.

Any learning experience is a great experience. I walked away from both my trips amazed at how many medicinal herbs are under and around our feet and their useful purposes. I was equally amazed by how little food substance is actually available up here. Bullrush roots are a measure of desperation in my humble opinion. No matter how you prepare them, they're tough to get down. We have a redeeming grace, we have a lot of wildlife if you know how to harvest it. I'm fortunate I've had a lot of experience at that.

Anytime out in the bush is better than a day walking on concrete. Hope you find what you're looking for.

I've always found that setting out on a learning experience that once you start to meet people on the same path you learn far more about the other possible paths you might take from them.

great advice and I very much agree. I live close to the Rouge River Valley here in Toronto, so if anyone has heard of any hikes going on around here, I'd be very interested.

But you're right Rogue, learning how to take wildlife is probably more of a priority given what you say. And I guess hunting for sport is much different than harvesting for the long term. I guess trapping would make more sense.

wow, I'd love to attend one of these

You're right Leroy about hunting, at best it's a seasonal success and not one that is easily or simply achievable. I really don't like to talk too much about hunting because it isn't the most popular subject. For those it might offend I gave up "letting go of the arrow" years ago. I still go out a lot, but never with the intent to take an animal, the skill is not necessarily in letting go of the arrow, it's in positioning yourself to. I never took to rifle hunting it didn't seem challenging enough, I took up bow hunting. When you can position yourself within forty yards of an animal and master a clean shot you've mastered the art.

I've done enough to understand just how difficult it must have been in Northern regions for the original inhabitants to have relied on big game. They probably didn't. The best that anyone can prepare themselves with is snaring, even in your area rabbits and small game are abundant. Learning that skill is far more beneficial.

Sorry this thread has strayed from learning about natural vegetation so I'll bow out on the conversation about meat 😳 .

I actually think your point is well made though even if it's off the main topic, so thanks. My girlfriend is vegan, but even she realizes the necessity of meat in a survival situation.

But back to the main thread, I think an edible plant hike would be great, but Grand River is a bit far for me. I'll do some research around here and post if I find anything.

A little research and I found the following in Toronto:

Edible Tree Tour
Edible Tree Tour 2012
Saturday, August 25, 2012 - 10:00a.m. - 12:00p.m.
Registration recommended
Ben Nobleman Park
1075 Eglinton Ave West
(across the street from Eglinton West Station)

Toronto, , M6C 2E1

http://www.yourleaf.org/calendar/list-upcoming-events

Family Nature Walk – Wild Edibles

Tuesday, August 21, 2012
1-3pm
Cost: $2/person, or donate-what-you-can

http://www.highparknaturecentre.com/family-nature-walk-wild-edibles/

I'll post again if I decide to go to these.

Leroy