Northport Foraging Adventure
Posted on 06/10/2022
.jpg "Chef Zach at picnic table presenting to students")
For centuries, our surrounding forests and woodlands in Grey and Bruce counties have been home to countless wild herbs and vegetables. In May, Grade 6 classes from Northport Elementary School experienced an incredible foraging adventure with Indigenous chef, Zach Keeshig of Naagan restaurant in Owen Sound.
Chef Zach took the group on a walking tour alongside a local river and shared his expertise on responsible, safe, and sustainable foraging as the students trimmed, tried, and tasted a bountiful selection of wild edibles. The skill and knowledge of foraging was something the students had never really experienced, and they were captivated and engaged the entire day.
The walk wrapped up in a campground where the students pitched in to trim, chop, and create a beautiful pesto with their foraged goods, such as wild watercress, leeks, and mustard garlic. Chef Zach brought along his signature seeded sour dough, a wonderful chunk of locally sourced parmigiana cheese, and a few other ingredients to complete the dish.
Throughout the walk, Chef Zach shared the medicinal and healing properties of many of the plants encountered, cleaned, peeled, and sliced many options for the students to try or smell, and shared a wealth of knowledge with the group. All involved would highly recommend Chef Zach as an incredible source of information and amazing community partner in teaching students to appreciate and connect with nature.
It was a trip to remember and one to book again! Funds to cover the costs were acquired through the school's experiential learning project, ‘Northport’s Path to Truth and Reconciliation’.
Miigwech, Chef Zach! Northport appreciated your time, effort, and thoughtfulness in preparing such a wonderful experience for the participants!
