Wild Blessings

A learning resource that can help you get outside and connect with nature.

Events

Events are one-time opportunities for you to learn through an activity taught by Holly. These events include foraging in a local “shopping center” where wild edibles are plentiful, a wild cooking class followed by a sumptuous meal featuring plants gathered by participants and used in recipes provided by Holly. Webinars online are also scheduled to offer special presentations that are unique to the weekly classes. Stay tuned to these pages for up to date information on an event you will want to join.

Upcoming Online Webinars

FOOD SECURITY

When: February 23  8:30pm EST

What: Grow, Forage, Store – a Food Security Webinar with Master Gardener, Brendan Riordan and Wild Edible plant forager, Holly Drake. This presentation covers the steps to prepare by producing or gathering food and safe, effective storage. Brendon Riordan will cover how to raise a garden for long-term harvesting and how to store what you grow. Holly will cover why forage for edible plants and how to store them as well. “The wise man foresees the difficulties ahead and prepares for them but the fool goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.”  Proverbs 22:3

Where:  Join ZOOM meeting (ZOOM application must be installed in your computer prior to the start of the webinar. Go go the Zoom website for instructions.)
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84945325158?pwd=UlNmVTRKLys1L08raUptV0NSdzVzZz09#success
Meeting ID:849 4532 5158
Passcode: 615530

Space is limited to the first 100 to sign up.

WHY EAT WILD FOOD

“Why Eat Wild Food”  has been my most popular public speaking topic. I have taught it at many churches, camps and at our local library.

What: Nature was the original supermarket.  Ever wonder what the pioneers ate while traversing the Oregon Trail?  There were supermarkets waiting at their destination but they weren’t the kind we have now.  Seasonal and ever evolving wild edible plants have always been the Creator’s gift to us.  What you can learn today used to be common knowledge.  Relearning nature’s secrets and prolific offerings is a way of connecting with our ancestors in a life giving, empowering way and preparing us for a more self sufficient future.  My talk will cover these benefits for learning the art of foraging and gathering from nature Economic, Health, Gardening, and Well Being considerations.

When: Friday, March 11, 8:30 pm EST on ZOOM and on Facebook at Holly Drake

Where:  This Slideshow Presentation will be held online via Zoom.  The Zoom link will be advertised. Space is limited to the first 100 people to sign up.

Cost: FREE

HOW TO FORAGE

What:  Wild Edible Plants may be free for the knowing and the picking but there are guidelines that you need to know and I am happy to be your guide.  In this lecture you will discover some keys to successful shopping in the wild.  Foragers refer to them as the TIONS of foraging: preparaTION, locaTION, identificaTION, multiplicaTION, you’ll  learn a bit about the art of ‘riding nature’s wave and how to forage for edible plants in every season…Lots of wild shopping tips as well.  This is such a fun class.  I hope you can join me.

When: March 23rd 11-12 EST  On Wild Blessings with Holly Drake Facebook group

Where: This Slideshow Presentation will be held online via Zoom.  The Zoom link will be advertised. Space is limited to the first 100 people to sign up.

Cost: FREE

THE HEALING OILS IN THE LIFE OF JESUS CHRIST

What:  Jesus’ life fulfilled many prophecies of ancient Scripture and He was called “The Christ,” even by those who knew Him best. What does this title mean and why was it important to verifying who He was? Come and explore the life of Jesus in a way you have never heard before through a presentation called, “Healing Oils in the Life of Christ.” Holly Drake will share this unique part of the life of Jesus while you experience for yourself the aromas and impact of these ancient oils. She will answer these questions and others like:

• Why was Jesus given essential oils at his birth?

• Why were essential oils used by Jesus and His disciples with prayer for healing?

• How does the Bible explain God’s design for using essential oils in your health?

When: April 2, 2021 7:30-9pm

Where: on Zoom

Cost: FREE

Forage to Feasts


What: Held quarterly in 2021, these events will be limited to 5 participants who will join together at a local wild “shopping center” and gather edible plants while receiving teaching on site from Holly. Learn by being with the plants and hearing Holly teach about their history, botany and their edible and medicinal gifts. Harvest what is in it’s height of energy to bring back to Holly’s house where she will teach you how to ‘garble’ and ‘herb around’! You will learn culinary wisdom in cooking with wild edible plants. Over the course of the Summer you will learn how to make wild teas, vinegars, oils, stir fries. Meet at the Todd Mercantile for a half hour of instruction. At 9:30 we will caravan to one of my favorite local ‘wild grocery stores’. Then returning back to my house in Todd, to work together in my kitchen with the plants. Bring a water bottle, pen and paper, layered clothing, long pants, closed toe shoes and hat. RSVP at 828-406-8241. Cost is $100 a person, discounts available for families. Scholarships available with inquiry in advance.
When: There will only be 4 Wild Blessings Forage to Feasts in 2021, Sign up early to assure your spot.  Space is limited to 7 participants, due to Covid and the need for social distancing. I am planning on one in April, June, August, and October.
Where: We will meet at the Todd Mercantile porch for a short time of instruction and then drive to a few wild shopping centers to gather and then return back to my home to cook up our Wild Food Feast.
Cost: $100/person (sliding scale – contact Holly for details)