Join native plant educator and wild edibles expert Pat Armstrong for an in-depth study of Wild Edible Plants of the Midwest. This seasonally organized course provides participants with hands-on experience and a deep immersion into ethical foraging, plant identification, and wild edible meal preparation. Each day-long class includes interactive discussions, a wild edible tasting session, and a guided hike through local parks and preserves. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to identify over 100 wild, edible plants and know how to prepare healthy and delicious meals from foraged finds!
About Your Teacher
Patricia K. Armstrong grew up in Michigan, spending her days around Otsego Lake and Detroit. Her knowledge and understanding of all things wild and free come from a life-long personal and intimate relationship with Nature that is passionate and scientific. Pat has a B.A. in Biology, English, and Teaching from North Central College in Naperville, and an M.S. in Biology (Botany and Ecology) from the University of Chicago. She has taught classes on botany and ecology for nearly 60 years and was previously the manager of the Morton Arboretum’s Schulenberg Prairie.
Course Details
The 2025 Course meets on Saturdays, from 9:30 am to 4 pm, at Clow House at McDonald Farm in Naperville, IL.
Each day-long class includes interactive discussions, a wild edible tasting session, and a guided hike through local parks and preserves. Please plan to bring your own lunch and drink.
By the end of the course, you will be able to identify over 100 wild edible plants of the Midwest and feel confident finding nourishment and joy in the natural world.
Course Dates: Feb. 22, Apr 19, Jul 19, Sep 20, Oct, 18, and Nov. 15, 2025
About the Location
This course focuses on the rich ecological diversity of the Midwest and the edible wild plants found throughout the Great Lakes Region.
Each class begins at the historic Clow House at McDonald Farm, in Naperville, Illinois.
Each class ends with a guided foraging hike in nearby DuPage County parks and preserves where we have permission to collect and sample the wild delicacies of the region.
Course Fee: $1250.00
The course fee includes:
6 full-day classes
40+ hours in-person learning w/ Ms. Pat
5 expert-guided foraging hikes
Wild Edible Plants workbook
A Copy of The Plant Family Cookbook
Seasonal Snacks & Drinks prepared by Ms. Pat (BYO Lunch + Water)
Certificate of Completion
Optional CEUs for professional educators
Please note: The course is also available ‘à la carte’ for an additional fee. The Course Workbook + Plant Family Cookbook are not included in this option. They will be available for an additional fee on-site.
+We have limited scholarships (partial & full) for educators, seniors, veterans, BIPOC, and other participants in the 2025 Wild Edible Plants of the Midwest course.
Please complete this Scholarship Application to help us determine which scholarship will best serve you and our plant-loving community. We strive to make our teachings accessible while compensating our teachers and other partners fairly and equitably.
Interested but still have questions? Please fill out the form below, and we’ll get back to you with more information.