With all the spring rain pouring down on the Parkland, the forested areas should have plenty of water for this years native wild plants, many of which are edible and delicious. To take advantage of the bounty, you may want to sign up for the Park Hills Public Librarys upcoming Wild Edibles program on May 9.
Beginning at 5:30 p.m., a naturalist from an area state park will be sharing information about native, wild, edible plants that can be found in and around the Parkland, such as berries, mushrooms, green plants, nuts and flowers.
Mary Crowell, the naturalist from St. Francois State Park, will be here, said Library Director Lisa Sisk, and she might have a helper or two with her.
Sisk said Crowell will be bringing some samples of edibles with her or food items made from edibles, or even be making something during the program for guests to taste for themselves.
Many people may be surprised at the number of edible plants that can be found in the area from the common blackberry and elderberry plants to more select varieties, such as service berries and strawberries, other plants exist that many people would never consider edible, including Queen Annes Lace, Ox-Eye daisies and day lilies.
Although it takes time to locate, select, clean and prepare wild edibles and it certainly isnt practical or recommended to try to live off the land adding some to your diet can be fun and is a good way to foster a lifelong appreciation of the beauty and miracles to be found in wild plants.
Harvesting wild plants should always be done with care and consideration, but its possible to take advantage of what nature has to offer while simultaneously helping to conserve and preserve the plants for wildlife and for generations to come. Join Crowell at the library to find out how.
Although free and open to the public, registration is required to attend this program.
She needed a count from us, which is why you have to register for this class, said Sisk, in case she does make something, shell have enough for everybody. Im looking forward to it. It should be a really good program.
The class is filling up fast, so anyone who is interested in attending should call or visit the library to sign up.
Weve had a lot of people signing up so far, said Sisk, although there is still room for more.
For some adult fun, the library will be hosting another adult coloring night on May 8 from 5 to 7 p.m. The evening is for adults only and is free to attend. Bring your own coloring book and supplies or, if youre new to the activity, use coloring pages and supplies provided by the library. Participants are not required to have a library card to participate in this activity.
Springtime also means the librarys fishing rod and reel loaner program is back. Provided by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), anyone with a valid library card is welcome to check out fishing equipment, including tackle boxes, just like books. The program aims to promote fishing in Missouris lakes, streams and rivers and to get kids and adults outside and involved in nature.
Its free of charge to us and if the tackle doesnt come back they replace it; if rods and reels get broken, they replace them, Sisk said. Its a service we can provide but also it helps the Department of Conservation.
The librarys story time for kids program continues to be popular with a preschool story time set for May 10 at 4 p.m. Kids will learn some fun reptile facts through the book Reptile Race. For kids ages 1 to 5 years, registration is required so that plenty of craft supplies will be on hand for the craft-making portion of the afternoon.
Also scheduled this month are the ever-popular Monday Make and Take Craft Night on May 15 and Zumba with local instructor Nettie Young on May 23. Registration is required for each class. Both start at 5:30 p.m. and are free and open to the public.
Two of the librarys popular series of essential oil classes will be offered this month. On May 17 beginning at noon, Nurse Lori Bourgeois will be discussing essential oil safety and fun ways to incorporate them into your summer activities. This class will also include an optional make and take after-sun spray for a $5 fee. The class itself is free and open to the public, although registration is required. The fee for the make and take option is due at registration.
On May 22 (and on June 13) at 6 p.m., Nurse Casey Turnbaugh will talk about how essential oils can help with natural pain relief and support.
I use essential oils, said Sisk. They honestly help. Ive had different things going on and have used some oils and get relief from it.
Although free and open to the public, registration is required to attend this program.
Just for teens, the library is hosting a make and take cosmic candleholders craft event on May 31 at 2 p.m. Participants will also get to make and eat their own pizzas. The program is free, but limited to the first 20 teens who register.
To register for a class or for more information about any of the programs, inquire at the circulation desk or call the library at 573-431-4842. The Park Hills Public Library is located at 16 S. Coffman St.
Link:
Hunting for wild edibles among library's May activities - Daily Journal Online
