North Carolina Wild Foods Weekend

On a spring weekend, a group of people from near and far, will take into the woods and fields of North Carolina to learn about edible wild plants, meet other foragers, & celebrate Spring.

After an introduction to some of the plants to be collected, participants will join small groups led by experienced foragers to collect wild foods. Each year the North Carolina Wild Foods Weekend hosts a featured speaker. This years keynote speaker will be Mike Krebill of Keokuk, Iowa.

The climax of the weekend will be a Wild Feast composed of collected foods prepared by the participants. The Sunday program will feature uses of wild plants & a variety of arts, crafts, & other outdoor activities and demonstrations. We encourage participants to bring their Handmade Goods for demonstrations or to barter, swap and sell!

The rolling hills and pastures of the Betsy-Jeff Penn 4H Center, (Map it) located on a beautiful lake, (fishing permitted) four miles from Reidsville NC, will be the sight of the Wild Foods Weekend. A post card confirmation with map will be mailed upon receipt of your registration fees, if requested.

Lodging is available in rustic dormitory style cabins (with electricity) around the central meeting area. Bath and shower facilities are available in each cabin. Each person is provided with a twin bed with blanket and 2 sheets, a bath towel, hand towel, wash cloth, and soap. There are facilities for men, women, families and couples.

Camping is not permitted on the center grounds. Sorry, No pets are permitted unless to assist.

Young people who are interested in participating in our program are welcome. Wild Foods Weekend offers supervised "Kids Tracks"--fun and educational activities for children to explore and learn about nature. Parents of children under five may find it more convenient to stay at a motel in nearby Reidsville, but it is not mandatory. Parents are responsible for the supervision and safety of their children during the weekend.

Professional cooks at the 4H center provide standard meals (served "Southern home-style") with the exception of the Wild Feast on Saturday. All participants get the opportunity to share in the processing and preparation of wild foods for the Saturday Feast.

This year theme: Try Something New!
Our Wild Edible of 2009: Catfish!
$25 Wild Food Contest
Enter your favorite Wild Food for the Friday evening contest and win Big Bucks! Recipe must accompany entry.
$34 Bottle of Wine Contest
Enter your homemade wine and be judged by your peers! Last year we had 32 entries...Lets do it again!
Catfish Raffle
Many goods will be raffled throughout the weekend! Tickets will be available for purchase during gatherings.
Other Highlights:
*A variety of hikes & walks which focus on wild edibles & identification of everything from Flowers, Trees, and Mushrooms to Birds, Tracks and Stars!
*Bonfire Fun 101! Bring the evening to a close with stories, music and entertainment around the fire! Musicians are encouraged to bring their instruments! Story tellers bring your tales! Hoopers, firedancers, poi artists too!
** We reach maximum capacity quickly, so make your reservation today! The first 100 participants to register, receive a 2009 Wildfood Weekend Catfish canvas tote!