Welcome to my plant-walk page!
Please scroll down if you'd like to buy a gift-walk, or to see the current schedule of walks. Pop-up walks are first posted on my Instagram page @66squarefeet. And private walks for you or for a group of friends or work-team members are by appointment.
If you would like to enquire about a private walk, or join my mailing list to get news about scheduled walks please email me at myviljoen (at) gmail (dot) com.
My second book, Forage, Harvest, Feast - A Wild-Inspired Cuisine, is all about edible plants and how to forage, grow, and use them. There are 510 recipes exploring the range of possibilities for these delicious and very versatile botanical ingredients. Order from your nearest bookshop or, you know, Amazon.
About my Walks
I lead plant identification and nature walks in wild and tame green spaces. As much as these experiences are about sharing my passion for plants, they are an introduction to and immersion in the rich natural world that surrounds us, even in the middle of a city.
Every part of every season offers a unique opportunity to learn more about the plants that surround us in plain sight, especially in places where we do not expect to find them. Yes, we we even walk in winter!
On field trips that are essentially experiential classes, we identify and talk about pretty much any plant we encounter: So-called weeds, or plants whose habit is invasive; exotic plants (introduced species) that have culinary uses; and native plants, some of which could - and should, but still don't - define an authentic regional cuisine.
In terms of edible plants, we discuss what parts of plants are safe to eat, and why, as well as culinary ideas and techniques for unfamiliar ingredients. We talk about the (constantly evolving) do's and don't's of foraging; pollution issues; sustainability; the relationship between invasive plants and natives, and why it does actually matter, if we care about the planet and biodiversity; and the real problems of commercial over-harvest of native wild plants (like ramps) - all tying in to my approach of conservation foraging.
My hope is to help tune your senses to the botanical and natural details at our feet, and above our heads.
The group-size for walks is small, low-impact, and personal. It's not unusual for new friendships to grow over the course of the walk. Meet plants, make friends!
Most walks end with a shared, wild-inspired tasting picnic. It's exactly what it sounds like: Tastes of in-season, wild ingredients as well as preserved forages from my feral pantry. Non-foraged ingredients are high-quality, and organic or locally-grown, where possible. I take broad dietary preferences (vegan, vegetarian, omnivore) into account where possible within a group. You can also book a diet-specific, private walk.
Ways to Walk and Talk
Gift Walks - buy an open ticket to any scheduled walk, for someone you like.
Private Walks - for institutions, corporate groups, schools, families, friends.
Talks, Classes - for botanic gardens, conservancies, garden clubs, etc.
Consultation - native and edible garden creation, wild recipes, mixology.
Buy a Gift Walk
You can buy a ticket or tickets to any of my scheduled walks (with tasting picnics) via the button below. They are valid for one year from the date of purchase. I will reach out to you via the email address you provide at check out. The giftee should reserve their spot/s by emailing me as soon as they see a posted walk that suits their schedule, since these walks are open to public booking and may sell out quickly. Gift tickets are $80 and are non-refundable.
* (Private walks at a time and place of your choosing are available by prior arrangement, and are priced differently.)
Frequent Walker Miles
Join the club! For every five walks you attend, the sixth is free. Please keep track and alert me when you're up for a gratis stroll.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations up to seven days before a walk receive a refund, minus PayPal's processing fee. Cancellations up to 48 hours ahead of a walk will receive credit for a future walk (to be used within a year from the purchase-date). Cancellations within 48 hours of a walk are non-refundable (this includes Gift Walk tickets, which will be forfeited).
If I cancel for any reason, you receive a full refund.
Walks booked via outgoing links to institutions (like the New York Botanical Garden) have their own cancellation policies, per those institutions.
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Late Winter and Early Spring 2023
Prospect Park
11 February 2023
$60
Thank you for keeping alive the Magical natural world !
ReplyDeleteThought,,, I haven't joined your field guide tour for a while, your note is always breathtaking treat for me. Thank you, Marie-san!
ReplyDelete