Boisés Est is organizing a foray into the forest to help people learn about edible plants. The workshop takes place on Saturday, May 19 from 9 to 3:30 p.m. and participants will depart from École secondaire catholique de Plantagenet, at 6150 Highway 17.

Yvan Perreault, co-owner of Au Jardin des Nunes farm, and a member of the Quebec Club of Edible Nuts Producers (CPNCQ) will lead the workshop.

Participants will learn to recognize some of the edible wonders offered by trees, shrubs and undergrowth plants at this time of spring. Perreault will lead the group into the forest to pick plants and other items for the group’s dinner. All will depend upon the terrain, and how the season is progressing. So expect to be surprised! Back at the school, participants will prepare their harvests in salads and soups that will accompany a more traditional snack, but also some forest specialties prepared for the occasion.

During the afternoon, Yvan Perreault will share in a more conventional way his knowledge of the edible forest flora with his usual enthusiasm. Registration takes place at 9 a.m. followed by an introduction at 9:25 a.m. The group will depart for the woods at 9:30 a.m. (Please be on time for this event). At 11:30 a.m., the group will return to the school for plant preparation and the meal will take place at 12 noon. At 1 p.m., there will be a presentation and the day’s events will conclude at 3:30 p.m. with presentation of a door prize. This event takes place rain or shine, so please dress accordingly. The workshop is open to all, Boisés Est members or not. All you have to do is love trees, nature and good things to eat, say organizers.

Reserve with Jean-Claude Havard (613-673-3089 – [email protected]). The deadline to register is Tuesday, May 15 but by booking early you make it easier for volunteers. Registration fees (payable at the entrance, meals included), are $40 per person. Members of Boisés Est: $20 per person. Students pay only $20. Accompanied children (4-14 years old): $5 per child. Note that 2018 Boisés Est dues are payable at the workshop. Boisés Est thanks the École secondaire catholique de Plantagenet and the Conseil scolaire de district catholique de l’Est ontarien for its support.