Co-written by Lisa Levez-Bordeleau, Co-Leader Texada Island, and Katelyn Bissat, Provincial Network Coordinator
At the beginning of June, Texada Island NatureKids enjoyed a coastal foraging Explorer Day at Shelter Point. Texada families were joined by Jade Berg, founder of Wild Isle Cooking. Jade introduced NatureKids to many forage items that he uses in dishes that he creates with Wild Isle Cooking.
First, he showed some examples of beach specimens as part of a table talk display, that he and his son had foraged from the area that morning.
Next, Jade sent Texada NatureKids on a scavenger hunt to look for themselves. Some of these items included various edibles like Nori, sugar kelp, bladderwrack (rockweed), sea lettuce, sea asparagus, goosegrass and nodding onions. Some of the things foraged even grow as weeds in parking lots (like long-leaved plantain). Others are actually invasive species like many clams found in abundance in the area. Jade discussed foraging as being a wonderful solution to eat species that are considered invasive and overabundant. A great idea to help balance the odds! These are just a few highlights shared from this fantastic Explorer Day!
Texada NatureKids are thankful to learn on the lands of the Coast Salish people, specifically the traditional territory of the Tla’amin Nation upon which they reside, valuing the opportunity to live, learn, and share educational experiences here.
A big thank you to co-leader, Carolanne White, who arranged for Jade to come to Shelter Point to share with Texada NatureKids and helped organize the event. Thank you also to John Whitehead, Rebecca Hathaway and Courtney Scarfe who all volunteered as helpers.
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