Learn and search for wild edibles at Oct. 15 MDC program in Winona

WINONA, Mo. – Morel mushrooms get much attention for a couple of months each spring, but the forests and grasslands found throughout this region produce a bounty of tasty edibles at other times of the year, too.

People can learn more about edible plants growing in this region and go on a hike to forage for their food at the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) program “Foraging the Ozarks Hike with Bo Brown.” This free program is from 2-4 p.m. on Oct. 15 and is being put on by the staff of MDC’s Twin Pines Conservation Education Center in Winona. Twin Pines is located at 20086 Highway 60. People can register for this program at:

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/180122

The Oct. 15 program will be given by guest presenter Bo Brown, a local author who has written a book on wild edibles. Brown will discuss the bounty the regional landscape can provide for the table and then will lead program participants in a foraging hike along the trails of the Twin Pines Center.

COVID-19 procedures will be in place for this event, which means social-distancing and masks are suggested. This program is for all ages.

Though the Oct. 15 program is free, registration is required to participate using the link above. Program registrants should note that they now have the option to link their children’s accounts to their own, which will streamline the program registration process. Once a group account is set up, parents will be able to register their children for an event without having to log-off or log-in for each person. This allows parents to register an entire family or select family members for an event at the same time.

Staff at MDC facilities across the state are holding virtual and in-person programs. A listing of these programs can be found at mdc.mo.gov/events.