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Kids Learn to Forage After Hurricane Devastation
27 Nov
Summary
- Program teaches children to forage wild edible plants and mushrooms.
- Goal is to reconnect youth with nature post-hurricane disaster.
- Foraging skills build self-reliance and environmental connection.
In western North Carolina, an innovative after-school program is helping children reconnect with nature and learn vital foraging skills in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. No Taste Like Home, an educational company, guides students aged five to 12 through forests and fields, teaching them to identify edible plants, berries, and mushrooms. This initiative aims to rebuild trust between youth and the natural world, especially after the devastating hurricane.
The program's founder, Alan Muskat, envisioned it as a unique form of disaster relief, intending to counteract the fear of nature instilled by the hurricane. Participants like Juniper Stewart, age 12, and Jemma Ferrington, age nine, are gaining hands-on experience, learning to identify plants like plantain and spicebush, and even mushrooms like turkey tail.
While facing initial challenges such as bus driver shortages and safety concerns, the program emphasizes knowledge as the key to safe foraging. Parents and guides believe teaching these skills is crucial for children's well-being, offering a healthier alternative to processed foods and fostering a profound connection to their environment.
