Calendar


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Homeschool & Private Group events by request.


2023 Events & Classes

July 26-August 2
OAXACA MUSHROOM ADVENTURE
Cloud forests of Oaxaca, Mexico

Explore the unique high elevation cloud forests above Oaxaca, Mexico to learn about the unique edible and medicinal plants and mushrooms that grow there with Jess Starwood and Dennis Sharmahd. Experience the traditional culture and exceptional food in this region.

Includes lodging, meals, guided forest tours and traditional temazcal ceremony. Airfare is not included.

DETAILS & REGISTRATION
SOLD OUT, thank you! See our Baja Adventure in the winter!

September 6-November 15, 2023
The Wild Path: Fall Course
Southern California

This intensive and deep dive course into wild food foraging and wildcrafted herbalism is a ten week program that combines in the field and hands-on training along with weekly virtual live lectures with your instructor. For course syllabus, info, and application, please see the program website at TheWildPath.org

September 9, 2023
The Wild Path: Mountain Field Trip
Southern California

9am-5pm
This full day field trip is part of The Wild Path fall program, but there are three spots available for drop-in students. Learn about SoCal’s conifers, high elevation medicinal and edible plants, fall fungi and how to use them with a hands-on workshop in the afternoon.

$125

September 25, 2023
Arizona Culinary Adventure
Cave Creek, Arizona

2pm-7pm
With Jess Starwood & Michael Colosimo. Explore the abundance of wild food in the Sonoran Desert, just outside of Phoenix. We will explore the area for an interpretive and guided walk through the habitat to learn how to properly and safely identify and harvest cacti, desert legumes and other edible plants of the region. We will enjoy an innovative wild tasting menu by forager and chef, Jess Starwood.

$150

September 23, 2023
Forager’s Fall Celebration Plant Walk, Cooking Demo & Wild Food Tasting Menu
Thousand Oaks, CA

In this full day seasonal exploration, participants are introduced to over thirty different edible species of edible and medicinal plants and fungi as we walk through the chaparral and oak woodlands. A wild food cooking demo will be presented. Participants then enjoy a tasting menu of various acorn food and drink preparations.

$150

October 15, 2023
The Wild Path: Chaparral/Oak Woodland Field Trip
Southern California

9am-5pm
This full day field trip is part of The Wild Path fall program, but there are three spots available for drop-in students. Learn about SoCal’s chaparral and oak woodland medicinal and edible plants, fall fungi and how to use them with a hands-on workshop in the afternoon.

$125

October 21, 2023
WILD TAPAS: A 10 Course Foraged Dinner & Discussion with Jess Starwood
Newbury Park, California

5pm-7:30pm
Experience the true flavors of California through a series of 10 thoughtfully crafted wild plant and fungi courses, paired with samplings of various wild herbal and fermented beverages. Between the courses, Jess Starwood will discuss the role of wild food in our path to reconnection to nature, ourselves and the community. Limited to 14 guests.

$195

November 4, 2023
Acorn Celebration: Explore California’s Most Treasured Wild Food
Newbury Park, California

11am-4pm
In this full day workshop, participants are introduced to over ten different species of local oaks as we walk through an oak grove. We then will learn several techniques to properly leach acorns to render them edible for use in recipes which will be demonstrated. Participants then enjoy a tasting menu of various acorn food and drink preparations.

$150

November 11, 2023
Arizona Culinary Adventure
Arizona

11am – 3pm
With Jess Starwood & Michael Colosimo. Explore the abundance of wild food in the Sonoran Desert, just outside of Phoenix. We will explore the area for an interpretive and guided walk through the habitat to learn how to properly and safely identify and harvest cacti, desert legumes and other edible plants of the region. We will enjoy an innovative wild tasting menu by forager and chef, Jess Starwood.

$150

November 29-December 8, 2023
BAJA BOTANICAL ADVENTURE
Deserts, beaches and canyons of Baja, Mexico

Join experienced botanist and herbalist Dennis Sharmahd along with herbalist, forager and chef Jess Starwood on a seven day adventure to southern Baja California Sur, Mexico, to explore wild foods and herbal medicines this unique yet diverse region offers.

Includes lodging, meals, and guided tours. Airfare is not included.

DETAILS & REGISTRATION

FALL EVENTS 2023

Save the Date:

September 13 – Nov. 15, 2023 / CALIFORNIA / THE WILD PATH COURSE
October 7-8, 2023 / OREGON / Class at Folk & Forage Festival
November 12, 2023 / ARIZONA / AZ Wild Food Culinary Adventure


Private Events


If you are interested in a private class, workshop, interpretive plant walk or hike, wild food and drink tasting or private dinner, please contact me directly for details. Homeschool and group programs available by request. Contact me directly at jess@jstarwood.com to set up a memorable yet educational adventure for your group.

About Jess

Jess Starwood

Jess Starwood is an established author, chef, herbalist and educator. She holds a Masters of Science degree in Herbal Medicine and Holistic Nutrition. In 2021, she wrote and photographed her first book, Mushroom Wanderland: A Forager’s Guide to Finding, Identifying and Using More Than 25 Wild Fungi.

She also writes regularly for Edible Ojai & Ventura County, Edible San Fernando magazines and The Mycophile—the publication of the North American Mycological Association (NAMA).

Jess founded The Wild Path School where she teaches foraging, wild foods, herbalism and nature education classes for adults and children. She is a member of the Culinary Committee for NAMA and is on the board of directors for the Arizona Mushroom Society and the newsletter editor for the Los Angeles Mycological Society. She has also worked as a wild food consultant and forager for Michelin starred chefs Niki Nakayama and Aitor Zabala. Jess has been featured in National Geographic, The Guardian, and the Orange County Register.

Classes and workshops for adults and children are held regularly in the Greater Los Angeles area and west coast. Weekend and week-long wild food adventures are also occasionally available. Be sure to check out the event calendar or join the mailing list to be notified first of openings and availability.

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