FNAM: Foraging Edible and Medicinal Plants

Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Frisco Native American Museum by joining long-time museum supporter Jack McClung of the Potomac Tribe for an enlightening presentation on the importance of wild plants in Indigenous culture.

Foraging has long been an essential part of Indigenous life and survival. Far more than simply gathering food, many plants often dismissed today as “weeds” have provided generations of Native peoples with vital nutrition, powerful medicines, and materials for everyday living. During this interactive program, Jack will share examples of wild plants commonly found throughout Virginia and North Carolina, along with specimens gathered from the museum’s own nature trail.

Discover the answers to questions like:

Is there a right way to harvest wild plants?
How are plants processed into medicine?
What purposes do different plants serve?
Before modern dehydrators, how did Indigenous people preserve herbs and medicinal plants?

And that’s just the beginning.

Jack will also demonstrate how to recognize a variety of native plants, recommend trusted resources for continued learning, and discuss the very real dangers of improper plant identification, preparation, and use.

Following the presentation, Jack has graciously offered to stay and answer additional questions for anyone eager to continue the conversation and expand their knowledge.

The event is free with museum admission, and all are welcome to attend.