Do you think nature is super neat? Do you want to learn more about the flora and fauna in your area and hang out with other people who also like to geek out about that stuff? Join us!
On our hike led by an experienced forager and an expert birder, you’ll learn to identify and work with edible and medicinal plants, recognize birds by sight and song, and read the landscape to understand your local ecology.
Hikes are a relaxed pace (lots of stopping to stare at cool stuff and listen for birds) and run about 1-2 miles/2 hours. Trails are mostly level and flat, but there may be some uneven or muddy terrain. Please bring your own water and snacks and wear sturdy shoes.
The trail we will be walking on does not allow dogs - as much as we love them, please leave them home for this one.
Children under 14 are welcome to attend for free as long as they are accompanied by a guardian.
This hike will take place in the Wallkill National Wildlife Refuge - the exact location will be provided after registration!
About the Hike Leaders
Ali Rohde is an experienced herbalist, forager, permaculture designer, birder, and the owner of Brigid Rising.
She has been foraging and practicing bioregional herbalism for over a decade. Her specialty is working with nourishing, abundant wild plants, and her passion is helping people connect with the herbs that grow right outside their doors. She is an experienced birder and hiker, holding a certification in Wilderness First Aid. She offers guided plant walks and fun, hands-on herbal workshops that focus on empowering people to get to know their local plants and ecosystems.
Margaret Rohde is a seasoned birder and bird bander, hiker, plant lover, and occasional backpacker, and has been working in the field of conservation for over a decade.
Professionally, her time is spent on projects related to bird monitoring, habitat restoration, land protection, and trail and preserve management. She also leads nature walks, hikes, and bird outings, and loves helping people glimpse the wonder in the everyday, overlooked things around us. In her personal life, Margaret mostly spends time with her dog, reads, goes for walks and hikes, drinks tea, plays disc golf, and draws and paints (birds).