Learn To Forage For Your Food At Avon Library Program

AVON, CT — In times of dystopian apocalypse, foraging for food is a matter of life and death.

But during more sedate times, foraging for food is a hobby that provides people with the satisfaction of eating something healthy from the natural realm.

On Tuesday, Feb. 10, the Avon Free Public Library will host "Foraging 101" at 2 p.m. in the library, which is located at 281 Country Club Road. The program will take place in the library's Community Room.

This event is designed as an introductory class for individuals interested in learning how to forage.

The class will specifically focus on foraging practices within Connecticut and the broader New England region.

Participants will learn about where and when to locate forageable items. The session will also cover how to utilize these items once found.

Key aspects of the program include safety tips for foraging in the wild. Proper foraging etiquette will also be discussed during the session.

Attendees will learn about some of the tools necessary to begin foraging.

The second portion of the class will detail various items that can be easily found in the state, organized by season.

The library plans to have some items available for attendees to examine. There will also be samples of edible items for participants to try.

In addition to the hands-on components, the library will feature several books on foraging.

These resources will be available for attendees to check out. The program aims to provide practical knowledge for those looking to explore local natural resources.

It will be presented by foraging expert Gina Pagano, who is a vet tech by day, and began foraging 10 years ago.

"She found learning the old ways so interesting and was astounded at the amount of knowledge we have forgotten over time," wrote the library in an announcement.

"With food safety, insecurity, and cost being large issues today, she wanted to learn what was available in our own back yards. She also finds incredible peace wandering the wild areas of Connecticut in search of items for food, dyes, and household use."

For more information and to register for the program, click on this link.