1. It starts with everyone getting a custom garden map of the site. Our team has already visited the site and created this map to help identify the plant species that grow nearby, their herbal uses, history and ecological function.
2. Each map has a QR code with a link to a comprehensive plant index. Participants can quickly look up any plants history, herbal uses and ecological realtionships.
3. Next we go out out to explore the area, using our map to locate and identify, we forage for the plants we want to know better!
4. Everyone gets the chance to connect with the plants, insect and soil that make up our neighborhoods
5. Once everyone has gathered several specimens we assemble for a drawing exercise. Participants are introduced to some easy practices for botanical art, and field sketching, then given time to create and connect through drawing.
6. Participants leave with a botanical drawing, a copy of the garden map for future forging excursions, and a deeper understanding of how surrounding ecology can be used to transform our urban environments to strengthen ecological function and promote biodiversity health at home!