Relevant

Eco-Foraging Camp in River Haven, WI

Every several weeks, during our beautiful Northern Summers

**Testimonials** **Image Gallery**

What is Eco-Foraging?

We define Eco-Foraging as the process of searching for edible plants growing wild in Nature (not planted by humans) and then eating them! This process involves living and wandering in natural surroundings for two-three days, forming friendships and communal awareness, re-discovering our intimate contact with our natural sources, and learning to trust that Nature will always provide; everything we really need is already here surrounding us!

Foraging heals us and connects us. Foraging gives us freedom and fulfilment. Foraging is fun!

Can Foraging Provide Sufficient Food and water?

We can never guarantee the caloric intake of each individual forager. Since our foraging camps are short (1-2 days), there is never any risk of starvation. We will always find sufficient edible leaves, flowers, seeds, roots, bulbs, bark, or fruit to sustain us even on restricted calories. Furthermore, the food is so nutritious (the highest density of nutrients per calorie ingested) that we can do extremely well on smaller quantities if necessary. River Haven will provide unlimited purified (reverse osmosis) drinking water, which Dr. T will re-mineralize with ConcenTrace® Trace Mineral Drops from Ecopolitan.

What Are the Benefits of Eco-Foraging?

Besides the satisfying challenge; the deeper understanding of the human condition; the camaraderie with and introduction to like-minded people; the learning of new skills; and the gaining of "survival" knowledge while experiencing plentiful Nature, we also benefit from the complete avoidance of toxic foods and from the extremely high nutrient density and variety (uneard of in agriculture) of health-enhancing plant foods. And, of course, let's not forget about the pleasure of a whole new world of numerous fresh flavors derived from plants previously disregarded as mere "weeds."

What Else is on the Premises of River Haven?

River Haven's intentional community grows its own organic CSA garden supported by the Ecopolitan Restaurant, has a very long (1.5 miles) riverfront acreage perfect for tubing (1.5 hours within the property), 15 miles of State Park-like scenic trails, and a sandbar perfect for sunbathing. The community owns a large 3-story monolithic, geodesic dome with infrared sauna, meeting/living areas, and shower/toilet facilities that are available to foraging participants. Dr. T's treehouse serves as a meeting area as well.  The nearby university town of Menomonie is only 8 miles away, with an organic coop, theaters, and other entertainment.

How do I join?

1. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it about your serious intention to join and specify your desired weekend/s (you can attend as many weekends as you wish - the progression of summer promises new discoveries every time we go!). You will then receive an email response confirming your participation. Group size is limited to 20 participants per foraging weekend.

2. Meet at the Ecopolitan's parking lot at 2 PM on the specified foraging Friday for carpooling to River Haven (approx. 1 hour/75 miles away).  Address: N9562 County Rd G, Colfax, WI 54730 (from Hwy 94, go 8 miles north of Menomonee on Hwy 25, turn right onto County Rd G, then after 0.6 mile turn left onto the first dirt road).

3. Bring $95 cash per adult for the full weekend (2 nights including all amenities listed below) or $65 per adult for 1 night (2 children under 17 accompanied by an adult = one adult).  Also, please bring $5 - $10 for gas money if carpooling with another driver.

Price per full weekend if attending (and paying in advance for) at least 4 Foraging Retreats during one Summer Season: $75.
Discounted price per weekend if also attending the MidWestern Foraging & Herbalism Certification Course: $65, $45 for one night.

All payments for foraging retreats support the intentional community of River Haven (additional donations welcome!) and cover expenses.  Payment is expected, in cash, prior to the beginning of the retreat (at the meeting point, or upon arrival at River Haven - if not carpooling from the Ecopolitan building).

Amenities Included in the Price

Amenities include campgrounds (for tents or RVs), purified RO water, an infrared sauna, kitchen access, showers/toilets, and other dome facilities. Those lacking tents and camping gear will be accommodated in the dome or the Eco-Van (subject to availability). Also included are a giant outdoor trampoline, campfire activities, river tubing (weather-permitting), foraging activities, nature trail walks, as well as health, nutrition, & sustainability discussions with Dr. T.

What Should We Bring?

Basic camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, sheets/blankets, flashlight, natural mosquito repellents - Dr. T will have repellents available for sale), appropriate clothing, shoes suitable for getting wet, bathing suit, good explorative attitude, musical instruments, books about edible wild plants, a refillable water container (preferably glass or non-leaching metal), small reusable bags (for those who like to "hoard" foraged food), and a good set of teeth! Please refrain from bringing any food with you to the camp. This would defeat the purpose and demoralize other participants.

Dates for the NEXT ECO-FORAGING ADVENTURE can be found on Ecopolitan's event calendar.

Inspired by the Israeli wander gatherers, at lakatim.tvuna.org.

Testimonials:

JPC: "WOW, WHAT AN AMAZING LIFE ENHANCING EXPERIENCE"

LL: Foraging at River Haven was my first experience eating food not conveniently bought at a grocery store or served at a restaurant. It was empowering and exciting to experience all the delicious and nutritionally dense edibles growing free for the taking. During our stay at River Haven, our group built a bonfire, practiced a breathing meditation method and relaxed in the infrared sauna. After three days of these activities, I was refreshed both mentally and physically with a gained feeling of confidence in my ability to identify and survive on wild plants.

DS: Hi Dr. T,
Thank you for the foraging trip! I really enjoyed it and it was good for me in so many ways. One of the things it did was remind me that I should be taking more risks!
It's hard for me to be back at work this week. I think I'd rather be at River Haven. : )

CH: Thank you for the wonderful foraging weekend, it was a great experience and so nice meeting others! Thank you so much again!